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        the Gridiron >> the Sidelines >>  Steggie's calling it quits...
        
(Message started by: StegRock on May 15^th, 2004, 11:00pm)

Title: Steggie's calling it quits...
Post by StegRock on May 15^th, 2004, 11:00pm

...from writing, that is, and at least for a good half decade or so! Not that I have produced much in the way of fantasy articles since opening "the Gridiron" in August of 2002, but I am "officially" calling it a day, for the foreseeable future at least.

It all started back in November of 1999 when I wrote "Keeper Leagues - the More, the Merrier" which I initially published on the old GBRFL fantasy articles page (that timeless classic ;) can still be viewed via that archived page: http://www.fantasyfootballer.com/gbrfl/fantasyfootballarticles.htm) and was subsequently published at FootballInsider.com, my eventual employer. I continued to pop out an average of about six "Steggie-style long-winded" articles a year for the next four and a half between FootballInsider.com, FFToday.com and then here.

But now with graduate school and its 50 to 100 pages of papers per semester, a Master's thesis and Ph.D. dissertation on the horizon, things picking up a bit over at theEnglishMaster.com, the growth of this place and what I want to do here, including mundane maintenance and participating on the boards, and, hell, my, alas, at last being with my wife in a "normal life" situation within the next 12 months, I just don't see my squeezing any fantasy articles in, and I kind of have to do it this way, "formally" that is, for myself; otherwise, I would feel the compulsion to have to produce something every so often and I just do not see that in the cards, but I would just continue to "drag on", nevertheless. This way, I announce it and, in my mind at least, remove it from my plate.

It would be great if others stepped up in my absence and I invite any of you that might be interested to pop me an e-mail. [smiley=howtoput.gif] As for being the (undisputed) main writer of FantasyFootballer.com, I, with absolute confidence, pass that baton on to Jeff West, who has done a tremendous job on our fantasy articles page.

So, I will be going into indefinite semi-retirement from fantasy football article writing as of midnight tonight (EST), and besides making the announcement, at this time I want to thank those who have read my stuff, enjoyed it and contacted me to tell me so (and in some of your cases joined on here in the early going when I really needed the help). That really helped me press on and, ultimately, have the confidence to take on this project, "the Gridiron @FantasyFootballer.com"! [smiley=bow.gif]

I will post my final article tonight at midnight (EST)! I hope you all enjoy it! The fantasy articles page is located at:

http://www.fantasyfootballer.com/fantasyarticles.htm (http://www.fantasyfootballer.com/fantasyarticles.htm).

[smiley=wave.gif]

Title: Re: Steggie's calling it quits...
Post by Philly on May 17^th, 2004, 10:33am

Thanks for the article, Steg (and also for the vote of confidence).

The article was, for the most part, right on the money. This was an outstanding draft for wide receivers, however most of the best ones are not in fantasy-conducive situations. There was some good QB talent, but that won't translate for a few years down the road. The RB talent was mezzo e mezzo at best. On the other hand, IDPers should enjoy the talent coming into the league.

Let's look at the position you identified first: RB. Only 14 were drafted (with more than 1/3 coming in the final round). Of those, there are only three with a legitimate shot at producing immediately. Julius Jones is the obvious choice. Let's not discount his being drafted in the second round - he went in almost the same position as Clinton Portis did a couple years ago. Tatum Bell certainly has a chance depending upon who Sham-I-am decides to give the ball to. Finally, Greg Jones should be a TD vulture extraordinaire in Jacksonville. The player I feel is a true sleeper was a college FB, Troy Fleming (U of Tennessee) who was drafted by the Titans. If Eddie George is done, and Chris Brown is ineffective, Fleming could get a shot this season. Jarrett Payton? Did you ever see him play at NFL U (aka U of Miami)? He never impressed me one bit. (You have some explaining to do on this one.)

The quarterbacks will be hard-pressed to do anything this season. Eli Manning could get some starts, but with the Giants largely ignoring their offensive line, he won't do anything this season. Roethlisberger is in a similar situation. Philip Rivers might have the best shot this season, but he won't get any help from his receivers. I agree that Jeff Smoker is an intriguing player. I doubt he'll see the field this year, but if he practices well, he could become the #2 in 2005. Cody Pickett is another player to watch in San Francisco for the long-term.

Wide receiver was clearly the position with the most talent, however most of them are not in position to succeed. Larry Fitzgerald and Roy Williams went to teams with another WR who appears to be the clear #1, so their production will be limited. Michael Clayton will be looking up the depth chart at Keenan McCardell, Joey Galloway, and possibly Joe Jurevicius AND Charles Lee. Lee Evans will have to battle Josh Reed (who was given an ultimatum to succeed this year) for the #2 WR position. Rashaun Woods has the best chance to succeed immediately, however he'll have to rely on an unproven (and injured) QB. Samie Parker is an intriguing player as well. He is still pretty raw which keeps me from giving him an endorsement in KC, but he doesn't have to do too much to earn more playing time as only Eddie Kennison and Johnnie Morton (two KC underachievers) are standing in his way. Two players you did not address (Reggie Williams and Devery Henderson) are ones I also think have a chance to perform up to (or beyond) expectations in 2004.

Title: Re: Steggie's calling it quits...
Post by StegRock on May 17^th, 2004, 1:06pm

on 05/17/04 at 10:33:02, Philly wrote:

Jarrett Payton? Did you ever see him play at NFL U (aka U of Miami)? He never impressed me one bit. (You have some explaining to do on this one.)

Again, remember I play a lot on my gut. There are many guys, especially running backs, Gary Brown, Terrell Davis, etc., who don't do dick in college (and, by the way, go to lesser programs and the U. of Miami's very vaunted one) and succeed on the pro level. Moreover, he's got the pedigree AND as you yourself (inadvertently/as a matter of fact) indicate is in somewhat of an auspicious situation in Tennessee. But, ultimately, it's a hunch. Sometimes you lay a couple bucks down on a real long shot to show. Usually, you lose your couple bucks. But, it wasn't much, so what the hell?!

On a side note, did yous like the way this last one wasn't "Steggie-verbose"? It's actually on the short side. :-[ ... :D

Title: Re: Steggie's calling it quits...
Post by StegRock on May 27^th, 2005, 7:05pm

Had to upchuck this oldie back up with this news from "The REAL Feed":

Walter Payton's son makes splash in NFL Europe (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/football/nfl/wires/05/27/2020.ap.fbo.payton.s.son.bjt.0575/index.html)
SI.com: NFL (27.05.2005 15:59)

I know... I know... It's only because he is Walter's son that he gets even this attention. [smiley=idontknow.gif] I still couldn't resist pointing it out... [smiley=smileytrash.gif]