Division: NFC West 2003 Record: 10-6 2003 Offensive Stats: 362.4 yards gained per game (4th overall) 2003 Defensive Stats: 318.8 yards allowed per game (17th overall)
Key Players:
The Green Bay Packers 2003 season ended in disappointing fashion in a tightly contested NFC playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The good news is that the Pack have returned nearly every starter; aging future Hall of Famer Brett Favre looks to make his last (he's always using the word "retire" in the off season) run at the Super Bowl. He's one of the best quarterbacks in Madden: excellent throwing power, accuracy, awareness, and the best injury rating in the game.
Behind Favre is Ahman Green, one of the top running backs in the game. Near top ratings in both speed and acceleration, Green excels inside and outside the tackles and should be a big part of your pass offense as well. The receiving group lacks super stars but is a solid bunch; Javon Walker is an emerging star and offers the best speed on the team. Don't neglect Bubba Franks either; he's a capable tight end and offers Favre another downfield target.
Focus your offense on spreading the ball around. Hand off to Green inside then outside then work play action to Walker, Franks, or Green and repeat. Remain unpredictable. There's enough talent on offense to run out of pass situations and pass out of run situations. The Pack's defense is its weaker component. Contain your opponent and don't allow the big play.
Division: AFC South 2003 Record: 5-11 2003 Offensive Stats: 269.1 yards gained per game (31st overall) 2003 Defensive Stats: 380.1 yards allowed per game (31st overall)
The Houston Texans failed to make significant strides in 2003. The team ranked near the bottom of the league in both yards gained per game and yards allowed per game. But the Texans are a young squad and are in place to improve in the upcoming season. David Carr has respectable ratings; good throwing power and decent accuracy. The Texans running game gained focus in 2003 with the emergence of Dominick Davis. He's a fast, agile runner with great hands. Make sure he's an option for you out of the backfield on passing downs.
Andre Johnson leads the receiver squad with excellent speed and jumping ability. Stretch defenses with Johnson while maintaining a strong ground game behind Davis (and the fast Hollings when Davis needs a breather). Defensive stars remain the same in this year's Madden. Jamie Sharper is one of the better middle linebackers and Aaron Glenn can be placed on your opponent's best receiver.
Division: AFC South 2003 Record: 12-4 2003 Offensive Stats: 367.1 yards gained per game (3rd overall) 2003 Defensive Stats: 299.3 yards allowed per game (11th overall)
The Indianapolis Colts and Peyton Manning cleared a big hump in the 2003 season: they won a playoff game. Unfortunately, they still lost a playoff game. The Colts were unable to beat the tenacious New England Patriot defense and failed to reach the Super Bowl. But the Colts should remain strong in 2004 and are certainly one of the best squads in Madden 2005.
Peyton Manning boasts impressive stats. He's near the top in throwing power, accuracy, awareness, and he's durable to boot. Edgerrin James may have lost a step after a knee injury a few year's back but he's still a solid running back and an excellent pass catcher. Utilize him in the flat and as a dump option when the downfield receivers are tightly covered.
Marvin Harrison remains one of the best receivers in the game: he's nearly maxed out in speed, acceleration, agility, and awareness. Harrison also has a 99 catch rating. Spread him around the field so you aren't always moving him into your opponent's best coverage. Call Harrison option routes; he'll run them well given his 98 awareness rating. Mike Vanderjagt is also a legitimate offensive weapon. He can nail those 50 yard field goals.
