If you don't get DirecTV, chances are you haven't seen NFL Network, the league's 24/7 football station heading into its first full season of broadcasting. Fans can get a taste of the nonstop NFL coverage at the league's official site, nfl.com/nflnetwork.
The site offers video clips and transcripts from player interviews, and the league spares nothing in giving former ESPN anchor Rich Eisen a cast of A-list NFL stars to chat with. Eisen recently asked Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey, who dabbled on offense while with Georgia and the Redskins, if fans should use a late fantasy football pick to squirrel him away as an offensive sleeper.
"I probably won't put up the big numbers, but I guarantee one or two touchdowns here and there," said Bailey, who said he discussed playing on both sides of the ball with coach Mike Shanahan before he agreed to a trade to Denver. "Hopefully, we'll mix it up and I won't be just running down the field all the time as a decoy."
The network is good for candid conversation, and the league puts some of its best clips online in an effort to get more fans clamoring for the 9-month-old network, which is seen in only about 23-million homes.
Those with dial-up connections can read the interviews while high-speed visitors can see the real thing in downloaded clips.
NFL.com is ramping up its fantasy coverage with more content directed at fantasy owners and more stat-driven analysis. Analyst Gil Brandt touted Falcons rookie quarterback Matt Schaub as a sleeper, given his strong showing in early preseason action and how he could be one Michael Vick injury from being this year's surprise breakout star. His pick for best rookie receiver, seeing the huge numbers Arizona's Anquan Boldin put up last season, is Jacksonville's Reggie Williams.
HARSH REACTION: From the Instant Response Department, you have to appreciate the speed with which screwricky.com was created after Ricky Williams bolted on the Dolphins with a surprising retirement.
An image of Williams on the Dolphins 2004 pocket schedule ("Be a Part of It,' it reads) is classic, as is another shot of a figurine of Miami linebacker Zach Thomas literally ripping off the head of a Williams figurine.
You know fans aren't happy when the site's online store offers not only $20 T-shirts for you, but $15 ones made exclusively for your dog. The site's official thong, thankfully, is available only for humans.
One site kinder to Williams is firedavewannstedt.com, which blames the coach for overworking the running back with a league-high 775 carries in the past two seasons. It's nice enough to offer a link for Wannstedt to coachingvacancies.com.
MORE FANTASY: Looking for a quick stat comparison for players you're considering for fantasy football? NFLplayers.com has a "player comparison tool" that allows you to compare stats for up to seven players at any position.
-- If you have a question about the Internet or a site to suggest, e-mail staff writer Greg Auman at auman@sptimes.com
