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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for the season with a sprained shoulder.

Blitzing was a standard practice of Cardinals opponents even when 11-year veteran Jeff Blake was the starter.

"If they blitzed me as much as they did, theyre really going to blitz him," Blake said. "Hes got to get the ball out of his hands quick and know exactly where the blitz is coming from so he doesnt get hit in the back of the head."

With a 3-10 record, and a five-game losing streak, the Cardinals are benching Blake to get an extended look at McCown, who hasnt been particularly impressive in the few times hes gotten on the field.

The Cardinals are considering selecting a franchise quarterback such as Eli Manning in next years draft, and McCown wants to show he deserves to be the quarterback of the future.

"This is going to be a very important week for him," head coach Dave McGinnis said. "Jeff Blake is helping him out tremendously. The teams very much behind him, and its going to be up to him."

The Cardinals management may look at this as a make-or-break appearance. McCown doesnt.

"Im not putting any of that pressure on me," McCown said. "If I go out and it doesnt go the way I want it to, Im not packing my bags. Ill still be around and hopefully I plan on having a long career. It wont discourage me at all. Im going to get out there and play the best I can. Thats all you can do."

Blake, the starter in all 13 games this season, has been working with McCown and said he must improve in one crucial area.

"Composure," Blake said. "Thats the one thing Im really trying to work with him on how is staying composed in the pocket, and if its not there, take off and run. He has good running ability. Hes not as fast and elusive as Michael Vick, but I honestly believe he can rush for 80 yards. He has that capability."

McGinnis emphasized that the quarterback switch had nothing to do with Blakes performance.

"This is the correct thing to do right now as far as to get a look at a young quarterback," McGinnis said. "Its time to put him in there and

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