Miami – Indy and Miami is a good match-up with the Colts having the edge. On defense you can do some different things. You can try to playpick Miami while being Bickett and thus taking away Miami’s Run 1. You can call Pass 1 and be Odom (top middle linebacker), which also takes away Run 1 as Odom is left unblocked. Or you can call a lot of shotgun and try to use Odom or Hand to guard against the other two passes, this leaves you open to Run 1 though. A mix and match plan of these can keep Marino and company at least under control. On offense things aren’t too difficult since you have the amazing Eric Dickerson. Miami will have to focus on him allowing Trudeau to complete some easy passes, like to Dickerson out of the backfield on Pass 1, or the short WR on Pass 2, and should give you a very slow and steady drive downfield. Just make sure to keep them honest about calling Dickerson.
Cleveland – Nice match-up here. On defence it’s time for that trademark Indy working class style of mixing it up and hanging on. Odom and call run, mix it up with Bickett, Hand and Robinson and a lot of mixing it up between run calls and Pass 2. On offense you’re Indy, so plenty of Pass and enough Dickerson to keep the defense honest.
Denver – Denver and Indy match-up pretty well together. On offense you’ll have to watch out for Mecklenburg and Jones when going to the running game. Mecklenburg can stop Dickerson for very short yardage if the defense has called a running play. Jones is effective, although vulnerable to jukes, protecting against Run 1. Like against everyone the plan is too make use of the short dump off passes and grind down the field, while making sure the defense is respecting the awesome power of Eric Dickerson. Make sure you take advantage when you get a chance with ED. On defense it’s more of that Indy working class style, lots of different looks. Run 2 and Bickett gives good run protection and is adequate against Pass 1. Odom and a running play can contain Dorsett pretty well but leaves you open against the pass. Robinson the safety is also an option. The best tip is to remember calling Run 2 will give you top man coverage against Pass 1, and a Run 1 call will give you 1 man covered against Denver’s Pass 2 (Shotgun).
Seattle – This is almost exactly the same as when facing Denver, only Seattle doesn’t have a Jones-caliber player at RE. Everything said about playing Denver applies here as well.
Los Angeles – Alright the Indy game plan on offense is essentially the same against every team. Let’s just cover it one last time here. Plenty of dump-offs to Dickerson and Beach on Pass 1, and a good amount of Pass 2 where you try to play it as safe as possible and go to bottom wide receiver Bill Brooks. And don’t be afraid to take an occasional deep shot to the top man on Pass 1. Make sure to keep Dickerson in the mix, and make sure the defense always needs to key on him. If the defense is mixing it up a lot and going to lower rated defenders using to the opposite side run and putting some big jukes and cuts on the weak defender can net you some solid yards as well. Indy’s offense is near unstoppable if you can avoid playpicks, and it slowly marches down the field eating a lot of clock. It’s good times when you’re the Indy offense.
The defensive plan here is a lot of Pass 1 and top outside linebacker. He’s unblocked on both of LA’s running plays and despite being slow can limit the damage Bo and Allen can do. You just need to be careful, not bite on jukes, and try to play a bit of a ‘contain’ defense while other defenders get into position. Against Allen’s play you’ll need to beware Bo Jackson, as he likes to occasionally go nuts and starting blocking everyone in sight. Allen can only usually pick up between two and four yards. Bo can do more damage, especially if you let him juke you, but he can be limited to about four yards a carry. Since you have Pass 1 called LA’s pass attack is totally useless as Pass 1 is called, and on Pass 2 only two of the three receivers are open and the two open ones run short routes and go very close together making it extremely easy to defend. With LA not going to the pass feel free to mix in the occasional Run 1 to get a playcall in a key situation, just make sure to switch to RE Jon Hand when you do. This will tip the offense off but what are they going to do about it? Nothing.
San Francisco – San Fran is a tough match for Indy. Ronnie Lott’s run-stopping ability makes it a lot harder for the offense to drive the field but it’s still doable. You just have to avoid playcalls. On defense Indy lacks a playmaker as Bickett is taken out of the game because he covers Jerry Rice on all three passing plays. So you’re left with RE Jon Hand and a Pass 1 base defense to slow the 49ers down. This gives you solid protection against everything except Shotgun. When Shotgun is picked by the offense and you don’t have it called the top middle linebacker Odom is the man to be. He’s in better position to make a play then anyone else.
Washington – Be the top outside linebacker and pick Pass 2. Congrats, you've won.
Dallas – Dallas’ terrible defence should make it easy for Indy to stomp all over them. With no star players Dallas will need to key on Dickerson, leaving the passing attack wide open. If they decide to roll the dice and call pass, take advantage of Dickerson’s awesomeness and rip their hearts out Temple of Doom style. On defense you are in for a bit of a challenge as Dallas can do some things. Walker is dangerous, and their Shotgun play poses problems for everyone, including Indy. Bickett and Run 2 will stop Dallas’ ground game but leave you wide open for Dallas to go the air, so you’ll need to mix in some pass calling. Preferably Pass 2, as it is much more devastating and Pass 1 is a pretty lousy play for Dallas. When you go to Pass 2, its best to go to Odom, as he’s in the best position and has no coverage responsibilities.
Chicago – Dangerous Chicago. Offense might be a problem here to say the least; Chicago has a swarming defense and a lot of superstars ready to stuff the run and makes scoring points tough, even for Indy. Basically you have to really grind this out, try to avoid play calls, and make sure to take advantage when you get Dickerson an opening. It’s not easy. On defense you’re going to have to go with a lot of run calling to keep Walter Payton under wraps. Lots of Run 2 and Bickett is the general plan to contain them. When you need to go to pass to get a stop I’d recommend calling Pass 1 as Pass 2 is much more difficult for McMahon to land a pass on. With Pass 1 he will always have Payton ready for that dump off and some easy gains. This is usually a battle of field position and defense, so you need to be sharp. Watch out for Gentry too.
New York – On offense Indy is in for a much tougher time then normal, as New York can use LT and Banks to either take Dickerson completely out of the game or contain him. Pass 1 will be the go to play, with plenty of dump-offs to Dickerson and Beach. Taking a shot deep at some point is probably a good idea, as the Giants defense is too good to grind into the turf like Indy can do to other teams. Defensively Indy can handle the Giants offense pretty well. Bickett and Run 2 can shut down the New York running game. Robinson at safety can get involved as well when calling either running play. Calling Run 1 and being the right end Hand limits the Giants bread and butter (Pass 2) decently, and can create some pressure situations for Simms. New York’s offense isn’t explosive so Indy can use either working class mix and match technique pretty well, while you’re waiting and hoping for a mistake from Phil Simms. This is really a tough match-up for the New York Giants, but they’re still the New York Giants so they tend to still win.
Minnesota – Indy matches up really nicely to manhandle Minnesota. Robinson at bottom safety and calling Pass 1 or 2 pretty much stops Minnesota dead in their tracks. Beware the hidden blocker of doom though. Bickett and a pass call is another strategy, but he can get picked up on the WR reverse. Minnesota’s defense is pretty tough, but you should easily win the field position battle with Stark’s punting, and you can launch some long field goals with Biasucci without really having to worry about them being blocked.
Indianapolis – Indy and Miami is a good match-up with the Colts having the edge. On offense you’ll have to mix it up a little bit to keep Indy’s defense off balance. Indy can take Miami’s running play out of the game, so really this will be an aerial attack from Marino. Basically it’s just a matter of avoiding playpicks, and hitting the open man on whatever play you call. Just try to avoid the patented Marino interception. . Defensively you’re in tough as Indy has a killer at running back in Dickerson. Calling Run 1 and being bottom middle linebacker John Offerdhal is the main play. That’ll keep Dickerson’s killing to minimum. You’ll need to gamble more then you normally would to try to get a playpick because Indy’s offense is just too powerful for Miami’s useless defense to hold off. This is an offensive battle, and you need to make sure you have plenty of long sustained drives ending in TDs otherwise Indy and Dickerson will just stomp all over your defense.
Cleveland – Miami runs the same brand of offense against most teams, including Cleveland. Basically you just want to mix in all three of your passes, hoping to avoid playpicks and hitting the easy passes for 10+ yard gains when you get both your top and bottom wide receiver open on Pass 1 and 2. You may want to throw in some Run 1 if your opponent isn’t going to the bottom outside linebacker Clay Matthews very often just to keep them honest. Miami is a very poor team defensively, but they match-up decently against Cleveland. Offerdhal and Run 1 will contain Mack and Cleveland’s running attack, as can Bosa and Run 2. Basically you’re looking to get Cleveland away from their running game, and then start gambling calling Pass 2 and being Bosa (the right end) or the left end to help contain the weak side run if the offense happens to go to it.
Denver – Denver matches up well with Miami on both sides of the ball. Denver’s defense can take away Run 1 with Mecklenburg and Pass 1 defense and Mecklenburg has good position at top middle linebacker and is fast enough to give Marino plenty of difficult throws. Offensively you’ll need to use the mix it up Miami style and play well with Marino to have a good chance to win. Defensively you’re in tough, but Offerdhal at bottom middle linebacker combined with Run 2 defense can take the running game away from Denver. Right end Bosa and Run 1 defense can do about the same thing. Unfortunately Denver’s passing offense is great and you’ll have to make some defensive pass calls to have a chance to stop them. Run 1 and Bosa is a decent pass defense as it limits pass 1 but Pass 2 (the shotgun play) can chew you up very quickly. Calling Pass 1 gives solid Pass 2 coverage and forces Elway to gamble with his throws but you’re in tough either way. Like a lot of Miami match-ups you need Marino to bring his A game.
Seattle – Offensively for Miami this is exactly like facing Denver, only Fredd Young makes things a little more difficult for Marino then Denver’s Mecklenburg does. Mix up your pass calls, make sure the defense is staying honest against Run 1 and be precise with Marino. And score touchdowns. Defensively playing Seattle is almost exactly like playing Denver as well, only their passing attack isn’t nearly as deadly. This means you can call a lot of run without having to worry about quick scores against you as long as you cover the top wide receiver Steve Largent on Pass 2. Calling Pass 1 and being Bosa is an excellent defense against the pass, as it covers Largent and the other receivers are too close together for Kreig to land a pass one you. So don’t be afraid to mix in quite a bit of Pass 1 defensive calls.
Los Angeles – Offensively it’s the same Miami plan of mixing in all three passes and landing the easy ones for quick 10-12 yard gains, and Marino makes most passes easy. Just don’t get greedy to trying to cram in a pass that’s no there. Defensively you need to go to the top outside linebacker and call Pass 1. This will leave you unblocked on both LA running plays and give you unbeatable pas coverage. The only problem you could have is that Bo Jackson is damn fast and could put some moves on your very slow top outside linebacker, but usually you can contain Bo to small or moderate gains. Once you have established you’re calling tons of Pass 1 and being the TOLB, feel free to call the occasional Run 1 (and use right end Bosa) to land a potentially drive killing playcall.
San Francisco – Basically you can’t win this game without a miracle. Michael Carter is fast enough from nose tackle for the 49ers to call Pass 3 (shotgun) without having to fear Miami’s Run 1 and the excellent coverage Pass 3 provides allows the very fast Carter to make things extremely difficult on our pal Dan. If Run 1 is picking up 3-4 yards for you, which it can, it will for San Fran to mix up their defense a bit and give you a much better chance but you’re hurting with this match-up. Defensively you’re only hope is the standard base San Fran defense (Pass 1 and the right end) and taking quite a few chances going for playcalls and interceptions to stop the high power 49ers. Everything has to go right for Miami to win this match-up.
Washington – Call Pass 2 and be the top outside linebacker on defense. Mix in all your passes and if Washington isn’t going to TOLB Marshal regularly bust out Run 1 on them. You might want to play this match-up a little more conservative then normal because the last thing you need is a Marino INT costing you a win over Washington. Just don’t force any passes, and stick to the defensive game plan and you’ll be fine.
Dallas – Now here’s a match-up. Basically if Dallas isn’t calling your play, your scoring points each time you get the ball. Just don’t force in difficult throws and make a mistake. Mix in all 4 of your plays and take the openings where you see them. Dallas just doesn’t have the personal to stop an attack like Miami’s, take advantage of that fact. Defensively keep your eye on Walker with a lot of Run 2 and Offerdhal or Run 1 and Bosa. Dallas’ shotgun play can be their bread and butter so you have to be ready to take a chance and call it even if it leaves you open against the run. The right or left end and Pass 2 (shotgun) gives you good pass protection and a 50/50 chance to avoid a big run by Walker.
Chicago – This is a terrible match-up for Miami. Mike Singletary just wreaks havoc on your passing attack and Chicago’s offense can just overpower the weak Miami defense. Offensively you’ll just have to hope Chicago’s defensive coordinator is out to lunch, because otherwise you’re facing nothing but very, very difficult passes and small gains on the ground. Marino has to be unbelievable for Miami here. Pass 1 and 2 are really your only plays with Chicago running the Pass 3 + Singletary defense, and Chicago will have either the top or bottom wide receiver covered on either play. Run 1 might gain you a few yards, if it does keep going to it, but don’t count on it. Defensively you need a lot of playcalls. Offerdhal and Run 2 or Run 1 and Bosa are both solid defenses against Chicago’s powerful as hell running game. You will need to land some big pass playcalls though, so be ready to mix it up. Pass 1 and either the left or right end is probably the best bet to limit the damage. No matter what you do you’re really in tough and will need to catch a break or two to pull it out.
New York – Uh oh. Much like against Chicago Marino needs to be near perfect for Miami to pull this one out. New York can call Pass 3 and be the top outside linebacker Banks all day and Miami is in a world of trouble. Banks renders run 1 totally useless, Pass 3 is called, Pass 1 has the bottom wide receiver covered and Pass 2 has the top wide receiver covered. Pass 1 and 2 is your only hope to gain yards, but every pass will be difficult against a defender as fast as Banks. You will need all your quarterbacking skills to make this work. Defensively you are looking to force Phil Simms into a mistake. Not easy, but it can be done. Run 1 and Bosa is good against the ground game and covers the top wide receiver on New York’s bread and butter Pass 2. You might force a mistake on Pass 2 with this plan. Offerdhal is blocked on both runs so you really can’t go to him unless you have something tricky in mind. Your best bet is probably to mix up your defensive playcalls, throw as many different looks at Simms as possible and hope he makes a mistake that you can capitalize on. This is an extremely difficult match-up for Miami, don’t expect to win often.
Minnesota – Minnesota has a respectable defense but it’s not that much of a problem for Miami. Like against most teams Miami just needs to mix up their play calls, avoid playpicks, and have Dan land those 10-yard passes to the open man. If Minnesota is relying a lot on right end Doleman you should go to Run 1 more. Doleman is blocked on the play and you should be able to gain respectable yardage. Basically you’re looking to play it safe on offense here, and not give anything away. On defense you might have a tougher time then most teams do against Minnesota because Miami’s bottom safety is so slow. But bottom safety and either pass play is a sound base defense. It will give you good pass coverage and leave you left unblocked on both runs. Watch out for the hidden blocker of doom near the topside of Minnesota’s line however. If Run 1 is slowly grinding away on you, feel free to throw in a Run 1 call and be right end Bosa. Don’t get to clever though, call Pass (either one, you can mix it up or go heavy on one of them. I like calling a lot of Pass 2 myself) and be the bottom safety the vast majority of the time, and force Kramer to make difficult throws.
Indianapolis - Indy always presents a tough match-up for its opponents and Denver is no different. Denver is the slight favourite but it's close. Denver uses a lot of the same basic offensive and defensive strategies no matter whom they play. On offense it's a steady diet of Pass 1, with a nice mix of running plays to keep the defense honest, as Dorsett can do some nice damage on the ground. When things get desperate or you need a big play Pass 2 (shotgun) is wildly powerful, but risky. If the defense has called Pass 1 it leaves only two of the four wide receivers open on Pass 2. Both of these receivers routes take them out of the screen and makes it difficult to judge which receiver is deep and which is short. This makes the play both risky and difficult to effectively defend against. Defensively Denver uses a lot of calling run and controlling top middle linebacker Mecklenburg. Calling the run that goes toward the top of the screen and being right end Jones is also a solid option as Jones is a pretty good player. No other player on the defense is worth much so it's best to stick to those two unless you are trying something tricky. Denver is a very good team to use the old Call a pass play and be either the right or left end to guard against one of the running plays). Denver uses both their standard offensive and defensive strategies against Indianapolis. When calling a pass play it's best to call Pass 2 as it gives better coverage on Pass 1 then 1 does to 2. Indy relies pretty heavily on Pass 1 though, so you can mix that in if it's killing you or you need a big playcall.
Miami - Standard Denver offensive strategy applies (see vs. Indy) only Miami's defense is so weak you can use more running plays then you normally would as Miami is usually gunning for playpicks to stop you. Defensively calling a lot of Pass 3 (shotgun play) is a good option. It gives you plenty of great chances to grab a Marino mistake when Miami goes to Pass 1 or 2. The top or bottom wide receiver will be covered on those plays when you call Pass 3. Being Mecklenburg in the top middle linebacker position gives you good speed and great position to force Marino to make those difficult Pass 1 and 2 throws. The only drawback to this plan is you are vulnerable to Run 1. Mecklenburg is blocked and Hampton is likely to gain 5 or more yards. A god play to avoid this is to mix in some Pass 1 calls. When you call Pass 1 Mecklenburg is unblocked against Run 1 and he gain stop Hampton for essentially no gain. Calling Pass 1 leaves you wide open against the other passes but it is worth it to mix it in to keep Miami from pounding you with the running game.
Cleveland - These teams are pretty evenly matched. Home field is big in these types of games. Cleveland can really take away your running game with Dixon and Minnifield at safety, and Dixon can cause a lot of problems for your passing game. But this is still a standard Denver offense situation. Make sure Dorsett is getting respected, plenty of Pass 1 and pick your spots for Pass 2. As always when things get desperate Pass 2 is your best bet. Defensively calling either running play and being top middle linebacker Mecklenburg will stop Mack essentially dead in his tracks. Once you've established you can easily stop their running game, it's time to start calling quite a bit of pass defense. You should usually go with Pass 2 unless you are looking for a big play call with Pass 1. When you call pass you'll need to be either the solid end Rulon Jones or slow left end Gilbert. This will give you protection against the running play that goes away from your defender if Cleveland goes to the ground. These teams are pretty evenly matched so you really want to avoid making a mistake that could cost you the game.
Seattle - Sticking to Denver's normal offensive and defensive strategies is a safe bet here. Fredd Young can make things a little difficult, but just mix your plays up and don't make any dumb mistakes. Defensively you might want to go towards a pass prevent defense calling more Pass 1 then usual and being right end Jones to keep Seattle's solid pass attack from doing much damage. If you do call a Pass call Pass 1, it gives you tremendous coverage on Pass 2 as the top wide receiver Steve Largent is covered by your top safety.
Los Angeles - Nothing to fancy on offense, just remember LA�s best defender, Howie Long, plays left end. Defensively it's standard LA stopping gameplan with the top outside linebacker and Pass 1. Denver's TOLB is slow but you should be able to limit Bo and Allen pretty well. If you struggling a little or need a playpick don't be afraid to call Bo's Run 1 and be Mecklenburg, just don't fall in love with it and get caught on a deep pass.
San Francisco - The good news is Ronnie Lott is much less effective against Denver�s running game then most teams; the bad news is you're playing San Francisco. Offensively it's basically standard Denver stuff, except if San Fran goes to their popular Be the right end and let Ronnie Lott stop the run by himself. If they do this you'll need to break off a couple of solid Run 1�s with Dorsett to get San Fran to stop relying on that plan. Its not really easy, but it can be done. Defensively it's a strict diet of Pass 1 and right end Jones. This gives you good protection against all the passes, stops Run 1 from gaining more then about 3 yards and keeps Jerry Rice covered at all times. Once you've established you're calling a ton of Pass 1 you can start trying for playpicks with either Pass 2 or 3. This can be risky however; as if you guess wrong San Fran can land some deep passes downfield. This is a tough game for Denver, but it is winnable if you play mistake free, get your offense going and avoid getting burned long on defense.
Washington - Call Pass 1 and be the top outside linebacker on defense. On offense play it safe, don't do much, if any, gambling, and take the 3-0 or 6-0 win.
Dallas - Denver, like most teams, just blows Dallas away with the personal advantage. Follow the standard Denver gameplan on both sides of the ball (see vs. Indy). Keep a close eye on Walker but don't let Pas 2 (shotgun) walk all over you.
New York - On defense Mecklenburg is taken out of the equation, as he'll be picked up on both runs even if you called a run defence, you're kind of forced to go to right end Jones. A lot of Jones and Run 1 mixed in with Pass 2 and either the left or right end are really your only plays on defense against the Giants. On offense New York has a lot of options to stop you. They can take your running game away and make passing tricky. There's not a lot you can do except wait and see what type of defense they are using and adjust accordingly. Try to keep them honest against the run, and don't be afraid to launch up a few Pass 2's since you will need a couple of them to land in order to win this game. And watch out for LT.
Chicago - Offensively it's the same plan except Chicago's defense is tough as hell so you're going to be in tough. You might want to try to surprise them by going to a lot of Pass 2 early and often. It could cost you a potentially game ending interception, but you're in so tough it might be worth the risk to try to jump them. Defensively Chicago's running playbook takes your best defender, Mecklenburg, out of the game. He's blocked on both runs no matter what you call so to stop Walter Payton you'll need Rulon Jones to have a big game. Run 1 and Jones provides solid run defense. Run 2 can pick up around 3 yards for them, and maybe more if Payton makes a nice cut or 2, but you'll have to just take those gains. Chicago goes to a lot of Pass 1, which is pretty much an assured 7-8 yard gain if you don't call it, so you will have to mix in a healthy amount of Pass 1 calls. You'll need a lot of playpicks to keep Chicago off the scoreboard. Your goal in this game should be to stay within striking distance and get the ball in Elway's hands with time for one last drive. Which by the way is always a good plan.
Minnesota - Minnesota's defense is better then most teams but if you stick with the normal plan and don't make any bonehead mistakes you'll score all the points you need (3 to 6). Defensively the bottom safety and either pass play is standard. This will leave you unblocked on both runs (although beware of Minnesota's infamous hidden blocker of doom near the top of the offensive line on Run 1) and give you great coverage on the opposite pass play. Make Kramer make a lot of difficult throws and you shouldn't have too much trouble with this team.
Indianapolis - A surprisingly tough match-up. The Indy offense can give anyone, even the Giants, trouble, and the Colt defense is decent enough to give the mediocre Giants offense a hard time as well. Luckily you're the New York Giants and you can overcome anything. On offense it's just a case of catching some breaks, hitting a few passes and getting your three or six points depending on how your defense is going. On defense you have to watch Dickerson pretty carefully, and Indy's passes are so spread out it's tough for even LT to grab an interception. The overall game plan would be the standard call a lot of run and try to mix in your pass calls while playing a little cat and mouse with LT and Banks. One good tip would be if you're going to call a pass play make it Pass 2, it provides deep man coverage on Pass 1 and makes it tough for Trudeau to land a pass to anyone other the Dickerson out of the backfield.
Miami - If Marino brings his A+++ game Miami has a real shot to topple the Giants. Luckily for the Giants Miami�'s Run 1 is rendered totally useless as neither LT or Banks are ever blocked on a Run 1 play. So now it's 1/3 shot of landing a playcall. I like being Banks and calling a lot of shotgun as it gives you solid pass protection of the other two plays. Eventually Banks will grab a Marino mistake if you make him throw enough tough passes where only the top and middle, or middle and bottom receivers are open. Mixing in LT can be effective just by giving Marino different coverage schemes to worry about, but Banks and shotgun is a sound plan. Offense-wise it's the same old New York story of catching some breaks, grinding it out and scratching together some points.
Cleveland - Another tough battle. Cleveland's offense can give the Giants problems because LT covers the bottom man on Pass 1, who goes deep. This wreaks a little havoc on your defense. You need to go to Carl Banks and when you do call pass you only call Pass 2. That takes away the deep pass and makes Cleveland have to grind across the entire field to come away with points. Mack can give you a little trouble but Banks is fast enough and in strong enough position to neutralize him, even if you have gotten busted on a run. On offense you know the story.
Denver - On offense Mecklenburg is taken out of the equation, as he�ll be picked up on both runs even if Denver has called a run defence, so if the defence keeps going to Mecklenburg use the running game until they are forced to go to Jones. Once you have that it's the same old grind it out Giant offense. On defence there are a couple of ways to go. One is call a lot of Run 2 and be LT. This takes away the running game and gives you top man coverage on Pass 1, making life a little bit harder on John Elway. On Pass 2 attempts LT has a chance to bring down an interception if the quarterback isn�t careful. This plan will leave you totally wide open on the Shotgun play however. Calling a lot of Pass 1 and playing cat and mouse with LT and Banks to stop the running game is another solid plan. With Pass 1 called 2 men will be covered on the Shotgun play and the 2 open receivers go off screen making any throws to them risky for the quarterback. One is deep and the other is just off the screen, and a lot of the time it is tough to tell which is which.
Seattle - Like against Denver you can use the running game to take the top middle linebacker, Fredd Young, out of the game. Even with run called Young will have a blocker on him and Joe Morris is just quick enough to take advantage. With Young out of the picture Seattle is short on defensive options and the Giants can go to work with their typical grind it out style. On defense you can call a lot of Pass 1 and mix it up with Taylor and Banks to stop the run, or you can go to a Run 2 and LT plan, forcing Dave Krieg to make some throws.
Los Angeles - Well here�s a win. On offense it's the standard plan; mix enough Joe Morris in with Pass 2. On defense it's Carl Banks and call Pass 1 all-day. Banks is unblocked on both LA runs and Banks is fast enough to contain Bo to a maximum of 3-4, and Allen can only pick up 2, maybe 3. The passing game is finished as Pass 1 is called and the deep man is covered on Pass 2 leaving only the two close together short receivers for you to easily defend. With no passing game LA will have to rely on Bo shaking and baking for enough yards, and you�ll easily be able to mix in an occasional Run 1 call to get a play pick every once in a while.
Washington - Well here's a win. It might be tough to score on the stingy Doom Combo-led Washington, but you'll give up zero points as long as you don�t toss a pick. Call Pass 2 and be Carl Banks. You're unblocked on both runs, and the only open receivers will be the top and middle men on Pass 1. Banks is more then quick enough to cover the ground between them, making Doug Williams job hell. Easiest win in the game.
San Francisco - One of the premier match-up in Tecmo Bowl. You're in for a battle when you face the 49ers, they're well equipped and loaded enough to make life miserable for the Giants. On defense your best bet is to contain the high-octane 49er offense by calling Pass 1 and being Banks. This keeps the dangerous Jerry Rice, who loves going deep, covered at ALL TIMES. With Pass 1 called Pass 2 is limited to only short gains as none of the open receivers go deep and Banks can cover the ground you need covered. Most of the time Montana has to settle for a dump off to Craig in the backfield. If Craig runs out like he occasionally likes to do then this play is rendered useless, as the receivers are too close together for Montana to risk a pass. When San Fran goes to Pass 3 (Shotgun) it's in your best interest to go to Right End Marshal, as Banks will cover the Tight End on this play leaving two open receivers. Ass Wilson, the top wide receiver, goes deep and Craig runs a slant across the field eventually stopping at the top of the screen about 10 yards up the field. Now it's just time to roll the dice for both the defense and the offense, as Marshal is fast enough to cut in on the short pass if you're cheating up. Calling something other then Pass 1 will leave a lot of guys open, including Jerry Rice, but if you really need a playpick it's 50/50 as Run 1 is useless and the offense should be off Pass 1.
On offense you're in trouble. Ronnie Lott was born to wreak havoc on the Giants offense. If the defense calls a running play and controls Lott you�re not gaining any yards on the run, none. The more popular strategy is to let the computer control Lott and be one of Board, Carter, or Kugler, depending on what run play they think is coming or if you think a pass is coming (Carter). If they pick Board and you have Run 1 called things shape up nicely for about 2 seconds until Ronnie Lott comes flying in and either sandbags you or makes you cut into traffic and get wrapped up. Ronnie Lott is the single greatest computer controlled force in Tecmo Bowl, and he essentially takes the running game away from the New York Giants. You'll need to battle, and hope for a big break to get your three points, and even that might not be enough as the 49er offense can score on the Giants.
Dallas - Dallas' world famous weak defense makes things easier on you offense-wise, but it's still the same New York Giants deal. On defense you need to keep an eye Walker, but that�s not difficult with LT and Banks. If you decide to call a pass it should be Pass 2 (Shotgun) as it will give you solid coverage on Pass 1, making it difficult for weak-armed Danny White to land a pass. That�s about it really.
Chicago - Dangerous Chicago. Offense might be a problem here to say the least. Chicago has a swarming defense and a lot of superstars ready to stuff the run and makes Simms life tough. Chicago can give the Giants a lot of looks with different playcalls and player selections. Basically you have to really grind this out, and make sure to take advantage when you get an opening. It's not easy. On defense you're going to have to go with a lot of run calling to keep Walter Payton under wraps. Lots of Run 2 and LT or Run 1 and Banks is solid. When you need to go to pass to get a stop I'd recommend calling Pass 1 as Pass 2 is much more difficult for McMahon to land a pass on. With Pass 1 he will always have Payton ready for that dump off and some easy gains. This is usually a battle of field position and defense, so you need to be sharp. Watch out for Gentry too.
Minnesota - Well here's a win. You have a bevy, yes a bevy, of options on defense to stop the terrible Minnesota offense. You could go to the old tried and true bottom safety and Pass 1 defense. You could go to the LT and Pass 1 defense, where the only problem will be on Run 2 (WR Reverse) you will eventually be blocked if you don�t make the tackle quick enough, or you could go to right end Leonard Marshal and call Pass 1. Only problem here is on WR reverse will you be grabbed, but you can grab your man and shake him quickly enough to limit the gain to 3-4 yards. Feel free to mix and match. Offense is the same advice I have for every other team, lots of Pass 2, and a healthy does of Joe Morris.