Jacksonville Jaguars

Division: AFC South
2003 Record: 5-11
2003 Offensive Stats: 334.9 yards gained per game (12th overall)
2003 Defensive Stats: 291.1 yards allowed per game (6th overall)

Key Players:

Glance quickly at the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2003 offensive and defensive statistics and you might be surprised at their 5-11 finish. The Jags finished 12th in yards gained per game and 6th in yards allowed per game. Those numbers should have translated into more wins. But the Jags lost several games by less than a touchdown, which can quickly turn a possible playoff run into a disappointing season finish.

With long-time starter Mark Brunell gone to the Redskins, the Jaguars’ future is now with second year quarterback Byron Leftwich. He offers a strong arm but only moderate accuracy and awareness. Fred Taylor is still one of the game’s elite running backs; he’s fast, agile, and offers excellent break tackle. You can send Fred on the outside or up the gut for decent yardage. The wide receivers are young but led by veteran Jimmy Smith. He’s lost some speed so don’t expect open go routes against good corners. Instead, look to hit Smith in openings in the zone or on out routes.

Kansas City Chiefs

Division: AFC West
2003 Record: 13-3
2003 Offensive Stats: 369.4 yards gained per game (2nd overall)
2003 Defensive Stats: 356.7 yards allowed per game (29th overall)

Key Players:

Tony Gonzalez is the best tight end in the game. He’s essentially another receiver and matches up well against safeties or linebackers.

The 2003 Kansas City Chiefs were the tale of two teams. On one side you have an offensive juggernaut led by the best running back in the game today: Priest Holmes. He can accelerate through the hole or around the end, can break tackles through the middle, and is a potent force as a pass catcher. He also has a great line to run behind. Tony Gonzalez, the best tight end in the game, offers a superb option--not just as a dump off but as your primary target. Move him around the field and work him into your game.

Dante Hall is the best kick returner available but he’s also the Chief’s third receiver. Utilize his speed and look for opportunities to mismatch him up against a slower safety or linebacker. If the defense presses up or looks like they’re in a safety blitz, use a hot route to send Dante downfield for a bomb.

Let’s not forget the other side. What the Chiefs have in offense, the Chiefs lack in defense. They ended 2003 with the 29th ranked defense in yards allowed per game. Fortunately the Chiefs have the offensive tools to win shootouts: expect high scoring games.

Miami Dolphins

Division: AFC East
2003 Record: 10-6
2003 Offensive Stats: 288.1 yards gained per game (24th overall)
2003 Defensive Stats: 299.2 yards allowed per game (10th overall)

Key Players:

After another disappointing second half of the season, the Dolphins looked to improve at key offensive positions. They added A.J. Feeley, former backup at Philadelphia, as their expected new starting quarterback and signed David Boston, a strong but injury plagued receiver that couldn’t make a strong connection in San Diego. These new "weapons" on offense combined with the running of Ricky Williams and their usual strong defense made 2004 seem hopeful.

That is until Ricky Williams suddenly retired right before training camp and David Boston was lost for the season with a knee injury. At least there’s still A.J. Feeley. Madden 2005 includes Ricky Williams but if you download a roster update, he’ll be replaced by backup Travis Minor. Chris Chambers is another strong Dolphin receiver. Chambers and Boston make a nice combo in Madden 2005. Mix in Randy McMichael as another down field selection.

The Dolphins remain strong on defense. Jason Taylor anchors the line, Zach Thomas is one of the best middle linebackers, and Patrick Surtain can cover nearly everyone in the game in single coverage. There are many other stars as well. Play aggressive defense and keep scoring low and allow a conservative offense to stay in the game.