The Bear Poop, fresh off an almost improbable 10-3 season, face new challenges in 2004. Davidson and the Poop's greatest challenge will be revamping the running game, which took a turn for the worse last weekend when Correll Buckhalter was lost for the season. Career backups, Ron Dayne, James Jackson and Najeh Davenport will share the load in the backfield. Davidson could get lucky with Jackson with his name swirling among NFL trade rumors all week. If Jackson can land a starting job in Miami or Arizona the Poop just may be able to challenge the Gooks for the AFC East title.

Training Camp Position Battle to Watch

Starting QB. The three-headed monster of Tom Brady, Steve McNair and Marc Bulger is providing for one of the most closely watched position battles in recent memory. Ideally, Davidson would like to deal the inconsistent Bulger but a weak QB market might keep Bulger on the sidelines once again in 2004. Steve McNair will likely start but Brady could snake a few starts if he plays well early in the season.

Reason to Flush the Toilet on the 2004 Season

Aside from a sub-par running game, the Poop need at least one, if not two, WRs to complement Santana Moss and Chad Johnson. Tyrone Calico could provide that support while Tim and Troy Brown might be past their primes. If the Browns can come up with 10 TDs between them, Davidson will be pleased.

Reason to Keep Your Butt Clenched in 2004

Chad Johnson and Santana Moss proved last year that they can carry this team to the playoffs. They are two of the best WRs in the league and should be great for a long, long time. John Carney is one of the more reliable kickers and the league and Davidson has three talented fantasy QBs to choose from every week. If Davidson can unload one of the QBs for a RB, he could have a contender in the otherwise weak AFC East.

Outlook

The Poop will be competitive but will lose a lot of close games if the RBs don't contribute. Johnson and Moss will be even better than last season and will win several games by themselves.

Prediction

6-7, 2nd AFC East