All Entries Tagged With: "MaddenFans.com News"
NCAA Football 10 – MaddenFans.com Teambuilder Dynasty
This weekend MaddenFans.com went into NCAA Football Teambuilder and created our own team. We would like to share it with you. We created our own team called MaddenFans Gunners. We went with a black, red, and white look for our uniforms. Here are a few screenshots.
You can search MaddenFans and take a closer look at the rosters. Below is the home uniform screenshot.
Just in case anyone ask, we are not Texas Tech Fans, we just took the colors from the site and did a quick work up. Feel free to leave any comments.
Popularity: 2% [?]
MaddenFans.com NFL Power Rankings – Cont Part 5
Well another week goes by as we creep toward the beginning of the NFL season. The biggest news this week in the NFL was the Atlanta Falcons releasing the rights to Michael Vick allowing him to join any NFL team he wishes. This was also a big week with Madden NFL 10 as player and team ratings were released. You can find the Madden NFL 10 team ratings here and what player ratings we have so far here. Being Sunday we continue with our NFL power rankings as we close in on #1. Keep in mind this is our opinion of NFL power rankings with no relationship to Madden. Have a great weekend and enjoy!
Taking a look back at what we have covered.
32. Detroit Lions
31. Cleveland Browns
30. Kansas City Chiefs
29. St Louis Rams
28. Oakland Raiders
27. Cincinnati Bengals
26. San Francisco 49ers
25. Denver Broncos
24. Jacksonville Jaguars
23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
22. Seattle Seahawks
21. Washington Redskins
20. Miami Dolphins
19. Buffalo Bills
18. NY Jets
17. Carolina Panthers
You can see our beginning article here and respectively Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4
16. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings have a very strong team on both sides of the ball and would probably be a Super Bowl pick if it wasn’t for the problems at QB. It remains to be the biggest question for this team a year after taking the NFC North title. Minnesota added Sage Rosenfels during the offseason and Brad Childress has promised a fair QB competition. The Vikings return six Pro Bowl players and have probaly the NFL’s best running back with Adrian Peterson. They also have one of the scariest pass rushers in Jareed Allen and he is joined by Pat and Kevin Williams. They also acquired Percy Harvin (WR) in the draft who can play outside or in the slot. Minnesota’s record has improved steadily over the last three years, now they need a QB to lead them the rest of the way.
15. New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints will always be an offensive threat as long as they have Drew Brees. I put Brees right up there with Manning and Brady. They had the league’s number one offense a year ago and only finished 8-8 and missing the playoffs. The Saints biggest issue seems to be there defense which they attempted to address in the off season. If they don’t improve the pass rush and secondary they may be looking at another season like last year. They got the CB in the draft they wanted with Malcolm Jenkins. The key for the Saints is too stay healthy and score alot of points, its the only way they will win.
14. Green Bay Packers
Most people expected Green Bay to finish better that 6-10 last year after going 13-3 the year before. Aaron Rodgers now has 16 games under his belt and I would expect he should be even better this year. Rodgers showed he could get it done and now is ‘The Man’ in Green Bay. Coach Mike McCarthy fired basically everyone on his defensive staff and brought in Dom Capers and his 3-4 scheme. Green Bay’s offense should only get better. Rodgers has the weapons in Greg Jennings and Donald Driver. Ryan Grant had a lack luster season after coming onto the scene in 2007.The key for Green Bay will be how quickly they can adjust to the 3-4. It won’t be easy but I feel Green Bay should make the playoffs this year.
13. Houston Texans
Houston is a very dangerous team offensively. Its hard to believe that have finished 8-8 the last two years. They need Matt Schaub to stay healthy. It also helps when you have Andrew Johnson, Owen Daniels, and Steve Slaton. Texas started 0-4 but went 8-4 after that with a 5-1 finish. At the end of the season Kubiak fired three defensive coaches. On the defensive side up the ball it starts up front with Mario Williams and Amobi Okoye. The new defensive coordinator brings a read and react philosophy. If the defense improves the Texans should be able to make a run into the playoffs even in tough the tough AFC South.
More to come next weekend.
Popularity: 1% [?]
MaddenFans.com NFL Power Rankings – Cont Part 4
Well another week and a lot of Madden NFL 10 information and videos all over the Internet this week. As we inch closer to the football season I hear more and more people asking me my thoughts on this coming year. We continue with our NFL power rankings. Lets take a look back on what we have so far.
32. Detroit Lions
31. Cleveland Browns
30. Kansas City Chiefs
29. St Louis Rams
28. Oakland Raiders
27. Cincinnati Bengals
26. San Francisco 49ers
25. Denver Broncos
24. Jacksonville Jaguars
23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
22. Seattle Seahawks
21. Washington Redskins
You can see our beginning article here and respectively Part 2 and Part 3.
20. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins won’t have the impact that they did last season because surprise is no longer on there side. In addition they have the toughest schedule in the NFL this season. Tony Sparano was quick to earn respect of his players. The Jets also helped them along by signing Brett Favre and allowing Chad Pennington to fall in there lap. If they can keep Pennington healthy, run the ball more effectively and get more out of the WR corps then they could still win 10 games. By no means am I calling last year a one year wonder. I think Pat White was a good pick for the type of offense they run and it’s a great possibility we could see him before year’s end.
19. Buffalo Bills
The Bills made one of the biggest moves during the offseason that just reeked of desperation signing Terrell Owens. The Bills have finished 7-9 three years in a row. You have to wonder how Dick Jauron has kept his job not to mention received a three year extension. Trent Edwards has been a great QB when he is healthy. Edwards should have a great passing game this year with Owens drawing coverage. Last year shutting down Lee Evans basically shut down there passing game. Buffalo began last season 5-1 but they also went 1-8 against teams who ran a 3-4 defense. They are in a tough division, and its imperative they take the next step.
18. NY Jets
Rex Ryan takes over as head coach after the departure of Mangini. Ryan has no head coaching experience but has been around the game his whole life learning from his father Buddy Ryan. Rex Ryan is hoping to turn the Jets into a ‘ground and pound’ team with a hardcore defense similar to the Ravens. For the second year straight there also looking to fill the void at QB. Word is Sanchez looks good enough to start and you have to think that Sanchez will be the face of the franchise in the future. Rex Ryan did go out during the offseason and make some key moves for DB’s grabbing Lito Sheppard and Donald Strickland. The one place they failed at is losing two of there hardened veterans in WR Laveranues Coles and TE Chris Baker. Anything less than a playoff run would be a disappointment for this team.
17. Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers finished 12-4 last season and basically looks the same as they did in 2008. My problem is the shellacking they took in the playoffs to Arizona. John Fox is one of the more conservative coaches in the league who believes in running first and passing only to keep the defense honest. The Panthers made no big moves in the offseason skipping FA for the most part. Delhomme who is now 34 received a 5 year extension even after the worst game in his career against the Cardinals. DeAngelo Williams returns after just an excellent season. What a shocker he didn’t make the Pro Bowl after recording 20 TD’s and over 1500 rushing yards. Steve Smith should also be mentioned here as he makes a return after racking up over 1400 yards receiving. This guy always plays bigger than his size. It will be interesting to see if Carolina can keep the momentum as John Fox has never had winning back to back seasons.
More to come next weekend
Popularity: 1% [?]
MaddenFans.com – NFL Power Rankings 2009 – Cont Part 3
We continue on in our power rankings this morning. Here is what we had so far
32. Detroit Lions
31. Cleveland Browns
30. Kansas City Chiefs
29. St Louis Rams
28. Oakland Raiders
27. Cincinnati Bengals
26. San Francisco 49ers
25. Denver Broncos
You can find our previous article here. We move now to our next four teams.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars
After last years debacle finishing 5-11 I can’t possibly put this team any higher. Even though its not been talked about you have to think Del Rio is on the hot seat. I can’t think of another player that slipped into the cellar as quickly as David Garrard as well. The Jags cleaned house in the off season dropping names like Fred Taylor, Mat Jones, and Reggie Williams. Coming off an injury plagued season last year there is still hope. They had a solid draft that should fix the holes in the offensive line that allowed Garrard to be sacked 2.7 times a game.
23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This rank might be a little low for Tampa Bay after the head scratching decisions during the off season. I am not totally convinced that Tampa Bay will do that bad. Gruden is gone and in his place comes Raheem Morris who will be the youngest coach in the NFL on opening day at the age of 33. They released five veteran players during the off season including Derrick Brooks and Warrick Dunn. The Bucs went and grabbed Josh Freeman and Roy Miller as some notables in the draft. Don’t expect to see Freeman this year though as they also brought in Byron Leftwich to compete for the starting spot against Josh McCown. The defensive line needs the most improvement as they will be playing under a different style this year.
22. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks were exposed last season not only due to injury but also as an undersized defense. This brought them to a 4-12 record, plus the signing of two DT’s that combine for over 600lbs during the offseason. I don’t doubt Jim Mora skills as coach, he has been in this situation before, remember Atlanta? I will say its unlikely the same turn around will take place. They had a key signing during the off season when they picked up Housh and also the drafting of Aaron Curry. If Hasselbeck can stay healthy there is no reason they can’t challenge the Cardinals in a weak division, but this is unlikely. Seattle has too many unanswered questions right now to be considered a serious threat.
21. Washington Redskins
What can I say about the Redskins? They start out strong but it never seems to end that way. Jason Campbell has played for seven offensive coordinators over eight years. The fact he is still in Washington is a shock for many. The Redskins tried to acquire Jay Cutler from Denver, and then attempted to move up in the draft for Mark Sanchez. Campbell has handled all of this like a pro, pay attention Cutler. The Redskins did manage to pick up Albert Haynesworth and then Brian Orakpo during the draft. The defense will keep them in games but don’t be shocked if change is on the way if the finish below .500, and it will come.
More to come a little later this week.
Popularity: 1% [?]
MaddenFans.com – NFL Power Rankings 2009 – Cont
I do apologize for not getting this article out when I said I would. Holiday here in the good ol U.S.A. and got caught up in it. Not to mention that new UFC game has peeked my interest a little. Well enough of that and on to the next four teams. You can read about the first four teams here. Lets do a quick recap.
32. Detroit Lions
31. Cleveland Browns
30. Kansas City Chiefs
29. St. Louis Rams
28. Oakland Raiders
The only person who made out good with Oakland’s draft picks was Michael Crabtree. The expression on his face when Oakland passed him was shared by many without a doubt. Tom Cable is nothing more than a yes man for Al Davis. The draft picks were a complete debacle. Word from mini-camp is Jamarcus Russell has no work ethic and Heyward-Bey can’t catch a pass to save his life. Oakland was last in pass yards per game and I doubt this is likely to change. Javon Walker had another knee surgery so count him out in the long run. Look for Garcia to be starting mid-season if not sooner if Russell doesn’t act quickly. I would have dropped them lower but insanity has to count for something.
27. Cincinnati Bengals
I have seen some boards have the Bengals ranked higher because of what the defense did last year (ranked 12th) but I am not a believer. The defense had 17 total sacks. Offensively they should be sound at least in the passing game. I will give them this they did draft well for the most part. They picked up Andre Smith who should help to protect Palmer and added Maualuga at LB and this will be a key pick if he develops. They should have kept Housh, guaranteed 100 catch guy.
26. San Francisco 49ers
San Fran finished strong going 4-1 at the end of the season. There biggest issue right now is QB. If Alex Smith or Shaun Hill can step up they are in contention to win the division. Patrick Willis will be the key for a decent pass rush from the outside linebacker spot. Expect to see Crabtree early and a lot. Mike Singletary will have much more on his plate as his style will have to last the whole season.
25. Denver Broncos
Here is a team that I am prepared to see drop in the rankings. I would have them in the first four posted but we are still talking the Denver Broncos. Josh McDaniels has a long road this season after trading Jay Cutler, even though the trade rested on the shoulders of Cutler and his whiny boy attitude. I just can’t see how anyone could be excited about any QB replacing Cutler. Denver has needs all over defense and drafted a RB with there first pick. McDaniels has some work to do with the fans. He has basically alienated himself with sending Cutler packing and paying a long snapper 1-million dollars. The free agency moves were not much better, signing guys that are doing nothing more but looking forward to retirement. This team has a lot of work to do.
The continued article with the next teams will be out later this week.
Popularity: 1% [?]
MaddenFans.com – NFL Power Rankings 2009
I figure its never too early to talk about the power rankings of the teams within the NFL. We are releasing out first power rankings starting with our first 4 teams. We will be following up with 4 more over the weekend and so on. Now don’t get this mixed up between Madden Power Rankings. This is solely as we see the NFL. Lets get started.
32. Detroit Lions
I was going to give this spot to the Browns but I just can’t get over the signing of Stafford. This is a bigger clusterfuck than when they made Matt Millen GM. That alone tells me nothing is going to change. I pointed this out in an earlier article and will do it again. With all the holes on this team there was more of a need to fill those first. With the QB talent coming out next year they could have easily picked up a QB then and for a cheaper price. I can bet you that the rookie salary cap will be in effect next year and if not then you still have better talent, no loss. Could you imagine though, Jevan Snead, at 2 million a year.
31. Cleveland Browns
Cleveland will get worse before it gets better. Mangini showed he is as bad drafting players as he is managing the games they play in. Where can we start? Hell, where can we stop? No defense worth mentioning, no running game. The names are there but the performance isn’t. For a team who was so inconsistent of the defense side of the ball you would have thought they would do more for it during the draft and free agency. The division is also something to consider. They decided to trade out of the 5th pick and then out of the 17th pick to the 19th and then finally to the 21st pick for a Center. Are you kidding?
30. Kansas City Chiefs
Just take the off season and the draft picks alone and it tells me Pioli is not the brilliant GM as everyone thought he was. Taking Tyson Jackson who wasn’t even ranked top 10 on any boards is an example. The Chiefs also switched to 3-4 defense. Did I also mention Glenn Dorsey and Tamba Hali don’t fit in this scheme? Then let’s not even talk Matt Cassell which if you ask me is nothing more than a one year wonder signed to a 6 year deal. Final straw was giving up Gonzalez at TE.
29. St Louis Rams
The Rams did the right thing in the draft filling the hole at OT with Jason Smith. This should keep Bulger on the field all year. Picking up Laurinaitis in the 2nd round was a lucky and smart move. They did really well in the draft overall. This is a rebuilding project in St. Louis and we should see them back in the playoff picture with a few years unless new ownership moves in and cleans house.
Next four teams this weekend May 23rd
Popularity: 1% [?]
MaddenFans.com Tournament – WorldGaming.com
Come join us for our first online tournament at WorldGaming.com The tournament is May 16th-17th starting at 1pm cst. If you have any questions please visit our forums here.
Popularity: 1% [?]
Oklahoma and Florida can battle for the BCS. But we’ve already crowned the true national champ.
by Rick Reilly
The Utes trampled Alabama to complete a perfect season. How are they not national champions?
Some gifts people give are pointless: Styling mousse to Dick Vitale. An all-you-can-eat card to Kate Moss. The BCS Championship given to Oklahoma or Florida.
It means nothing because the BCS has no credibility. Florida? Oklahoma? Who cares? Utah is the national champion.
The End. Roll credits.
Argue with this, please. I beg you. Find me anybody else that went undefeated. Thirteen-and-zero. Beat four ranked teams. Went to the Deep South and seal-clubbed Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. The same Alabama that was ranked No. 1 for five weeks. The same Alabama that went undefeated in the regular season. The same Alabama that Florida beat in order to get INTO the BCS Championship game in the first place.
Yeah, that’s how it is now in the shameful, money-grubbing world of college football. If you’re Florida and you beat Alabama, you get a seat in the title game. If you’re Utah, you get a seat on your sofa.
Hey, remind me: What do they give out for one of those BCS things anyway? It’s been so long since I cared. Something from Sears? This is the sixth year in the past 10 that the title has been in dispute under this cash-grab, fan-dis, monopoly that the BCS has created. Which is why the title game just doesn’t matter anymore. It’s like being named Miss Ogallala. Or Best Amish Electrician.
Just take a look at the teams that think they’re worthy of being called national champs:
USC? Great year. Wonderful. Let’s all go to SkyBar and celebrate. But it lost to Oregon State, a team Utah beat.
Texas? You think beating Ohio State by a nubby three points gets you the title? The Big Ten was 1-6 in bowl games! That’s like pinning David Spade!
Florida and Oklahoma? They lost. Utah never did.
So that’s it. Utah is the national champion. The Utes should probably have two now, actually. They went undefeated in 2004, too, and their coach still thinks they were the best team in the land. Smart fella named Urban Meyer. Coaches Florida now.
By the way, we’re calling our title the “national” championship because it actually includes the whole nation—all 119 Division I schools—unlike the BCS, which includes 66. Yeah, the BCS somehow eliminated the middleman—the NCAA. The conferences these schools play in take their dump trucks full of cash straight from the TV networks and fairness can go suck a lemon.
Do me a favor. Call Ohio State president Gordon Gee and ask him why he won’t support a playoff. He’s one of the most powerful presidents in the NCAA. He could get it done. If he says anything other than, “We don’t want to share the loot” then you know he’s lying his bow tie off.
“This is not how we normally do things in America,” says Utah president Michael Young. “In America, quality usually wins, not conspiracy. And there’s a reason people usually enter into a conspiracy. It’s money. You make money doing it. And those that are in on the conspiracy want to stay in and keep everybody else out.”
Sure, BCS blowhards will hand you schlock about how the college football season is like a playoff, how it’s an elimination tournament every week. Really? Well, how come Florida and Oklahoma weren’t eliminated with their losses? Utah ran the table, beat everybody set in front of them, including Ala-damn-bama in no less than the Sugar Bowl, and gets the bagel.
Oh, by the way? It was Utah’s eighth straight bowl win, the nation’s longest streak. Among the losers during that run? Let’s see USC, Georgia Tech, Pittsburgh, and now the legendary Houndstooth Hats.
“What else do we have to prove?” asks Utah’s magical quarterback, Brian Johnson. Good question. He and the Utes essentially whipped Alabama at home. Handed Nick Saban a garlic necklace to wear the entire offseason. Stepped on his team’s neck 21-0 in the first three possessions and never looked back. Let’s see. Who was it that was losing to Alabama until nearly six minutes into the fourth quarter? Oh, yeah. Florida.
What, you want the Utes to win a spelling bee? Make a prize-winning souffle? Knock up Angelina Jolie? What?
It just slays me. It really does.
Call Myles Brand, president of the asleep-at-the-wheel NCAA, and ask him if he and his greedy presidents are going to stand in defiance of president-elect Barack Obama, who said again this week he wants a playoff and wants it yesterday.
Call Atlantic Coast Conference commissioner and BCS bully John Swofford and ask him what he’s going to do if Obama starts asking the Justice Department to look into anti-trust violations against the BCS. The Utah attorney general has already launched an investigation into that very thing.
Ask him what he’ll do if Obama asks the Department of Education to consider withholding federal funds from these schools that have entered into his secret club. You don’t think playing in the title game means millions in general-fund donations for a school? That’s as unfair as anything Title IX fought against.
Until all these people do the right thing, I’ll be celebrating with the true national champions — the undefeated, untied Utah Utes. (Our new slogan: Utahk about a team!)
Lemonades for everybody!
Loading ...Popularity: 1% [?]
