Division: NFC North 2003 Record: 9-7 2003 Offensive Stats: 393.4 yards gained per game (1st overall) 2003 Defensive Stats: 334.8 yards allowed per game (23rd overall)
Key Players:
The Vikings started 2003 strong and looked to be the NFC favorite...but the season ended in disaster on a last second touchdown at Arizona. Despite the strong start, the Vikings failed to make the playoffs. The team mirrored the Chiefs: explosive offense but vulnerable defense. Culpepper is one of the top quarterbacks in the game. He's extremely mobile (81 speed) and also has a powerful arm. Accuracy is Culpepper's main weakness.
Randy Moss is the best receiver in the game: maximum rating in speed, acceleration, and jump ability. Moss also has high awareness; use him on option routes and allow him to find the open space. Bennett is an extremely fast back and can be dangerous in pass patterns man-on-man against slow linebackers. But Moss is your primary weapon. It's not a matter of if you're going to go to him but when. Move him around the line to hopefully open him up. Use hot routes on him when you spot a mismatch. Don't be afraid to send him deep several times a game to test your opponent's defense.
Division: AFC East 2003 Record: 14-2 2003 Offensive Stats: 314.9 yards gained per game (17th overall) 2003 Defensive Stats: 291.6 yards allowed per game (7th overall)
The 2003 New England Patriots won their second Super Bowl in three years. And in a move that probably made other AFC teams more nervous, the Patriots bolstered their one "weak" position by adding long-time Cincinnati Bengal Corey Dillon to their backfield as the featured ball carrier. Tom Brady, one of the most underrated quarterbacks ever (if you can call a two-time Super Bowl MVP underrated), leads the Patriots. Spread the ball around to the Patriots capable receiving group; use two tight-end sets to get both solid Patriot tight-ends into the game.
The Patriots have the best defense in the game (rated 99 overall) and are pretty much solid across the board. Ty Law and Rodney Harrison are the primary superstars. Their coverage skills allow you to play any defensive coverage you wish--including an array of blitzes. The secondary is strong enough to play single coverage. The special teams unit is also a strong suit; Adam Vinatieri is one of the game's best kickers.
Division: NFC South 2003 Record: 8-8 2003 Offensive Stats: 339.9 yards gained per game (11th overall) 2003 Defensive Stats: 327.1 yards allowed per game (18th overall)
The New Orleans Saints seem to have the talent in place but can't seem to rise above a mediocre record (last year's team finished an average 8-8). Deuce McAllister is one of the best running backs available in the game; he's a lethal mix of speed, acceleration, catching, and break tackle abilities.
Joe Horn and Donte Stallworth provide two weapons at wide out. Horn is the better overall receiver but Donte possesses the speed and acceleration to help stretch defenses, which should hopefully open more running lanes for McAllister. Boo Williams is a rising star at the tight-end position. Defense will be the Saints' weak area; the squad lacks big time superstars. Expect a high scoring affair.
