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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lost two fumbles against Rutgers and was banished to the bench. Then, he fumbled the following week in the third quarter against Syracuse and was benched for the remainder of an excruciating two-overtime loss. Barlow also fumbled in the Senior Bowl, which is considered the marquee all-star game for college players prior to the draft.

His problems holding onto the ball might have been the reason he dropped into the third round of the draft.

"He has to understand when hes in a crowd and going through there, hes got to hug that that ball up in there," Erickson said. "Hes got to start creating habits that hes developed over the years where that ball is carried loosely in some situations. Its not the first time weve talked about. Its something weve harped on ever since Ive been here."

And as San Francisco Chronicle beat man Kevin Lynch noted this morning, Erickson has experience with fumblers. He coached running back Ahman Green in Seattle. Green fumbled more than most running backs, but the current Packer is the NFCs second-leading rusher with 1,538 yards.

In a related item....

Pro Football Weekly noted this week theres never been much doubt Barlows impressive blend of speed and power qualifies him as an intriguing long-term candidate for the 49ers starting tailback job. Its the less obvious aspects of the job, though, that have raised some doubts.

Specifically, Barlows blocking and ability to pick up blitzes -- a skill at which the Niners other primary tailback, Garrison Hearst, excels -- have been questioned a bit.

So has his demeanor, which has had a tendency to rub his teammates the wrong way, particularly fullback Fred Beasley, whose tense relationship with Barlow has been well-documented.

But hes improving in both areas.

In fact, Barlow graded out perfectly on his blitz responsibilities during the teams impressive Week 14 pounding of the Cardinals and scored even more points after the game by conspicuously praising his blockers, including Beasley.

Other

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