Food for Thought 8-7-2012

Photo courtesy of zimbio.com. Terrell Owens (pictured above) last played in the NFL for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2010. It appears he will be suiting up for the Seattle Seahawks in 2012.

By Josh Kramer

The three-headed quarterback controversy in Seattle is just a minor story compared to yesterday’s news.  It appears the “TO Show” will have another season after all. This time in Seattle.  Yes, the Seahawks have rolled the dice on the 38-year-old locker room killer that is Terrell Owens.

Owens last played in the NFL in 2010 with the Cincinnati Bengals.  Despite putting up solid numbers in Cincinnati, a torn ACL, a riddled past, and old age made him unappealing to NFL teams.  Not to mention Cincinnati went a pitiful 4 and 12 after making the playoffs the year before.  After playing in the Indoor Fooball League, Owens is ready for one final hoorah in the NFL.  The real question is why?

No, I am not asking why Owens is motivated to return to the NFL.  Those reasons are obvious (money).  I am asking why the Seattle Seahawks, a team coming off of a 7 and 9 season, a wild offseason that has included “Beast Mode” going into “DUI Mode,” and a major quarterback competition, is willing to put Owens on a roster with an inexperienced quarterback (all three competitors are fairly inexperienced in the NFL).

I am aware that Seattle finished 22nd in the NFL in passing yards during the 2011 season.  So there is definite room for improvement.  Also, do not forget that Seattle already brought in another troubled wide-receiver this off-season, in Braylon Edwards.  The star power is definitely lacking at the position.  But sometimes that is the best way to go with a young quarterback (See Andy Dalton and A.J. Green in Cincinnati).  A chemistry can form that has lasting power.  Pete Carroll was always a mastermind at managing big egos and star power while at USC.  He still has not proven the ability to do this since coming to Seattle in 2010.

The way I see it, fans in Seattle should be praying for three things in terms of their wide receivers:  Continued improvement from Doug Baldwin.  A healthy Sidney Rice.  Plus, Golden Tate finally living up to the hype he demonstrated in South Bend.  Also they should wish for a fourth thing:  A very low-key and subdued Owens (if that is possible).

There is a reason why the “T.O. Show” has already been cancelled by five NFL teams.

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Weekly Nickel 4-9-2012

Photo courtesy of zimbio.com. Cody Zeller (pictured above) is projected as a sure-fire lottery pick. Yet, he is on the fence about whether he should stay in Bloomington or take his talents to the NBA. He has 20 days to make up his mind.

By Josh Kramer

Sunday was truly a “fun” day in the sporting world. Masters insanity.  Carmelo put on a Broadway-esque performance in the Big Apple.  And John Isner led the US Davis Cup team into the semifinals.  It was a wild Sunday to say the least.  Last week was fun.  But this week is poised to be every bit as entertaining.  Here are the events to keep an eye on.

5.  Should I stay or should I go?  Many college basketball players across the country are pondering this question as they heavily weigh their options on if they should spend more time at the collegiate ranks, or try to take their talents to the professional level.  Every year there are guys that declare, that really have no business departing. Also though, there are always guys that could have left, that decide to stay for another year and continue to refine their skills 20 days remain for the non-seniors to make up their minds.  Remember, only 60 players will get drafted come June 28th.

Weekly Nickel 1-16-2012

Photo courtesy of latimesblogs.latimes.com. Kobe Bryant (pictured above) has shown no signs of aging after putting up 40+ points for a fourth consecutive game on Saturday. Can he lead the Lakers to a victory in Miami on Thursday?

By Josh Kramer

The clock finally struck midnight on “Tebow Time,” or at least for the time being, and the globe is still spinning.  “Lob City” staked their claim to Los Angeles.  And the 49ers won against an outstanding Saints team in a game that will go down as one of the all-time greats.  The past week, or even the past day for that matter, was classic.  This week should be pretty fun in its own right though.  Here are the events to keep an eye on.

5.  Pitchers and catchers start reporting in 33 days (February 18th for a lot of teams).  MLB baseball is just around the corner.  And the Yankees finally broke their silence on Friday in a big way.  Who else is already very excited for the 2012 baseball season?  Keep an eye this week on what happens with marquee available players such as Prince Fielder, Rick Ankiel, and many more.  Will your favorite team pick up the piece they need to make a deep run in October?

4.  Kobe Bryant has now put up 40 or more points four straight games.  So much for the 33-year-old wearing now.  Any chance he will eclipse his nine-straight games of 40 or more points back in 2002/2003?

Weekly Nickel 11-7-2011

Photo courtesy of mysanantonio.com. David Stern (pictured above) was not well regarded before the recent labor issues. Pretty soon, he may be one of the most hated figured in sports.

By Josh Kramer

The “Game of the Century” has come and gone.  Another great week of NFL football defined by nail biters is nearly in the books.  And the NBA does not appear to be any closer to starting the long-awaited 2011/2012 regular season.  The sporting world was wild last week, but this week is sure to be top-notch as well.

Here are the events to keep an eye on this week.

5.  The NASCAR Spring Cup Chase for the Cup has come down to the final two races.  It is hard to believe, but in a year full of uncertainty and surprise in the sport, it seems it will all be decided between Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart.  Does anybody else miss Jimmie Johnson at the top of the sport already? Who are you taking as they head to Phoenix this weekend?

4.  Finally an ultimatum has been made in the NBA negotiations.

Weekly Nickel 10-10-2011

Photo courtesy of throughthefencebaseball.com. Ryan Braun (left) and Prince Fielder (right) are doing all they can to lead Milwaukee to the World Series in what may be their last year as teammates.

By Josh Kramer

It is blatantly obvious to anyone not living under a rock that the sporting world is absolutely rocking right now.  The MLB Playoffs are in full swing.  The pigskin is getting tossed around at all levels.  NBA labor negotiations are finally heating up.  And even the NHL is back in action.

Here are the events you should keep an eye on this week.

Weekly Nickel 7-11-2011

Photo courtesy of mets636.glogster.com. The Home Run Derby is one of the big events going on this week. We all remember Josh Hamilton's (pictured above) memorable first round in 2008.

By Josh Kramer

On to the next one.  Last week was an epic week full of wild finishes, big time milestones, and a great conclusion to the first half of the MLB season.  This week should be another great one.

Here is what you should be watching for.

5.  The NFL lockout progresses with “cautious optimism.”  The end is near though.  Or so it seems.  We are getting to the point where matters need to be solved, or training camp and preseason games will be missed.  I firmly believe that the League will not let any games be missed, preseason or not.  Look for a conclusion to this ridiculous fiasco at some point within the next two weeks.