Division: NFC West 2003 Record: 10-6 2003 Offensive Stats: 322.6 yards gained per game (15th overall) 2003 Defensive Stats: 253.5 yards allowed per game (1st overall)
Key Players:
Despite making the playoffs with a 10-6 record, the Dallas Cowboys revamped considerably on offense. They lost their starting quarterback, starting wide receiver, and starting running back. Those are major positions to replace; but if anyone is up to the task, it's Coach Bill Parcells. It certainly won't be an explosive offense, at least consistently. The quarterback position is led by former Parcell QB Vinny Testaverde. Options are limited; it's either the aging veteran or the inexperienced rookie.
The Cowboys added former Titan Eddie George in hopes he still has something left in the tank. Don't expect much burst outside; keep him between the tackles and behind strong Larry Allen. Keyshawn Johnson, another former Parcell player, replaces Galloway at receiver in an off season trade with the Bucs. He's a dependable pass catcher but lacks the speed to stretch defenses.
A conservative passing game--given the lack of standouts in key positions--will likely produce the most consistent results. Rely more on the Cowboys top ranked defense. La'Roi Glover anchors a solid line and Williams and Woodson are one of the best secondary duos in the game.
Division: AFC West 2003 Record: 10-6 2003 Offensive Stats: 349.9 yards gained per game (7th overall) 2003 Defensive Stats: 277.1 yards allowed per game (4th overall)
The Broncos made noise in the off season by trading star running back Clinton Portis to the Washington Redskins for arguably the best cover cornerback in the game, Champ Bailey (the Skins also threw in a draft pick as well). Champ Bailey's statistics tell the story: 99 in speed and acceleration, 92 in jump, and 94 in awareness. Place Bailey on your opponent's best receiver and shift all other coverage to the other side of the field.
Losing Portis means a significant downgrade at the running back position. The Broncos' added ex-49er Garrison Hearst into their committee of running backs. Speedy Quintin Griffith is a front runner for the starting position, though the Broncos also drafted Tatum Bell as further insurance. Griffith is a good outside running with excellent catching skills; just don't expect him to bowl over defenders. Run behind excellent right guard Dan Neil.
Utilize inconsistent quarterback Jake Plummer's speed as his primary asset. Roll out of the pocket and give time for your receivers to break open (don't forget about Griffith or Hearst out of the backfield). His lower power and accuracy scores means you'll need to look for the open man instead of trying to force the ball to covered receivers.
Division: NFC North 2003 Record: 5-11 2003 Offensive Stats: 266.4 yards gained per game (32nd overall) 2003 Defensive Stats: 335.0 yards allowed per game (24th overall)
The Detroit Lions are a young football team. If Coach Steve Mariucci can turn potential into points then the Lions will be a force to be reckoned with in the very near future. Second year player Charles Rodgers and rookie Roy Williams are a fast one-two punch at the receiver position. Move them around the field, put them in motion, and work to get them matched up against slower defenders.
The Lions drafted Kevin Jones to replace James Stewart at running back; utilize Jones' speed and agility in outside runs. With Harrington's meager stats, rely on a balanced offense and use hot routes and swaps to get Rodgers and Williams open and an easier target for the Lions' quarterback.
