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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to go at 6:45 in the morning," said Smith. "That shows how excited guys are."

In an article published Thursday, Panthers.com staff writer Brett Borden noted that Smith is one of the most exciting guys on the team, scoring five times on kick and punt returns in his first two seasons, plus three as a receiver last year. Hes coming off a hamstring injury suffered early in training camp but sees no problem reaching all of his gears against Jacksonville.

"It wasnt a long camp for me," he said. "Ive got fresh legs."

That could mean trouble for opponents. The last time Smith came back after sitting out, he scored three touchdowns against the Cincinnati Bengals on December 8, 2002, two of them on punt returns. That explosion ignited the Panthers to 52 points, showing that a unit which finished 31st in the League in total offense could fire on all cylinders. Smith sees more of that in store for 2003.

"Last year was the first time we were in this offense," he said. "So this year you get a little more comfortable. We can play with things a little bit and use different schemes and give the defenses different looks. Were building on that and getting more comfortable. You can add a little more to it and switch things up, and everybody knows everybodys position. You just play with it and play head games with the defense."

Of course, if the running game is working the way the Panthers hope that it will, head games wont be necessary. Smith says new teammate Stephen Davis will see that it does work that way. "I call him Stingy Stephen," laughed Smith. "Hes going to take some balls from me and Moose, but hes going to open it up for all of us."

All kidding aside, the Panthers defense is expected to be stingy, so if Carolinas offense can provide a little more scoring and ball control, the team could find itself on or near the top of the standings.

"Everythings fresh," said Smith. "Whatever you did last year doesnt count now. Some teams might come out the opposite of what they were last year. We expect to do that. We hope to

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