Chick Fantasies

The Comeback Kids

We chicks just love a man who can rebound after he has fizzled. Last year many of our favorite studs let us down. But we girls do not hold grudges – once these boys regain their groove, they will be the stars of our fantasies once again. We know it is dangerous to get our hopes up over these recent disappointments, however we chicks have always had a penchant for living on the edge! Here are the 2001 flops who are heating up our fantasies this off-season:

Drew Bledsoe (QB, Bills): Bledsoe has always had the physical attributes necessary to be a scoring machine. No one can deny his potent gun or amazing toughness. However, in recent years we chicks questioned his heart – we started to believe that we wanted his team to win more than he did. However the time Drew spent riding the pine appears to have changed his once blasé attitude. He is now burning with new desire to play and is ready to prove that he is man enough for the job (especially when he faces off against the Patriots!). Bledsoe will be hooking up with some talented receivers in Eric Moulds, Peerless Price and rookie Josh Reed. We chicks smell another Pro Bowl season in the making!

Eric Moulds (WR, Bills): You can count Eric as one of the many Buffalo boys who were jumping for joy when they learned Drew Bledsoe was coming to town. In his six-year career, Moulds has shown flashes of brilliance. In 1998 the speedy receiver averaged an eye-popping 20.4 yards per catch. Moulds truly hit stud stature in 2000 when he hauled in 94 passes. However, last season he caught only 67 passes for an uninspiring 904 yards. But we chicks are willing to place most of the blame on the quarterbacks - between the injury-ridden “Bandanna Boy” Johnson and the inconsistent Alex Van Pelt you can hardly fault poor Eric for struggling. With a re-enthused Bledsoe to sling him the ball, Moulds should be ripping it up once again.

Brian Griese (QB, Broncos): Young Griese certainly struggled for much of last season and did not put up the big numbers many of us expected. Griese never overcame the loss of the virile Ed McCaffrey and relied too heavily on his Rod to come up big every time. However, this season steady Eddie will be back, as will team leader tight end Shannon Sharpe. The Broncos also drafted a hot tamale in wide receiver Ashley Lelie and added depth with aging veteran Rob Moore. Now the pressure is on Brian to show us what he is made of. Is he just a clumsy fool who will continue to fall flat on his face or is he the stud quarterback of the future for Denver? It is time to produce, Brian. We chicks are betting on you!

Eddie George (RB, Titans): Last season Eddie hobbled his way to a career low 939 yards and five measly touchdowns. However, the word from Tennessee is that Eddie’s toe surgery was a huge success and he is back in fine form. Prior to last year, Eddie’s lowest production in five seasons was 1294 yards. With his improved health and the addition of ex-Giant fullback Greg Comella, we are certain Eddie “Hot Legs” George will be back to his winning ways.

Edgerrin James (RB, Colts): This dude is a workhorse. Some may fear James due to his surgically repaired knee and his ongoing contract dispute. He also turned off some football fans when he cried about the lack of nightlife in Indianapolis. However, James apparently thinks he is healthy after testing his knee in flag football this spring. EJ is a rushing and receiving threat who is too good to ignore despite his lingering issues.

Terry Glenn (WR, Packers): When we first learned Glenn had been traded to the Pack, we chicks were filled with mixed emotions. We were thrilled to get his whiny butt out of New England; but at the same time we did not want our hero Brett Favre to be subjected to Glenn’s childish antics either. But as time has passed, we realize we should give Glenn another chance. Glenn may be foolish at times, but he is wise enough to realize that Green Bay is his last stop. And what an amazing stop it is – he has the opportunity to play with a 3-time MVP on a legitimate Super Bowl contending team. Glenn is one of the best pure athletes in the NFL. If he can finally keep his body and head healthy, Favre and Glenn are certain to become one of the hottest couples in the league.

Randy Moss (WR, Vikings): Last season, the Vikings’ grumpy receiver caught 80 balls for 1224 yards and ten scores. Those are admirable statistics – that is, if you are anyone other than Randy Moss. Unfortunately, Moss only played when he felt like it; his part-time play resulted in the lowest yardage and touchdowns of his four-year career. Many fantasy owners were left feeling cheated. However, next season promises to be more titillating for Moss owners. New coach Mike Tice is making it his team’s mission to throw the ball to Randy every four or five offensive plays. And we all know that Randy thrives when he is getting most of the attention. Could 2002 possibly be the year in which Moss lives up to his record-breaking potential? If he shows up for 16 games, anything is possible!