Change can be a difficult thing to handle. Some adapt and thrive, while others wither and die.

Steve Young was paroled from Tampa Bay back when they were the “Yuccanneers” and went from an underachieving loser to Super Bowl stud and future Hall of Fame candidate. Similar transformations may be taking place in 2003, but only time will tell.

The quarterback position has more influence on a game’s outcome than any other, and a change of venue may be just the thing needed for some talented, yet statistically mediocre players.

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Jake Plummer escaped from Arizona to take the reins of the Bronco’s and has some proven offensive talent around him for the first time in years. His multiple targets and sophomore sensation RB Clinton Portis will pay dividends as the season progresses. Adapting to a new system takes time so don’t expect `The Snake’ to dominate in September, but as familiarity sets in, so will fantasy production.

Chicago QB Kordell Stewart is another enigma. `Slash’ has the uncanny ability to go from hero to goat in the span of one play. A reprieve from Steeler’s coach Bill Cowher is just what the perplexing QB needed. Although he has fewer offensive options in Chicago, he also may have a bit more leeway as Da’Bears need time for newcomer Rex Grossman to develop.

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Pundit: see page 15

No one is preparing a Hall of Fame bust for either of these guys just yet but monitoring them for possible acquisition later is advisable.

The Quick Slant-Week 1

The Jets-Redskins game this week bears watching. There is definitely some bad blood between these two teams after the ‘Skins plundered the Jets for the majority of their free agent signings. Curtis Martin (RB-Jets) will put up big numbers, especially since replacement QB Vinny Testeverde will spend the first few weeks throwing passes to the flat and handing off.

This game plan, coupled with Washington’s soft defensive middle, creates an excellent opportunity for the `between-the-tackles’ running style of Martin.

Another contest deserving attention is the Broncos-Bengals game. Clinton Portis (RB-Broncos) will run roughshod over the porous Bengal run defense, but don’t forget about Cincinnati’s star RB Corey Dillon. He abused a much better Bronco D a few years ago and looks to repeat the feat in week 1.

Ask The Pundit

Pundit: I have WRs Jerry Porter (Raiders), Marc Boerigter (Chiefs), Plaxico Burress (Steelers) and James Thrash (Eagles). I can only start two, and Thrash is obviously on the shelf for now. Any advice.

– Shaun, St. Cloud, MN.

Shaun: At this point in the season, I recommend Porter and Burress. Boerigter is the fourth option in KC while Porter is fast becoming the `go to’ guy for the Silver and Black and will pile up the yards and TDs this season.

– The Pigskin Pundit.

Question for the Pundit? Send it to PigskinPundit@Hotmail.com.