Week Fifteen

Owning Up

Warming up is all the action Donovan McNabb
will see for the remainder of this season.
(Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

I have never been able to understand why Donovan McNabb catches so much grief from coaches. McNabb was a terrific quarterback in Philadelphia under head coach Andy Reid all while battling many injuries and Terrell Owens, arguably his only elite receiver in his career. Other than the time with Owens, it is hard to say that McNabb has ever had solid receiving. DeSean Jackson is just this year becoming an elite receiver for the Eagles, but that doesn't help McNabb when he is in Washington with a clearly past-his-prime Santana Moss, Anthony Armstrong, and Brandon Banks.

However, McNabb has always put up steady numbers by throwing for well over 3000 yards in seasons when he has played 14 or more games. He also has 230 touchdowns in his 12 seasons compared to 115 interceptions, giving him an exact 2:1 touchdown to interception ratio. It isn't the best, but a lot of teams would take two touchdowns for every interception thrown.

Perhaps I am wrong, but I feel that Donovan McNabb gets a bad rap. Most of us remember when he was pulled by Reid in Philadelphia for the young Kevin Kolb (literally at halftime of a game that was very much in reach; also, symbolically through the trade to Washington in which Kolb gained the Eagles job). Also, earlier this year when entering into the two-minute drill against the Lions, Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan pulled McNabb in favor of one of the NFL's biggest busts Rex Grossman. On Grossman's first play, he was sacked, fumbled, and had the ball returned for a touchdown, ending the 'Skins' chance at a win.

So why now is Shanahan making McNabb his third-string quarterback for the remainder of the season? I am almost all out of answers. Donovan McNabb has always been one of the leagues classiest players and consistently performs well on the field, but somehow he ends up in a bad situation like he is in now. After signing a 5-year extension with the Redskins, Shanahan cannot promise McNabb a spot on the team next year. Therefore, it seems Donovan McNabb will have to either start shopping for a new team or start writing his retirement speech.

Predictions


Last week my wins were down, but I still had one of my better weeks this season. Crazy how those things work out, am I right? I finished last week with a 10-5 record which puts my record for the season at 100-71. Here is what I have lined up this week:

Browns, Cowboys, Texans, Colts, Chiefs, Bills, Eagles, Buccaneers, Cardinals, Saints, Falcons, Raiders, Steelers, Patriots, Bears


p.s. I am very happy with the trade made by my Phoenix Suns. I will miss having Jason Richardson, but I am happy with a solid post presence in Marcin Gortat and the wily veteran Vince Carter in the back-court.

p.p.s. My Ohio Bobcats had a rough day yesterday. Our football team got demolished by Troy in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. Meanwhile, our basketball team suffered a crushing four overtime loss to St. Bonaventure. Rough day for Bobcats all over.

p.p.p.s. For more senseless babble, follow me on Twitter @Bradley_W_Parks.

Top NBA Point Guards

I have heard this debate countless times since the NBA season began and the question is an intriguing one to think about: Who is the best point guard in the NBA? With so many talented point guards in this league, many find it hard to decide who is the best. I have come up with my top NBA point guards as food for thought and perhaps more fuel for debate.

5) Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets

Chris Paul drives the lane against Miami on Monday night.
Mandatory copyright notice: Copyright NBAE 2010
(Photo by Victor Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)

Chris Paul has had one of the most well-rounded games at the point guard position since he has entered the league. He was drafted in 2005 out of Wake Forest and has started every game he has played in since coming into the NBA. What makes Chris Paul a great point guard is his leadership. The Hornets were a below-average team when Paul came in and right away he had to take charge of the team. In his rookie season, Paul averaged 16.1 points along with 7.8 assists and 2.2 steals per game. His achievements won him the Rookie of the Year award for the 2005-2006 season. Since his rookie year, Paul has not let up as he has become a much better shooter, increasing his field goal percentage by about six percentage points over his five seasons in the league. In this Paul's sixth year, he has managed to get the entire team performing at a high level this season as they are now in seventh place in the Western Conference at 14-10. This year, Chris Paul is among the top ten point guards in scoring, top five in assists, and leads in steals. Paul's all-around solid play on offense scoring points and dropping dimes along with his defensive prowess garnering pilfers makes him an easy pick for a top five NBA point guard.

4) Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder

Russell Westbrook fires a pass over Minnesota's
Sebastian Telfair. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)

This only being his third year in the league, many people would find it difficult to list Russell Westbrook above Chris Paul and Rajon Rondo in a top point guards competition. However, I think that the 2010-2011 season will be the season that locks this guy in as a prime-time performer in the NBA. The thing that really sets him apart from other point guards in the league is his athleticism. Westbrook is a player that is a game-changer. He is a dynamic scorer that can also rack up assists and steals. Another advantage Westbrook has over other point guards is his rebounding ability. This year he leads the league in rebounds among point guards and in his short two-year career Westbrook has averaged nearly five rebounds to go along with 16 points, a couple of steals, and about seven assists. His rebounding ability and incredible elevation is something that puts him above Paul in my book. In the few years since the Seattle Sonics underwent a move and a name change, the Thunder have become one of the teams to beat in the West as this year they are fifth in the conference at 17-8. Westbrook along with Kevin Durant have got the Thunder looking thunderous indeed and Russ's play at point guard is a huge factor in their success over the past few years and that is why he makes my top five.

3) Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls

Derrick Rose drives on Pacers' guard TJ Ford.
Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2010 NBAE
(Photo by Ray Amati/NBAE via Getty Images)

Derrick Rose may be ranked at number three right now, but he is a player on the rise on a team on the rise. Right now, not even the sky is limiting Rose as he is already an elite player in this league in only his third year. His stats don't jump too far away from Westbrook's, but watching Rose play you can tell what a terrific leader this guy is. Rose has the leadership of Paul and the skill set of Westbrook (just a little more skilled, in my opinion). Another thing that Rose has on Westbrook is the fact that he doesn't have Kevin Durant on his team. No offense to the Bulls, but they don't have a player that comes close to the talent of Durant. Rose is clearly the leader of his team, whereas Durant is the clear leader of the Thunder, not Westbrook. Rose has greatly improved his three-point percentage (up nearly 16 percentage points from last year) and has led his team to a 15-8 record so far this season, third in the Eastern Conference. Rose also leads all point guards in scoring at 24.7 points per game to go along with 8.3 assists per game. Derrick Rose is an obvious MVP candidate early in the season and the Bulls are looking to make a big impact in the playoffs this season as well, putting Rose in my top three.

2) Deron Williams, Utah Jazz

Deron Williams goes up and around the Warriors'
Dan Gadzuric. Mandatory Copyright Notice:
Copyright 2010 NBAE
(Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)

This is where the job of ranking the top point guards gets tough (not that it was easy before). A top five gives me a little leeway and allow some room for interpretation, but when as we enter into the top two there is little room for error. The next two point guards are as close to being tied as can possibly be, but just for the sake of argument I have to go with a hard ranking system. Deron Williams is one of the most talented players in this league. The way he runs the Utah Jazz down the floor is amazing to watch. Williams is consistently one of the best shooters in the league with a career field goal percentage of almost 47 percent. "D-Will" has averaged a double-double for the past three years of his career and is a few assists away from having that this year as well. His scoring average is up by more than four points this season and is third among point guards. Williams' free throw percentage is up by 16 points since his rookie year as he is now shooting 86 percent this season. In all of the major stat categories (points, assists, and rebounds) Williams has improved each year. Now with the additions of center Al Jefferson and forward Gordon Hayward the Jazz are looking to make a playoff run as they are 18-8 and sitting in fourth in the West. The point guard play and leadership of Deron Williams may be the biggest reason why the Jazz are playing so well. He's easily in the top two point guards in the NBA.

1) Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns

Steve Nash fires a pass against the Blazers' Andre Miller.
(AP Photo/Matt York)

There are only a few things that put Steve Nash apart from Deron Williams. Both are terrific scorers, insane passers, and all-around incredible point guards. However, Nash is one of the best shooters the NBA has ever seen and, in my opinion, the best passer in NBA history. When playing the popular video game NBA 2K11 by 2K Sports, the analysts talk about Nash's history playing soccer and that when he was allowed to use his hands to make passes in basketball it was just unfair. I think the one thing that makes Nash different as a passer (other than his soccer skills) is the fact that Nash isn't afraid to turn the ball over. He takes big risks taking passes and a lot of the time it pays off. He makes the passes that other point guards are afraid to make. Nash is currently in second place in the league for assists averaging ten a game. He's having one of his best scoring seasons of his career at 36 years old. Age is another thing that sets Nash apart from other point guards in the league. Among my top five, Nash is at least ten years older than the other four. Nash is sixth in scoring and second in assists among point guards at 36! I think that is the main reason why I chose Nash over all other point guards is because he is an elite point guard with a below-average team and he is a decade or more older than the competition. Steve Nash should easily be a first-ballot hall-of-famer. All he's missing is a ring. With how he is playing, I don't think age will limit his chances at getting one. Though it was tough, I think Steve Nash is very deserving of the title of best point guard in the NBA.

There you have it. Among all of the talented young point guards in the NBA, the old warrior Steve Nash is the one that emerges as the best on my list. This NBA season has been one to remember so far and the best part is: we're just getting started.

p.s. Good luck to my Ohio Bobcats today on the basketball court and on Saturday on the football field.

p.p.s. For more senseless babble, follow me on Twitter @Bradley_W_Parks.

Week Fourteen

Owning Up

A Patriots fan holds up a sign at Monday night's game.
(AP Photo/Winslow Townson)

Where are those New York Jets we saw earlier in the season? Yes, they are 9-3, but last week they were trounced by division rivals the New England Patriots. Still, Jets head coach Rex Ryan remained positive when he said that even though the Pats beat them so badly in Foxboro, they beat the Pats badly at home too so all is well.

But 45-3? The Jets beat the Patriots 28-14 when they played at home. That's a narrow escape compared to how badly the Pats bludgeoned the Jets on Monday night. Could it be as well in New York as Coach Ryan says it is?

In the past seven games, the Jets have not won by more than six points excluding the game in Cincinnati which they won 26-10. All of their wins in that span have come over sub-.500 teams, with both the Lions and Browns taking them to overtime. Also, in that span they were shut out by the Packers 9-0 and, as mentioned, clobbered by New England.

Even though they have come out of this seven-game stretch with a 5-2 record, the Jets seem to be in a bit of a slide if you look at it. Mark Sanchez and company look to get back on track this week against divisional foes the Miami Dolphins. The Jets are not in extremely hot water here as they do still sit at 9-3, as I mentioned. However, if they would like to live up to their Super Bowl expectations then they'd best be careful as we enter the final stretch.

Predictions


Last week marked my best week of predictions to date as I finished with a 12-3 record. That puts my season record at 90-66. Here are my teams for this week:

Browns, Packers, Steelers, Buccaneers, Falcons, Jaguars, Saints, Seahawks, Patriots, Jets, Broncos, Chargers, Eagles, Ravens, Giants


p.s. Be on the lookout for my top five NBA point guards this week!

p.p.s. In case I forget, good luck to my Ohio Bobcats in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl on Saturday against Troy.

p.p.p.s. For more senseless babble, follow me on Twitter @Bradley_W_Parks.

Week Thirteen

Owning Up

Chargers S Eric Weddle scores off a Manning interception.
(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Where have the Indianapolis Colts gone? That is a question that seems to be resonating throughout the NFL right now. The Colts are sitting at 6-5, tied for the AFC South lead with Jacksonville. Usually, the Indianapolis is able to run away with the division. For quite a few years Peyton Manning and the boys have been a lock to win. People counted on it.

However, now the Colts are, as mentioned, tied for the lead at 6-5 with the Jags, followed close behind by both the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans at 5-6. For what reasons we don't quite know yet.

It is never easy to blame it on the great Peyton Manning and it still is, but their loss last week to the Chargers was not his best. Manning threw four interceptions with two being returned for touchdowns. The Colts defense only allowed one offensive touchdown, but the Chargers still managed to drop 36 to the Colts' 14. Therefore, although it is never easy to blame Manning, it is easy to say that without those four picks and two touchdowns the Colts would have had a much better shot at winning.

Moving forward, Indy simply needs to play like the Indy we know. It will be difficult with all of the injuries on offense including but not limited to Joseph Addai and Dallas Clark. However, as many have said before, Peyton Manning can make any offense look like an all-star team. Manning needs to cool down and continue playing at the high level he has played at his whole career.

Predictions

Last week went fairly well for me. I'm beginning to think I'm not too bad at making picks. Watch, this week I'll end up losing a large amount of games. Consider me jinxed. Last week I went 8-5 which leaves my season record at 78-63. I will try to improve on that this week with these picks:

Saints, Bears, Packers, Jaguars, Chiefs, Browns, Vikings, Giants, Chargers, Colts, Rams, Seahawks, Falcons, Steelers, Jets

p.s. I had a great time broadcasting the game last night. It's good to be back. Look forward to more high school basketball on ross.localsportsradio.com.

p.p.s. Shout out to my Phoenix Suns on winning a couple of games this weekend.

p.p.p.s. For more senseless babble, follow me on Twitter @Bradley_W_Parks.

We'll all be witnesses

Tomorrow is the day Cleveland Cavaliers fans have been waiting for since Decision 2010: The day LeBron James returns to Cleveland to face his former team and his hometown that seemingly hates him. After watching the Dan Patrick Show this morning I find myself agreeing with Dan Patrick about what this game means.

Patrick along with special guests Jason Whitlock (FOX Sports) and Michael Wilbon (great American citizen and co-host of Pardon The Interruption) brought up the point that people are forgetting that there is a basketball game to be played tomorrow night. What fans or people simply interested in the LeBron James saga are waiting for is the initial reaction of the Cleveland fans. When the name "LeBron James" is read over the loud speaker, what will the fans do? I think most can agree that cheering is out of the question. Will they boo? How loud? Will they remain silent? In Miami's first game against Boston, every time James got the ball boos rained down upon him...against Boston!

We can only sit and wait to see what Cleveland fans will do tomorrow night before the game, but do not forget about the game itself. The Cavaliers are not exactly the cream of the crop, but the Heat are going through a rough patch right now and have not played well, or at least not as well as everyone expected. Wilbon predicts that the Cavs will win this one and I must agree with him. I am a firm believer in poetic justice. For example, when Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips incited a brawl by tapping St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina's shinguards and Molina followed up in his next at-bat with a home run. Therefore, on the grounds that poetic justice is always served I am picking the Cavs to win tomorrow. This should be a fun one.

p.s. The game can be seen live on TNT at 8 P.M. EST.

p.p.s. That game will be followed by my Phoenix Suns at the Golden State Warriors at 10:30 P.M. EST. I am actually much more excited for this game than the Cavs/Heat game.

p.p.p.s. Tune as Tyler Bridge and I call the "Battle of the Rams" as Ross takes on Badin in the opening weekend for high school boys basketball. All of the action can be caught on ross.localsportsradio.com at 7:30 P.M. EST.

p.p.p.p.s. For more senseless babble, follow me on Twitter @Bradley_W_Parks.