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Email Update 8/1/02 Volume 3 Issue # 48
Today's E-Mail is brought to you by FFChamps.com, Winner's of FF
Index Magazine's Expert Poll and sponsor's of the $5,000 Champ's
Challenge. They are good guys, and know what they're
talking about, check them out! Recently, I sat down with them to get
some of their insights for the upcoming year. You can read the
Interview right on our site, check it out!
Joe Bryant
Here's what they have to say today:
How do you know who's rankings are the most accurate?
Last year, we ranked David Boston at 8, Marcus Pollard at 9, Qadry
Ismail at 16 and begged our followers to draft Ahman Green in the 1st
round, all in the pre-season! We used those rankings to win last
year's FF Index Expert's Poll, beating the top 19 Experts in
the industry. To see who we like this year, go to - www.FFCPI.com
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
IN THIS ISSUE
1. Vikings Tight Ends Talented
2. Favre Finds New Friends
3. Pittman back at practice
4. Anthony Thomas: 2000 yards?
5. Players praise Portis' prowess
6. Ed McCaffrey Update
7. Donte Stallworth pulls hamstring
8. Bob Harris on RB Battles
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
1. Vikings Tight Ends Talented
Clipped from an article by Bill Williamson of Twincities.com
"It amazes me to see, as a whole, the talent in this group,'' said
Green, a former Pro Bowl tight end working with Vikings tight end
coach John Tice as part of the NFL coaching fellowship. "They really
have a lot to offer and I haven't seen a group with that many
weapons."
�Kleinsasser, the primary blocking tight end, will share the
starting job with pass specialist Byron Chamberlain. Tice said you
can't call one the true starter, but in this offense it doesn't
matter. When it comes to tight ends, anything goes�
�It also will free Chamberlain, who has a reputation of having
perhaps the best hands of all the league's tight ends, to catch more
passes. He often will line up as an extra receiver.
[[[[[[[[[[[[[ LUEBKE'S VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]]]]
The Vikings tight ends should once again be productive this season.
With the loss of Cris Carter, the Vikings will need the tight ends to
help convert first downs and move the chains. Chamberlain will once
again be an integral part of the offense, especially with Randy Moss
and Derrick Alexander stretching the field. Marcus Pollard has been
grabbing the attention of owners in early fantasy football drafts
this season. Look for Chamberlain to move up on draft boards during
the preseason to join the likes of Gonzalez and Pollard.
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
2. Favre Finds New Friends
Clipped from an article by Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal-
Sentinel
In a matter of six weeks, Favre must develop chemistry with a
revamped receiving corps, a group which collectively has started two
games and caught 50 passes with the three-time MVP under center.
Favre is almost working from scratch with his new receivers, but the
guys who have replaced Antonio Freeman, Bill Schroeder and Corey
Bradford have physical attributes the previous group can't match.
"They work hard, they pay attention, they take what we go over in
meetings and bring it to the field," Favre said. "The competition is
only going to make them better and the only question mark is
inexperience.
[[[[[[[[[[[[[ LUEBKE'S VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]]]]
Favre's receiving corps is one of the biggest questions that
fantasy owners must try to decipher throughout the preseason. The
current receivers are the most talented that Favre has worked with in
his tenure at Green Bay. I've been one of Favre's biggest
advocates during the off-season and look for him to have a big
season. Look for Favre to lead this talented, inexperienced group
and have an excellent season. Expect inconsistency during the early
part of the season until Favre and the receivers build a quality
rapport in game situations. Terry Glenn is firmly entrenched as the
#1 receiver. Robert Ferguson and Donald Driver are battling for the
#2 job.
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
3. Pittman back at practice
Clipped from an article at buccaneers.com
Though he was expected to miss a few more days of work at the Tampa
Bay Buccaneers training camp at Disney's Wide World of Sports
Complex, Pittman had his practice garb on and his shoes spatted when
the team began its second practice on Wednesday. He seemed determined
to practice despite still in the middle of recovering from an ankle
sprain suffered Monday morning.
However, after the hard-nosed running back jogged a little bit and
caught some passes in the `pat-n-go' sessions, Running Backs
Coach Kirby Wilson shut him down. Pittman spent the rest of the two-
hour session watching from behind the huddle and growing increasingly
impatient to get back in action.
"It's not completely healed," he admitted afterward.
"I'm probably at about 87%, around there. Hopefully by
tomorrow it will be at 90% or so and I'll be ready to practice a
little bit. I was going to try to practice today but my coach
wouldn't let me go in there. He's just looking out for the
best for me. It was a little frustrating, but I'll be back out there
soon.
[[[[[[[[[[[[[ LUEBKE'S VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]]]]
"I'm probably at 87%". Wow, that's precision.
Pittman has battled injuries throughout his career because of his
intense, hard nosed running style. He should return to full strength
within the next few days and play in the team's first preseason
game. This should not affect Pittman's stock in your upcoming
drafts.
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
4. Anthony Thomas: 2000 yards?
Clipped from an article by Jay Mariotti of the Chicago Sun-Times
You expected him to wince, shake his head in horror, juke past the
loaded question, dash away as if being stalked by three carnivorous
linebackers. "Is it possible,'' someone asked Anthony Thomas in the
withering Wednesday heat, "that you'll reach 2,000 yards this year?''
Two thousand yards. We'll assume it was a reference to combined
yardage, rushing and receiving, though who can tell in these parts?
The concept hung like steam in the rural morning air, causing some of
us to smirk and chuckle as we awaited an answer on the practice
field. But guess who wasn't laughing?
"We'll see what happens,'' said Thomas, nodding as he absorbed the
challenge. "We've got a lot of people around me this year that are
going to open things up for me. We've got Marcus [Robinson] back.
We've got David [Terrell]. We've got Jim Miller throwing. I'm getting
myself in the best shape possible to give it my best shot.
[[[[[[[[[[[[[ LUEBKE'S VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]]]]
Every year there is speculation of running backs reaching 2,000 yards
and Thomas is the first subject this year. Take this speculation
with a grain of salt. Look for Thomas to have a solid season, but
remain a good distance from 2,000 yards. There's no need to
consider drafting Thomas before Faulk, Green, Alexander and Williams.
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
5. Players praise Portis' prowess
Clipped from an article by Adam Schefter of the Denver Post
Portis is "fast - fast as lightning," defensive end Trevor Pryce
said. "He's like (former Raiders running back) Napoleon Kaufman out
there. Devastatingly fast."
"He's going to be a great back, there's no doubt about that," running
back Terrell Davis said. "He is going to be a star on this level, no
doubt. He has all the attributes you would want in a running back.
He's not a big guy, but he's quick, he has great balance, he has
powerful legs and, like myself, he's very controlled in his running.
[[[[[[[[[[[[[ LUEBKE'S VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]]]]
Portis is a must for any Terrell Davis owner this season. He's
been drawing rave reviews during the early part of training camp and
could be the next great Broncos running back. Of course, training
camp is much different than game situations and Portis must excel in
game situations to jump ahead of Olandis Gary on the depth chart.
We'll keep you updated on this situation.
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
6. Ed McCaffrey Update
Clipped from an article by Lee Rasizer and Lynn Debruin of the Rocky
Mountain News
The limp is slowly disappearing while the old Ed McCaffrey continues
to resurface at training camp.
"The first couple practices I kind of thought about it. What should I
do? What should I not do?," the Broncos wide receiver said Wednesday,
10 � months after a broken left leg ended his 2001 season. "Then I
just said, 'You know, if I'm out there, I have to do everything.' And
I'm just going as hard as I can every play."
[[[[[[[[[[[[ LUEBKE'S VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]]]]
This is encouraging news for not only Ed McCaffrey, but also Brian
Griese and Rod Smith. Griese struggled last season trying to connect
with Rod Smith through constant double and triple teams. If
McCaffrey can emerge on the opposite side of the field, Griese will
have a full arsenal of weapons with Smith, McCaffrey, Sharpe and a
solid running game. McCaffrey has been slipping into rounds 6-8 in
fantasy drafts lately and is a great value at this stage. Look for
his draft stock to rise as the preseason progresses.
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
7. Donte Stallworth pulls hamstring
Clipped from an article by Don Hammack of the Sun Herald
Rookie wide receiver Dont� Stallworth walked gingerly to the
locker room midway through Wednesday night's practice.
Stallworth signed a six-year contract worth nearly $9 million early
Monday morning. Stallworth was running a fly pattern down the left
sideline when he pulled up and ripped off his helmet in disgust.
"He's got a hamstring," coach Jim Haslett said coming off the
field. "I don't know how long it's going to be. Time will tell."
[[[[[[[[[[[[ LUEBKE'S VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]]]]
This is not a good sign for any receiver, especially a rookie
receiver trying to make an impact. Stallworth is battling Jerome
Pathon for the #2 job opposite Joe Horn. This will be a big setback
in his battle to start on opening day. Keep in mind, hamstrings have
a tendency to linger. Rookie receivers rarely make an impact. Keep
an eye on this situation as the preseason progresses. We'll keep
you updated. This is good news for the value of Jerome Pathon.
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
and now I turn over the update to Bob Harris.....Scott Luebke
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
The second of a five-part series previewing some of this year's
more interesting training camp battles � both traditional and non-
traditional -- from a Fantasy perspective. This week: Running Backs.
Arizona Cardinals: Thomas Jones vs. "Recent History"
After spending his first two seasons as a pro languishing behind
Michael Pittman, it's do or die time for Jones, who must produce
in the wake of Pittman's offseason departure.
The good news? If nothing else, the former first-round draft pick
walks into a great situation. In addition to working behind an
immense and improving offensive line, Jones will also benefit from
David Boston's emergence as one of the league's most
dangerous receivers. Plus, head coach Dave McGinnis is firmly in his
corner.
The coach truly seems to believe a bulked-up Jones (he reportedly
added more than 10 pounds of muscle to his frame over the offseason)
is ready to quiet the critics who claim he isn't tough enough to
run effectively between the tackles. "The ability is there," McGinnis
said. "Now it's his turn and his job, so he has to show he can do
it."
Atlanta Falcons: Warrick Dunn vs. (T.J. Duckett vs. "A Rookie
Holdout")
Do you suppose the Falcons were a little disappointed when Dunn blew
off the last month of their "voluntary-but-str
ongly-encouraged" offseason workout program in order to spend
some time with the folks back home?
Do you think Dunn forgot that Atlanta made him one of the
league's highest paid backs just a couple of months before?
Or did his absence have something to do with the decision to select
another running back -- T.J. Duckett -- in the first round of
April's draft?
My guess says the answer to all three questions is a
resounding "Yes!"
As surprising as the decision to select a running back in the first
round of April's draft might have been at the time, it makes
perfect sense in hindsight. After all, Duckett, who turned in one of
the most impressive workouts of the year back in March, (He covered
40 yards in 4.4-seconds despite tipping the scales at what one scout
described as a "rock-solid 250 pounds") is precisely the kind of
hammer Dan Reeves has always coveted.
Even if Dunn winds up getting more touches this year, I'll be very
surprised if Duckett isn't on the field in short-yardage and goal
line situations -- as long as he doesn't engage in an extended
contract holdout.
Which brings us to the preliminary bout. According to the Atlanta
Journal Constitution, the Falcons aren't even close to reaching an
agreement with the big fella. In fact, they haven't even heard from
him since early this month.
''We don't know what gap it might be, inasmuch we haven't heard from
[Duckett's] agent since we submitted an offer two Mondays ago,''
Falcons executive vice president and chief administrative officer Ray
Anderson said. "Their initial response was, 'We don't like it, and
we're going to see what happens with other guys.' The ball is in
their court."
The fact that Duckett's agent, Joel Segal, often advises clients to
hold out when he believes it's necessary makes this situation even
more worrisome. Keep an eye on this one before you make any final
decisions on draft day.
Baltimore Ravens: Jamal Lewis vs. "Reconstructive Knee Surgery"
According to recent reports, Lewis, who suffered a season-ending knee
injury last August, is back. In fact, the former first-round draft
reportedly generated considerable optimism by looking much better
than expected during a series of voluntary workouts held near the end
of May. The Baltimore Sun reported at the time that a more confident
Lewis ran with much greater ease than he had during an April
minicamp.
"I'm able to do a lot more because I've been able doing my offseason
training, working pretty hard on the football drills and things that
I'm really going to need," Lewis explained. "I'll be 100 percent by
training camp."
Sounds pretty positive. So does the fact that team officials went
ahead and released an overweight Jason Brookins shortly after that
voluntary session.
Although I usually do my best to "let" somebody else draft running
backs coming off torn ACLs, the fact that Lewis, who underwent
reconstructive surgery on his right knee as a sophomore at Tennessee,
is intimately familiar with such comebacks is somewhat comforting.
"For me, it's been easier because I've been there," Lewis recently
explained. "I knew what it was going to take. Looking back when it
happened last year, I really didn't get hit. I kind of got nicked,
but my knee was in the right place at the right time. It was meant to
happen.
"Some people have suggested it's a two-year injury, but I can't think
that way. I'm going into this thinking that I'm just as good as
before, that I've got my speed back to where it was before when I
turned the corner on the sidelines."
It's certainly worth taking the time to scout Lewis this preseason.
And if he's running with that same kind of confidence under game
conditions, I might even be willing to take him off my list of "Guys
I wouldn't touch with YOUR ten-foot pole."
Carolina Panthers: DeShaun Foster vs. Lamar Smith
Although I walked you through this situation back on May 8, current
developments are likely to have a major impact on the outcome of this
competition.
Smith is expected to open the season as Carolina's starting tailback,
but the consensus among those who follow the team closely says
Panther officials fully expect Foster -- who is clearly viewed as the
team's "running back of the future" -- to start pushing Smith for
playing time immediately.
Cleveland Browns: Jamel White vs. James Jackson
He probably never had a legitimate shot at it anyhow, but team
officials pretty much put the kibosh on any possibility that White
might someday emerge as the team's feature back on April 20, when
they made William Green their first-round draft pick.
In fact, listed at what might best be described as a "very generous"
208 pounds, the 5-9 White really doesn't have the body mass necessary
to serve as an every-down back at this level anyhow. But that doesn't
mean he won't contribute in other ways.
In fact, White -- generally considered the fastest man on
Cleveland's roster -- proved last year that he's more than
capable of making a significant offensive contribution if necessary
and I'll be very surprised if he doesn't wind up beating Jackson out
for the right to serve as Cleveland's third-down and primary change-
of-pace back with relative ease.
One last note on White: Despite that blazing speed, the elusive White
is more of a north-south runner than a dancer. But most importantly,
White has convinced the coaching staff that he's a play-maker --
a guy who can turn short catches into long gainers and that's
enough to earn him 5-10 touches per week.
Dallas Cowboys: Troy Hambrick vs. Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton
As SportsLine.com insider Pete Prisco noted last Thursday, at some
point this season, Emmitt Smith is going to break Walter Payton's
career-rushing record. However, Prisco went on to say that team
officials in Dallas privately hope it's sooner than later.
Why? So they can get Hambrick more involved in the offense.
And with good reason. Hambrick averaged 5.1 yards per rush last
season, showing big-play ability while subbing for Smith. And even
though Smith isn't anybody to sneeze at, he simply doesn't have the
kind of explosive burst in the hole or the ability to get around the
corner that Hambrick brings to the table.
All of which means things in "Big D" are likely to come to a head in
fairly short order once Smith racks up the 540 yards rushing he needs
to surpass Walter Payton's all-time rushing record.
Denver Broncos: The Entire Backfield vs. Fantasy Owners
Are you familiar with the term "crapshoot?" No? If you'd
like to learn more about that colorful word we recommend drafting a
Broncos running back this year. That's right kids; choose from
Terrell Davis, who was still watching practices in the middle of June
after making a surprise trip to the surgeon in May; recently
converted fullback Mike Anderson; heck, talented rookie Clinton
Portis will probably figure into the mix, too. And then there's
Olandis Gary, who is likely to be first man off the bench if Davis
struggles. Unless, that is, he has problems with the leg he broke
last November or the ACL he tore the year before.
While I'd steer clear of all these guys in redraft leagues, that's
not the case when it comes to Portis in Dynasty and keeper leagues.
Point of interest: Unlike his new Broncos running mates -- who were
no better than fourth-round picks -- Portis was a premium pick with
all the speed, talent and ability that goes with that status.
Indianapolis Colts: Edgerrin James vs. Dominic Rhodes
In an article published last Sunday, Indianapolis Star beat writer
Mike Chappell reported that James -- a two-time NFL rushing champion -
- was one of the featured performers last Saturday in the Saving Our
Youth Celebrity Basketball Game co-sponsored by the Edgerrin James
Foundation and Amp Harris Productions. The event, a part of Indiana
Black Expo, benefits youngsters in Indianapolis, Miami and Immokalee,
Fla., James' hometown.
James has spent the past eight months in south Florida rehabilitating
his left knee. He tore the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee
Oct. 25 at Kansas City and underwent reconstructive surgery Nov. 24.
The former Miami star caused quite a stir in Indy by skipping a
mandatory April mini-camp in April, and then did not attend a
subsequent voluntary mini-camp and voluntary summer school.
James said he has been released by Dr. John Uribe, the Miami
orthopedic surgeon who has overseen his rehab, and plans to meet with
the Colts this week. James' rehab work during the offseason has
included pick-up basketball and flag-football games.
"He told you when he came back [to town] he would be ready," said
Pierre Rutledge, one of James' advisers. "He's ready to go."
Maybe so. But the presence of Rhodes, who delivered more than
adequate totals in James' absence last season, affords team officials
the luxury of bringing the former first-round draft pick along slowly
this summer. The latest reports out of team headquarters indicate
James is likely to be limited to one practice daily throughout camp
and he isn't expected to see much in the way of action until the
final week of preseason play.
Once again, I'm always reluctant to count on running backs in their
first year back following reconstructive knee surgery. I'm even more
leery of situations like this, where a proven commodity -- in this
case Rhodes -- is available to keep the pressure off the recovering
superstar.
Oakland Raiders: Charlie Garner vs. Tyrone Wheatley
Sure, it sounds great. First-year head coach Bill Callahan is making
no secret of the fact Oakland will rely more heavily on the power
running game this year -- with Wheatley handling the heavy work
between the tackles and Garner working primarily as a receiver and
outside runner.
Yeah. It sure sounds like Wheatley will be asked to make a more
significant contribution than he did last year. Which shouldn't be
hard.
You'll have to excuse my failure to get incredibly excited over a guy
who followed up an impressive 232-carry, 1,046-yard, 9-TD effort in
2000 -- by far his best season as a pro -- with an embarrassing 276-
yard, 5-TD performance.
Those of you desperately looking for a positive here might want to
focus on Callahan's obvious confidence in Wheatley's ability to get
the job done this year.
Nonetheless, I'm looking for Garner, who came up big -- averaging
four yards per attempt -- while handling a larger than expected share
of the offensive workload than expected last year, to wind up proving
himself more worthy than Wheatley once again this season.
Philadelphia Eagles: Duce Staley vs. Andy Reid
Thanks in large part to the season-ending knee injury Correll
Buckhalter sustained back in April, Staley heads into the 2002 season
as "The Man" in Philadelphia.
But I urge those of you interested in the former South Carolina
standout to watch this situation closely before burning an early
draft pick on him.
Remember, head coach Andy Reid has never been one of Staley's
most ardent supporters. His inability to avoid injury and his failure
to run the ball effectively last year was obviously a concern this
spring.
While Staley still appears to be one of the most effective receiving
backs in the league, offseason trade rumors, the Eagles flirtation
with then-free agent Warrick Dunn, the decision to select Brian
Westbrook in this year's draft and the recent addition of veteran
Dorsey Levens tend to lend credence to reports indicating that Reid
isn't particularly comfortable with Staley.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Jerome Bettis vs. "Father Time"
Why don't more NFL running backs last long enough to rack up the
2,686 career rushing attempts and 10,876 yards Bettis has amassed
during his career? Simple; the human body wasn't designed to handle
the cumulative effects of the weekly beatings those totals represent.
Some guys -- like Bettis -- might hold up better than others; but
nobody lasts forever.
Of course, I might be blowing the whole wear-and-tear issue out of
proportion. After all, Bettis was the league's leading rusher with
1,072 yards when he was struck down by a groin injury.
Then again, the way Bettis is embracing a plan to significantly
reduce his workload is hardly reassuring. "I don't have to take it 30-
35 times," he recently admitted. "The old man can't do that all the
time anymore. ..."
Which leads me to believe the Steelers intend to use Amos Zereoue --
and perhaps to a slightly lesser degree, Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala --
liberally this fall.
As Bettis explained it: "[Zereoue] gives us a good opportunity to
[improve] this offense,"
By the way, Zereoue has reportedly re-gained all the weight and
strength he lost after spending four days in the hospital with severe
stomach pains in May. A benign cyst was discovered, but the former
West Virginia star -- who signed a new four-year deal worth more than
$8 million on June 12 -- is expected to make a full recovery before
camp opens
San Francisco 49ers: Kevan Barlow vs. Garrison Hearst
After a remarkable 2001 season in which he won Comeback Player of the
Year honors and earned his second career Pro Bowl berth, Hearst was
rewarded by the Niners with a six-year, $20 million contract that
should keep him in a Niners uniform for the rest of his career.
But before anybody gets so caught up in last year's triumphant
return to action they suddenly feel compelled to burn a first-round
draft pick on the former Georgia star, we'll remind you that
talented second-year man Barlow, who spent his entire rookie season
battling a sore quad, might be ready to push Hearst for playing time
and carries.
According to those who follow the team closely, Barlow heads into the
2002 season in good health and much better shape after working 11
pounds off his still imposing frame. According to Steve Mariucci,
Barlow looks like he's "in the best shape of his life."
He also boasts a much better understanding of the team's offense
after burying himself in his playbook.
Based on the above mentioned factors alone, I'm looking for Barlow to
take a serious run at Hearst's No. 1 spot this summer
One last note on Barlow: According to the San Jose Mercury News, he
had the play of the day Mondayt when he took a pitch, beat the
pursuit around left end, turned the corner and -- after a brief
tightrope act along the sideline -- raced by defenders for a
touchdown.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Michael Pittman vs. Mike Alstott
Brought on board to replace Warrick Dunn as the team's No. 1
tailback, Pittman is among this year's most interesting prospects. A
powerful but elusive inside runner with surprising speed and above
average receiving skills, Pittman emerged as one of the league's most
versatile running backs by finishing the 2000 season as only one of
only two NFL players to lead his team in both rushing and receiving.
Those who follow the team closely believe Pittman, who racked up
1,565 rushing yards and nine touchdowns over the last two seasons,
will be a more productive player this year -- in large part because
he'll be working under head coach Jon Gruden.
As one NFC scout put it: "Getting with [Gruden] could be the best
thing that ever happened to Pittman. He could really blossom; believe
me, because the talent is there. ..."
At the very least, Pittman's presence should provide a significant
boost to a rushing attack that ranked 30th in the league last year;
and at best, he could emerge as one of the league's top Fantasy
producers. Unless Mike Alstott gets in his way, which isn't all that
farfetched a possibility.
In the seven years since he joined the Bucs as a second-round draft
pick, Alstott has been the model of consistency -- missing just four
regular season games due to injury and lining up a starter in the
remaining 92 games. Along the way, the former Purdue star carried the
ball 1,025 times for 3,982 yards and 40 touchdowns. He's added
another 1,450 yards and 10 more TDs on 185 career receptions.
The bottom line? Until Gruden decides to sit down and explain exactly
how Pittman and Alstott fit into his system, it's going to be
very difficult to come up with accurate projections for either of
them.
Tennessee Titans: Eddie George vs. "Fading Memories Of Past Glory"
Slowed by injuries, George went from the penthouse -- a career-best
403-carry, 1,509-yard, 14-TD effort in 2000 -- to the proverbial
outhouse after failing to surpass the 1,000-yard mark for the first
time in his six-year NFL career.
The decline actually began last February, when he underwent toe
surgery -- a procedure that kept the former first-round draft pick
from going through the grueling workout regimen he came to rely on
the previous five years. The toe kept him from pushing off his right
leg the way he had in the past. The end result was a shorter than
usual stride that prevented him from running with his usual power,
making it easier for defenders to knock him off his feet.
That said, George has been working at full speed all offseason and --
according to those who follow the team closely -- he's already
running with more strength and explosiveness than he did at any time
last year.
There you have it, kids. Check back next week for a preview of this
year's most intense preseason battles at wide receiver.
Bob Harris is Editor and Webmaster of the TFL Report and Senior
Editor for Fantasy Sports Publications.
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