With one of the best defenses in football, they've got a legitimate shot to go all the way this year. Plus, they have a smart, young QB in Byron Leftwich, and they've also got depth at the RB position.
Impact Players: Byron Leftwich (QB), Marcus Stroud (DT), Mike Peterson (MLB) Donovin Darius (DB) Strength: Defense. Play to the Strength: Though not quite as intimidating as the Chicago Bears' D, the Jags are still a threat to turn the QB to mush and make big, game-changing plays. Weakness: Second receiver. Overcoming the Weakness: While every analyst thinks WR Matt Jones is going to light the world aflame this season, they don't have a competent second receiver. Go with two-TE sets and find either Kyle Brady or newcomer Marcedes Lewis.
Try This Offense: Split Back 3 WR--PA Slide
Byron Leftwich to Matt Jones could be a combo of consequence. Use this play and watch Jones speed-burn on the outside. If he's open, then hit him for an easy 6 points.
Defense: 4-3 Normal--Engage Eight
Defense is the Jaguars' strength, so why not bring the house? Unless the QB has a quick slant up his sleeve, he's going to be in big trouble.
Franchise Players
If you're committed to franchise mode, build up these young guns above all else:
Byron Leftwich, QB
Matt Jones, WR
Marcedes Lewis, TE
This'll likely be the last time you'll see QB Brett Favre in a Madden game (until he's part of the Hall of Fame roster, that is). If he can keep the interceptions to a minimum, the Packers might just challenge the Bears for the division title.
Impact Players: William Henderson (FB), Donald Driver (WR), Mark Tauscher (RT), AJ Hawk (OLB) Strength: Defensive facelift. Play to the Strength: By drafting MLB AJ Hawk and signing CB Charles Woodson, this team has a starting point to being a competent defense. Attack the QB with Hawk's blitzes and RE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila. Weakness: QB Brett Favre. Overcoming the Weakness: He may be a future Hall of Famer and a Wisconsin icon, but Favre throws way too many interceptions. Temper that by playing it safe (which Favre never does) and utilizing comeback RB Ahman Green.
Try This Offense: Shotgun Normal--HB Fly
The days of Favre's stardom are fading, but the HB Fly is a play that'll keep the gunslinger's arm active. He'll have plenty of targets to choose from.
Defense: 4-3 Normal--LB Contain
The Packers defense is terrible, but there's hope: AJ Hawk to the rescue. As an outside linebacker who can mix it up, this play keeps him positioned to put the hurt on -- and it'll keep speedy QBs from trying to run.
Franchise Players
If you're committed to franchise mode, build up these young guns above all else:
Aaron Rodgers, QB
Junius Coston, RG
AJ Hawk, MLB
It's an all-new era in Minnesota now that Daunte Culpepper's been dealt to the Dolphins. Still, there's plenty of reason for the Vikings to have hope: a weak division and a great offensive line. Too bad about the geriatric QB.
Impact Players: Bryant McKinnie (LT), Steve Hutchinson (LG), Pat Williams (DT), Antoine Winfield (CB) Strength: Offensive line. Play to the Strength: RB Chester Taylor can make things happen, especially behind an offensive line that can push the defense around. Run the ball like crazy -- Taylor's got good backups when he's fatigued. Weakness: QB Brad Johnson. Overcoming the Weakness: Believe what you want about the 38-year-old QB for the Vikes, but he's no Daunte Culpepper. Use the running attack of swift Chester Taylor so that Brad Johnson can survive the season.
Try This Offense: Split Back 3 WR--Slot Cross
Troy Williamson is blazing fast. This play sets him up across the middle. He'll be able to clear himself from the defensive back, but you've got to put the throw on the money.
Defense: Nickel 3-3-5--Corner Blitz
The Vikings aren't going to scare anyone with their defense, so they have to be creative to strike fear. This'll get cornerbacks Fred Smoot and Antoine Winfield sprinting in, which is a little scary, at least.
Franchise Players
If you're committed to franchise mode, build up these young guns above all else:
Troy Williamson, WR
Kenechi Udeze, LE
Chad Greenway (ROLB)
The Cleveland Browns made some seriously impressive strides in the off-season. It won't directly translate to success in real life, because they already lost key C LeCharles Bentley for the season. But this isn't real life.
Impact Players: Reuben Droughns (RB), Kellen Winslow (TE), LeCharles Bentley (C), Willie McGinest (LOLB) Strength: TE Kellen Winslow. Play to the Strength: Winslow's going to be entering his first real season as a tight end, but he has the skills to be a star. Find him over the middle or throw fades his way. He'll turn them into big gains. Weakness: QB Charlie Frye. Overcoming the Weakness: The Browns' young QB is young and inexperienced, but at least he's not Tim Couch. Run with RB Reuben Droughns, then play-fake to set up big plays to WR Braylon Edwards.
Try This Offense: Singleback Slot Strong--HB Blunt Dive
With center extraordinaire LeCharles Bentley (it's a shame he's injured in real life) anchoring the offensive line, just stick it to the defense over and over with the powerful Reuben Droughns.
Defense: Nickel Strong--Under Smoke
Making use of both of your OLBs is the key to success for this tame defense. But you can put some bite into the opposition here.
Franchise Players
If you're committed to franchise mode, build up these young guns above all else:
Kellen Winslow, TE
Braylon Edwards, WR
Kamerion Wimbley, ROLB
The Bills have tons of underachieving promise. QB JP Losman can't seem to get it together and RB Willis McGahee doesn't have an offensive line. It's going to be another long year in Buffalo.
Impact Players: Willis McGahee (RB), Lee Evans (WR), Takeo Spikes (LOLB), Nate Clements (CB) Strength: RB Willis McGahee. Play to the Strength: To succeed with this team, you have to pound the ball with RB Willis McGahee. Otherwise, try to scramble with Losman and get WR Lee Evans open. But that's a tall order. Weakness: Interior offensive line. Overcoming the Weakness: Use your fullback to lead block at every opportunity, then shift over to McGahee for a gain.
Try This Offense: I Form Normal--HB Counter
There's no need to get too fancy with Willis McGahee carrying the rock, which is why this play's great. Go ahead and lead block for him with the fullback to make up for the limp interior O-line.
Defense: 4-3 Normal--Under Ram Buck
With the rest of the defense holding position, send Takeo Spikes in with this play to flip the QB's wig.
Franchise Players
If you're committed to franchise mode, build up these young guns above all else:
Willis McGahee, RB
Lee Evans, WR
Donte Whitner, SS
