[MIJB#19]

Gossip News: Lyon Riding Bench In 2005
Our sources report that the Merchantmen are seriously concidering to bench their first round quarterback Leonard Lyon for the 2005 season. As we understand, the management is concerned about the level of play the rookie linemen Brante Heinrich and Butch White will bring in. And with Causey out for the season, the team expects Lyon to hit more then 2 sack per game, even with the addition of Wilson Grimaldo and the presence of All IHOF second team tackle Harold Hurtado. It's also a common known fact that Justin McDavid, last season's starter, who recently singed a 5-year contract in Maassluis, is one of the best quarterbacks in the league in avoiding getting sacked. He should be able to do better behind a crappy pass protection. But what if McDavid breaks out and lives up to his rookie year stats? The Merchantmen have themselves locked in a quarterback controversy. Then again, they were the league's doormat in 2005 and they publically called their rookies Lyon, White and Heinrich second and third choices. We could see another year of a one-dimensional offense and a top ten defense in the heart of the World Port.