Emerging as a solid Titans receiver, Derrick Mason scored in his third straight game on Monday night.

Instant Replay.

Seems you can't utter those words without stirring up some kind of emotional upheaval in football fans. The government should really add these to the list of phrases it believes are meant to incite anger and violence. I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be the only sports phrase on that list ... I have to think Astro Turf, Designated Hitter and Jeffrey Maier are on there somewhere.

I received a number of very adamant responses (all of which are appreciated) regarding the Tony Brackens "No TD" call in Jacksonville. As you can probably guess, opinions on the subject ranged across the spectrum.

As a veteran football fan of the Pre Replay era, the Bad Replay era, the No Replay era, and now the Challenge The Call era, I'll say this: Instant Replay is an arduous, uncomfortable, confusing, time-intensive process that often incites anger and frustration in players, coaches, fans, and certainly officials ...

... and it's an important part of today's NFL.

The thought that one man, even one who is exceptionally adept at officiating a football game, can decipher a split-second, split-inch play on a field of large, fast guys running, hitting, and crashing all around him and be correct 100 percent of the time, is ridiculous. Still more ridiculous, though, would be to have the modern technical ability to arm that guy with a chance to slow time down and see it from different angles to help him make a more enlightened decision ... and then to not do so.

Instant Replay should be viewed as a clarification tool for a sport that often has so much riding on a single call. Officials (who do a tough job well and should be appreciated for the hard work) should never view replay as a threat to their abilities, but instead as a tool to help them do a better job. They should become so comfortable with this tool that there should be no need for replay to shoulder that burden of proof of "overturning" the call on the field. Mr. Head Referee: look at the replay objectively, then make the right call. We forgive you your fallibility, there's no reason you should be sidestepping bruised egos here.

Should officials make most calls on the field and not be second-guessed? Absolutely. If a coach believes that an important call was wrong, should he ask the officials to use THEIR tool to review it? Of course. If the coach is wrong, should it cost him a timeout for wasting everyone's time? Sounds good.

Instant Replay isn't perfect, but it adds to the quality of the game and even brings with it some drama and entertainment value. If it takes too much time, let's get better cameras or invent cool replay monitors the refs can wear on their wrists or something.

Replay Fantasy Hint: If you're missing out on points because replay keeps showing that your player isn't actually scoring ... bench him. There are plenty of "no doubt" players available.

WOLVERINE WATCH
Michigan alums put up another solid fantasy week, but it looks like Ohio State grads may have the Buckeyes gaining some ground in the race with solid performances from Eddie George and Robert Smith. Not sure? Cast a vote for the University of Virginia ... who brought us Tiki Barber, Thomas Jones... and Melissa Stark. Don't forget to make a case for your choice as the best college fantasy provider at BulldozerReport@go.com.

ROUNDUP
From an injury front, the NFL has recently welcomed back stud kickers Jason Elam and Mike Hollis from early season injuries .. and did the NFL and fantasy world ever need these guys back. After Kris Heppner got the boot from Seattle for Rian Lindell, who had earlier gotten the same boot in Dallas, Heppner signed with Washington, who fired Michael Husted. Meanwhile, the Chiefs let former fantasy ace Pete Stoyanovich go in place of Todd Peterson who was, well, also let go by Seattle. Don't know about you, but I'm tired of chasing kickers around the league ... these guys must never really unpack. One thing's for sure: Stoyanovich's one-week guest role in St. Louis this week is worth a start.

Got an extra roster spot to fill? Consider picking up Michael Bishop. If Drew Bledsoe doesn't suddenly become a track star, he's going down this year. Seven sacks on Sunday doesn't make for a healthy QB ...

SPEAKING OF FILLING THOSE ROSTER HOLES
In this week's Bulldozer Report, we take a look at some possible replacement candidates for those constantly depleting fantasy running back and receiving ranks. Can't find a viable replacement for Duce Staley or Terrell Davis? ESPN.com leaguers should consider switching to a three-receiver set and adding one of the quality No. 2 (or even No. 3) receivers that are racking up solid fantasy numbers.

NOTE:
Clearly inspired by the head coaching regime of their former defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, Scott Mitchell (4 for 16, 39 yards, 2 INT) and the Bengals' offense put together their third shutout of the season. Defensive backs Cory Hall and Rodney Heath, quite possibly confused by the word "shutout" (which does not appear in the defensive playbook), combined to make a key first-quarter tackle ... of each other ... which sprang Steelers WR Hines Ward for a 77-yard TD. I wonder if Hall and Heath walked off the field pleased that they'd each brought someone down on the play ...

TOP NO. 2 RECEIVERS
Torry Holt, St. Louis - With the Rams offense putting up points the way Detroit pumps out SUVs and mid-sized sedans, it's safe to say that this team can support two No. 1 receivers. Smart fantasy owners realized this on draft day, and made Holt one of the highest No. 2 receivers taken. He has not disappointed, as both he and battery mate Isaac Bruce have combined for over 1,200 yards and eight TDs in just their first six games. Holt benefits from a very balanced attack that doesn't allow defenses to focus coverage on any one player without getting burned. Look for him to continue to post great numbers.

Cris Carter, Minnesota - Reports that Carter is having a bad year have been greatly exaggerated. True, he has posted three games with three catches or fewer. Also true, his first TD didn't come until Sunday night. However, as defenses are forced to begin focusing attention on Moss (not that it really matters) and on all of the damage Robert Smith has been doing on the ground, Carter will find himself constantly sailing through weak coverage. Have no fear, Mr. "All He Does is Catch Touchdowns" will be around this year.

Jerry Rice, San Francisco - Rice must step up to the line of scrimmage, smirk, and shake his head at what he often sees on the other side. With teammate Terrell Owens playing like a man possessed (20 catches, 269 yards, four TDs) in the two games following his "poor judgement" suspension, Rice will likely continue to draw coverage from inexperienced defensive backs. Building on his 387 yards and four TDs may seem like a walk in the park for Rice as he slant-routes past these kids on his way through the 2000 season ... and on to Canton, Ohio.

Rod Smith, Denver - Through their Super Bowl years, Smith seemed to often be known as the "other guy" in Denver's passing game, often taking a back seat to undercovered Shannon Sharpe and creative possession guy Ed McCaffrey. This year, he and QB Brian Griese seem to be tuned to the same frequency, hooking up for four 100-yard games and six TDs through the Broncos' first seven games. While McCaffrey remains the red zone guy, Smith is clearly the featured downfield receiver for this team in 2000.

Keenan McCardell, Jacksonville - OK, so last night McCardell and the football dove for the end zone ... and the ball made it. One hard-luck game aside, McCardell has been a reception machine for Jacksonville this year, already catching 54 passes for 596 yards. Though he is not likely to score a lot of TDs (Mark Brunell seems to prefer Jimmy Smith on any play headed for six), his yardage alone is enough to make him a solid performer in your lineup.

Terrence Wilkins, Indianapolis - In Weeks 1 and 2, E.G. Green and Jerome Pathon tried in vain to provide viable production opposite Marvin Harrison. Then, as if saying "No, no, no ... this is how it's done," last year's starter Terrence Wilkins returned from injury in Week 4 to post 148 yards and a TD. Since, Wilkins has been a clutch possession man for Peyton Manning, and has put decent fantasy numbers on the board. He's in the right offense, and his good possession skills and stealthy field work are reminiscent of those of another Terence (Mathis) in Atlanta.

Jacquez Green, Tampa Bay - It's beginning to look like the greatest benefactor of Keyshawn Johnson's signing with the Bucs -- besides the Tampa Bay media who are never left without a good sound bite -- is Green. Last year, Green posted solid numbers as the team's go-to receiver. This season, he has hauled in 23 passes for 440 yards as defenses have been eager to focus on shutting down Johnson. While he may not haul in 11 passes again, it's a good sign that Green is being used as more than just a deep threat for the team. He could post excellent numbers the rest of the year.

Frank Sanders, Arizona - It was a good thing that David Boston emerged as Arizona's clear No. 1 receiving target, so that Sanders could return to his familiar role ... that of the forgotten man. Sanders often lays somewhat dormant for periods of time, then suddenly emerges for a huge game. This has been basically the case this year, with all of his four TDs coming in just two games. Still, with four games with 56 yards or more, he continues to be a consistent part of the team's offensive plans ... a good guy to have on your bench, ready for certain matchups.

Donald Hayes, Carolina - Hayes' claim to fame this year is that he was the consensus preseason fantasy sleeper pick following the injury to Patrick Jeffers. While the Carolina offense and teammate Muhsin Muhammad have struggled, the 6-4 Hayes has not disappointed his fantasy investors. Though 436 yards and two TDs isn't exactly leading the league, it is more than enough to ask of a second receiver on a team that has yet to really hit its offensive groove from last year. Keep him in your lineup and expect good things.

Derrick Mason, Tennessee - Maybe Mason should now be considered the No. 1 receiver for the Titans, but on a team that seems to go out of its way to get Frank Wycheck the ball, calling any wide receiver No. 1 seems a little misleading. Mason scored in his third straight game in Tennessee's Monday night win over Jacksonville, and seems to be the only receiver staying healthy. For this reason, he's a good bet to produce decent (though likely not spectacular) numbers for the Titans.

Sylvester Morris, Kansas City - The fantasy dog pile to add Morris after his breakout three-score performance against San Diego in Week 3 reminded me of the sound you hear on a goal line play when the head referee accidentally leaves his microphone on. Since then, however, Morris has looked more like a typical rookie WR. Fantasy owners know that Randy Moss is the exception, not the rule, though rookie receivers are often better in the second half (Torry Holt) of their first years. Morris is a talented player on a good team, but gives way to veterans Derrick Alexander and Tony Gonzalez. Consider playing him against soft defenses coming up such as St. Louis, San Francisco, San Diego, and Atlanta.

Bill Schroeder, Green Bay - Another "Jekyl and Hyde" type of player, Schroeder can either be a gem who helps you to a surprise victory, or a crutch that makes you wonder why you played a No. 2 receiver. His offense seems to come when Brett Favre is in command and spreading the ball around effectively, which hasn't been as often this year as in the past. Consider playing Schroeder against the likes of Minnesota and Chicago.

Johnnie Morton, Detroit- Morton has made a career of being the "solid No. 2" guy in this offense, pulling in 355 yards and two TDs so far this year. With the recent injury to Germane Crowell, look for his role to even increase slightly (though one would have to think this opens a huge door for Herman Moore to take back that featured role). Look for consistent 50-70 yard averages from Morton, as always, with the occasional TD.

Troy Brown, New England - It looks as though Brown may have finally matured into the consistent possession receiver the Patriots had hoped he could be. With 404 yards in seven games, he has helped to spark an offense that seemed to be in severe short supply of talented play makers. Terry Glenn is still the primary weapon for this team and Brown doesn't appear likely to score much (his two TDs came in just one half of football), but you can count on some solid yardage numbers from him.

Ike Hilliard, New York Giants - Though many owners believed that last year established Amani Toomer as the Giants' undisputed No. 1 receiver, this may have been a bit premature. In fact, four of Toomer's six TDs last year came from 27 or more yards out, meaning that he is really just the undisputed deep threat for the team. Hilliard has been a solid possession receiver this year, with 411 yards and three TDs in seven games. He could easily go on a scoring spree this year, with the team having few other clear red zone options beyond the running game.

Sean Dawkins, Seattle - Could the Brock Huard era really mean new life for the Seahawks receivers? Well, let's not get ahead of ourselves ... he hasn't actually won a game yet. Still, Dawkins had 118 yards Sunday and rookie Darrell Jackson, who has essentially replaced the injury-nagged Derrick Mayes, scored as the Seahawks offense began to again show life. If the trend continues, Dawkins could be a solid contributor and pull in a few TDs as he did last year. However, at this point it's too soon to count on him in your starting lineup.

Travis Taylor, Baltimore - See Sylvester Morris above. Actually, Taylor has done well and Brian Billick has not asked too much of the rookie. Particularly with Tony Banks and the Ravens' offense really struggling (three games and counting without a TD), Taylor is unlikely to post any consistent numbers. So why is he on the list? Baltimore still has games coming against Cleveland, Cincinnati, and San Diego ... you'll want to keep Taylor handy for these matchups.

SOLID NO. 3'S
A No. 3 receiver in a high-octane offense, or one with a great QB at the helm, can be just as productive as a No. 2 man in an average system. For this reason, Matthew Hatchette (two TDs for the Vikings), Az-zahir Hakim (372 yards, two TDs, one return TD for St. Louis), and even J.J. Stokes (220 yards, two TDs) can be decent fantasy contributors.

BULLDOZER AWARD
This week's Bulldozer Award goes to Colts RB Edgerrin James, who punished Seattle's defense for a team-record 219 rushing yards and three TDs. James has been far from a disappointment as the consensus top fantasy pick, but had yet to explode for this type of fantasy week-winning performance until Sunday. It goes without saying that this is not the last we'll see of Edgerrin James ... though if it was, I doubt the Seahawks would mind.