This is another article in an ongoing partnership with our friends at AskMadden.
Free agency can have a big impact on Madden. A mid-tier Madden team can go from average to the elite ranks in a hurry. Today, we look at several examples of how this year's free-agency class has already had a big impact on teams that were not that popular within the Madden community this past season.
Cromartie to the Jets
After already having a standout secondary that included Darrel Revis and Kerry Rhodes, the Jets added to that secondary by picking up Antonio Cromartie. With all three players having the ability to cover all areas of the field, the Jets now can open up the floodgates.
But since the Jets were already a blitz-happy squad, now they should just be able to turn up the heat on every down and force more turnovers. They go from a pretty good defense to a great defense by adding the right player.
Cromartie, who rose to elite status in Madden 08, defines what every Madden gamer seeks at skill positions. A blend of speed and size, Cromartie can run with anyone and out-jump the tallest of receivers.
Oh, and those Jets linebackers are not too shabby either. Be sure to send the house when using this squad.
Boldin to the Ravens
The Ravens are similar to the Jets. The problem with such teams is that, while being stacked on defense, there is little to work with on offense.
Enter Anquan Boldin. With a power running game, a trusty tight end and serviceable wide receivers, the Ravens are one speedy back from becoming the most balanced team in the game.
Boldin has the best catch in traffic rating in the game. In the ranks of Tony Gonzalez and Marques Colston, Boldin has the size and jumping ability to snatch the ball out of the air in traffic and hang onto it. With a big arm in Joe Flacco, Boldin should excel in Madden 11 by becoming a reliable target that helps to move the chains.
Peppers to Bears
Julius Peppers is a defensive end who is over 30 years of age and is on a new team. In the NFL, history has shown that could spell doom for Peppers. In Madden, however, Peppers should propel the Bears defense back into the top five.
If you are a heavy pass rusher, you now enjoy sending Harris, Peppers, Urlacher and Briggs at the quarterback. Any one of those four should take a double team to control, meaning you can send four or five at the QB and get pressure.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Bears have a serviceable running back, great tight ends, fast receivers and Jay Cutler. Since it has been easy to move the ball on offense in recent Madden games, this offense should get you enough points to win most of the time.
Vick Starting?
The Eagles have one of the fastest offenses in the game. While the defense lacks, the offense could become the new "Greatest Show on Turf."
Obviously, Michael Vick has been discussed many times over, but the reality is that Vick is one of the best quarterbacks in the game who did not start a game last year.
If the rumors about McNabb's departure become true, Vick's ratings are going to go up. Vick's speed, throw power and all-important throw on the run rating are going to blow the roof off of the QB position.
Fear will strike your opponent's heart if he sends the house and Vick takes off on a broken play. Simply put, rolling out and hitting the deep post to DeSean Jackson could be a popular play in Madden 11.
Kampman to Jags
The Jags already have a top-10 defense in Madden 10. Adding Aaron Kampman is not going to do much to improve that high ranking. The contrary, however, is how it hurts the Packers.
The Packers have one of the best defenses in the game. You can leave Woodson and Harris alone on the outside, and Bigby will take the head off of wide receivers coming over the middle of the field. Rushing Kampman forced the offense to attack one of those three in a hurry. Taking that away and filling it with a rookie in the NFL Draft will make the Packers' defense softer. With enough time to have routes develop, gamers may start to methodically pick apart the Packers.
The Jaguars can now send nasty heat on defense with Kampman rushing behind an already serviceable defensive line. If you do manage to get the ball out in time, stay away from Mathis.
So what do you think? What teams stand to gain the most in Madden from their moves this offseason so far?