Fantasy Football Challenge - Football Fanatics Articles Archive

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

Fantasy Football Challenge - September 2003 Fantasy Football Articles Archive

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for the second straight day, further strengthening the public perceptions that Leftwich -- the franchises first-round choice and seventh overall player chosen in the 2003 draft -- would get the nod.

But even before Thursday, sources contended, the decision to start Leftwich had been made.

First-year head coach Jack Del Rio continues to be coy publicly on the matter. Several sources said Leftwich was informed earlier this week that he will start.

Brunell recently was told by some members of the Jags coaching staff that owner Wayne Weaver, concerned about his teams poor start and the potential for losing fan interest, was eager to see Leftwich in the lineup.

Leftwich told some confidants that hes been holed up this week studying videotape of the Texans defense, describing it to one friend as a "tough" scheme but one against which he felt comfortable he could succeed. The 3-4 alignment of Houston head coach Dom Capers can be challenging even for a veteran quarterback because of its blitzes and rushes from unusual angles, but the former Marshall star seems poised, in every sense of the word, for his first start.

In two relief appearances in the first three weeks, all losses, Leftwich has completed 11 of 13 passes for 124 yards, with two touchdowns and no interceptions, and a passer rating of 146.0. He has continued to show respect for Brunell while acknowledging he is prepared to play, and that Jacksonvilles game plan will not have to be scaled back if he is the starter.

"We wont have to limit the offense because of me," Leftwich said.

If the switch to Leftwich is for the duration of the season, it would essentially confirm that the Jags are in full rebuilding mode. The team sent confusing messages during the offseason, jettisoning some veterans in decline but adding enough free agents to create the perception that management believed the club could be competitive in 03.

But the 0-3 start is the worst since Jacksonvilles inaugural 1995 season, when the team also was winless after three outings, and there

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