As good as the Ravens have been defensively over the last few years, they haven't ever had a QB to get them over the top. Now, with QB Steve "Air" McNair at the helm, they'll be a team to be reckoned with.
Impact Players: Jamal Lewis (RB), Todd Heap (TE), Ray Lewis (MLB), Ed Reed (SS) Strength: Defense. Play to the Strength: There's no need to go with the Engage Eight defense, since all of the players on the defensive side of the ball are awesome. Just let the attack come to you, then crush it. Weakness: No speed at tailback. Overcoming the Weakness: Because they don't have a speed-burner at halfback, go with more runs inside the tackles. All of the Ravens' RBs have power, and they'll wear out a defensive line.
Try This Offense: Weak I Normal--HB Gut
Although Jamal Lewis is only 27, his young legs can carry the load. While getting him outside is important, he can also put down his head and hammer his way forward for good yardage.
Defense: 4-3 Normal--Safety Blitz
It's unfair how good the Ravens' secondary is, but their safety situation is just sick. Bring them in for a blitz, use the Press Coverage audible, and Ed Reed will be on the QB right after he says "hike."
Franchise Players
If you're committed to franchise mode, build up these young guns above all else:
Jamal Lewis, RB
Mark Clayton, WR
Terrell Suggs, LB
What a difference a running back makes. The Arizona Cardinals have been on the verge for a few seasons, but this is the year they'll actually crack .500. And the future is blindingly bright with Matt Leinart in the wings. If only the offensive line were more talented...
Impact Players: Edgerrin James (RB), Larry Fitzgerald (WR), Bertrand Berry (RE), Karlos Dansby (MLB) Strength: Offensive depth. Play to the Strength: Lots of weapons means the offense can be on the field for much of the game. Use lots of screens to get Edgerrin into the flat where he can undress the D. Weakness: Offensive line. Overcoming the Weakness: This team is made to score, with two outstanding receivers and one of the best RBs in football. Too bad the O-line stinks. Use lots of trickery, like play-action, to keep the O moving forwards instead of backwards.
Try ThisOffense: Singleback Normal Slot--PA HB Look
Since there are so many weapons on this team, it's best to have all of them in play at once. Use this play, and if the defense doesn't bite on the play fake, make them pay by finding Edgerrin across the middle.
Defense: Nickel Strong--Cloud Zone
With Karlos Dansby patrolling the midfield, this plays lets him shutdown the middle, while the defensive backs keep the play in front of them.
Franchise Players
If you're committed to franchise mode, build up these young guns above all else:
Matt Leinart, QB
Leonard Pope, TE
Antrel Rolle, CB
After QB Drew Brees had his arm twisted out of the socket in a meaningless game last year, San Diego football fans held their collective breath. But all will be fine as young QB Philip Rivers takes the reigns for an explosive team.
Impact Players: LaDainian Tomlinson (RB), Antonio Gates (TE), Jamal Williams (DT), Shawne Merriman (LOLB) Strength: RB LaDainian Tomlinson.
Play to the Strength: RB LaDainian Tomlinson is a force and should be used accordingly. Hand it to him, pass it to him. And when that gets old, throw to TE Antonio Gates. Weakness: Secondary.
Overcoming the Weakness: CB Quentin Jammer still hasn't become a dominant player, and the secondary is just plain weak. The front seven isn't, however. Force bad throws from the QB with big blitzes to help them out.
Try This Offense: I Form Twin WR--TE Post
Antonio Gates is the best TE in football, bar none. A wide receiver in a TE's body, he's fantastic. So use him often. He'll be Philip Rivers' certain best friend.
Defense: 3-4 Normal--OLB Dogs Fire
The Chargers play a 3-4, which means it's even easier to get Shawne Merriman involved in the play. Use this and watch him involve himself in pressuring the QB.
Franchise Players
If you're committed to franchise mode, build up these young guns above all else:
Philip Rivers, QB
Luis Castillo, DT
Shawne Merriman, LOLB
The Kansas City Chiefs have one of the most intimidating running backs in football: Larry Johnson. With his eye on the single-season rushing record, he's a monster. Too bad the KC defense never improves more than a fraction per year.
Impact Players: Larry Johnson (RB), Tony Gonzalez (TE), Will Shields (RG), Dante Hall (PR)
Strength: RB Larry Johnson. Play to the Strength: Hand the ball to RB Larry Johnson, and he'll smash open holes that aren't even there. His offensive line is excellent, making it that much easier. Weakness: Defense. Overcoming the Weakness: The team's biggest problem continues to be the defense (an annual problem). CB Patrick Surtain is steady, but the rest is a crapshoot. Try to blitz from the outside, and maybe rookie DE Tamba Hali will matter.
Try This Offense: Weak I Normal--HB Zone Weak
You don't have to get too fancy when it comes to Larry Johnson, especially with KC's awesome offensive line. Hit the hole and run. And what if there isn't one? Power through and create one -- he's that good.
Defense: 4-3 Under--Engage Eight
Defense wins championships, which is why the Chiefs haven't won a Super Bowl in a very, very long time. So try this hyperblitz and see if you can't scare the opposing QB into handing you the ball.
Franchise Players
If you're committed to franchise mode, build up these young guns above all else:
Derrick Johnson, LOLB
Jared Allen, RE
Bernard Pollard, SS
One of the biggest surprises of 2005, the Bucs are a force to be reckoned with. A very talented, but aging, defense mixes with a very young and energetic offense. If the O catches fire, the D won't be an issue.
Impact Players: Carnell Williams (RB), Simeon Rice (RE), Derrick Brooks (ROLB), Ronde Barber (CB) Strength: Defense. Play to the Strength: You can throw pretty much any defensive scheme you want to at the offense, and it'll cause problems. Simeon Rice alone is an unstoppable force. Weakness: QB Chris Simms. Overcoming the Weakness: The good news for young QB Chris Simms is that he has a star RB, "Cadillac" Williams. Run the ball, control the clock, and Simms won't be an issue.
Try This Offense: Singleback Twin TE WR--Counter Weak
The Bucs offense relies on the revving motor of Carnell "Cadillac" Williams. This play will get him on the open "road."
Defense: 3-4 Over--DBL X Bracket
Simeon Rice is almost as good as he thinks he is, so use this play and he and Derrick Brooks can team up to sneak up in a right-handed QB's blind spot.
Franchise Players
If you're committed to franchise mode, build up these young guns above all else:
Carnell Williams, RB
Michael Clayton, WR
Davin Joseph, RG
