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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woman in the world back there," Lewis said. "Everybody wants to get me."

Busting through defenses represents only half of Lewis battle this season. After overcoming reconstructive surgeries on both knees over the past five years, he has had to fight through a season-long shoulder sprain, a recently banged-up wrist and the occasional reoccurrence of fumbling.

But persevering with a rugged endurance has Lewis primed to crash the select 2,000-yard club of Eric Dickerson, Barry Sanders, Terrell Davis and O.J. Simpson.

"You can have some of the physical tools that he has and not be as productive," running backs coach Matt Simon said. "But when you consider what he can do when he gets free, its a rare combination. Some of the great players in history had some of that like Jim Brown and Earl Campbell. Without question, he is one of those elite type of players."

But as Hensley pointed out, Lewis takes considerable punishment even as he dishes it out. His bash-and-dash running style -- which some describe as reckless -- has a few league observers wondering if Lewis might have only two or three years left at his current pace.

The Ravens grabbed an insurance policy in this past draft by using a third-round pick to select Musa Smith, who runs similarly to Lewis. Despite some concern, the Ravens dont want to do anything to take Lewis out of his stride.

"Having been in this business long enough and having been around a lot of great running backs, they are what they are," Simon said. "If you try to fix them or change them, they cease to become what they are. The strength of his running style takes a toll on the body. Hes human and not Superman. What he has learned to do is accept a different approach to maintaining his body."

Lewis trains more like a dancer than a bodybuilder.

In the kitchen, he eats lean meats and fruits. In the training room, he focuses on less weight and more repetitions.

An offseason regimen of boxing also has improved his agility.

"He is

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