Checking my (sports) shorts wondering whatever happened to Vince
Ferragamo….
* Reaction to the Buffalo Bills signing of Vince Young seems to be mixed. I
think this is an intelligent signing for the Bills for a few reasons. There is
probably not a better coach in the NFL than Chan Gailey in getting the best out
of mobile quarterbacks. Also, the Bills run a similar offense, quick strike
spread the field, to the one Young ran in Texas when we carried the Longhorns on his
back to the National Championship. Buddy Nix talked about upgrading each
position and adding depth. Young does both as he should easily beat out Tyler
Thigpen for the #2 QB spot. More importantly, if Ryan Fitzpatrick gets injured
or struggles, Young has a proven track record of success. He is 31-19 as a
starter in the NFL and been to two Pro Bowls. I discount his time in Philadelphia because he
was in an offense that did not fit his skill set. The key to all of this is his
maturity. After listening to his press conference, it sounds like someone has
been in his ear to tell him its time to be a big boy and become a mature
football player. He's not going to find a better opportunity than this one.
This is his third team in three seasons so he is running out chances so I
expect him to make the most of this chance. This is a nice, low-risk move by
the Bills, a team that needed more stability behind Fitz. Plus, it is only a $2
million commitment by the Bills. Thigpen is scheduled to make $2.5 million this
season if he makes the team. Now, you have a QB in Young who has been successful
in the league and the Bills are getting him at a cheaper price.
* Prior to the season, I thought the San Antonio Spurs had too much tread on
the tires to compete for a championship. But, head coach Gregg Popovich did a
masterful job of keeping his veterans fresh during the regular season by giving
them games off. Now, they look unbeatable and are my pick to win the NBA title.
I think Oklahoma City
will give them a great matchup in the Western Finals, but they will be schooled
by Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and company. On the East side, the only team that
has been impressive so far is the Indiana Pacers. I think they will push the
Miami Heat to seven games, but don’t see them advancing. Boston may be able to upend the Heat in the
Eastern Finals if Chris Bosh doesn’t come back. Even if he does, Miami doesn’t have the
depth to go deep in any series.
* Speaking of Finals, I will pat myself on the back as being the only
media-type who follows the National Lacrosse League to pick the Rochester
Knighthawks in the finals prior to this season in my
NLL Preview for Buffalo Stuff .
I did not envision the Edmonton Rush making a run with all the turnover, but
they were able to gel at the right time led ironically by a bunch of former
Knighthawks. The game will be played Saturday night in Rochester and will be the first meeting
between the two teams this season. The Knighthawks young guns will prove too
much for the Rush as Rochester
will win its third Champions Cup 14-11.
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