The Patriots' glory years maybe over, but they've done a great job of filling in the gaps with young, talented players who buy into the system of coaching mastermind Bill Belichick. With Tom Brady still at the helm, they're always a threat.
Impact Players: Tom Brady (QB), Corey Dillon (RB), Richard Seymour (RE), Rodney Harrison (SS) Strength: QB Tom Brady. Play to the Strength: Brady is masterful and won't throw lots of interceptions. He's best on short passes, so go with lots of outs and slants. Weakness: Cornerbacks. Overcoming the Weakness: While the Pats have CB issues, they had them even when they were winning Super Bowls. Rely on the linebackers to float around in zone coverage, and it should solve the problem.
Try This Offense: Strong I Normal--FB Out
Tom Brady is awesome, and puts the ball right where he intends, 99 out of 100 throws. This play gives him plenty of options, the best of which might be the fullback streaking out of the backfield.
Defense: Nickel 2-4-5--SS1 Blitz
There's no one overwhelming star on the defensive side of the ball for the Patriots--they're all really good. But sending in Rodney Harrison on a blitz is always a good idea.
Franchise Players
If you're committed to franchise mode, build up these young guns above all else:
Laurence Maroney, RB
Logan Mankins, LG
Vince Wilfork, DT
The Denver Broncos are the class of the AFC West. They have so many ways to beat their opponents: Rookie QB Jay Cutler is good enough to replace veteran Jake Plummer out of the gate, WR Javon Walker is a difference-maker on offense, the offensive line is absurdly good, and the linebacking corps is probably the best in football.
Impact Players: Tatum Bell (RB), Javon Walker (WR), Al Wilson (MLB), Champ Bailey (CB) Team Strength: Offensive line. Play to the Strength: The offensive line protects and blocks well -- they do it all well. Whatever you decide to do offensively, they'll make it easier.
Weakness: Defensive line. Overcoming the Weakness: The Broncos' D-line has trouble getting to the quarterback, so you'll have to blitz with your linebackers. It leaves your secondary exposed, but Champ Bailey is an unbelievable cornerback -- so if the QB's hurried, he'll defend the pass, though he just might make a pick.
Try This Offense: I Form Normal -- HB Counter Wk
Tatum Bell is lightning, so if you get the defense going the wrong way for even a split second, he can find a lane and make the defense pay. Denver's the place for cutback runners, and this is the type of play that proves it.
Defense: 4-3 Normal -- OLB Fire Man
By bringing a swarm of linebackers from every angle to aid the average defensive line, the offense will be overwhelmed. Expect a sack -- but at worst, you'll force an incomplete pass.
Franchise Players
If you're committed to franchise mode, build up these young guns above all else:
Jay Cutler, QB
Tatum Bell, RB
Tony Scheffler, TE
One of the NFL's true wild-card teams -- who knows where they'll end up this season? Without a star wide receiver, the entire team feeds off of what the explosive Michael Vick can do. Not a bad place to start.
Impact Players: Michael Vick (QB), Warrick Dunn (RB), Keith Brooking (ROLB), John Abraham (DE) Strength: QB Michael Vick. Play to the Strength: It's lucky that Michael Vick is such a running talent, because his arm is practically wasted with his wide receiver corps. Get him out of the pocket to run, but shy out of bounds instead of going for that extra yard. No need to injure the man. Weakness: Receivers. Overcoming the Weakness: The NFL's most underwhelming group of wide receivers are led by Michael Jenkins and Roddy White. Whoopee. Use Vick, use RB Warrick Dunn, and use the WRs only when necessary.
Try ThisOffense: Shotgun--2RB Flex--HB Wheel
Don't use play-action; it'll stall Vick. Instead, throw everyone deep, then pick your receiver or run yourself. Forget the pocket!
Defense: Dime Normal--Double X
When it comes to coverage, you can count on DeAngelo Hall. This play has you doubling the opposite receiver, while Hall shuts down his half of the field.
Franchise Players
If you're committed to franchise mode, build up these young guns above all else:
Michael Vick, QB
Michael Jenkins, WR
DeAngelo Hall, CB
The Eagles' cancer is now the Cowboys' reward. Well, sort of. WR Terrell Owens is already causing ripples (oh, really?), but once Bill Parcells slaps him around, the Cowboys should contend for the division title.
Impact Players: Terrell Owens (WR), Jason Witten (TE), Roy Williams (SS), Mike Vanderjagt (K) Strength: WR Terrell Owens. Play to the Strength: He's an absolute monster. Throw the ball to him and watch him destroy DBs. Weakness: Quarterback. Overcoming the Weakness: Truth is, the Cowboys don't have many weaknesses this season, but Drew Bledsoe is getting up there in years, and he's got absolutely no mobility. Make sure you get rid of the ball quick, because he can't evade the rush.
Try This Offense: Shotgun 4WR--Cowboy Cross
As obnoxious as he is, Terrell Owens is one heck of a wide receiver. Thus, you have to get the ball to him whenever you can. Thus, calling this play.
Defense: Nickel Strong--Robber
The Cowboys' defensive leader is Roy Williams, so let him dangle out in the secondary, readying to make a play on any deep ball. Which means one thing: There won't be any deep-ball completions against you.
Franchise Players
If you're committed to franchise mode, build up these young guns above all else:
Julius Jones, RB
Marcus Spears, LE
DeMarcus Ware, ROLB
With Ricky Williams out of the backfield picture in Miami and QB Daunte Culpepper now running the show, it's a whole new ballgame for the Dolphins. Expect a breakout year from RB Ronnie Brown, and the swarming Miami D to clamp down on the opposition.
Impact Players: Daunte Culpepper (QB), Fred Beasley (FB), Jason Taylor (RE), Zach Thomas (MLB) Strength: FB Fred Beasley. Play to the Strength: Beasley's not only a master at pass protection, but he'll also make RB Ronnie Brown a star. Go from the I Formation and watch Beasley do his work. Weakness: No second receiver. Overcoming the Weakness: WR Chris Chambers had his breakout season, but WR accomplice Marty Booker isn't a great No. 2. Run the ball and use play-action to get the coverage off of Chambers for continued success.
Try This Offense: I Form Normal--Strong Flood
Even after surgery, Daunte Culpepper can scoot. Get him out of the pocket, and if no one's open, run to the left where you should find all kinds of daylight.
Defense: Nickel Normal--Silver Shoot Pinch
Send Zach Thomas down the gut and Jason Taylor screaming in at the QB's blind side, and you're bound to wreak some serious havoc.
Franchise Players
If you're committed to franchise mode, build up these young guns above all else:
Ronnie Brown, RB
Rex Hadnot, RG
Channing Crowder, ROLB
