Gridiron Junkies - Blogs http://www.gridironjunkies.net/blog.php fantasy football, football, nfl, sim football, college football, nfl draft, ncaa, league en Mon, 21 May 2012 04:42:00 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.gridironjunkies.net/images/misc/rss.jpg Gridiron Junkies - Blogs http://www.gridironjunkies.net/blog.php 2012 Draft Recap and Suggs Returns Home http://www.gridironjunkies.net/blog.php?b=92 Wed, 16 May 2012 14:42:00 GMT 5/16/2012 (AP-Bismarck, ND) Bismarck Bison management recently finished up thier third rookie draft since taking over before the 2010 season. The... 5/16/2012 (AP-Bismarck, ND)

Bismarck Bison management recently finished up thier third rookie draft since taking over before the 2010 season. The draft was graded out as a "B" and one of the highest ranked drafts in the Jerry Rice Division.

The Bison went to the defensive side of the ball, with two first round picks from the defense heavy SEC in OLB/DE Melvin Ingram and CB Dre Kirkpatrick. At the time of the draft Ingram was going to be the long term replacement for the loss of OLB/DE Suggs, however, Suggs was unexpectedly brought back to Bismarck in a post draft trade with Carol City (see below). With Suggs and Dumervil at the OLB/DE position this season, QB's in the Levy Conference had better get thier heads on a swivel. Kirkpatrick with pair nicely with another first round pick from the Bison's first draft at CB in Joe Haden. This young duo should be a top CB tandem in the years to come for Bismarck.

If games are won and lost in the trenches, then the Bison feel real good about the future. The next five picks (two in the 2nd and 3 in the 5th) were all focused on either the offensive or defensive lines. G Silatolu and T Adams will be starters for thier respective NFL teams and possibly for the Bison in year one. Adams had some off the field issues, testing positive for the hippie lettuce, however, coach Meyer is confident that those issues are in the past and that Adams will be a model citizen in Bismarck.

The Bison also selected T Donaldson from Oklahoma for depth and development. DE Jared Crick, Nebraska, could go down as a steal of the draft taken in the 5th round, with Boise St. DE Crawford, also drafted in the 5th, the Bison have gotten themselves a couple of pass rushing specialists.

The 6ht and 7th round found QB Aaron Rodgers a couple of new young targets. WR's Marticn (Mich. St.) and Criner (Arizona) will have a chance to contribute on special teams and work thier way into the a wide open battle for the #2-#3 WR position.

Finally, in the 8th round the Bison feel they got a real steal in OLB Tevathan. He led the SEC in tackles for a poor Kentucky team two straight years. He will contribute on special teams and may be a suprise starter in the near future out of the 8th round.

The other big story this past week was bringing OLB/DE Terrel Suggs back to Bismarck. The Bison sent DE Long to Carol City with a couple of draft picks to reaquire the elite pass rusher in the league. The Bison felt with Williams no longer in Houston, that Long would suffer a bit of a decline as he sees more double teams on his side of the line. The Bison also felt that getting 1 year out of Suggs before his injury was worth the risk. The Bison feel they are very close to competing for a title.

With free agency coming in the near future, the Bison feel they have only a couple of spots to fill.

The season is fast appoaching and the 'Thundering Herd' is coming your way! ]]> bjinman http://www.gridironjunkies.net/blog.php?b=92 The Hialeah Tribune; New Location, Same Expectation - Vol. 20 http://www.gridironjunkies.net/blog.php?b=91 Sun, 19 Feb 2012 04:52:08 GMT The fans of the Hialeah Quiet Storm generously painted the following mural of the upcoming 2012 team on Qwest Field's North end zone which will displayed until the end of the season.

The team's management, coaches, players, fans, and city can't wait until the start of this season after a busy off-season thus far. Next up will be the much anticipated 2012 GJFL rookie draft in April followed by free agency.

]]> StalwartMIA http://www.gridironjunkies.net/blog.php?b=91 Miami Sentinel- An Offseason Look Into Your 2012 Thugs http://www.gridironjunkies.net/blog.php?b=90 Sun, 19 Feb 2012 00:45:47 GMT The Thugs set out to re-build their 16th ranked offense after a disappointing 2011 campaign. They added some play makers to their offense that... The Thugs set out to re-build their 16th ranked offense after a disappointing 2011 campaign. They added some play makers to their offense that launched them to the 9th ranked offense, champions of the Southeast Division and into the Lombardi Conference Championship. Their defense slid only two spots from #1 to #3 overall. "We envisioned our beefed up offense to get us into the playoffs and our #1 defense to win our first championship. We didn't get a shot to reach that goal because we were knocked out by a historical undefeated run by the L.A. Playas. We think we can build on our 3rd Southeast Division Title and get over the hump of the conference championship to obtain our goal, which is to win the GJFL Superbowl.", said MiamiGM.

The Thugs have had a very busy off-season thus far. The NFL lockout left a few holes on the Thugs roster that needed to be addressed. MiamiGM hit the ground running by filling two major holes with one trade; they acquired Pro-Bowler London Fletcher and starting center David Baas.

The injury to Pro-Bowl DT Kyle Williams let a huge hole in the defensive front that needed to be addressed. The Thugs made a blockbuster trade with the Oklahoma Outlaws that sent young stud Connor Barwin, Randy McMichael, and Steve Breaston for Marcus Colston, Aaron Maybin, Kameron Wimbley, Paul Soliai, and a 2013 1st round pick.

MiamiGM went on record saying that they were not interested in trading Connor Barwin but the deal was too good to pass up. With the acquisition of Colston, the Thugs were able to move Reggie Wayne and Brandon Gibson for Miles Austin. Also, the Thugs sent Ryan Mathews for a 2012 3rd round pick and 2013 1st and welcomed back fan favorite Mike Sims-Walker for a late round pick.

Expect the Thugs to be active in free agency and make a few draft day trades. They have publically tried to move out of the 4th spot and will try to closer to the draft. ]]> MiamiGM http://www.gridironjunkies.net/blog.php?b=90 Bison Getting Offensive; Search For A Coach Continues http://www.gridironjunkies.net/blog.php?b=89 Sat, 28 Jan 2012 18:31:20 GMT 1/28/2012 (AP-Bismarck, ND) The Bismarck Bison have been anything but quiet this off-season. The latest moves come on the heels of the Bison... 1/28/2012 (AP-Bismarck, ND)

The Bismarck Bison have been anything but quiet this off-season. The latest moves come on the heels of the Bison cleaning out the front offices and coaches office.

The first move will help the Bison replace soon to free agent TE Zach Miller. Miller has been a big part of the Bison passing attack the past two season and will be missed. Miller is expected to ask for a contract starting at $2 Million this offseason and it appears that Bismarck is willing to invest that and more as they welcome TE Tony Gonzalez. The Springfield Hitmen sent the veteran TE to Bismarck for a 2012 4th round pick.

The pairing of Gonzalez with star WR Calvin Johnson will make for a dynamic duo of playmakers for QB Aaron Rodgers to find on Thursday nights.

Bismarck also went out and got the OLB help they were looking for in a deal with the Jacksonville Waterboys. The Bison sent talented WR Jeremey Maclin to Jacksonville in exchange for a couple of young players with a lot of upside. OLB's Phillip Wheeler and Ahmed Brooks were aquired in the deal along with a 2012 5th round draft pick in exchange for Maclin.

The Bison's front seven is starting to take place with DE's Dumervil and Chris Long, DT's McBean, Eric Foster, and Tony Brown. The LB's will consist of ILB Navarro Bowman and OLB's Wheeler and Brooks. There is still a chance the Bison could look for another OLB or DE which would allow a lot of freedon to move Dumervil around.

In the final deal of the week, the Bison sent OLB Sean Witherspoon, FB Greg Jones, RB Maurice Morris, and a 2012 7th round pick to Lake Shore Drive in exchange for the young and talented G Jon Asamoah and FB LeRon McClain. This deal will really help solidify and give some depth the Bison offensive line.

The O-line is looking really good for opening holes for RB's Chris Johnson and newly aquired rookie Mark Ingram. The line will be C Scott Wells, T's Donald Penn and Michael Oher, and G's Asamoah and Dan Connelly.

The Bison are going to have a ton of cap room and look to be very active in free agency to address a couple of needs yet at the D-line and in the secondary. And don't be suprised if they make a play for a top WR before the start of the 2012 campaign! ]]> bjinman http://www.gridironjunkies.net/blog.php?b=89 Outlaws revamp defense http://www.gridironjunkies.net/blog.php?b=88 Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:21:13 GMT
Outlaws Offseason Update
Published: Thursday, January 26, 2012, 10:15 AM
Karl Hungus, Oklahoma Outlaws Team Reporter
The Outlaws today completed two more trades revamping thier already stout defense. Team president Jim Kelly had this to say:

"After a dissapointing finish last season, we felt changes had to be made. We needed to regroup, clear some cap room and bring in talent that would help us towards thepush for the Tillman trophy in the coming season".

And boy did they.

The Outlaws defense now boasts a secondary consisting of Darrelle Revis, Charles Woodson, Kyle Arrington, and Ed Reed. Ouch. At LB the team upgraded the departure of Cameron Wake with Connor Barwin who will team with Clay Matthews and Patrick Willis to form a pretty intimidating group. Lastly, to pair with double-digit sack artists Cliff Avril and Chris Clemons the Outlaws brought in Justin Smith. This defense is going to be nasty.

On offense the team returns most thier starters. The biggest losses will be Colston at WR and Forte at RB, but with Nicks and Harvin ready to step in and new addition Willis "baby-mama-drama" McGahee the coaches dont anticipate much dropoff.

Kelly doesnt anticipate too much more being done apart filling a few depth positions. This should be an interesting season!
]]> Devin http://www.gridironjunkies.net/blog.php?b=88 The Hialeah Tribune; New Location, Same Expectation - Vol. 19 http://www.gridironjunkies.net/blog.php?b=87 Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:31:02 GMT Early off-season moves have turned the Quiet Storm from good team with yearly playoff expectations to possible GJFL Championship contenders.

The Quiet Storm are tied with the second most wins in the Lombardi Conference during the past two seasons since new management relocated the franchise to Hialeah. The only team that the Quiet Storm trails in victories is the Los Angeles Playas, who have won the past two GJFL Championships.

"We know we have a good team. We are contenders and a hard to team to beat. However, we knew we had to make some roster moves if we are to compete with the Playas and realistically challenge for the top spot in the coming years," said General Manager Ozzie Newsome.

The Quiet Storm have done a plethora of roster moves since trading opened up in mid-January.

The team's moves are as follows:

Trade 1:

Quiet Storm receives DE Brian Robison & CB Drew Coleman
352's receive RB Willis McGahee and OT Jammal Brown

Analysis: "We needed a young and cheap DE to start alongside All-Pro Jared Allen. Robison had 8 sacks and is signed to .200 next season and was an excellent addition to this team. Adding Robison with Allen and DT starters Kevin Williams and Ahtyba Rubin, will make this one of the best defensive lines in the GJFL. Coleman will come in and provide great CB depth for this team at an inexpensive salary, also .200. McGahee was expendable as he would have been the backup running back to Michael Turner and Brown was too expensive for his 2011 production," said Newsome.

Trade 2:

Quiet Storm receives RB Isaac Redman & WR Early Doucet
Lancers receive S Charles Peprah

Analysis: "We targeted Redman as soon as the season ended. After the trade of McGahee, Redman will become the clear cut backup RB behind Turner and just ahead of rookie Daniel Thomas on the running back depth chart. Acquiring Doucet in this deal was also very appealing to us. Doucet and his 600+ receiving yards and 5 TD's will give the team another cheap weapon (.200 salary) in the WR corps led by All-Pro Larry Fitzgerald and Kenny Britt. Trading Peprah wasn't easy based on his 2011 production, however, we are loaded at the Safety position and our depth is among the best in the league at this position," said Newsome.

Trade 3:

Quiet Storm receives OT Jordan Gross & 2012 5th round (23)
Razors receive ILB Karlos Dansby and S Glover Quin

Analysis: "We were very happy to acquire Gross from Little Rock. Gross is a 9 or 10 rated OT. We have never started a player at OT that was higher than a 6 rated player so this is a major hole that we felt we filled with Gross. Unfortunately we had to deal one of our favorite players in ILB Karlos Dansby but with our depth at ILB, we felt the move needed to be made and financially also. Quin is a young up-and-coming Safety but our depth at his position helped us make this deal," said Newsome.

Trade 4:

Quiet Storm receive 2012 2nd Round (19) & 2012 7th Round (13)
Lancers receive OG Justin Blalock

Analysis: "This move was purely made for salary reasons. We loved Blalock and was a leader on our offensive line but we felt we could use his $3 million 2012 salary in other parts on our roster due to the fact that we already have starters Wade Smith and Zane Beadles at OG on this team. Once we got a valuable 2012 2nd round pick in return, we had to make the move," said Newsome.

Trade 5:

Quiet Storm receive OG Rob Sims, WR TJ Houshmazadeh, 2012 4th Round (10), & 2013 7th Round (tbd)
Razors receive DE Corey Liuget and WR Arrelious Benn

Analysis: "Fresh off the heels of trading OG Blalock, the team quickly moved and traded for OG Sims. Sims is rated the same as Blalock, is virtually the same age, started every game, and most importantly his salary is at half the price. Sims will now start alongside Smith with Beadles playing the role of utility backup which ultimately strengthens this team. WR Houshmazadeh is nothing more than a salary cap assistance to the Razors and has already been told he will be released prior to Free Agency. Trading Liuget and Benn was not something we set out to do but felt needed and could be done now based on team depth and their underwhelming 2011 production," said Newsome.

Trade 6:

Quiet Storm receive TE Dennis Pitta
Owls receive DT Frank Okam and 2013 6th Round (tbd)

Analysis: "Once Pitta became available via the Owls trade block, we quickly came calling. Pitta had a good second season amassing 40 receptions and 2 TDs primarily as a backup. Pitta will provide our team with a great backup to All-Pro TE Jimmy Graham. Pitta will also be mentored by veteran Chris Cooley, who we are hoping will have an injury free 2012 and add greatly to this unit. Okam was an expendable player on our D-Line even though based on age and cheap salary, would have been a contributing player on our line this season," said Newsome.

Trade 7:

Quiet Storm receive ILB David Hawthorne, DT Jovan Haye, & 2012 6th Round (10)
Mustangs receive OLB Anthony Spencer, ILB Jovan Belcher, DT Antonio Dixon, and 2012 5th Round (23)

Analysis: "We wanted Hawthorne from the minute we saw he became available. Hawthorne is young and has a cheap salary and will match the productivity this team has had at this position for years from the now traded Dansby. Hawthorne should be rated a 7 or 8 at least in 2012. Haye will provide this team with depth at DT. We did have to deal three players that were definitely part of our future but to get a player like Hawthorne we had to make the move. Spencer and Belcher are coming off impressive 2011 seasons while Dixon should be competing for starter's minutes after an injury plagued season. However Dixon's high salary did not fit our future plans," said Newsome.

Trade 8:

Quiet Storm receives 2012 3rd Round (22) & 2013 2nd Round (tbd)
Outlaws receive S Ed Reed

Analysis: "This trade was the hardest decision ever made by this organization. Reed is the best safety in the game. However, we have an incredible amount of depth on this team at safety with starters Antoine Bethea, Kam Chancellor, and Chris Crocker roaming around in our secondary. Being that Reed had already been signed to two contracts and had to be re-signed for a minimum of 3 seasons at $10 million each year, the team decided to get great value for him now as opposed to letting him walk via Free Agency," said Newsome.

Trade 9:

Quiet Storm receives S Deon Grant
Mustangs receive 2012 7th Round (16)

Analysis: "After dealing Reed earlier, we decided to acquire Grant to add another productive player for our depth purposes. Grant might be RFA'd and only having to deal a mid-7th round pick is worth the gamble for us," said Newsome.

Not to be lost in all these deals is the fact that this team was able to re-coup valuable draft picks and save almost $15 million in salary cap this season and rid themselves of some cap guzzling contracts in future seasons.

Expect more moves by this franchise, although probably not at this franctic pace. Looking for CB and OT depth. ]]> StalwartMIA http://www.gridironjunkies.net/blog.php?b=87 The Hialeah Tribune; New Location, Same Expectation - Vol. 18 http://www.gridironjunkies.net/blog.php?b=86 Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:45:02 GMT The Quiet Storm makes playoffs; and quick exit.

Following an impressive inaugural season in 2010 that saw the Quiet Storm advance to the 2nd round of the Lombardi Conference playoffs, the Hialeah franchise once again qualified for the Lombardi crown.

The Quiet Storm produced an impressive 10-6 record, a one game improvement from their previous season. At 10-6, the Quiet Storm tied the Miami Thugs and Jacksonville Waterboys with the second best conference record behind only the undefeated Los Angeles Playas.

The team faced the Waterboys in the Wild-Card matchup, # 4 vs. #5 game. Unfortunately for the Quiet Storm, they lost and did not advance to the 2nd round as they did in the previous season.

"Even though we did not win the championship or even advance further in the playoffs, we felt that we had an outstanding season. With some moves in the off-season to improve this roster, we will definitely be back in contention in 2012," said Head Coach Howard Schellenberger.

Expect the Quiet Storm to contend for the Lombardi Conference once again in 2012. ]]> StalwartMIA http://www.gridironjunkies.net/blog.php?b=86 Bismarck Sees Changes Early in the 2012 Offseason http://www.gridironjunkies.net/blog.php?b=85 Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:13:35 GMT 1/20/12 (AP-Bismarck, ND) After another disappointing playoff showing, Bison owner Brian Inman moved swiftly as the entire front office and coaching... 1/20/12 (AP-Bismarck, ND) After another disappointing playoff showing, Bison owner Brian Inman moved swiftly as the entire front office and coaching staff was relieved of thier duties.

"We wanted a change and we decided to really shake it up and bring in local guys that know Bismarck and know what we are looking to do here," Inman said.

The assistants and coordinators have been named, but the search for a new GM and Head Coach is ongoing. The Bison have expressed interest in Billies OC Jim Inman and Head Coach Dan Smerkar. The Bison will use this as a platform to ask permission to talk to one or both in the near future.

The first moves made this off-season by Inman were to remove $20 million in cap space by trading OLB/DE Terrell Suggs and G Logan Mankins to the Covicts in two seperate deals. The Bison got in return DE/DT Ryan McBean, 2012 1st and 4th rounders, and 2013 3rd and 5th rounders.

In a seperate deal with the Mustangs the Bison acquired rookie RB Mark Ingram to back up Chris Johnson and S Reed Doughty. Bismarck sent rookie TE/FB Charles Clay, 2012 6th round pick, and of the five 2013 3rd round picks to Ocala.

The Bison appear to be in the need for a starting G, DT, OLB, and S going forward. Will they wait for FA, RFA, or fill those needs through further trades in the next few weeks? ]]> bjinman http://www.gridironjunkies.net/blog.php?b=85 The Mustangs EXPRESS http://www.gridironjunkies.net/blog.php?b=84 Wed, 11 Jan 2012 02:19:05 GMT 2012 Off-season prior to 2012 GJFL season.

OFF-SEASON GOALS

Accomplished

1.) Acquire STUD offensive player to join Cam Newton (CHECK: acquired LeSean McCoy)


2.) Acquire 2-3 WRs (CHECK: acquired Jabar Gaffney with his 950 yards and James Jones with his 7 TDs)




3.) Acquire DE to pair with Corey Redding or Karl Klug (CHECK: got Dwight Freeney, hoping for bounceback)


4.) Acquire backup TE for Jermichael Finley (CHECK: I acquired Charles Clay, a young TE with much upside)


5.) Acquire extra 1st round pick (CHECK: I acquried an extra 1st but note, I traded another 1st rd pick to get Mccoy)

Still Waiting

6.) Acquire OT to pair with Doug Free

7.) Trade QB Michael Vick in right deal

8.) Acquire OLB and another ILB to solidfy linebacking corps

9.) Acquire STUD defensive player to join OLB Aldon Smith (note. fulfilled with Freeney but he is coming off season where we all know he can do better)

10.) Try to have at least $10 million dollars of cap space for free agency (note. i currently do have this but I am sure the number will go up and down until FA comes) ]]> Decipher http://www.gridironjunkies.net/blog.php?b=84 12/22/2011 - Changes in RattleSnake Front Office http://www.gridironjunkies.net/blog.php?b=83 Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:37:26 GMT With the 2011 GJFL season officially over, the Pittsburgh RattleSnakes decided it was time to make some minor and major changes in their front office... With the 2011 GJFL season officially over, the Pittsburgh RattleSnakes decided it was time to make some minor and major changes in their front office structure. Mike has decided it was time to step aside and bring in a real GM with a great football IQ to bring this team to elite status. Mike, who is still the Owner, will hold the title of owner and President, added a new GM and Asst. GM/Director of Player Personnel.

The new GM of the Pittsburgh RattleSnakes is:

Eric DeCosta


Eric - "It is a great honor and privilege for me to be the new GM of the RattleSnakes. This team has a great young core, with a very bright future. I am excited to be working with a great owner in Mike, who has built this team from the ground up, and in the last couple years has down a remarkable job building a great young core. I will look to add to that, as well as add some strong veteran presence to a good team."

The Rattlesnakes would also like to announce the hiring of Assistant General Manager and Director of Player Personnel:

Doug Whaley


Doug - "I would like to thank Mike for this opportunity, an opportunityi am very excited for. A chance to come here to Pittsburgh, a place i played my college football, was the perfect chance and opportunity. I am excited to work with Eric, together we will put together a team that will be exciting to watch, and a team that will win football games. We are ready to tackle this thing head on, and are excited for the 2012 campaign. I would like to thank Mike for this

Mike - "The Rattlesnakes are excited to be adding these 2 guys to our Front Office. These 2 guys, Eric and Doug, will help this team move away from the bottom of the GJFL and into an elite status. I have all the confidence in the world that they will help to right the ship. Its an exciting day here in Pittsburgh."


Coaching Staff:
Head Coach - Mike Tomlin
Asst. Head Coach/D-Coordinator- Leslie Frazier
Linebackers - Darryl Talley
Defensive Backs - Ronnie Lott
Defensive Line - Bruce Smith

Offensive Coordinator - Mike McCarthy
Offensive Line - Kent Hull
QB Coach - Frank Reich
RB Coach - Thurman Thomas
WR Coach - Lynn Swann
TE Coach - Shannon Sharp

Strength and Conditioning - Rusty Jones
Special Teams - Hershall Walker


Bring on 2012!! ]]> DieHrdBillsFan23 http://www.gridironjunkies.net/blog.php?b=83 Miami Sentinel - Playoff Edition http://www.gridironjunkies.net/blog.php?b=82 Sat, 26 Nov 2011 00:25:58 GMT The Thugs sent a case of their finest 40oz beer to the Carol City Convicts who defeated the Jacksonville Waterboys this week. Defying all odds, the Miami Thugs have clinched a first round bye for the first time in franchise history. They have also earned the Southeast Division title for 3rd time in the 5 seasons of being in the division and a playoff berth for the 4th time in 6 seasons. The Thugs thought they had no chance at a division title so they started Trent Edwards in the place of Matt Ryan in the final game of the season. Little did they know, the Carol City Convicts had a few tricks up their sleeves and pulled off the victory. The Thugs pulled off the win with Edwards behind the wheel against the Tampa Bay Bulldogs which sealed their fate into being the 2011 Southeast Division Champions.

After missing the playoffs last season, the Thugs were determined to make a splash in 2011. They made quite a few off-season moves that beefed up both sides of the ball.

The Thugs look to make some noise by using their first round bye and home field advantage in the second round to get deep in the playoffs. They will most likely play Buffalo but are also preparing for either Jacksonville or Hialeah.

Shaun Phillips was named the team's MVP, racking up a staggering 20 sacks this season. The Thugs wonder where Troy Polamalu went this season by only getting 33 tackles and 0 INT's. They hope that he can step up his game this post season.

:yahoo: ]]> MiamiGM http://www.gridironjunkies.net/blog.php?b=82 The Hialeah Tribune; New Location, Same Expectation - Vol. 17 http://www.gridironjunkies.net/blog.php?b=81 Sat, 01 Oct 2011 06:28:28 GMT Hialeah Quiet Storm pull off 3 trades as trade deadline approached

The Hialeah Quiet Storm have been one of the best teams in the first half of the 2011 GJFL season. Through the season's first 8 games, the team has started with a 6-2 record. This record is good enough to rank the Quiet Storm with the second best record in the Lombardi Conference. Unfortunately, just like last season when the Quiet Storm had the second best record in the conference at season's end, the franchise in Los Angeles is once again #1 in the conference with an impressive 8-0 start. As a result of LA being #1, if the playoffs were to start right now, the Quiet Storm would once again be the #4 seed, even with a better record than the conference's two other division winners. The latter doesn't seem to be in the team's thoughts at the present moment however.

"We are not thinking about playoffs right now. There is too much season to be played to do that," said Head Coach Howard Schellenberger. "We are doing well but we have a lot of issues right now with the team that need to be corrected and improved upon."

With that in mind, the Quiet Storm pulled off 3 trades as the trade deadline approached this week that they feel will help them compete throughout the latter half of the season.

In their first trade since the off-season, the Quiet Storm acquired Cornerback Rashean Mathis and Defensive Tackle Frank Okam along with 2 draft picks from the Deerfield Owls for Cornerback Patrick Robinson, Center Jason Brown, and 2 draft picks.

"The acquisition of Mathis was needed for this team. Mathis (7) brings to this team one of the best nickelbacks in the game and provides valuable insurance to our starters Richard Marshall (7) and Corey Webster (7). This move also gives us the opportunity to bring Glover Quin and Phillip Buchanon as our fourth and fifth cornerback spots easily making this unit a deep and talented group," said General Manager Ozzie Newsome.

The departure of Brown left the team with a hole at the Center position so the team set its sights on Center Chris Myers. Myers (7) was acquired in a trade with the Bismarck Bison for three future draft picks. Myers immediately will step into the starting lineup and provide in an improvement to a offensive line that needed some positive tinkering.

Once Myers was acquired, the team decided to move Guard and Center Richie Incognito to the Ocala Mustangs for two future draft picks.

"We have been targeting Myers for awhile now. Once we traded Brown we decided to aggressively pursue Myers. We needed his experience and athleticism to improve an already solid offensive line," said Newsome.

The second half of the 2011 GJFL season begins NOW! ]]> StalwartMIA http://www.gridironjunkies.net/blog.php?b=81 Tampa Makes Move For Shonn Greene... http://www.gridironjunkies.net/blog.php?b=80 Sat, 24 Sep 2011 00:26:38 GMT This GM has made questionable moves since being hired back in April of 2010. GM - Joey Calzone had this to say, "I felt that for the rest of the way this year and the years to follow, Greene will play a role into making us a good team. We made this deal because we have 2 number two picks in the 2012 draft. This deal came together very fast and I was going back and forth with what to do and then at 4:20 today I decided let's do it! Many may say we over payed but at the same time it's never a give me that your going to hit a home run on a draft pick. To all the other GM's in this great league, good luck the rest of the way!!! ]]> Franco http://www.gridironjunkies.net/blog.php?b=80 New Leader running the Phantoms offense http://www.gridironjunkies.net/blog.php?b=79 Sat, 17 Sep 2011 14:34:43 GMT On 9/16/11, the PPP dealt QB Peyton Manning, CB Charles Woodson, and a 2013 8th round pick to Lake Shore 352's for QB Drew Brees, DT Fili Moala, a 2013 3rd and 5th round pick. It sad to see Manning and Woodson depart Pembroke Pines. However, the Pines thank them for their contributions.


On to a different look, Welcome


QB Drew Brees

Brees similar to Manning will keep the Phantoms with a elite and consistent QB at the healm.

The Phantoms would also embrace new acquisition Moala, who should get some immediate playing time and provides Phantoms with more depth on D-Line. ]]> Maverick http://www.gridironjunkies.net/blog.php?b=79 The Scythe- Week 2 Analysis http://www.gridironjunkies.net/blog.php?b=78 Fri, 19 Aug 2011 23:44:28 GMT Week 2 was a much different game then week 1. Darren McFadden Continues to stuggle running the ball, and the Reapers said they are looking for ways... Week 2 was a much different game then week 1. Darren McFadden Continues to stuggle running the ball, and the Reapers said they are looking for ways to get him more involved. the Predators had Adrian Peterson out, which meant Bruce Gradkowski had to take over the game. That didnt end up happening as the Reapers beat the Predators 14-10.

The Grim Reapers defense was solid. Holding Erie under 100 yards rushing and just over 200 yards passing.

The Offense was lacking though.... ground game went no-where and the passing game wasnt up to par. Palmer throwing 2 INTs didnt help anything.

Grim Reapers MVP:
Brandon Lloyd. 5 catches for 66 yards and 1 TD. ]]> RyanDaRaider http://www.gridironjunkies.net/blog.php?b=78