Fantasy Football Challenge - Football Fanatics Articles Archive

Enclosed in this archive is every bit of the action and updates that occurred in November 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 - November 2003 Fantasy Football Articles

Fantasy Football Challenge - November 2003 Article Archives

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Hes gained the weight and now he has the size and the strength necessary to play the tight end position.

"Its been a process. In the earlier years, we used him as a movement tight end where he was more useful and his body type allowed him to play off the line of scrimmage as opposed to putting his hand in the dirt. With the development in his strength and size, he has given us the ability to use him as a full-time tight end. I think that was reflected in his play this past Sunday."

With Conwells season over, Williams will be counted on as blocker probably more than ever. He appears up to the task.

"When I was a receiver, I was used to blocking cornerbacks," he said. "Now theyre putting me in the trenches and Im blocking against guys who are 300 pounds. Thats going to be a big transition for anybody. Thats something Ive had to work on since Ive been here. Ive been pretty good at it."

The Saints have tried to make the tight end an integral of their offense since Haslett and McCarthy arrived before the 2000 season.

In 2001, Williams led Saints tight end with 20 catches for 202 yards.

Last season, the team signed free agent David Sloan to try and increase productivity, but Williams remained the primary target. He caught 13 passes for 143 yards, Sloan had 12 for 127.

This year, the Saints signed Conwell as a free agent in another attempt to increase productivity and released Sloan. Conwell caught 26 passes for 290 yards and two touchdowns before getting hurt.

"The thing that is unique about the tight end position is they have to have an integral part in all three phases," McCarthy said. "In the running game theyre at the point of attack. We use our tight ends in protection probably more than other teams and obviously the most visible is their involvement in the passing game.

"To find that athlete that has the ability to play in all three phases at a very high level is unique.

"I think Boo, now with the ability to be on the line blocking, has the ability to be a good player in all three phases."

Also of interest. ...

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