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 both quarterbacks, who employ different styles, with Flutie using his legs more to keep defenses off balance, compared to Brees, who usually takes a more controlled, play-within-the-offensive-scheme approach.

But after watching tape of the Lions emerging defense over the past two days, Schottenheimer decided there wouldnt be much difference in how the Lions would approach San Diegos offense this weekend. Thus, there really was no reason to keep the identity of Sundays starter a secret, so he announced after Wednesdays workout that Flutie will get the nod.

"After having had an opportunity to look at Detroit and what they are doing on defense -- they are a very good defensive football team -- but with what they are doing, they are not going to change, no matter who is playing quarterback," said Schottenheimer. "So on that basis, I feel very comfortable making that decision today."

Why did Schottenheimer stick with Flutie?

"Im basing it on what is in the best interests of our football team," said Schottenheimer. "I had not taken a hard look as of Monday at what the Detroit Lions are doing. But it became apparent to me that it wont make any difference to them. They are going to play what they are going to play defensively, irrespective of who the quarterback might be."

As reported in this weeks Team Notes, Detroits defense is under the direction of Schottenheimers younger brother, Kurt Schottenheimer, who is in his second year as Detroits defensive coordinator. After watching the Lions on tape, the elder Schottenheimer saw a unit that has continued to improve while holding opponents to 13, 10, and 14 points during a three-game winning streak in their last three home games at Ford Field.

"They are a 97 percent zone football team. They probably blitz one out of every 10 snaps at the most," said Schottenheimer. "They are an outstanding defensive front. The two defensive tackles as a pair are the best well see all year. Shaun Rogers and Dan Wilkinson, they take up a lot of space in the middle. We had Dan

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