Division: NFC South 2003 Record: 7-9 2003 Offensive Stats: 340.8 yards gained per game (10th overall) 2003 Defensive Stats: 279.1 yards allowed per game (5th overall)
Key Players:
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers completed a disappointing 2003 season after winning the Super Bowl the year before. The Bucs suffered from inconsistent play on both sides of the ball as well as some major off the field distractions by the name of Keyshawn Johnson. The Bucs made some moves in the off season trading Keyshawn Johnson to Dallas for Joey Galloway and adding Charlie Garner at running back.
Mix in Garner and Alstott as a speed versus power combination. Alstott excels in short yardage situations with a near maximum rating in break tackle ability. Utilize Garner as a receiver option out of the backfield. Galloway will stretch defenses while McCardell is a dependable possession receiver.
The Bucs' defense remains one of the stronger squads in the game. Despite losing Sapp to the Raiders, the defensive line can create havoc in the opposing team's backfield. Left end Simeon Rice and defensive tackle Anthony McFarland are both highly rated linemen. Derrick Brooks is still one of the best linebackers available.
Division: AFC South 2003 Record: 12-4 2003 Offensive Stats: 343.8 yards gained per game (8th overall) 2003 Defensive Stats: 306.3 yards allowed per game (12th overall)
Titans quarterback Steve McNair shared last season's most valuable player award with Colts' signal caller Peyton Manning. You could make a strong case for either quarterback but most would argue that McNair is the heart and soul of the Tennessee Titans. During the off season, the Titans let former Heisman trophy winner Eddie George go (he later signed with the Dallas Cowboys). The Titans will now lean on last season's backup Chris Brown.
Derrick Mason should be McNair's primary target. Mix in passes to the Titans' stellar tight-end group as well. McNair still has some legs; although not on par with Vick, Culpepper, or McNabb, McNair's speed rating still provides plenty of chances for rollouts and scrambles. Defensively the Titans remain strong with solid stars at each position level. Kevin Carter anchors the line, Keith Bullick is a standout linebacker, and Samari Rolle can shutdown many receivers.
Division: NFC East 2003 Record: 5-11 2003 Offensive Stats: 291.2 yards gained per game (23rd overall) 2003 Defensive Stats: 338.2 yards allowed per game (25th overall)
Under owner Daniel Snyder, the Washington Redskins have made major changes to the team every season. This season, Snyder coaxed former Redskins' coach Joe Gibbs (winner of three Super Bowl titles) out of retirement to lead the team back to its glory days. Other off season moves included signing veteran, ex-Jaguars quarterback Mark Brunell and completing a blockbuster trade that sent cornerback Champ Bailey to the Broncos for all-pro running back Clinton Portis.
The always-dangerous Portis should be your primary focus on offense. Brunell doesn't possess the rating for a consistently successful passing attack. Testing defenses deep will certainly help open holes for Portis. Look for primary wide out Laveraneus Coles--given a 99 rating for speed--on the deep go routes. Maneuver him around the line and use hot routes to take advantage of mismatches.
