Fantasy Football Challenge - Football Fanatics Articles Archive

Enclosed in this archive is every bit of the action and updates that occurred in December 2003 within the world of fantasy football. You may want to read these articles for research on players in the coming year, or just check to see if we were way off base with our reporting. Whatever the reason, it's all here for your enjoyment.

Fantasy Football Challenge - December 2003 Fantasy Football Articles

Fantasy Football Challenge - December 2003 Article Archives

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waiting for this chance all my life," Barlow said. "Im going to carry an extra load on my back, but mentally, nothing is going to change. Im just going to go out there and do my job and show what Ive learned from watching Garrison in the last three years."

Both running backs have been publicly supportive of the tandem arrangement, which two San Francisco coaching staffs have deemed necessary to keep both backs healthy for an entire season.

Of course, Hearst has already has bounced back from two career-threatening injuries, and hadnt missed a game in the three seasons since returning from the serious ankle injury that kept him out of the NFL for two years.

Hearst has 768 yards rushing on 178 attempts this season, while Barlow has 591 with 57 fewer carries. San Franciscos perennially sound running game has been solid again -- but Barlow, considered by many to be a burgeoning star, has craved the opportunity to take a starring role in the 49ers offense.

"Hes very excited about this," running backs coach Tim Lappano said. "Its a big day for him, and he knows it. This is his chance to show everybody that this is the type of guy that can put this team on his back and carry the load.

"He cant say he isnt getting the feel of the game, because hes going to be in there 85 to 90 percent of the time."

Beacham went on to point out the two men present an intriguing contrast of styles for opposing defenses, with Hearsts shiftiness and Barlows power requiring different methods of containment.

But a rotation has drawbacks. As Beacham put it: "Footballs best running backs establish a rhythm with their blockers during consistent playing time, but neither Barlow nor Hearst has received that amount of time in the last three seasons."

Both backs acknowledge the difficulties of finding a groove while playing only in alternating series. Barlow has attributed some of his inconsistent play to those obstacles.

"Its hard to stay stretched out and to keep your muscles and joints loose," Barlow said. "When youre going in, going out, going in again, its tough."

Barlows

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