Separating reality from fantasy is getting harder all the time -- or, if you missed it, this is what happened on ESPN's "NFL Live" on Tuesday:
After an interview with new Arizona Cardinal quarterback Kurt Warner, analysts Mike Golic and Mark Schlereth discussed Warner's prospects for the upcoming season, with Golic concluding, "They say he can be a 'system quarterback.' It certainly didn't work with the Giants.... They've got to make him get rid of the ball quickly ... hit those guys in stride, they can get yards after the catch. He could have a very positive impact on the Arizona Cardinals, Trey."
For real?
As fans who remember Warner's impressive wounded-duck collection, circa 2002-2004, were trying to come to grips with that fantastic notion, Trey Wingo shattered the mood by interjecting, "Tell you what, guys, he could be a good sleeper fantasy quarterback pick.
"And speaking of that, when putting your fantasy team together, which QB is the best bet? And which big name didn't even make our top five?
"We'll tell you. Stick around!"
After a too-brief break, "NFL Live" was back with its second in a 10-part (!) fantasy football series. Tuesday, the focus was quarterbacks. Peyton Manning, Daunte Culpepper and Donovan McNabb placed 1-2-3, which sounded rather realistic. Then came No. 4, Trent Green, followed even more curiously by No. 5 ... \o7Kerry Collins\f7?
In which real-life 2005 football league would Collins rate as a better quarterback prospect than Tom Brady or Brett Favre or Michael Vick or Ben Roethlisberger or Drew Brees or your-next-half-dozen-choices-here?
But in fantasy football, racking up yards and touchdowns are the order of the day, and big things are expected of Collins because of the Randy Moss factor (wildly talented wideout who actually might be motivated this season) and the Oakland Raider factor (lousy team that will be trailing a lot this season, meaning Collins will be throwing many passes).
ESPN is using its "SportsCenter" and "NFL Live" fantasy football segments to promote, of course, its 90-minute fantasy football preview program, "Special Edition Monday Night Countdown Fantasy Draft Special," which will air at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, previewing a season in which ESPN will run its customary fantasy leagues and will provide weekly fantasy league advice on its website, radio network and a variety of television programs.
Out of control?
