Free Agency Preview: Tight Ends

Depth Chart:

1. Crockett Gillmore
2. Maxx Williams
3. Konrad Reuland
4. Allen Reisner
5. Dennis Pitta (PUP)

2015 Recap:

Many of the Ravens positions were ravaged with injuries this season and tight end was definitely one of them. Gillmore and Williams were up and down with injuries and the surprise of the season Nick Boyle was suspended the final four games of the season when the team had unfortunately lost Gillmore for the rest of the year as well. 

Minus the injuries and suspensions, the group of Gillmore, Williams and Boyle performed well. Gillmore shined in his first season as the number one option at tight end while Williams took some time to develop. He had some production in the last few games of the season when Boyle and Gillmore were out. 

Potential Free Agent Additions:

Jermaine Gresham UFA:  Gresham is coming off of an unimpressive role in a potent Cardinals offense from 2015. Gresham had only 18 catches and 1 TD in the regular season, quite the fall from his 62 catches and 5 TDs in 2014. What he would add is a veteran presence to a young group of players with the possible upside to the player we once saw. He is younger(27) than any of the other viable options (Antonio Gates, 35 or Vernon Davis, 32). The issues he may have had with the Cardinals could have been he wasn't an important part of the offense, mainly driven by deep threat receivers and a power running game. When you watched their games it seemed Larry Fitzgerald was their short yard receiver in the offense as opposed to in Baltimore where you may see Flacco go to his tight end more often than his slot receiver.

Coby Fleener UFA: Of the two I would prefer Fleener. However I don't see Luck's security blanket getting out of Indy. While Fleener is coming off a subpar season, he was performing like that because of the team playing their worst QB. Only nabbing 3 TDs and 491 yards with nearly the same amount of targets as the two previous seasons. Once again, this was without Luck who, by far, is the team's most accurate passer. IF Fleener got out of Indy I would love to see him in purple and black, however it seems like more of a pipe dream.

2016 Outlook:

One name mentioned above in this piece was that of Nick Boyle, who was recently suspended for the first 10 games of the 2016 season for once again violating the league's substance abuse policy. He was again caught with PEDs in his system. More than likely ending his short career with the team. Harbaugh isn't a guy who enjoys being proved wrong and he thought Boyle had learned from his mistake at the end of last season. 

This could be the season of the Pitta comeback...or not. There is really no definite answer whether he will or won't just that he is trying. However with two young tight ends shining and Ozzie's ability to find value in free agents and the draft when it comes to his old position, I don't see how Boyle will still be on the team after his suspension is up and Pitta's potential comeback. Expect the team to roll once again with Gillmore and Williams as their top 2 options at the position. 

The North Report - Preseason Edition: Pittsburgh Steelers

So let me get this straight. The Steeler's open the season with the Hall of Fame game and also open the regular season against what will probably be the Brady-less (waaa waa Pats fans) Patriots squad. Interesting. In all honesty I missed the game this past Thursday. Starters barely play in the first game and fans barely get a chance to see new players in action. Even realize the team has new players. I didn't get to hear the wife say,"Oh crap! He's a damn Steeler now?." Well now you(and she) will know.

Key Departure

This is a no brainer. It is a sad day when a future hall of famer leaves a team and the Steelers losing Troy Polamalu to retirement is disappointing. Ravens fans and Steeler fans alike loved arguing who was better between he and Ed Reed. Polamalu may have not been the same player in recent years but his presence definitely mattered in a young Steeler locker room. He was the quiet warrior and I for one am sad to see him go. Just like Hines Ward (who we all STILL hate respect) he was part of a beautiful disaster that was our rivalry with this team. I'm not going to miss him causing Flacco headaches near our own goal line (yes Steeler fan we remember that play) nor will I miss him terrorizing our entire backfield. In other words, respect!

Shamarko Thomas is stepping into the unfillable shoes of a legend. 

Update: A few days after writing this article Martavis Bryant was handed a four game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Apparently, he couldn't stay out of Le'Veon Bell's stash. Anyway his suspension hurts the offense across the board(not JUST the fantasy board). An offense that will already be missing Bell for two of those games. Markus Wheaton is going to have to step up with those two key pieces missing on offense.

What about the draft?

While every one of their fans will argue, you know they were looking for the heir apparent to Heath Miller and we snagged Maxx Williams before they could. However they still had a successful draft grabbing some depth for their linebacking core and defensive backs. They grabbed a pass rushing LB (Alvin Dupree, Kentucky) something this team has been missing since James Harrison left. Yes I know he came back and did his thing for a few games but they need it on a more consistent basis. When he was in the backfield that is when this team was dominant on the defensive side of the ball. As we all know, their pass defense was terrible last season. Almost as bad as the Ravens (which was pretty terrible). They went with a corner in the second round(Senquez Golson, Ole Miss) who was known in his college years as a ballhawk (he had 10 INTs last season at Ole Miss). In all honesty I always try to keep an eye on the receivers this team drafts. Lately they have been hitting homeruns with their later round receiver picks. This year's diamond in the rough could be Sammie Coates out of Auburn. While he did have a case of the drops he also had a case of averaging over 20 yards a reception in the SEC last season.

Did they pick up anybody?

In a word...yes! The biggest knock on the Steelers last year was how one dimensional they became without Le'Veon Bell on the field. That all should change with a significant upgrade in his backup. Deangelo Williams will be spelling Bell this season and more than likely starting in his place for a the first two games while he serves his suspension. Williams is not the runner he once was but he is still a dangerous back when healthy. He certainly isn't Bell but he can at least be dangerous as a runner which this team was missing last season when Bell wasn't out there. 

Update: While I still believe Williams to be the most significant pickup of the offseason for the Steelers, the team has signed veteran dog kill...er quarterback Michael Vick as a backup. Will Vick even see the field this season? Probably not. We all know that it literally takes a motorcycle accident for Big Ben to miss any significant amount of time. However, I can assure you that some Steeler fans (ie, the wife) were/are not too happy to see him on the team. Then again my wife likes dogs more than people.

Prediction

This really isn't prediction as much as it is a fact. This is a contending team for the division and possibly the AFC. They are year in and year out and that is mostly due to their franchise QB. There will be a battle between them and the Ravens for the AFC North which fortunately we play towards the end of the season (in week 16). However, this is during a 5 game stretch towards the end of the season where they have a quite a meaty sandwich with Browns bread. After their first game with the Browns in week 10 they get to rest up for a brutal stretch that includes @Seattle, Colts, @Cincinnati, Broncos and @Ravens before closing the season out against the Browns. This team is usually one who has started to pick up steam towards the end of the season but this one could fare differently because of that rough stretch. Yes, they are going to play the Pats without Brady more than likely in week one. Who cares? They still have to win the game without arguably their best player in Bell. So quit complaining Ravens fans, this is why they hate us. Not cause they ain't us. However if Janeane Garofalo or whatever that kids name is beats them (shut up I know his name is Jimmy Garoppolo) I will be the first to laugh at the wife until we play on Sunday against the Broncos.

10-6, wild card/possible division crown

There you have it, the division is wrapped up. Should make for an interesting football season. Remember kiddies, only a couple more sleeps until the beginning of the season!

Offseason Review: Wide Receivers

The 2014 receiving core definitely had its ups and downs this season. Looking forward into next season it is hard to say if we will recognize half of the starters. There could be a major overhaul resulting in half of the squad changing going into next season. Last season the Ravens had six members of their depth chart belonging to receivers.

2014 Receiver Depth Chart

WR1- Steve Smith Sr.
WR2 - Torrey Smith
WR3- Marlon Brown
WR4 - Kamar Aiken
WR5 - Jacoby Jones
WR6 - Michael Campanaro

2014 Recap

Gary Kubiak took over a subpar offense and hoped to improve the production of Joe Flacco. The main protagonists in his tale were Steve and Torrey Smith. Each had their own successes in Kubiak's offense which favors the WR1 which in this case was Steve. Torrey had a massive drop in yardage but nearly led the league with his 11 TDs. The offense improved from the year prior in the passing game jumping from an NFL rank of 18th in 2013 to 13th in 2014. The biggest issue was the inconsistencies from the third and fourth receivers. Jones started the season higher on the depth chart but had a few drops to start the season thus losing his spot to Brown and Aiken. The lack in production outside of the Smiths goes back to what plagued this team all year, injuries. Brown, Aiken and Campanaro all missed time with injuries. Campanaro missed the most time, shining in the Tampa Bay game before injuring his hamstring and missing most of the season.

2015 Outlook

WR1 - Steve Smith Sr.- Ozzie basically has told him, after Steve initially said he was ready to come back, to take some time to reflect on whether he wants to honestly come back. All signs are pointing to him returning for his 15th season but can his old body take another season? After all the talk at the beginning of last season of him setting a career mark(four out of first six games he had over 100 yards) he had a less than stellar second half. Only going over 100 yards once after week six. At least the once was the first round of the playoffs! I could see Smith having a similar start to next season but possibly seeing more of the younger guys step up later in the year.

WR2 - Torrey Smith - He has become one of the most talked about free agents from the team this year. Rampant debates among Ravens fans and the talking heads of local radio. Can he run crisp routes? Not really. Great hands? Average at best. However the guy still hustles and has barely missed any time. Local product out of Maryland who hasn't had any issues off the field, for the right price I would welcome him back. My gut tells me he is going to get offers from teams like Carolina, Oakland or possibly the Colts. Any of those teams have the cap space to make an offer to Torrey.

WR3 - Marlon Brown - Brown was a mystery last season. It is hard to figure what he will do in 2015. With or without Torrey's return I would guess that Brown will go back to being productive as he was in 2013. Trestman is used to having big targets at his disposal and Brown definitely fits that bill. All Brown has to do is stay healthy and stay in the good graces of Harbs.

WR4 - Kamar Aiken - Out of all of the returning talent he is the one I am most excited about. From the little we saw of him last year we did see that he has hands. His rookie campaign had flashes of greatness and I'm hoping to see more of that next season.

WR5 - Jacoby Jones - HE GONE! Look, I love Jacoby as much as the next Raven fan but his decline in the the return game and lack in ability to catch the ball make his departure that much easier to deal with.

WR6 - Michael Campanaro - The local boy out of Silver Spring, MD who people are hoping to be the next Wes Welker (sans the concussions) or Julian Edelman (sans the douchebaggery) out of the slot. Another case of, will he stay healthy enough in 2015 to show his potential? He and Aiken looked like the real deal against Tampa this season. Then again, so could anyone against them. Campanaro could have a break out year with a bulk of the return duties as well as working in the slot.

Competition from the Outside

First of all, if you think the Cowboys are going to let Dez Bryant out of Dallas you have clearly lost your mind. Stop calling radio stations with this notion crazy people! I expect the Ravens to either re-sign Torrey Smith or possibly upgrade if the financial numbers work. If we learned anything from this postseason it is that Green Bay could survive without Randall Cobb. Cobb will probably get a big pay day anywhere which normally eliminates the Ravens. There have also been some rumors that Brandon Marshall will follow his former head coach Marc Trestman to Baltimore. If he was a free agent I would be all for it but I personally don't like us giving up picks for possibilities. As great as Marshall is, he is coming off injury. Besides, this is a team that normally builds from the draft unfortunately with little success in the team's history. This year, there is a strong receiver class.

Draft Outlook

First and foremost, there is absolutely no damn way we are going to trade up for Kevin White! I don't care how great he looked in the season, how he dominated in pretend football during the combine or his ability to apparently walk on water. We aren't getting him. So all you Raven bloggers who keep posting "WRs to watch for in this years draft, Ravens edition" please stop. A more believable option if we do go for one on the first day is Jaelen Strong. 17 TDs and 2,287 yards in his collegiate career and a great showing at the combine (4.44 second 40 yard dash and an impressive 42 in vertical leap) make Strong a valid option to be a potential number one. I know me personally, I have leaped many a time, I don't think I have totaled 42 inches in my lifetime while leaping vertically. Not to mention he is a monster at 6'2" 217 lbs. I would suspect the Ravens to stay away from problem child Dorial Green-Beckham, that whole "marijuana" issue and "domestic violence" problem is something they are trying to clear their image of.

I would expect them to keep an eye on local prospect Stefon Diggs (Maryland) and not so local prospect Philip Dorsett in the later rounds to possibly fill the role of Jacoby Jones. Occasional receiver, return guy. Both were speedsters at the combine running sub 4.5 sec forties but Diggs definitely has the injury bug which could cause him to drop in the draft. Also keep an eye on Breshad Perriman out of UCF. The interesting fact on Perriman is the comparisons to a former UCF alum in Brandon Marshall. Minus the diva act and going nuts/punching through a TV that sounds great to me. The negative is that he would be a project, like Torrey Smith has been. Not crisp running routes but talented. I do expect the Ravens to probably grab three of four receivers either in the draft or post draft with undrafted free agents. They need at least a couple for the practice squad to fellas.

2015 Roster Predictions

WR1 - Steve Smith Sr.
WR2 - Jaelen Strong
WR3 - Marlon Brown
WR4 - Kamar Aiken
WR5 - Michael Campanero
WR6 - Stefon Diggs

I'm guessing two of our wide receivers will be picked up in the draft but it is possible that a veteran could be resigned (like Torrey Smith). Possibly a veteran could be picked up in free agency but the draft class is more populated with upside than the potential crapfest that is the NFL WR 2015 free agent class. Whoever is on the practice squad is going to be a late round or undrafted free agent. Not too much turnover but I can assure you that we will have at least one new face to look at in our wide receivers if not more.

Dismember the Titans

So last week was a big bowl of suck with a side of garbage. We had to eat it just like Steeler fans had to do back in week 2 when we drubbed them by 20. Luckily for us, a familiar face is about to walk into M&T Bank stadium this Sunday. A former rival of ours and honestly it couldn't have happened at a better time for the hapless Tennessee Titans to come to town.

Before anyone says it, no I am not looking past them nor do I think anyone on the Ravens will be doing that either. Just look at the facts behind this Titan team. They are 2-6 with only the Jags behind them in the AFC South. Tied for a league worst 15 TDs and in the bottom tier of all offensive categories. That puts them at 29th in the league in scoring at a whopping 17.1 points per game. Not to say that their defense is much better, allowing nearly 135 yards a game rushing (good for 28th in the league) along with 241 yards passing (getting them the 16th spot). Not to mention their 25.2 points allowed per game(22nd in the league). There isn't much that is scaring me about this team. There has been a revolving door for QBs with all three on their depth chart getting some time. This week happens to be Mettenberger's turn. No rookie QBs fair well in our house especially on a team with as poor of an offense as the Titans. It isn't like they lack weapons. Delanie Walker, Kendall Wright and Justin Hunter to name a few. However the inconsistencies at the QB position effect not only the passing game but Bishop Sankey, Shonn Greene (yeah remember him?) and the rest of their running game. Let us not forget we can test Michael Oh *whistles*, false start, number 72! Anyway we can see how many times we can get Oher to commit his ever favorite penalty, the false start. The truth is even great offenses get stifled by the Ravens D when they pay us a visit.

Mettenberger has less attempts in his career than Joe Flacco had in the season opener. Yeah yeah I know, just one game but still! Suggs and Dumervil have to be licking their chops to get after this kid. "When you go against a rookie quarterback -- traditionally, usually -- you can make it a hard time for them," said Suggs when questioned about Mettenberger, "but the way the game is played these days, it's pretty much in favor of the quarterback and the offense, so I don't really think that plays into our favor any." Well add that to the news of Jimmy Smith being out for the rest of the season after foot surgery and our piss poor performance last week (seriously six TDs! AND AN NFL RECORD! WHY?!?!?) who knows what can happen. We have two new corners this week and (praise football Jesus) released Chykie Brown and Dominique Franks. Danny Gorrer (former Raven and recently released by the Lions) and practice squad rookie Tramain Jacobs are hoping to right the ship. All they have to do is keep up that horrible passer rating rookie quarterbacks have against us and all will be right in the world. Honestly just don't play like those two and you both will be just fine.

We need this win. We can't go into the bye at 5-5 and sitting in last place. By Sunday we all will know what happened in Thursday's Browns/Bengals game (go Browns and Jeremy Hill, for selfish fantasy purposes!) but anyway you slice it, last feels terrible. 6-4 feels better than .500 besides, that only wins you the NFC South.

Scary Things About Ravens Steelers

What better way to celebrate Halloween than to discuss some of the scary facts regarding Ravens and Steelers? Maybe you would prefer throwing pumpkins into the streets, teepeeing your neighbors house or maybe running around and getting free butterfingers from strangers. Me, I like thinking all day about how I can tie in Halloween to arguably the greatest rivalry in the NFL.

Jimmy Smith's Injury

This couldn't have possibly happened at a worse time. Smith has come around to being one of the top corners in the NFL. He has been shutting down some of the leagues top talent in recent weeks (Julio Jones and Vincent Jackson to name a few). The crazy thing about this injury is how the news broke. We all knew he was hurt, just not how serious the injury was. Initially, "No way it's lisfranc," to,"it's a lisfranc sprain," followed by, "oh my God I think they had to amputate it and give him a robotic one! He's part cyborg now!" Well maybe not that last one, but the competing reports regarding his injury have been downright ridiculous. Anyway you slice it, he's not playing this week against one of the upstart offenses in the league.

Yes, I hate to admit it, the Steelers offense finally doesn't look like dried cat vomit. With a fan base that recently was calling for their Coach's head, Haley the OC as well, on a pike. They were ready to collect heads like they were baseball cards. Much like the Steelers were doing last week when they demolished the Colts at home. This is the same field that Mike Glennon could win on. Andrew Luck, ran out of his last name. Mostly it was, similar to what the Ravens are going to be dealing with Sunday, losing their top corner and Antonio Brown making them pay. Heavily. Big Ben had a career day amassing six TDs (which totally ruined my wife's fantasy experience this past week. That moment a Steeler fan is like, COME ON BEN! THROW THE PICK!) He could do no wrong last week, making those typical throws on the run that he makes with ease to wide open receivers. They made a stout Colts defense that shut down (and shut out) the Bengals the week before look miserable. If we had a few weeks for Smith(or hell even Asa Jackson) to come back I wouldn't be that concerned. However we have no depth at the corner position which is why we should maybe take another look at Champ Bailey. We can pay him in crab cakes for all I care, he can't be as bad as Franks was last week. Both Smith and Asa Jackson are out so I am surprised that we haven't made a move to at least add depth to the position.

Expect more of the same this week. As far as, Ben taking advantage of a poor matchup. So basically if Webb isn't on Brown, he's getting the ball.

Le'Veon Bell Has Arrived 

Trick or treat, smell his feet, give him something good to eat...because he has the munchies. Anyway, with all this passing offense, don't forget about Le'Veon Bell. He is not just productive running the ball but catching as well. Totaling over 100 yards from scrimmage in each and every game this season. He already has 1,086 yards from scrimmage and averages 5.93 yards per touch. Get him the ball twice and they get a first down. Which the Ravens were just giving away last week. Especially on third down where they had been performing well this season, the Bengals unfortunately converted over 50 percent of their third downs. He has proven to be one of the top running backs in the game today. Even though he may not be lighting up the scoreboard (only crossing the goal line twice this season) he has still turned into being the most consistent back today.

With as tight as a game like this could be you know those third down conversions are going to be crucial to sustain long drives to keep the ball out of Big Ben's grubby, gigantic hands. Who knows, maybe when our boys drive 80 yards we will actually put points on the board instead of running yet another play-action pass that doesn't work.

Tight Games Plus All My Daughter's Halloween Candy....

Just means that everyone should stay away from me on Monday morning. Come hell or high water I will be watching the game in its entirety. Win or lose I'm going to be grumpy and probably not want any of your crap. 

Now that my silliness is out of the way, these games constantly come down to the last seconds. I will never forget the game when the Steelers were up by 10 and we came back with a game winning Torrey Smith touchdown to win the game. My wife, went to sleep victorious until I woke her up upon the game's completion to rub it in her face how awesome the ending was...for me. Imagine being able to actually sleep in the bed that night kiddies! 9 out of the last 13 have been decided by three or four points.

Home field usually matters in this matchup but this late in their careers both quarterbacks are comfortable shutting up the Steeler/Raven faithful. Ben and Joe have both won on the opposing grid iron. Both have swept the other (Joe is the last to do it in 2011) and yes Steeler fan, I know you guys have that trifecta year where you beat us three times. We all know, prime time game, division on the line, its going to be a hard fought game. Whoever has the ball last is probably going to win the game.

This game could make or break the Ravens season. Winning would put us basically 2 games up on the Steelers and keeping pace with the Bengals who could stumble to this Steeler team (hell maybe the Browns next week as well). Losing could move us into Browntown. We don't belong there, that is reserved for classy organizations from Cleveland. Wait, I meant crappy. 

An Open Letter To the Fantasy Gods

Dear Fantasy Gods,

First of all, hello. How's life been treating you? Bet you guys are happy the NFL lockout ended. Me to. In other news, thanks for helping me get second place in my fantasy baseball league. That was great! Last to second place, very nice work.

However, this football season has been very unfair. First in one league you tell me that I have the best draft class. Then you smash my hopes in my survival league as I doubt the Redskins and pick the Giants. Really? You couldn't let Rex Grossman have one turnover in that game? I mean, I guess you made up for it the next week but come on. That isn't even the worst part.

Back to that whole "best draft class" thing. My Group of Flunkies has been exactly that. Three weeks into the season and they have only managed 179 total points. I know you guys know your math but that isnt even 60 points a week. Seriously?!? My highest scorer is Kevin Kolb. KEVIN, wait for it, KOLB! I have Vick, Desean Jackson, Chris Johnson, I mean surely one of them could have an awesome week! On a team with such potential my high scorers I haven't had one good week (until this week where I gave up on Vick - 33 points on my bench - and picked up Grossman - 7 points in my lineup - who was playing the Rams, epic fail. Needless to say, I'm down 26, my opponent is done and I have Addai playing tonight. I could have won.).

Of course I give up on my starters and start playing recent pickups who had good weeks last week, Nate Washington and Grossman against a poor opponent. I play Felix Jones who had a great week last week, on my bench, instead of Johnson and they reverse their production this week. I sit Ben Tate, since you allowed Arian Foster to get healthy, only to watch Foster own and Tate's value flush down the toilet. Also this week Tim Hightower becomes useless since Shanahan can't stick with one RB to handle the majority of the workload. Thanks a lot Shany, in the words of a pop culture icon, "I don't even know you and I hate yo guts." I just can't win, literally.

Also, why in the world do I have to face a QB who has a career week each week. This week, for example, I faced Aaron Rodgers and Cam Newton. I knew going in Rodgers was going to put up good numbers but, dramatic pause, really? He had to put up 53! In each league, occasionally in both, my opponents QB has at least 3 TDs or puts up 20+ points (Newton put up 33, respectively). It is honestly insane. Sure, Vick in week 1 posted good numbers (and this week on my bench as I said before) but he was terrible or injured in weeks 2 and 3. If it isn't their QBs blowing up its two players, as it was in week 1. When playing my uncle, Schaub scores 10. Lesean McCoy and the Bears D go off for 24 each and the only one on my team to produce is Vick.

Fantasy Gods I know you are very busy so I won't bore you with my fantasy football rage. At least for another week. However, if you don't let me win soon my head my explode. I have a wife and child. They don't need to see that. In closing, I hope you enjoy the gift basket that I sent you. It has cookies in the shape of little footballs. I know how much you love those.

One Love,
Brandan

Fantasy Journal - 3 Weeks in the Books

So we are 3 weeks into the NFL and (more importantly in some eyes) the fantasy season. Some might feel ineligible for the playoffs with an 0-3 record (as Sam Jackson would say, "Not me!"). Others are dealing with injuries and/or under performance of top draft picks (officially never drafting Ryan Grant, ever!). All are trying to fix issues, whatever they are. No matter the record, there is always a position that can be amended.

So for the amusement of others (and to let out my fantasy rage) here is how I am doing with my leagues.

ESPN League - Fags On Football (12 team)

• Record - 1-2
• Issues - Oh where to begin with this crapfest of a team. Ryan Grant's ankle kills me, LT's reemergence as...LT destroys my second draft pick in Shonn Greene and Jay Cutler is my starting QB (inconsistency). Cutler leads the league in called back interceptions (5 last Monday...wait he just threw another 1) and I lead my league in lack of scoring. I put up over 100 the first week but could only muster 41 this past week. My WR's haven't been performing (really Colston! NO TD'S! SERIOUSLY?!?! YOU PLAY FOR THE SAINTS! Even David Thomas has a TD!).
• Reasons to have hope - Luckily I drafted decently in later rounds picking up Matt Forte and Thomas Jones. So at RB I think Jones may be my savior (as opposed to Jamaal Charles owners, who look at Jones as Judas) but my major issue comes at WR. Ochocinco blew up in week 1 but since has only led the league in tweets. Colston is allergic to the goalline this season as Brees has thrown to everyone else in this juggernaut of an offense. Luckily Johnny Knox is looking like a genius pickup in the later rounds as he is the clear deep threat in the Bears offense. One issue I left out above is my lack of performance from the TE position. Having Vick under center has hurt Brent Celek owners who were looking forward to a decent season with a Kolb Konnection for double digit TDs. That is not going to happen with Vick out there. I recently acquired Aaron Hernandez from the waiver wire. He leads the league in hype from fantasy "experts" and targets. While he may be without a TD he gets yards and has soft matchups against TE friendly defenses coming up. Like this Monday against Miami who made Dustin Keller look like Antonio Gates. This is the same Keller who still has no idea where the first down marker was after Ray Lewis jacked him up on the previous third down play. Also no one is really walking away with this league. The only one getting crushed...is me.
• Talking trade - I haven't done a decent trade midseason since my championship season on CBS's website (which apparently, no one in that league remembers). I traded for Larry Johnson (when he was still good) and he crushed everyone (everything) in my way. This time I am looking at trading my free agent pickup of Mike Tolbert. San Diego's goalline bloodhound is poaching carries from a struggling Ryan Mathews. So any value I can get from a bye week filler is good. Especially when you consider the Seahawks D, a totally different monster at home, and the fact that I would then own Leon Washington's return value. We each would be taking a chance but I need a D for my bye week, in a 12 team league it's slim pickings.

Yahoo! League - CBS Will Always Suck (10 team friends and family)

• Record - 2-0-1 (first place...first plaaaaaaaaaa-uh-uh-ace, ahead on points)
• Issues - This fun bunch has really underperformed when it comes to defense and RBs. Mostly because of my man crush on Ray Rice which has gotten me 21 points (7 pt avg) and no TDs. Not a good number from a first draft pick. Add to that he has gotten banged up the past two games (knee and ankle) and the sum is one worried fantasy owner. Other under performers are Knowshon Moreno who has been out with a hamstring injury but other than that has been great (that was until Maroney was picked up). While Felix Jones has done absolutely nothing. The Cowboys rushing offense has looked terrible and Jones has only mustered 8 total points through 3 weeks. Fail Jones! Speaking of those 'Boys, I dropped their defense after they looked awful against the 'Skins and Bears. How can you not get a turnover off Jay Cutler in your own house! Then they looked great against the juggernaut known as the Houston Texans. I will pick them back up as they are the type of defense that could get on a hot streak later in the year.
• Reasons I am Number 1 - I am currently riding the Michael Vick experience and it has been pretty awesome. 87 pts (750 yds passing, 6 TDs ; 170 rush yds, TD) has been great. Considering he outperformed Peyton Manning this week, I couldn't be happier. Speaking of week 3, WE FLY HIGH....BOLDIN! It was definitely the Wright decision to stick with him. Eric Wright, you are my MVP for not covering him at all in that game. Good work son! Speaking of avoiding coverage, Antonio Gates has been great as well. He can blow up at any moment and when he isn't scoring TDs he always manages to get yardage. That's more than most can say for their WR/TE flex position.
• Trade bait... - Speaking of Gates, I am not saying I WANT to trade him. However if the right offer came along I might part with him. He has injury issues and with my luck this season (read above ESPN league rage) I feel like he is due. I would want top tier position talent for him, no doubt. He is after all, #1 at his position.

Yahoo! League - Battle for Awesomeness (12 team)

• Record - 2-1 (5th, 205 pts, 198 PA)
• Issues - Ray Rice strikes again. Read above rage about that. Inconsistent QB play (Kolb injury didn't help, wasn't quick enough on Vick in this league) from Carson Palmer who has only 38 pts (29 in week 1...on my bench) and my recent acquisition of Josh Freeman (49 pts, sat last week because of Pitt D) hasn't helped in my past 2 weeks of wins. My other top RB is Jamaal Charles (mentioned above in ESPN rage) who I now get to rage about Thomas Jones. Todd Haley (Chiefs Head Coach) clearly is protecting Charles from being Larry Johnson which is okay. As long as they keep winning and play in the AFC West, Charles will get yards and hopefully long TDs. Jones is great, inside the 20's.
• Reasons to look forward to the playoffs - Austin Collie, while on my bench for his best game, has been looking great. Luckily Pierre Garcon hasn't been able to catch a cold and Anthony Gonzalez is injured...again. Hooray for me! The WR core I have here is pretty solid with Desean Jackson in there as well. Jackson is always great for a big play and considering in this league return points are awarded to a player and NOT team defense there is a reason to think he could find the end zone each week. Speaking of return points, CJ Spiller FINALLY has shown up in the fantasy world. Exploding last week with a return TD and a reception TD he totaled 20 points (YAY!) on my bench (BOO!)
• Trade bait... - Honestly Rice is one I would trade for the right talent. Rice has a great upside. Mainly because he has no where to go but up. With Charles on his bye week and Moreno being solid when he plays I may be able to pass Rice off to a needy team (that is obsessed with him). So if someone is reading this and wants to offer me a decent back or receiver, I am open to trade talks.

So there you have it. Fantasy rage/gloating complete. For now. Want to mock me? Tell me how awesome I am? Suggest a player that could help me? Ask for advice? Insult my ability to end all my blogs with a bunch of questions? Want to leave a comment? Gopher it!

Fantasy Journal - OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG

The fantasy football season starts, TOMORROW! Did your head explode? Mine did. For the past 2 weeks all I've my chronic ESPN and Yahoo following has come to my teams being drafted. Starting lineups prepped, prepped, and prepped again. However, readers of my blog are so far behind. I had two drafts and haven't even bragged/complained about my team yet!



My two Yahoo! drafts went better than expected. Not only was my 12 team league faster than the 10 team in draft time (shocking!) and my teams might not suck! So instead of analyzing all my picks I will tell my position in each draft and who I selected. Each league has a roster as follows:



QB, RB, RB, WR, WR, RB/WR, WR/TE, Defense, Kicker



The first being the 12 team league early Sunday afternoon. A league in which I finished out of the playoffs last season, hello early draft position this season!





League Name - Battle For Awesomeness
Team Name - The Junk Punters



(because a kick to your crotch feels so top notch!) go to the link to get the reference: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vglZCRMbyQ



This season I decided to show my loyalty and my love towards my first pick. With the second pick I snagged Ray Rice, over Captain Fumblitis Mr. Adrian Peterson. Rice killed it for me last year in my ESPN league so I couldn't deny him a spot on my roster. So after him my draft looked like this, pick number in parentheses. Desean Jackson (23), Jamaal Charles (26), Dallas Clark (47) , Kevin Kolb (50), Malcolm Floyd (71), Felix Jones (74), Philadelphia D (95), C.J. Spiller (98), Carson Palmer (119), Lee Evans (122) , Darren Sproles (143), Austin Collie (146), Fred Taylor (167) and Robbie Gould (170). All in all this looks like the best team I have ever had in this league. At least right now they lead the league in high hopes. Kolb is a bit of a risky pick but I wanted at least one QB/WR connection.

Monday 9/13/10 Update:

• Hey, guy who wrote this Saturday, Kolb sure was a risky pick! DUH! Going into the Monday Night games I am down 60-29. I have 3 players remaining, 2 RBs and a WR (Rice @ Jets, Charles vs. SD and Floyd @ KC), so I am not completely out of it yet. Not too confident about Rice against the Jets to open the stadium. Charles and Floyd will hopefully produce against poor defenses. Add to the fact my opponent still doesn't understand what NA next to Santonio Holmes means (it doesn't mean he's carrying narcotics[again], it means he is not active!), I think there is a slight chance. Now excuse me as I punch myself for not just starting Carson Palmer.

My friends and family league (10 team head to head) drafted on Labor Day a little before 1pm. Imagine to my surprise that the guy with the number 1 pick (who didn't want Chris Johnson) ate his entire draft clock therefore autopicking Johnson. In reality he wanted Drew Brees. This is me documenting those actions so he can't say this, "Oh I was just messin' with you guys," at a later time. His length of time to pick should have tipped me off to what was going to be the longest 10 team draft ever. 2 were AUTOPICKS!

League Name : CBS Will Always SUCK!

Team Name: 3 Penis Whiners

("The League" reference)

Once again, Rice went to me as I had an early pick (3rd) and the rest of the draft went like this: Ryan Grant (18), Miles Austin (23), Anquan Boldin (38), Antonio Gates (43), Terrell Owens (58), Carson Palmer (63), Dallas' D (78), Knowshon Moreno (83), Felix Jones(98), Kevin Kolb (103), Ladainian Tomlinson (118), David Akers (123), Sidney Rice (138) and Mike Williams[TB] (143). Looking, "prettay prettay prettay good." If I don't mind saying so. Pretty deep at RB so might be some trade bait there. Or in case of emergency, break open bench!

Monday 9/13/10 Update:

• No punching in this league necessary as I actually start Palmer instead of Kolb. The injury to Ryan Grant hurts considering Moreno sat on my bench with 12 points. While Grant had only 4 and a leg injury. So consider this an emergency. Grant has had ankle problems and that is what the early report is on the injury. If my complaining hasn't told you already, I am down in this game as well. Losing 77-58 with both of us having players going tonight. Rice, Gates and Charles to go while he has Dwayne Bowe and Shonn Greene. I think Green and Rice will match each other while Charles and Gates may explode. Each player is facing a sub par defense and Bowe is to. He has excellent career numbers against the Chargers. I'm not giving up, I'm just being realistic.

Monday Update ESPN League:

• Complete destruction by the Nerf Herders. Matt Forte(30 points) for MVP assisting my team to 93 points and an early 32 point lead on Team AFK. We each have players to go, Baltimore defense for me and Chris Chambers/Jerricho Cotchery for him. Saying his players were of higher caliber I may be worried. Up 32 with only a defense to play, I highly doubt the dynamic duo of Chambers and Cotchery can make up 32+. Special shout out to Ochocinco(21 points), leading the Bengals charge to second place in the AFC North. As for this game, I never will lose this large of a lead to low tier players. I know they say to never say never but I'm saying never!

Well follow the updates to see how my team is or isn't doing. Expect a new journal to tell final results. Good luck tonight to those who need some points to dominate!