NFLFreaks 2003 Fantasy Football Busts

Stephen Davis (RB - Carolina)

In 2003 Davis' 1,444 yards rushing were the most in his eight-year career. He won't repeat that performance in 2004.  Davis is a 30-year old back who has only started all sixteen games once in his career and that was back in 2001.  

Not only did Davis fail to reach double-digit touchdowns on the year but he was also ineffective out of the backfield.  Davis only had 14 receptions for 159 yards and no scores. 

This off-season there have been significant changes to the Carolina Panthers offensive line which is another concern for me. Davis is not an elusive back so if the line struggles so will Davis. 

Last and certainly not least is the presence of DeShaun Foster.  Foster's touchdown run against the Eagles in the NFC Championship game was one of the best runs I have ever seen.  In the Super Bowl against New England, Davis had 13 attempts for 49 yards and no scores.  Foster had 3 attempts for 43 yards and a touchdown.  Foster is younger and more explosive then Davis and there has been talk that they will split carries right down the line this season.  Remember that on draft day if you select Davis and make sure that you grab DeShaun Foster as insurance.


Brad Johnson (QB - Tampa Bay)

Johnson threw a career-high 26 touchdowns in 2003 but he also had his career-high in interceptions with 21.  Brad was the 7th rated fantasy quarterback last year in basic scoring leagues but his numbers tailed off at the end of the season.  Johnson failed to throw a touchdown in three of his last six games. That's a terrible way to end the season.

There is also uncertainty with the receivers heading into the 2004 season.  Keyshawn was traded to Dallas for Joey Galloway who brings speed to the offense, but his numbers were not good last year and he has to learn another new offense.  Johnson's favorite target in 2003 was Keenan McCardell, but he is holding out and threatening to sit out the season if he is not paid like a number one receiver. The longer McCardell holds out the slower this offense will be coming out of the gate this year.

There have been a lot of positive reports coming out of Tampa on rookie wide receiver Michael Clayton.  Don't believe the hype.  Clayton is still a rookie and young receivers usually struggle in their first season.  I'm not saying that Brad can't be a decent backup but don't let last year's numbers fool you into thinking he's a number one quarterback for your fantasy team.


Rod Smith (WR - Denver)

Smith is entering his 10th season and last year he was unable to post 1,000 yards receiving for the first time in six years and he only caught three touchdown passes.

Smith played in all 16 games and opponents had to focus their defense on Clinton Portis and Shannon Sharpe but Smith still couldn't produce. This season Denver has question marks at the running back position so teams can focus on Rod Smith as the only real threat on offense.  Denver coach Mike Shanahan knows this.  That is why he had 3rd year receiver Ashley Lelie working hard this off-season with Jake Plummer. Someone has to step up and make plays on offense because Rod no longer can.

Smith has had double digit touchdowns only twice in his NFL career. The departures of Clinton Portis, Shannon Sharpe, and Ed McCaffrey will really hurt this Broncos offense in 2004.  Don't get excited when you see Rod Smith available in the later rounds of your fantasy drafts.  He will be available for a reason.  His best days are way behind him.

Jeff Garcia (QB - Cleveland)

Garcia missed three games last year in San Francisco due to a bad back and he averaged only 208 yards per game.  Jeff only threw for more than 300 yards once and more than 250 yards only twice in 2003.

Now that he is with the Browns and no longer has one of the best receivers in the game I expect his numbers to plummet.  He will have to adjust to a new system and new personnel, so I would expect him to start slow.  If he stays healthy he may have a good year but I would look elsewhere for my number one quarterback.


Emmitt Smith (RB - Arizona)

Emmitt is the all-time leading rusher and I love him, but the news that he will be the starter for the Cardinals this year shocked me.  He may be the starter now in July or maybe when you draft your fantasy team but there is no way that he will be the starter for the whole season.  If Smith rushes for 1000 yards this year (only 62.5 yards a game) I will eat my hat.


Plaxico Burress (WR - Pittsburgh)

First Burress decided he could not go to mandatory mini-camp because it was so close to Mother's Day and he felt he needed to be with his brothers and sisters.  Then he skips all of the off-season workouts because...well, we don't know why because Plaxico won't say.  The one thing he did say is it's not about the money, which means that it's all about the money.