With a new fantasy season on the horizon, but still in predraft mode,
this writer wanted to reflect on some of the lessons gleaned from
last season:
We learned (again) that the prevent defense prevents you from
winning. Just ask the Rams.
We learned that NFL referees suck, and that the league blew a
chance for real reform when it caved in to these losers. Why does
it require a committee to decide if a player is offsides?
We learned that Michael Bennett is not a healthy Robert Smith.
We learned that Michael Bennett is not even an injured Robert
Smith.
We learned that Marshall Faulk is a pretty good football player.
We learned that you can win the Super Bowl without an NFL-caliber
quarterback. Or an NFL-caliber running back, for that matter. Or
tight end....or receiving corps...........
We learned that no matter what physical or emotional condition
a person is in, Cedric will think, "That ain't so bad."
We learned what a stoop is and what cankles are, thanks to John
Madden.
We learned that Haikus are wildly popular with fantasy footballers
and
fantasy websites, and that the competition to come up with the best
haikus is decidedly cutthroat.
We learned that Jim Haslett is not as good as he thinks he is.
We already knew that Kyle Turley is insane.
We learned that Terry Bradshaw's favorite team is whomever is
playing the Rams.
We learned that although there are few players who are automatic
performers in fantasy football, one of them is Curtis Martin.
We learned to trust Mike Holmgren's personnel evaluations just
a little less often, thanks to Ahman Green.
We learned that Lamar Smith is a great running back...then we
learned that he actually sucks.
We learned that a man can have all of his internal organs destroyed
on the field and come back to play in the NFL. So much for the pretty
boy tag on Drew Bledsoe.
We learned that Terrell Davis' knees are rigged together with
paper clips and rubber bands.
We learned that Fred Taylor is a slight risk to be injured.
We learned that Priest Holmes can be a good starting running back
(one of the few preseason 2001 predictions that I absolutely nailed).
We learned that it is possible for NFL players to actually take
the Super Bowl lightly.
The one unifying conclusion to be drawn from these lessons? That
anticipation about the upcoming season will cause a person to write
about anything.
