Division: NFC East 2003 Record: 12-4 2003 Offensive Stats: 314.7 yards gained per game (18th overall) 2003 Defensive Stats: 331.7 yards allowed per game (20th overall)
Key Players:
The Philadelphia Eagles have reached the NFC Championship three seasons in a row--and haven't reached the Super Bowl. The Eagles addressed two big concerns in the off season: a playmaker wide receiver and a legitimate pass rusher on the defensive line.
The Eagles added flamboyant wide receiver Terrell Owens, one of the best wide outs available in the game, to give McNabb an explosive target in the passing game and signed Jevon Kearse away from the Titans to provide much needed pressure on the opposing quarterback.
This is a solid squad and certainly one of the favorites to reach the NFC Championship game yet again. McNabb is a great quarterback with excellent speed for scrambles and mobility (he's a tad weak in accuracy). Westbrook and Buckhalter are the two backs; Westbrook offers better speed and pass catching ability while Buckhalter is superior in short yardage situations.
Division: AFC North 2003 Record: 6-10 2003 Offensive Stats: 299.5 yards gained per game (22nd overall) 2003 Defensive Stats: 291.6 yards allowed per game (9th overall)
Although the Steelers still have one of the better defenses (anchored by all-pro linebacker Joey Porter), the offense fell off considerably in 2003. Inconsistency at the quarterback and running back position created the biggest problems. The Steelers signed ex-Eagle Duce Staley to energize the running attack. Staley and Bettis provide a strong one-two punch. Use Staley to run outside and to catch passes; Bettis is the better inside runner and should be used in short yardage situations.
The Steelers' receiving group remains strong with Hines Ward the primary target. Establish a strong running game by swapping out Staley and Bettis for specific situations. Hit Staley out of the backfield to loosen the defense and open up your options at wide receiver.
Division: AFC West 2003 Record: 4-12 2003 Offensive Stats: 322.9 yards gained per game (14th overall) 2003 Defensive Stats: 349.6 yards allowed per game (27th overall)
The San Diego Chargers have one of the best players in the game...but few other superstars. LaDainian Tomlinson is a dominant mix of speed and power. He's also lethal out of the backfield--if you can get him the ball. The Chargers' quarterback situation isn't strong. Former starter Drew Brees is a forgotten man so the Chargers drafted Philip Rivers as their new future star. Lorenzo Neal is another star on offense; he's one of the top fullbacks in the game and should open holes that Tomlinson can accelerate through.
