Baltimore Ravens

Division: AFC North
2003 Record: 10-6
2003 Offensive Stats: 308.1 yards gained per game (21st overall)
2003 Defensive Stats: 271.3 yards allowed per game (3rd overall)

Key Players:

The Baltimore Ravens’ gameplan remains the same. Punish defenses on the ground with pro bowler Jamal Lewis and play aggressive, take-away style defense with standout stars Chris McAlister, Ed Reed, and Madden 2005 cover man Ray Lewis leading a great all-around squad. Quarterbacking and wide receivers certainly aren’t the Ravens’ core talent. Apart from Todd Heap, a top tight end in the game, there really isn’t another standout pass catcher. Even Jamal Lewis is best kept on the ground (he has just a 69 catch rating).

Ravens’ running back Jamal Lewis is coming off a 2,000 yard season--and his 2005 Madden ratings reflect those skills.

Your focus on offense begins with Jamal Lewis; he’s seen a big boost in stats after his 2,000 yard season last year. His break tackle rating of 99 means he has the power to pound through linemen and over a lot of linebackers--use those stiff arms and special moves! Increased speed and acceleration over last season offers a better chance to implement outside runs.

Ray Lewis is nearly unstoppable on defense. His high awareness makes Lewis strongest in coverage not as much in blitz situations. Stick McAlister up against your opponent’s best receiver. Ed Reed has enough skills to play man-to-man or should be used to assist the Raven defenders not named Chris McAlister.

Buffalo Bills

Division: AFC East
2003 Record: 6-10
2003 Offensive Stats: 271.8 yards gained per game (30th overall)
2003 Defensive Stats: 269.6 yards allowed per game (2nd overall)

Key Players:

With a threesome like Bledsoe, Henry, and Moulds, it’s surprising to see the Bills fall off so far offensively in 2003. They dropped to just 272 yards per game from 349 in 2002--this is the 30th ranked offense in yards gained per game! Offensively the stats are certainly decent, despite their rather poor showing in 2003. Defensively the team is strong with an excellent linebacker squad and a solid secondary led by former Patriot Lawyer Milloy.

On offense, establish a running game with Henry, a good mix of speed and break tackle power. Eric Moulds is your primary receiver in the passing game. Bledsoe has been downgraded slightly but is a capable, strong armed signal caller that won’t have trouble zipping the ball to Moulds and the receiving squad. Look to insert second year player (though first for him as he was out all last season with a knee injury) Willis McGahee into two back formations for an intriguing one-two punch.

Carolina Panthers

Division: NFC South
2003 Record: 11-5
2003 Offensive Stats: 321.3 yards gained per game (16th overall)
2003 Defensive Stats: 295.3 yards allowed per game (8th overall)

Key Players:

What a difference a year makes. At the end of the 2002 season, the Carolina Panthers had just concluded a 7-9 campaign with big questions at quarterback. In 2003, the quarterback question was answered early with the emergence of Jake Delhomme. And it didn’t take long into 2003 to realize a combination of strong defense, power running, and a blazingly fast receiver posed big problems for most NFC teams, including the favorite Philadelphia Eagles. The 2003 Carolina Panthers went from 7-9 to nearly winning the Super Bowl.

Stephen Davis is a powerful runner. He’s not especially fast but his high break tackle rating should provide plenty of yardage between the tackles. In the passing game, look to match up quick Steve Smith on slower corners or, even better, even slower safeties or linebackers by shifting him around the field. Swap him into the slot and use motion to create mismatches. Put him on crossing routes and don’t hesitate to test your opponent’s defense deep.

Carolina’s defense is one of the strongest in the game--particularly their defensive line.

Defense is the team’s strongest suit and led by an impressive defensive line. You should be able to win the battle of the trenches and find just four down linemen reaching your opponent’s quarterback on several occasions. You could lay off blitzing linebackers and defensive backs if you want to play a safer defensive coverage or enhance the line’s power with additional blitzes to force your opponent into hurried decisions and throws.