Dan

I agree, except for the "all in the first half" comment. This Steelers team is different from last year, in that they are actually producing in the second half, better than the first half, actually. They've been kicking it into gear as the game warms up. And they haven't been so quick to take their foot off the gas this year either. That really encourages me. I think the Steelers, as a whole, have yet to play their best football.

Interesting to note, folks. The poll at ESPN was a dead heat. I wonder if maybe that's because they were looking at it from a football standpoint. This is very evidentially a fantasy poll on this board. idlewild nailed it.

And I still don't know, or care, who Ike Taylor is. I don't think I'm alone too. Anyone outside of Pittsburgh is the same, I'd guess. Chad is still Chad, out in front making news and Ike goes back to whatever corner he came out from. You'll know by the end of the year, and then you'll care.

Yes, but Ike Taylor, regardless of whether you've heard of him or not, is an exceptional talent. Due to not playing a lot of cornerback in college, he took some time adjusting to the pro game. But he's big, fast, and fluid, and his ability to cover receivers has improved immensely from last year to this. His covering Chad Johnson was no fluke. Against Jacksonville, he is the one who made the breakup of the pass to Jimmy Smith. A beautiful catch-up and perfectly timed leap to knock the ball away. This boy is the real deal. Don't knock Chad too much for being held in check by him.

Even if he can be a viable threat, I'll be happy. It'd be nice if Kerry had one more target to throw to.

I just want to know. That's all. In one league, I picked up Az Hakim to fill my byes and injuries. In another, I have Joe Horn and would love to be able to solidify my WR corps for a change. Yeah, that'd be cool. Right now: Plaxico Burress Nate Burleson Antonio Chatman(?) If Horn plays, then: Plaxico Burress Joe Horn Chatman/Burleson (GTD) The second is much more comforting, if Joe Horn is ready to go.

This deserves to be bumped. For note, the ESPN poll still has the three in a virtual dead heat.

While I think you have a point, Cap, there's something to be said for a larger margin of victory. The Steelers are playing not just a division rival, but a hated division rival. They will come pumped up. And because of that, I see the offensive line having their way with the front seven of the Ravens, more than normally expected. Understand that they normally do well against the Ravens, and against Ray Lewis, whom Dan Kreider has blocked effectively against in the past. Without him, it could be disastrous for them. If the Ravens have a hard time stopping the Steelers' running game, Ben will have a field day, which in real terms means that your 22 passes are pretty right on. I suspect, though, that you'll see another score or two from the Steelers offense, especially as they wear the Ravens down. A side note: I really like what the Steelers have done this year in terms of second half production. Another story, another thread. Defensively, they should be able to stop whatever the Ravens throw at them, especially because they can't stand them, and won't take them for granted. Too many past physical battles with them. I really think that the Steelers pull away in this one. STEELERS 24, RAVENS 10

His first year starting, yes. That was the year he went to the Super Bowl. It's taken him 3 years since to get respect as one of the best. Tom Brady

Nor his stellar record as a starting QB. Most claim he is a caretaker but that shouldn't diminish the fact that he is performing at a level that no other rookie or 2nd year QB has ever achieved in the history of the league. The caretaker nonsense has got to stop. He has led more comeback drives than the other two QBs on this list combined. The guy is clutch. Caretaking? Right. With the highest per pass average in the league? Last year, he was second in that category behind Peyton. Just because he doesn't throw it 30 times a game does not mean he's a "caretaker." That's ridiculous. He's a playmaker, and he proves it constantly on the field. But whatever.

It appears in the early going, that people are voting as FF players first. Otherwise, this should split pretty evenly.

I chose Roethlisberger, but I'll tell you, I'm not sure that you could go wrong with any of them. A young team would be better suited to Roethlisberger's mobility, I think, and that is where I would want to go. I think that some will dismiss him as a caretaker, but I think that they are forgetting that he defines poise in a young QB. Last year, he had the best fourth-quarter average in the league, and in his young career has already led several game-tying or game-winning drives in the final minutes of games. Hard to go against that. Eli Manning has pretty touch on the ball, and is quickly developing his brother's knack for viewing the whole field. Last week against the Broncos, he really sold me on his ability when he led the Giants from 13 down in the last half of the fourth quarter. That was impressive. Yes, he has the weapons to work with, but man, that was outstanding. He should get better. Carson Palmer has thrived in that Cincinnati offense, where he has several weapons, and makes the whole thing run like a Cadillac. It's impressive to see. I'm waiting to see if he has moxie, which I'm not sure I've seen a lot of yet. He's impressive, and he's cool, but he's not unflappable (no one truly is). And the Bengals really haven't been in a position much where he can lead them from behind, which is one of those qualities that I think boosts a QB's esteem in the eyes of others. Just my thoughts. Sorry for being so long, but when selecting between these three, it needs to be clear that all are good choices.

Not really, if that TD wouldn't of been called back, he would had a 100+ and a TD. Um. The touchdown was called back, because he wasn't in bounds. But that really wasn't the point. 47 yards came on one catch on a drive that was played against the "prevent nothing" defense, when the outcome was already determined. I know, for fantasy you'll take that, but do you honestly think that Green Bay will be playing a prevent because they're up by 3 TDs?

Actually, I think the Chad Johnson omission was purposeful. Green Bay has consistently and effectively limited the #1 receiver. Given that TJ Houshmandzadeh is a very viable option in that case, it's very realistic that he will be the receiver with the bigger game. Chad Johnson was virtually taken out of the game by Ike Taylor last week, so it is not inconceivable. Just my thoughts.

Of course, kiwimango, your entire argument is predicated on the idea that quarterbacks (not named Michael Vick) should be ready immediately to start in the NFL. I don't suppose it occurred to you that Matt Schaub was a rookie last year, eh? Or was in for only one game this year. And frankly, even in that one game against a formidable opponent, he very nearly pulled it off, and may have, but for one blind referee on the sideline who couldn't see the foot of green between his foot and the sideline. Michael Vick is a playmaker, I'll give you that. And yes, he does change defensive strategies. I'll even warrant that his threat is part of why Warrick Dunn is so effective. I'll give you all that. But when push comes to shove, he is NOT a good quarterback. He's an extra RB with a rocket arm. The Jets defense did an effective job of neutralizing him last night, and probably would have won had it not been for Vinny, or the Atlanta defense. Or are you suggesting that the threat of a real passer won't open things up for Warrick Dunn? I'm just curious, because that would be pure comedy. Vick will make highlight reels, and he may even help win some games, but he's not going to do it consistently, because he lacks discipline, poise, the ability to see the field, and the ability to get others involved in the game. Now that would be cool, don't you think? If all the skill-position players got into the game? Or is Vick more effective than all the rest of them combined?

Exciting on the runs, yes. But consider last night. How do you think Atlanta does if Vinny Testaverde doesn't fumble the ball three consecutive drives to set up short fields? And of course, one of those was run directly to the end zone. Yeah, Vick makes some plays, but let's be honest. Last night, the defense really came up big (or the Jets offense came up very small). Otherwise, the final score might be different, despit Vick's game-breaking ability.

Another interesting note regarding Wilie Parker is that over the next several weeks, he could really put up some good statistics. Follow me: Baltimore - sans Ray Lewis, although frankly that doesn't concern me. Dan Kreider loves to lay that boy out. You know the line will be blocking hard against the team they probably hate the most in this league. Willie should have a good game. @Green Bay - Good grief. I think he'll do all right here. Cleveland - Again at the 'Burgh, with the line getting nasty with a division rival. Parker could have a field day. @ Baltimore - This one is interesting. But again, even with Ray Lewis back, the Steelers always play them hard, as though they want to punish them simply for being Baltimore. It is conceivable that Willie Parker could be at 1000 yards going into the game against Indianapolis. If not, he could likely break 1000 yards on National television. Just some thoughts, folks. That's FWP in 4 weeks . . . potentially.

It bugs me most of the time. I don't like starting opposing players against the Steelers. I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that the Steelers take such pride in their defense that I don't like to see them get dinged. When they aren't playing such great defense, it's a little easier, if I can trust the offense at that time. I still would prefer, even then, to see the Steelers pound any given team, and have the rest of FF team pick up the slack. Steelers First!! FF second. Period. Just has to be that way!

He and Clinton helped a ton this Sunday. Won a high-scoring matchup because of them. My opponent had Brett Favre, and although Brunell didn't score as well as he did, he scored high enough that my running corps (Portis and Walker) could really push me. Burress didn't hurt, either.

danpcouch@hotmail.com requested that 1 roll of 5 100-sided dice be rolled. Roll them bones ... your dice are Roll 1: 34, 17, 12, 37, 13 = 113. Mail was sent to you at danpcouch@hotmail.com and to psawyer17@yahoo.com. (Mail addresses have not been confirmed.) Sorry, Cyric. I know you were looking forward to that last spot.

You've got 9 people listed in this thread, plus Q. Lazarus. There are only six of us signed up on the website. What gives, guys? Let's get moving.

Yeah. I figured it out. But I love computers.

All right, let's put this together: 7th - Steven Jackson - Cost: 4th 10th - Drew Bennett - Cost: 7th 13th - Michael Clayton - Cost: 10th 14th(17th-2003) - DeShaun Foster - Cost: 11th 15th - Kerry Collins - Cost: 12th I may keep one more, but I like the nucleus here to build around.

I'm going to try to get there . . . but link?

I'm still in. I just got back from camps for the summer, and will be a bit more active going forward. Let's get this going!!!