NFL Free Agency: Quick Thoughts & Insights

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Posted by Diesel | Posted on 05-03-2010

Category : Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins

Chicago Bears Sign Peppers

$91.5 million contract with $42 million in guarantees is a big price to pay to upgrade an already strong defense. The Chicago Bears don’t have a 1st or 2nd round pick in this years draft, so new additions have to be made through free agency. The Pepper’s signing will put a smile on any Chicago Bears fan’s face, but was the need for a defensive end such a high priority?  The Bears will have high expectations for this pro-bowl player and defensive unit.

Bears Add RB Taylor Into The Mix

While the signing of Julius Peppers is the headline of every site today, the addition of RB Chester Taylor in my opinion is just as big of an upgrade for the Bears. The Bears lost Brian Urlacher last year, which resulted in trouble stopping the run, but the defense was still above average. The biggest struggle for Chicago was running the ball; the Bears were ranked 29th in the league last year and couldn’t crack a 100 yards per game average.

Ravens Trade For Boldin

Out of nowhere the Ravens pulled off a trade for Anquan Boldin. The addition of Boldin gives the Ravens a true No. 1 receiver after letting Derrick Mason walk. Fantasy Football owners might not be happy as the Ravens are not exactly a passing juggernaut like the Cardinals.

Dolphins Sign Dansby

Karlos Dansby and the Dolphins agreed to terms on a five-year contract that will make the free agent the highest-paid linebacker in the NFL. Dansby has been a starter since his rookie season, and he has played both inside and outside linebacker. He should be a perfect fit in Miami.

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5 Underrated Free Agents Worthy Of Respect

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Posted by DC | Posted on 03-03-2010

Category : Baltimore Ravens, Fantasy Football Strategies, Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots, San Diego Chargers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

5 Underrated Free Agents Worthy Of Respect

The free agent market hits us like a tidal wave of possibilities. Fans are eagerly waiting and wondering how their team is going to make an upgrade quickly, while others want to know the affects it will have on fantasy football. The following is a quick list of players I think are flying under the radar who could have a huge year with a change of scenery.

#5 WR Antonio Bryant

Bryant had an amazing season in 2008, racking up 1,248  receiving yards and 7 touchdowns, but was franchise tagged last year to play on a team he wanted out of. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were desperate to keep this unhappy wide receiver around for another year, but now they are letting him loose. Before playing two seasons in Tampa, Bryant bounced around the league, playing in Cleveland and in San Fransisco after the three seasons in Dallas in which he was drafted from.

At 28, this receiver is a lot more in tune with what he wants and where he thinks could be the best possible destination for his skills. Bryant still has a few more good years left in him, and a team looking to add an instant starter could land themselves a great wide receiver weapon.

4) DE Aaron Kampman

I am not Kampman’s doctor, but if the light is green, teams would be stupid not to gamble on this sack monster. Aaron suffered a knee injury earlier in the year, forcing him to miss time and play somewhat average football for the Packers. If you look at the three previous years in

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Your Hired: Donte Stallworth Is A Raven

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Posted by Mike Rodriguez | Posted on 18-02-2010

Category : Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns

Hoping to resurrect his career, Donte’ Stallworth has signed a one-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens.

The 29 year old wide receiver has been waiting out a  league suspension from being convicted of manslaughter. Many thought his career might have been in jeopardy, maybe even black balled from the incident.

Stallworth served (only) 24 days of a 30-day sentence in a Miami jail for striking and killing a man with his car. Construction worker Mario Reyes was found dead after being hit by Stallworth’s sports car while driving under the influence of alcohol.

The Ravens deal is worth $900,000, with an additional $300,000 in incentives.

We had reported that Stallworth’s 40 time was rumored to have been improved running 40 yard in 4.3 seconds, and well, surely the Baltimore Ravens are in need of some receiving help so the signing fits perfectly. Stallworth has been dubbed injury prone ( to say the least) in the fantasy football world, but this move could add some much need talent to a somewhat flat and aging pass unit.

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Can Michael Oher Fill Ogden’s Shoes?

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Posted by Daniel Phillips | Posted on 16-02-2010

Category : Around the League, Baltimore Ravens

Can Michael Oher Fill Ogden’s Shoes?

Michael Oher’s journey to the NFL was interesting to say the least. Bouncing from foster homes, to friends houses to the streets in rough patches defined his life, until he was given a second chance by a wealthy family. His story garnered national attention to the point that a book was written upon his life, you can read E-Books Online, and subsequently the Hollywood blockbuster starring Sandra Bullock.

After being drafted 23rd overall in the 2009 draft, Oher has overcome all of the odds weighing against him in his life and has found his way into a prominent role on the Baltimore Ravens. This past season the 6-4, 310 pound big man started all 16 games.

Oher has the makings of a premier left tackle in this league, granted he has a big pair of turf-toe ridden shoes to fill; Jonathan Ogden’s to be exact. Ogden was the face of the Baltimore O-line for years, and perhaps the face of the O-line around the league. Oher will have to produce constantly, and consistently to even be mentioned in the vicinity of Ogden’s realm, but that doesn’t mean he can’t.

Playing in the physical AFC North Oher has his work cut out for him. He has two dates with the Steelers every year, and two with the Bengals –which Antwan Odom has showed us are not to be messed with – the pass rush of his most familiar opponents, is brutal, and it will be something Oher has to contend with his entire career as a Raven. And who knows, maybe the Browns could give birth to a good pass rush one day?!?!?

The point of the story is this, Michael Oher is proving himself to be an extraordinary player, but he’s definitely got tonnes of work cut out for him to emerge from the shadow of all-pro Jonathan Ogden; don’t take this too rough Oher fans, I wouldn’t mind having my name right below one of the greatest tackles of all time.  His play is extraordinary but so too is his person. “I don’t dwell on anything,” Oher remarks. “I’m not going to feel sorry for myself because I didn’t have a place to stay a lot of time. It is what it is. We’ve got to go through some things in life. Take it and run with it.”  Free e-books library


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G2 Super Bowl Commercial 2010: “The Journey”

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Posted by mattythebulldog | Posted on 09-02-2010

Category : Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, San Diego Chargers

This will put a smile (and maybe a tear) on the face of a Saints fan, while stinging a Colts fan at the exact same time…as for everyone else, we all say the same thing to ourselves quietly under our breath: “next year”…

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NFL Wildcard Preview: Ravens-Patriots

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Posted by T.J Jenkins | Posted on 09-01-2010

Category : Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots, Previews & Forecasts

Wildcard Preview:

Baltimore Ravens- New England Patriots

I guess the two most pertinent things when looking at the New England Patriots against the Baltimore Ravens Wildcard match-up would be the injury to Patriots record setting receiver Wes Welker and the fact that the Ravens have never beaten the Patriots.

Ever.

Now, if history does indeed repeat itself, then this game doesn’t even need to be played. But that’s exactly the kind of fire and locker room fodder that teams like the hard nosed Ravens use to motivate themselves. Patriots receiver Randy Moss is going to see a lot of double coverage with Ed Reed shadowing him over the top. That’s a recipe for disaster for Tom Brady and company, because face it – no quarterback wants Reed targeting his number one wideout.

At least with Welker in the game, Reed’s efforts would be divided, but the Ravens have only ONE proven receiver to cover and that’s Moss himself.

Maybe it’s my love for the AFC North, maybe it’s because the Ravens are looking extremely tough to me after having to fight and scrape to simply get into the playoffs, but I’m liking the crew from Baltimore to pull this one out in the end.

Call me crazy, I’ve heard it before, but Joe Flacco is in nothing short of elite company. He is the fifth most productive quarterback within their first two years in the league.

The other guys on that list?

Peyton Manning, Dan Marino, Drew Bledsoe, and Jeff Garcia.

Not bad company to be in at all I don’t think.

Add to that the fact that he is one of only four quarterbacks since the 1970 merger to lead his team into the playoffs in his first two years in the NFL. The others on that short list are Ben Roethlisberger, Marino, and Bernie Kosar.

Not to mention the Ravens have both Willis McGahee and Ray Rice in the backfield. Rice has been nothing short of unstoppable, leading the team in receptions along with amassing 1,339 yards on the ground.

The Patriots on the other hand are going to have to look at Julian Edelman with Welker out. The best news for the Patriots is that Reed may or may not appear in a limited role after nursing injuries throughout the month of December.

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The 12 NFL Days of Christmas

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Posted by Daniel Phillips | Posted on 24-12-2009

Category : Around the League, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals

The 12 NFL Days of Christmas

For the holiday season I have prepared for you Grid-X’s version of a true holiday classic, 12 memorable headlines and events of the 2009 season.

  • 12. A feature Hollywood film about the life of a talented young tackle. It is a touching story detailing the difficulties of Michael Oher’s journey to the NFL; The Blindside.
  • 11. The OCNN – Ocho Cinco News Network – was  launched a short while ago in an effort to keep the ever growing follower list of “Eight-Five” completely up to date on Ocho’s perception of the NFL.
  • 10. A Larry Johnson sighting. Larry Johnson’s arrival in Cincinnati is a definite gift, both to L.J. himself, and the city of Cincy.
  • 9. Almost having two 16-0 teams was an excellent present for fans this year; whether you were cheering for or against them you can’t say it wasn’t exciting.
  • 8. Merry Christmas Cowboy fans, your early gift: Miles Austin. Seriously where did this guy come from? As an avid follower of the NFC East I knew who Austin was going into this season, but I couldn’t have predicted his success; hope he keeps it up.
  • 7. Ladainian Tomlinson passes Marcus Allen for 2nd all time on the NFL’s rushing touchdown list. With 10 TD’s this season L.T. is proving that he still has some gas left in the tank, although fantasy fanatics don’t forget to check the mileage before you purchase this lemon.
  • 6. This one is for Buffalo: having to struggle through another season of mediocrity one thing that has kept fans coming back to games and in their seats is Jarius Byrd. The rookie’s 9 INT’s lead the league; it’s unfortunate those turnovers couldn’t be turned into wins however.

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Storm Changes NFL Game Times

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Posted by Mike Rodriguez | Posted on 19-12-2009

Category : Around the League, Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers

The East Coast is being hit by a huge storm that is predicted to drop upwards of 12 to 20 inches of snow, and has caused some changes throughout the NFL’s weekend schedule.

The 49er’s and Eagles game has been pushed back to a 1 pm kickoff (ET) in anticipation of the storm. As a public-safety concern, the changes were made to accommodate fans and allow more time for city and stadium personnel to clear streets and walkways in and around the stadium. The game between the Baltimore Ravens and Chicago Bears has also been moved back to a 1:15 p.m (ET) start. Both games will still be televised on FOX.

Mother nature is going to definitely make things difficult this weekend with snow affecting these games. For those sitting at home who have fantasy pools or players, a sinking feeling just hit you and now you might have to change your fantasy football game plan.

The ground game for the Eagles might be used a lot more than expected, making DeSean Jackson, Donovan McNabb and Brett Celek’s fantasy value decrease. Meanwhile players like Frank Gore and believe it or not Leonard Weaver, who might be sitting on your fantasy bench for better options, will see a boost in value in our eyes for carries. The Bears-Ravens game shouldn’t affect fantasy points or players as much as you think, most of the top starters already involve the running backs. But what about the betting community? Are the Eagles really 9 point favorites now? Or the Ravens 10.5 over the Bears?

We’ll keep you posted.

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Fantasy Football Coin Flip

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Posted by Kevin Roberts | Posted on 02-12-2009

Category : Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Fantasy Coin Flip, Fantasy Football Strategies, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Sleepers & Player Rankings

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Fantasy Football Coin Flip

Last weeks “Coin Flip” article was destroyed before it even started. We pitted Matt Ryan against Donovan McNabb, vouching for Ryan against a hapless Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense, only to see the second-year star hit the sidelines with a turf toe injury before he could do any damage. It didn’t stop there. We also had a match-up between two injured running backs (Cedric Benson and Michael Turner) who had the possibility of returning last week, and you didn’t stand a chance going with either of them. Benson didn’t even suit up, while Turner’s triumphant return ended with 12 carries and under 40 yards, as well as a return to the sidelines after he re-injured his ankle.

We’re sticking with guys who aren’t riding gimpy legs into Week 13, and encourage you to rely on our advice this week:


Ray RiceRay Rice, RB, BAL (@GB) VS. Thomas Jones, RB, NYJ (@ BUF)

This is an interesting match-up because both of these backs have been fantasy stalwarts for most of 2009, and really, in any given week, have the role and ability to save your team. Rice is in a brutal division that does a great job against the run (save for Cleveland), yet he’s still put up elite numbers on a consistent basis. The week-to-week match-up is the complete opposite for Jones, however, yet the backs’ numbers are very comparable.

Rice is going up against a very solid Green Bay Packers defense on Monday night this week, one that has done a great job containing running backs in the past three weeks, yet still has a bit of trouble on screens (as most teams do). In a match-up of two beastly running backs, their respective match-ups have to be the deciding factor.

Verdict: Rice is very hard to leave on your bench, but if you have the choice between the two, you can’t pass up Jones’ beautiful match-up with a very leaky Bills run defense. Jones broke-out for 200+ yards on them last time, and that was with Mark Sanchez throwing five picks. How do you like his chances this week? Needless to say, TJ is our guy.

Jeremy Maclin, WR, PHI (@ATL) VS. Terrell Owens, WR, BUF (vs. NYJ)

Maclin has been a solid model for consistency since taking over Kevin Curtis’ job as the Eagle starter opposite of DeSean Jackson, while T.O. has finally developed some chemistry with a quarterback not named Romo, McNabb, or Garcia. Trent Edwards wasn’t giving him any love, but who

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