NFL Head Coach 09 Prima Official Eguide

PRIMA OFFICIAL GAME GUIDE
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WELCOME, COACH
NFL Head Coach 09 is a unique
and complete NFL experience that
gives you the power to make decisions that define your coaching career
and the fate of your chosen franchise.
With strategic game planning features,
NFL Head Coach 09 places you in the
coachs seat: You can scout opponents, build playbooks, make trades,
select draft picks, and develop a team
that adapts to your franchises philosophy and goals.
You rule the sideline in NFL Head
Coach 09: You can call plays, make
adjustments and tweak your game plan
as events occur in real-time. You can
travel in the footsteps of your favorite
NFL coach, or start your career from
scratch with your own look, personality
and philosophy.
In NFL Head Coach 09, the gamer
has complete control of their franchises destiny, says NFL Head Coach
09 Executive Producer Jeremy Strauser. From draft day to game day, the
gamers decisions impact their teams
success and make or break a teams
road to the Super Bowl.
The challenge will be immense,
and the road to glory will be long and
arduousbut if you have what it takes,
you can build the ultimate NFL dynasty
and forge your legacy as one of the
greatest to ever roam the sidelines.
Fortunately, youve already taken a
major step toward that goal: This guide
provides everything youll need to master NFL Head Coach 09.
ON THE COVER: TONY DUNGY

Dungy is one of the NFLs mostrespected coaches. In 2007, he
became the first African-American
coach to win a Super Bowl when
the Indianapolis Colts beat the
Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI.
Since Dungys arrival in 2001, the
Colts have had six playoff berths
and have won more than
70 regular-season
games. Dungy has
tallied an impressive
.661 winning
percentage over the
past 12 seasons.
WHATS NEW FOR 2009

For those whove played the previous installment of NFL Head Coach,
youll quickly find out that this game will
be a completely different experience.
Team Campuses: Each of

the 32 NFL teams has their
own campus, stadium and
practice field. The weather
will change from day to day,
and youll be able to travel
to different campuses for
your away games.
Everything from the game interface

to the artificial intelligence has been
completely rebuiltand its showcased
with some of the most realistic graphics
Coach Clipboard: NFL Head

Coach 09 features a brand
new interface which you use
to handle every new event
that pops up while coaching.
You can toggle a number
of other menus via the
Clipboard.
ever seen in a next-gen football title.

The following screen shots illustrate
some of the most important new features youll find in NFL Head Coach 09:
Career Starting Point: One of

the biggest new features for
draft die-hards is the ability
to start your coaching career
during the 2008 off-season.
Dont like who your team
drafted or traded for this
year? You can now go back
in time and rewrite history.
Approval Rating: This is

the primary measure of
your coaching success
(or struggle), and it can
affect everything from the
games difficulty to your job
security. Your actions on and
off the field can increase
or decrease your rating. Be
careful: If it drops too low,
you could lose your job!
In the 1950s, some football teams tried using clear plastic bands rather than metal bars for face masks.
The plastic broke too easily to be used in NFL games, and the idea was eventually scrapped.
Play Creator: Not only can you edit your playbook and create new
plays, but you can even adjust them during a game. Newly created
plays can be uploaded to EA SPORTS GamerNet or exported to Madden
09keeping the game fresh for many seasons to come.
NFL 09
CPU-Initiated Trades: Watch the CPU try to trade with not just you
but other CPU-controlled teams as well.
The Clock is Ticking: Every coaching eventwhether its a

trade or free agency bidoccurs live with a countdown timer.
This will put even more pressure on your decisions, and if you wait too
long, that trade opportunity of a lifetime may be gone forever
Expanded Rosters and Cut Days: Teams can have 75 roster players during the offseason, but cut days will trim that number down.
ASK EA SPORTS
How new are the
various features in NFL
Head Coach 09?
and Tear Injury System: Keep track of your
9 Wear
players health and decide who to rest and who
to keep on the field. When a player gets hit, hell lose
health points off the part of the body that was impacted.
Lose too many points, and your player will get injured.
Subs and Play Edits: You can change the

10 Quick
complexion of any play with a quick substitution.
This is a great way to sub in your superstar players (i.e.
put your speedy wide receiver in the backfield) for key
plays. You can also edit plays while on the sidelines.
Nothing is carried over

from the previous NFL
Head Coach. The gameplay engine were using
is a tweaked version of
Maddens, but all of the
logic and features have
been rewritten from
scratch.
The new logic doesnt
contain any code from
Madden Franchise
Mode or the previous
NFL Head Coach.
The NFL Network: Youll receive breaking news on

trades, draft prospects and much more via special
NFL Network broadcasts featuring Adam Schefter.
11
INTRODUCTION
The NFL Draft: Youll wield the same type of power

that pro coaches have when it comes to the draft.
Youll develop your draft board, trade up or down, and
scout from a pool of more than 21,000 unique prospects.
12
We had a brand new

design team this year
that worked on other
games previously, so we
really didnt intend to
carry much over from
the first game.
www.primagames.com
GAME CONTROLS
Filter
Toggle Option
Pause
Filter
Toggle Option
Pause
Timeout
(In-Game)
Timeout
(In-Game)
None
Back
Advance
Sort
Navigate
None
Back
Advance
Sort
Navigate
Player/
Staff
Card
Player/Staff Card
PLAYSTATION 3
XBOX 360
GAME SETTINGS
Before you start playing, you might
want to explore and/or change some of
the games main settings. Access them
from the main menu by going to My
Coach > Settings (or pause a game in
progress). Game settings include:
My Favorite Team: Select the
team campus that appears when you
first start up the game, as well as the
default team when selecting Coach
Now or starting a new career.
Game Controls: This shows you a
map of the game controls.
Game AI: Increase or decrease AI
settings for both the CPU and player.
Use the LT button (L2 on PS3) to toggle
between categories; use the RT button
(R2 on PS3) to toggle between the CPU
and player. The default is 50, but you
can adjust each setting from 0 to 100.
AI settings on offense:
QB Accuracy
Pass Blocking
WR Catching
RB Ability
Run Blocking
AI settings on defense:
Awareness
Knock Downs
Interceptions
Break Block
Tackling
Many options can be tweaked during a

game in progress. However, you cannot
adjust the quarter length or turn the play
clock on or off, so make sure to adjust those
settings before starting a game.
AI settings on special teams:

FG Power
FG Accuracy
Punt Power
Punt Accuracy
Kickoff Power
In general, you wont need to mess
with the AI settings unless you want to
make the game easier or harder.
Game Rules: This lets you change
the quarter length (default is 15 minutes), turn the play clock on (default) or
off, and adjust the frequency of penalties called. Beginners might want the
play clock off to have more time to call
plays and make play adjustments.
For penalties, you can increase or
decrease how often theyre called by

the referees. The default setting is 50,
but you can adjust it from 0 to 100. The
penalties include:
Offside
False Start
Holding
Facemask
Offensive Pass Interference
Defensive Pass Interference
Kick/Punt Return Interference
Clipping
Intentional Grounding
Roughing Passer
Roughing Kicker
General Options: Enable or disable Auto Save (default is disabled), or
activate or reset Popup Help. After your
first season, turn off Popup Help.
Video Calibration: This lets you
optimize the contrast on your screen.
Volume: This modifies the volume of
the various audio game effects. For the
master volume, the default is 100, and
for the individual effects, the default is
90. You can adjust the volume from 0
(completely silent) to 100.
Coach Clipboard: When playing a
game, you can choose which events to
deal with, and which to delegate. This
is a crucial part of the game, so well go
into more detail later in this guide.
So often you get to that

point where you think, We
have to change, we have to
do something different, we
have to create a different way
of life, but how weve won is
by building on what we do and
not getting bored with that. If
we do that, I think well be in
good shape.
Tony Dungy on his outlook for the 2008 Colts season
COACH CAREER
STARTING YOUR CAREER
COACH SKILLS
12
STARTING POINT
15
COACH CLIPBOARD
16
ON THE SIDELINES
20
APPROVAL RATING
22
www.primagames.com

You have two options when starting an NFL coaching career: Play as an
existing coach or create a new coach.
Most gamers will likely opt to create
a coach so that they can control how
their skills develop.
NEW
text. CAREER
PERSONALITY:
COMMANDER
text.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
Mike Shanahan of
the Denver Broncos
has a Commander
personality.
THE FIRST STEPS
The most important decision youll

make is which team you want to coach.
Use the NFL team profiles in the back
of this guide to check out how good
the current staff is, and how deep your
roster is stocked with talent.
A first-time gamer might want to
choose a team already in great shape
(such as the Patriots or Colts) to make
the difficulty factor a bit less severe.
However, your best bet is to choose
either a team you like best or a team
youre very familiar with.
If youre creating a new coach,
at the Coach Name screen, type in
your coachs first and last name, then
choose an appearance.
SELECTING
A PERSONALITY
text.
HOW OTHERS WILL PERCEIVE YOU
At the Personality screen, select

your coachs personality. This is important because your personality will
determine how other CPU-controlled
parties (i.e. players, coaching staff and
other teams) will measure you up and
react to your decisions. Its also important if you ever decide to simulate any
portion of your season or offseason:
the CPU will base its simulation on your
personality type.
With that in mind, choose a personality that most closely matches how
you expect to manage your team.
There is no statistical advantage
choosing one personality over another
as long as the decisions that you make
on and off the field are generally consistent with your personality type.
There are 17 personality types; each
personality comprises 10 personality
traits. Some traits are shared by more
than one personality type.
The coaching personality types to
choose from are on the next several
pages:
The Commander is a driven individual that is team-oriented, dependable and willing to take charge. Five
current NFL head coaches have this
personalitythe most of any personality type.
Personality traits include:
Driven: Strives to be one of the
best ever in the NFL. Tireless work
ethic.
Loyal: Tends to have a connection
with his team. Would rather stay than
go.
Realistic: Knows to take the good
with the bad. Doesnt expect perfection.
Consistent: Rarely exhibits surprises in his demeanor or actions.
Dependable: Rarely exhibits behavior that is unexpected.
Problem Solver: Quick on his feet.
Can analyze a problem and come up
with a solution quickly.
Patient: Willing to wait on a
decision. Doesnt expect issues to be
resolved immediately.
Structured: Very rigid about his
situations. Expects them to go as
planned.
Competitive: Winning is the goal
always at the forefront. Doesnt like to
be shown up.
Shrewd: Very adept negotiator.
Gets what he wants or walks away.
The maximum number of seasons you

can coach in a career is 15.
If you plan to take control of an

existing NFL head coach, here are
a few tidbits from the developers:
Bengals: Coach Marvin Lewis will
have lots to deal with. First, hell
have to find out how to handle
wide receiver Chad Johnson, who
is not happy in Cincinnati and may
ask for a new dealwithout one,
he may sit out training camp. On
the plus side, you have the best
trainer in the NFL, wholl be a big
asset through your career.
Patriots: If there were an easy
mode in the game, taking control
of this team would be it. Youll
have the best GM in the game as
well as a talented roster and staff
at your command. However, all
that power comes at a price: Anything short of a Super Bowl win
will be a disappointment.
Ravens: Rookie coach John Harbaugh has potential to be good
across the board; build him up as
his career unfolds.
Saints: Coach Sean Payton has
one of the best QB coaches in the
game. Pete Carmichael Jr. helped
developed Drew Breesso dont
be surprised to see other teams
try to hire him in the off-season for
an offensive coordinator position.
If youre creating a new coach, therell

be more than 160 different appearances
to choose from.
In play diagrams, offensive players are usually marked by circles,

and defensive players marked as upside-down triangles or Xs.
PERSONALITY:
SUPER STAR
text.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
PERSONALITY:
TRADITIONALIST
text.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
Herman Edwards
of the Kansas City
Chiefs has a Super
Star personality.
The Super Star is a highly ambitious

perfectionist who knows hes one of
the best, and lets everyone else know
it too. Two current NFL coaches have
this personality.
Driven (see Commander)
Calculating: Not always on the
same page as the rest of the team.
Looks for opportunities to self-promote.
Competitive (see Commander)
Dramatic: Tends to overreact in
most situations. Can become a
distraction.
Perfectionist: Expects everything
to be perfect and every situation to go
right.
Self Focused: Cares about himself
and thats about it. Feels like the world
revolves around him.
Materialistic: Wants the most
regardless of the situation. Unwilling to
make concessions.
Loyal (see Commander)
Flexible: Rolls with the punches.
Doesnt tend to overreact.
Problem Solver (see
Commander)
Rod Marinelli of
the Detroit Lions
has a Traditionalist
personality.
The Traditionalist is a well-rounded

individual who doesnt need to be the
center of attention, but who loves to
compete. One current NFL head coach
has this personality.
Team Player: Only cares about
the team. Willing to help in any way,
including pay cuts.
Likes Rules: Appreciates knowing
that everything is under control.
Well Rounded: Has many interests outside of football. Can leave the
game to pursue them at any time.
Level Headed: Understands the
big picture and that the NFL is a business. Willing to accept his role.
Structured (see Commander)
Dependable (see Commander)
Values Tradition: Prefers tradition
over change. Has a hard time accepting new leadership.
Thrifty: Conscientious in financial
matters. Tries to save the team money
at all costs.
The advantage of using an existing coach is that you start off with
higher attributes and some developed skill sets, depending on the
coach you select. However, you may be limiting your potential growth.
COACH CAREER
PERSONALITY:
LOYALIST
text.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
Ken Whisenhunt
of the Arizona
Cardinals has a
Loyalist personality.
The Loyalist is the definitive team

player who enjoys structure and trusts
the decisions of his superiors implicitly.
One current NFL head coach has this
personality.
Aggressive: Appreciates aggressive decisions by the head coach.
Tough negotiators who rarely budge
from their demands.
Energetic: Lives in the moment.
Loves big decisions made in drastic
situations.
Impulsive: Makes decisions in the
spur of the moment. Hard to get a read
on him.
Trusting: Believes that everyone
around him is doing the right thing.
Values Tradition (see Traditionalist)
Team Player (see Traditionalist)
Impatient: Doesnt appreciate
waiting. Wants issues resolved immediately.
Although there is no user-editable difficulty setting, the team you

select will play a major role into how difficult itll be to win games
in your first season. Look at the Difficulty rating for each team.
www.primagames.com

PERSONALITY: GURU
KEY ATTRIBUTES
Norv Turner of
the San Diego
Chargers has a
Guru personality.
The Guru is a humble, conservative person who doesnt say much, but
commands attention when he does.
Four current NFL head coaches have
this personality.
Humble: Understands that he is a
piece of the puzzle. Willing to take less
for the greater good.
Generous: Tends to give up too
much in negotiations.
Conservative: Appreciates safe
decisions by the head coach. Doesnt
like outbursts of public spectacles.
Contented: Generally comfortable as a whole. Doesnt require much
special attention.
Reserved: Stays quiet about how
he feels. Doesnt tip his hand.
Level Headed (see Traditionalist)
Intimidated: Tends to back down
in confrontations or tough negotiations.
Skeptical: Takes a while to trust
those around him.
Values Tradition (see
Traditionalist)
PERSONALITY:
LONE WOLF
text.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
The Lone Wolf is an ambitious yet

solitary person who enjoys change and
will listen to anyone if the price is right.
No current NFL head coaches have this
personality.
Enterprising: Focused on improving self image and worth. Focused on
financial aspects.
Ambitious: Constantly looking
for a better job or to sign with another
team.
Well Rounded (see Traditionalist)
Laid Back: Takes everything in
stride. Rarely overreacts in situations.
Efficient: Prefers to make conservative decisions financially.
Likes Change: Prefers a chaotic
environment to work in.
Stingy: Unwilling to give up more
than the minimum. Always looking to
save money.
Patient: Willing to wait on a
decision. Doesnt expect issues to be
resolved immediately.
Realistic (see Commander)
PERSONALITY:
AMBASSADOR
text.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
Dick Jauron of the

Buffalo Bills has
an Ambassador
personality.
The Ambassador is a conservative

team player who is uncompromising
in his beliefs, but is willing to listen
and cooperate. One current NFL head
coach has this personality.
Expressive: Never shy about his
opinion. Takes issues public when
ignored.
Reserved (see Guru)
Conservative (see Guru)
Cooperative: Willing to help out
in any situation. Rarely demands or
disagrees.
Trusting (see Loyalist)
Calculating (see Super Star)
Uncompromising: Wont budge
once his mind is made up. Hard to deal
with in negotiations.
Opinionated: Never shy about his
outlook. Wants the world to know how
he feels.
COACH NOW
Still not sure which team to choose?
Want to learn basic game mechanics?
Coach Now is a great way to do both.
In this mode, you can quickly start a
game against the CPU.
The Team Select screen will show
both coaches overall ratings as well
as their teams overall, offense and
defense ratings. You can also press the
LT button (R2 on the PS3) to select a
team at random.
After teams are selected, you can
choose what stadium to play in (the

default is the home team). Note that in
stadiums with retractable domes, you
can play with the dome open or closed.
You can also opt to play at the site of
the Pro Bowl in Hawaii.
Given the one-time-only nature of
a Coaching Now game, you might be
wondering what it can offer. For beginners, its a great way to test drive
a team to find out how well you like
the level of talent and playbooks. For
advanced players, its a great way to

scout out and simulate another CPU
teams playcall preferences. (However,
as the seasons progress and teams
evolve over time, the usefulness of this
tactic will diminish.)
The process of playing a Coach
Now game is similar to those in career
mode, so well cover the actual play
mechanics later in this section.
The origins of the tradition in which the winning coach gets a bucket of
liquid and ice dumped on him in celebration dates back to Super Bowl XXI.
PERSONALITY:
PROMOTER
text.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
PERSONALITY:
HEADLINER
text.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
Mike Tomlin of the

Pittsburgh Steelers
has a Promoter
personality.
The Promoter is a shrewd and

enterprising individual who is flexible
in dealings, but whose loyalty must be
earned. Two current NFL head coaches
have this personality.
Calculating (see Super Star)
Opinionated (see Ambassador)
Impatient (see Loyalist)
Enterprising (see Lone Wolf)
Shrewd (see Commander)
Flexible (see Super Star)
Dramatic (see Super Star)
Thrifty (see Traditionalist)
Every figure in the game has a

personality type: players, other
coacheseven team owners.
Personalities are a pivotal factor when it comes to trade and
contract negotiations as well as
Emotional Reactions.
Jon Gruden of
the Tampa Bay
Buccaneers has a
Headliner personality.
The Headliner is an energetic and

spontaneous person who is a natural in
the spotlight when the pressure is on.
One current NFL head coach has this
personality.
Expressive (see Ambassador)
Dramatic (see Promoter)
Spontaneous: Loves to change it
up from time to time.
Ambitious (see Lone Wolf)
Impulsive (see Loyalist)
Likes Change: Prefers a chaotic
environment to work in.
Reckless: Has been known to
make rash decisions.
Energetic (see Loyalist)
Optimistic: Tends to look on the
bright side, no matter how bleak the
situation.
Passive: Can be bullied easily in
pressure situations like negotiations.
Tends to cave when pushed.
The default teams that appear in Coach Now are your favorite
team and your favorite teams top rival. (For instance, if your
favorite team is the Bears, your top rival will be the Packers).
COACH CAREER
PERSONALITY:
CAPTAIN
text.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
Mike McCarthy
of the Green Bay
Packers has a
Captain personality.
The Captain is a strong and talented

leader as well as a cooperative and
consistent member of the team. Three
personality.
Cooperative (see Ambassador)
Consistent (see Commander)
Patient (see Commander)
Aggressive (see Loyalist)
Sensitive: Tends to take things
personally and reacts to situations in
that manner.
Insecure: Lacks confidence. Worries about what the fans and media
think too much.
Other Coach Now options include uniform colors, stadium, playbooks used, weather conditions and the game time. Poor weather
can degrade your passing and kicking game (especially if windy).
www.primagames.com

PERSONALITY:
ANALYST
text.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
PERSONALITY:
ENTHUSIAST
text.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
Lane Kiffin of the

Oakland Raiders
has an Analyst
personality.
The Analyst is a highly logical and

skeptical problem-solver who tends to
keep to himself in most situations. Two
personality.
Problem Solver (see
Commander)
Passive (see Headliner)
Perfectionist (see Super Star)
Indifferent: Really isnt concerned
about what anybody else things. Rarely
reacts to any situation.
Cautious: Very conservative in
negotiations.
Insecure (see Captain)
Skeptical: Takes a while to trust
those around him.
John Harbaugh of
the Baltimore Ravens
has an Enthusiast
personality.
The Enthusiast is an optimistic and

expressive person who loves to be a
part of a group. One current NFL head
coach has this personality.
Opinionated: Never shy about his
outlook. Wants the world to know how
he feels.
Cooperative (see Ambassador)
Sensitive (see Enthusiast)
Optimistic: Tends to look on the
bright side, no matter how bleak the
situation.
Insecure (see Captain)
Energetic: Lives in the moment.
Loves big decisions made in drastic
situations.
Dramatic (see Super Star)
Expressive (see Ambassador)
PERSONALITY:
STOIC
text.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
Andy Reid of
the Philadelphia
Eagles has an Stoic
personality.
The Stoic is a wise and patient

individual who seems emotionless at
times, but that is sensitive to changes.
Three current NFL head coaches have
this personality.
Conservative (see Guru)
Humble (see Guru)
Contented (see Contented)
Problem Solver (see
Commander)
Shrewd (see Commander)
Sensitive (see Captain)
Uncompromising (see
Ambassador)
THE MAIN MENU

Once youve set up the start of your
coaching career, youll be tempted to
jump right into the game. However,
before you do that, you might want to
review some other main menu options:
Resume Career: This appears after you have at least one saved career.
This is a shortcut to your Quicksave
game save.
Coach Now: As previously discussed earlier in this section, this lets
you coach a game against the CPU
with any two NFL teams.
Xbox Live (Xbox 360 version
only): This lets you connect to XBox
Live if you have an account and online
access. Your options here include:
Quick Match (Ranked or Unranked)
10
Custom Match
Create Session
Lobby
Leaderboards
Online Coach (includes access to
My Career, EA SPORTS Nation, Online Settings and Update Rosters)
My Coach: View and edit playbooks and rosters; adjust game settings; view Hall of Fame coaches and
manage files. This is also where you
can create/edit/export individual plays
and access EA SPORTS GamerNet.
Media World: View NFL news or
other sports news (requires online connection), watch videos of upcoming EA
SPORTS titles, or look through a list of
NFL Head Coach 09 game credits.
EA SPORTS GamerNet allows you to go

online and download plays other people
have created. You can also upload your plays
to GamerNet so that people can rate them
and download them. If youre not interested
in creating plays yourself, you can always
download other gamers plays and add them
to your playbook. Plays you design can also
be transferred to Madden NFL 09.
Although its never seen in todays games, NFL rules permit the home team to place both teams benches
on the same side of the field. The other side of the field would be reserved for the chain crew and linesmen.
PERSONALITY:
ANCHOR
text.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
PERSONALITY:
TITAN
text.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
Tony Dungy of the

Indianapolis Colts
has an Anchor
personality.
The Anchor is a very relaxed individual who is as patient and dependable as they come. Three current NFL
head coaches have this personality.
Humble (see Guru)
Passive (see Headliner)
Indifferent (see Analyst)
Contented: Generally comfortable as a whole. Doesnt require much
special attention.
Laid Back: Takes everything in
stride. Rarely overreacts in situations.
Reserved: Stays quiet about how
he feels. Doesnt tip his hand.
Stubborn: Refuses to budge in
many situations.
Traditionalist)
Cautious (see Analyst)
The Titan is a tough-as-nails player

whose joy in life comes from crushing
the competition. Two current NFL head
coaches have this personality.
Aggressive (see Loyalist)
Reckless: Has been known to
make rash decisions.
Energetic (see Loyalist)
Self Focused (see Super Star)
Indecisive: Has a hard time committing to a direction. Changes his
mind often.
Ambitious (see Headliner)
Generous: Tends to give up too
much in negotiations.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
COACH CAREER
KEY ATTRIBUTES
Marvin Lewis of
the Cincinnati
Bengals has a Titan
personality.
PERSONALITY:
VIRTUOSO
text.
Pay attention to your players personality

traits. You can find these by accessing
their player card from the Roster screen, then
filtering over to Personality. Player Personality Traits affect everything from Defining
Moments and Emotional Reactions to how a
player responds when you draft a player in the
1st round as his replacement.
PERSONALITY:
ALLY
text.
A Virtuoso is a talented and dramatic person who makes even the

most difficult task seem like a walk in
the park. No current NFL head coaches
have this personality.
Likes Change (see Headliner)
Sensitive (see Headliner)
Spontaneous: Loves to change it
up from time to time.
Dramatic (see Promoter)
Passive (see Captain)
Impulsive (see Loyalist)
Intimidated (see Guru)
Generous (see Guru)
Well Rounded (see Traditionalist)
Scott Linehan
of the St. Louis
Rams has an Ally
personality.
The Ally is a loyal and dependable

team player who can fit in wherever he
goes. One current NFL head coach has
this personality: Scott Linehan of the
St. Louis Rams.
Likes Rules: Appreciates knowing
that everything is under control.
Efficient: Prefers to make conservative decisions financially.
Consistent (see Commander)
Sensitive: Tends to take things
personally and reacts to situations in
that manner.
Insecure: Lacks confidence. Worries about what the fans and media
think too much.
Traditionalist)
COACH SKILLS
CHOOSING YOUR FIRST SKILLS
While an existing head coach has all

his skills predefined, a new head coach
starts off with no overall skills nor any
special skills.
Youll have 25,000 points available
to build up your skills to your liking. The
next section has a full breakdown of
skills, special skills and strategies for
building them.
If a player has the Optimistic personality trait, theres a chance hell

decide to re-work his contract
during the year to save the team
cap room.
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COACH SKILLS
There are two types of skills, the first
being Coach Skills. Think of them as
skills that cover the basics.
A new head coach starts off with
Level 1 skills in all categories, but you
can build each one to Level 5. Unless
otherwise, noted, heres how many
points it takes to build up each skill:
Level 2: 2,000 points
Level 3: 3,500 additional points
Here are the various skill categories:
Team Chemistry
Head Coach
Defines a coachs ability to add
innovative and effective plays to the
teams playbooks. If you plan on editing
your playbook or tweaking plays during
a game, this skill level should be raised.
Play Call
Head Coach
Defines how good a coach is at
calling plays. If you plan on letting the
CPU take care of your play calls, this
skill level should be raised.
Warning: Any skills purchased

are permanent and cannot be
changed later. If you make a mistake, you must restart the game.
Strategy
Head Coach
Defines a coachs ability to
make worthwhile adjustments and
suggestions on game day.
Performance
Head Coach
A greater performance skill
generally improves the gameplay
success rates of all players that report
to this coach. This is arguably the most
important basic coaching skillmaking
your players betterso there is a
premium in terms of points you need to
spend to increase your skill level:
Level 2: 3,000 points
Physical Development
Head Coach
Defines how effectively this
coach will assist in developing physical
attributes for their players. This skill is
position specific, so youll find separate
skills for these positions: QB, RB, WR,
TE, OL, DL, LB, DB, K and P.
Intangibles Development
Head Coach
coach will assist in developing intangible attributes (i.e. awareness) for their
players. This skill is position specific, so
youll find separate skills for these
positions: QB, RB, WR, TE, OL, DL, LB,
DB, K and P.
Learning Development
Head Coach
coach will assist in developing play
knowledge for their players. This skill is
position specific, so youll find separate
skills for these positions: QB, RB, WR,
TE, OL, DL, LB, DB, K and P.
SPECIAL COACH SKILLS

The second type of skills are Special
Coach Skills. Think of them as skills
that cover specific areas of interest.
There are 44 special skills to choose
from; however, some of them require
prerequisite skills before they can be
chosen. As a result, various skills have
different costs.
Here are the various skills available:
Ambition
10,000 Skill Points
Reduces the cost of all other
Special Skills for this staff member by
15 percent. This is one of those pay
now to save later skills that will hurt
you in the short term but reap big
benefits down the road. Its highly
recommended as the first Special Skill
you purchase.
12
SPECIAL
PASS SKILLS
text.
SKILL TREE
Quarterback Readiness
2,500 Skill Points
Increases quarterbacks
awareness and evasion of defenders.
Improved QB Reads
5,000 Skill Points
Quarterbacks have an increased
percent chance of finding the right
receiver. Prerequisite: Quarterback
Readiness.
Quarterback
Passing Discipline
12,500 Skill Points
Increases quarterback stats related to
passing power and accuracy. Prerequisite: Improved QB Reads.
Receiver Discipline
2,500 Skill Points
Increases receiver stats related
to catching.
Improved Release
5,000 Skill Points
Players have an increased
percent chance of successfully
releasing. Prerequisite: Receiver
Discipline.
Improved Catching
12,500 Skill Points
catching the ball. Prerequisite:
Improved Release.
Official game time is kept by the home stadiums electric clock, and supervised by the line judge.
If the electric clock malfunctions or is incorrect, the line judge becomes the official timekeeper.
Passing Game Discipline

20,000 Skill Points
The culmination of this skill tree
increases the stats of the quarterback
and receivers that involve passing and
catching. Prerequisites: Quarterback
Passing Discipline and Improved
Catching.
SPECIAL
RUN SKILLS
text.
SKILL TREE
Running Back Discipline

4,000 Skill Points
Increases halfback stats which
relate to carrying the ball.
Improved Ball Carrier Moves
2,500 Skill Points
Increases player stats which
impact high-finesse moves and fancy
footwork for ball carriers.
Improved Break Tackle
7,500 Skill Points
breaking tackles. Prerequisites:
Running Back Discipline and
Improved Ball Carrier Moves.
Improved Carrying
10,000 Skill Points
Players have a reduced percent
chance of fumbling the ball. Prerequisite: Improved Break Tackle.
Running Game Discipline
20,000 Skill Points
Generally increases player stats
that relate to the running game.
Prerequisite: Improved Carrying.
SPECIAL
RUN BLOCK SKILLS
text.
SKILL TREE
Run Blocking Discipline

3,500 Skill Points
Generally increases player stats
that relate to blocking for the run.
Pass Blocking Discipline
3,500 Skill Points
Improves the ability of the
offense to block effectively for the
pass.
COACH CAREER
Improved Blocking
7,500 Skill Points
blocking. Prerequisites: Run Blocking
Discipline and Pass Blocking
Discipline.
Superb Strategist
12,500 Skill Points
Increases the strategy skill level
of all coaches that report to the coach
by two levels. WARNING: This effect
only occurs once at the time the skill is
purchased! Prerequisite: Innovator.
Offensive Line Discipline

12,500 Skill Points
Generally improves the stats of
offensive linemen. Prerequisite:
Improved Blocking.
SPECIAL
BLOCK SHED SKILLS
text.
TRAINING
SPECIAL SKILLS
text.
SKILL TREE
Speed Training
5,000 Skill Points
Increases player speed,
acceleration and agility.
Strength Training
5,000 Skill Points
Increases player strength and
magnifies hitting power.
Disciplined Routine
7,500 Skill Points
Increases player stats that
impact the ability to learn and remember plays. Prerequisites: Speed
Training and Strength Training.
Game Film Analysis
3,500 Skill Points
Increases intangible player stats
that impact the ability to assess the
situation on the field and remain aware
of the opponents maneuvering.
Gameplan Analysis
5,000 Skill Points
Increases your coordinators
playcalling skills by one level. Warning:
This effect only occurs one at the time
the skill is purchased! Prerequisite:
Game Film Analysis.
Innovator
8,500 Skill Points
Directly impacts how quickly a
players stats will develop. Prerequisites: Disciplined Routine and
Gameplan Analysis.
NO TREE (STAND-ALONE SKILL)
Improved Block Shedding

7,500 Skill Points
shedding blocks.
SPECIAL
DEFENSIVE SKILLS
text.
SKILL TREE
Improved Press
2,500 Skill Points
pressing.
Coverage Analysis
2,500 Skill Points
Increases stats which impact
the defenses ability to employ effective
coverage.
Interception Training
10,000 Skill Points
Increases player stats that relate
to intercepting passes. Prerequisites:
Improved Press and Coverage
Analysis.
Defensive Back Discipline
15,000 Skill Points
Improves player stats that
impact a defensive backs ability to
effectively cover the opponents
receivers. Prerequisite: Interception
Training.
Improved Tackling
2,500 Skill Points
tackling.
Improved Forced Fumble
7,500 Skill Points
percent chance of successfully forcing
fumbles. Prerequisite: Improved
Tackling.
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SPECIAL COACH SKILLS

Hard Hit Training
5,000 Skill Points
Teaches defensive players how
to find the ball, lay down huge hits and
tackle effectively.
Blitz Discipline
7,500 Skill Points
Improves defensive player stats
to increase the effectiveness of blitz
defenses. Prerequisite: Hard Hit
Training.
Linebacker Discipline
15,000 Skill Points
Generally improves linebacker
stats. Prerequisites: Blitz Discipline
and Improved Forced Fumble.
Improved Defending
22,500 Skill Points
percent chance of successfully making
a play on the ball. Prerequisites:
Defensive Back Discipline and
Linebacker Discipline.
SPECIAL
PERSONALITY SKILLS
text.
SKILL TREE
Charisma
7,500 Skill Points
Increases the effects of positive
Approval changes and decreases the
effects of negative Approval changes.
Leadership
12,500 Skill Points
Increases all coach skill levels
related to developing player attributes
for each staff member reporting to this
coach, while the staff member is on the
team. Prerequisite: Charisma.
Charm
3,500 Skill Points
Makes the effects of all Emotional Reaction decisions slightly more
positive in terms of Approval.
Motivator
40,000 Skill Points
Increases the Potential (Max)
value for all attributes for players that
report to this coach. Prerequisite:
Charm.
14
Mentor
50,000 Skill Points
Adds one level to the highest
available skill level for every regular skill
for every coach. WARNING: This effect
only occurs once at the time of
purchase! Prerequisites: Leadership
and Motivator.
Educator
60,000 Skill Points
Permanently increases every
skill level by one level for every coach
except the head coach. WARNING:
This effect only occurs once at the time
the skill is purchased! Prerequisite:
Mentor.
SPECIAL
LEARNING SKILLS
text.
SKILL TREE
Offseason Seminar
3,500 Skill Points
Decreases the rate at which
players lose play knowledge during the
offseason.
Regular Season Seminar
5,000 Skill Points
Decreases the rate at which
players play knowledge degrades
during the regular season.
Playbook Training
10,000 Skill Points
Increases the rate at which the
players that report to this coach will
learn plays. Prerequisites: Offseason
Seminar and Regular Season
Seminar.
WHICH
text. SKILLS TO GET?
ADVICE FOR NEW COACHES
Your initial allotment of skill points

can get used up very quickly. All things
considered equal, this is one recommended breakdown:
1. Avoid buying any special skills at
the start; later on, the first special skill
you acquire should be Ambition.
2. Take the Performance skill to
Level 5; youll have 17,000 points left.
If your team is in great shape and you
have a great coaching staff (i.e. the Patriots or Colts), you can consider saving
those points to acquire Ambition later
on. If not, continue to step 3.
3. Focus on two key positions, de-
pending on what you want to focus on

and/or improve during your first season
(the primary position is listed first):
The run game: RB and OL
The pass game: QB and WR
The run defense: DT and LB
The pass defense: DB and LB
(It may help to examine your team
profile to see where coaching help is
needed most).
4. Take Physical Development to
Level 3 for the primary position (i.e. RB
for the run game) and Level 2 for the
secondary position (i.e. OL for the run
game). Youll have 9,500 points left.
5. Go back to step 3 and choose
the next most-important focus. Take
the remaining points and spend them
on Physical Development in the same
manner as in step 4 for your next-most
important focus.
6. In steps four and five, you can opt
to choose a different skill set, such as
Intangibles Development or Learning
Development instead.
Whatever skills you pick, dont leave
too many skill points unusedespecially if you have a struggling team.
Youll need to build any edge you can
get as quickly as possible.
OTHER
text. SKILL STRATEGIES
MORE IDEAS FOR NEW COACHES
Here are other suggested approaches to distributing your skill points:

Compensate for Your Training
Staff: Find out which of your position
coaches are weakest (using the team
profiles in the back) and spend points
on that position. For instance, if your
QB coach has the lowest overall score
on your staff, spend points on skills
that will help boost the QB position.
Focus on Special Skills: Pick up
Ambition first, which is expensive but
will save you big in the long run. With
a 15 percent discount at hand, focus
on a specific skill tree or spread out
evenly. For instance, 15,000 can net
you a well-rounded skill set that comprises five special skills that cost 2,125
(after discount) and one special skill
that costs 4,250. The skills you choose,
of course, should address your teams
most pressing needs.
CHOOSING PLAYBOOKS
After your skills are chosen, youll
get to choose your offensive and defensive playbooks. Every team has two
default playbooksone offense and
one defensebased on their current
playing style, coaching philosophies
and default personnel strengths.
For each playbook, youll get to see
its strength, which can range from Very
Weak to Very Strong (the categories
in between are Weak, Average and
Strong).
Youll also get to see the total play
count and breakdown by type of play.
On offense, there are passing, running
and special teams plays. On defense,
there are blitz, zone and man plays.
You are free to choose any playbook
you want, but if you choose anything
other than the default, your players will
have to learn all the plays from scratch.
That will put you at an major disadvantage initially. Obviously, you do not
If you peruse through the playbook

selections but change your mind
and want the defaults instead,
press the B button (Square on PS3)
to go back, then the A button (X
on PS3) to return to the Playbook
Select screen. The default choices
will be reset automatically.
want to get into the habit of switching

playbooks on a regular basis. In addition, if youve selected a good team
with Average or better playbooks already, theres no need to fix what isnt
broken. (Remember, you can always
add new plays later on).
Which playbook to choose?
Ultimately, it depends on the type of
scheme you want your team to run.
For instance, if you want to transform
the Bills into a power run team, youd
probably want to base your offense on

the Steelers default offensive playbook
(Steelers Smashmouth).
All the offensive and defensive
playbooks (including ones not used by
any NFL teams) are covered in greater
detail later in this guide, so jump to the
Playbook Strategy section if you want
to delve into the myriad possibilities.
However, if you are starting your
career for the first time, your best bet is
to stick to the default playbooks just to
find out how good (or terrible) your play
selections really are after one NFL draft
and subsequent season.
By then, youll know whether your
playbook just needs a few new plays to
be thrown inor if you need to totally
scrap the system. (The caveat to that
rule is if the strength of your default
playbook is Weak or Very Weakin
that case, you may not lose much by
starting from scratch).
STARTING POINT
One of the coolest features in NFL
Head Coach 09 is the ability to choose
one of two starting points for your career: the off-season (February 2008) or
the pre-season (July 2008). If you start
in the off-season, youll get to redo the
NFL Scouting Combine, free agency
and the 2008 NFL Draft.
If you start in the NFL pre-season,
youll go straight to training camp with
either the games current roster or a
previously saved roster for that team.
Which starting point is best for
you? Here are some strategies that
should help with your decision-making
process.
Reasons to start your career in the
NFL off-season:
1. You Really Know the Team You
Selected: If you are really familiar with
your teams depth chart and how they
fared the previous season, youll have
a good idea of the type of personnel
you need to bring in via the draft and/or
free agency.
COACH CAREER
2. Your Team Made Bonehead

Moves in the Off-Season: If you are
not happy with who your team drafted
(or didnt draft), or are miffed that they
didnt pursue a certain free agent, you
can fix those mistakes.
3. You Want to Create an Alternate NFL Universe: What if the Bears
drafted RB Rashard Mendenhall to
keep him in the Land of Lincoln? What
if Atlanta decided to pick up Darren
McFadden? These are just a few of the
what if scenarios that can occur only
if you redo the off-season.
Reasons to start your career in the
NFL pre-season:
1. Youre a Beginner or are Unfamiliar with Your Team: Youll be
utterly lost in the off-season unless you
truly understand your personnel needs
from day one. Live trade or free agency
events will pop up randomly, and you
wont have time to research them. At
least with the pre-season, youll have a
seasons worth of games to learn more
about your franchise and personnel.
2. You Like Your Teams OffSeason Moves: Theres no need to

reinvent the wheel if youre happy with
your pre-season line-upespecially if
your team brought in a big free agent or
valuable draft pick.
3. Youre In a Hurry: If youre not
big on off-season activities but are itching to get on the sidelines, thisll save
you some time.
Ultimately, the choice is up to you
and your preferencesbut if you
decide to start in the off-season, make
sure youre completely up to speed on
your teams most pressing personnel
needs (the NFL team profiles later in
this guide can help).
SELECTIONS
SUMMARY
text.
THE FINAL STEP
The Selections Summary screen

lists your name, playbooks, skills, personality and starting point. Press the
A button (X on the PS3) to start your
career at the starting point you chose.
Good luck!
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COACH CLIPBOARD
The Coach Clipboard is the primary
interface to manage all the events that
occur while playing. Each event has
a green deadline timer that shrinks
depending on the current game speed.
As events stack up, theyll appear in
descending order in the Clipboard. You
can press up or down on the directional
stick to choose which events to handle
firstjust keep an eye on the timers.
When an event appears, press the
A button (X on PS3) to address it or B
button (Circle on PS3) to dismiss it. In
general, you should never dismiss any
event unless youre 100 percent sure
you wont need to worry about it.
If you dismiss the event or fail to
press any button, the event will be
ignored or delegated to your coaching
staff depending on your game settings.
This is akin to you not doing your job as
coach, so its never recommended.
On the following pages is a complete list of events you may encounter
during your career.
EVENT
ALL
Game Reminder (Season or Preseason)
Cut Player Confirmation
Free Agent Bidding Announcement
Injury Diagnosis
Player Demands (Trade or Release)
Injury Report
Sub String (1st, 2nd and 3rd)
Team Roadmap
Play Call (Delegate Required)
Instant Replay
NFL Draft Day 1 (Delegate Required)
Start or Sit?
Develop Staff
Regular Season College Scouting
Season Expectations (Delegate Required)
Regular Season Scouting Result
Timeout
Senior All-Stars Game Scouting
Staff Status
NFL Combine Workout Results
NFL Combine Scouting
16
The only way

to freeze time
is to pause the
game. Time will
continue to tick
while navigating
other menus.
When you navigate the Clipboard, keep

a close eye on the box that displays the
game speed and week display. It will flash
white when a new event appearsand its
event timer will begin to shrink, even when
hidden from view. That white flash and event
status bar will help you from missing events.
Important
events (i.e.
ones you shouldnt
really skip) are
marked with a yellow warning icon.
NOTIFIES THE USER THAT

Controls all events (i.e. universal setting)
A game is about to start
Confirm player cut to meet salary cap
A free agent is about to start taking offers
An injury diagnosis is available
Player demands either a trade or release
An injury report is available
Offers option to sub in the first, second or third string players
The Team Roadmap has been completed
Select a play during a game
Instant replay can now be viewed
The first day of the NFL Draft is starting
A new depth chart scenario can be activated
A staff member can afford a skill
Regular season scouting selections should be made
The owners season expectation has been chosen; set your goal as well
Display the scouting result
Its a good time to take a timeout
Choose All-Star Seniors to scout
You can view how staff members are performing
Display the NFL Combine Workout results
Select players to interview from the NFL combine
Both teams are required to be on the field at least 15 minutes prior to the start of a game. The
penalty for delaying the start of the game includes the loss of being able to participate in any coin toss.
EVENT
Penalty
TO Suggestion
Cut Player Confirmation
Contract Talks
Player Wants Cheaper Deal
Player Continues Negotiations
Player Wants Rookie Deal
Player Continues Rookie Deal
Pro Day Scouting
Kick Play Call (Delegate Required)
NFL Draft Day 2 (Delegate Required)
Gameplan Agendas (Delegate Required)
Individual Workouts
Draft Recap
Franchise Tag
Game Day Adjustments
Staff Bidding Announcement
Steal Plays
Sub Player (Fatigue or Health)
Free Agency Contract Negotiation
Trade Proposal
Trade Negotiation
RFA Decision
Suggested Pick
RFA Bidding Announcement
Low Roster Size Warning
Draft Preview
Mock Draft
Staff Evaluation Announcement (Delegate Required)
Draft Pick the Pick
Player Retires
RFA Match Offer Announcement
Head Coach Evaluation
Draft Previous Pick
Box Score
Scouting Report
Approval Rating Change
Jump to SuperSim
Challenge Suggestion
Player Disruption
Bench Skip Practice
Bench Player
Challenge
COACH CAREER

You can display the pop-up to accept or decline a penalty
The coaching staff suggests a timeout
Confirms that a player has been cut
A player is ready to start contract negotiations
A player wants to take a cheaper deal to help the team
A player wants to continue contract negotiations
A rookie is ready to start contract negotiations
A rookie wants to continue contract negotiations
Choose a pro day school to scout
Play call for kickoffs
The second day of the NFL Draft is starting
Agendas are ready to be selected
Select an individual workout participant
You can display the draft recap screen
You can place the franchise tag on one of your players
You can display the gameday preplay adjustments screen
A coach is about to start taking offers
You can steal plays from the other team
A player is below either the fatigue or health level
A free agent won during bidding is ready to begin contract negotiations
Another team is interested in trading for a player
A trade negotiation is occurring for a player you might be interested in
A restricted free agent needs to have their tender selected
Allows you to draft the staff suggested pick for this round
You can join biding on a restricted free agent
You do not have the recommended number of players
You can display the draft preview
You can display the mock draft results
Staff evaluations will occur
Display the Draft Pick the Pick
One of your players has retired
There is a restricted free agent offer to either match or dismiss
Head coach evaluations will occur
Displays the last pick results
The box score for the game last played can be viewed
Your opponents play call history can be viewed
The reason for a change in your approval rating can be viewed
You can go from the normal play mode to SuperSim
Your staff is notifying you that a challenge is a good idea
You can bench a player who complained to the media
You can bench a player who skipped practice
You can bench a player who is struggling
The option to challenge a call on the field is available
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COACH CLIPBOARD
EVENT
HB Replacement
You might want to consider switching a struggling starting halfback with a younger player
QB Replacement
You might want to consider switching a struggling starting quarterback with a younger player
Young HB Starts
Suggests starting a rookie halfback for the regular season
Young QB Starts
Suggests starting a rookie quarterback for the regular season
Youth Movement
Suggests a depth chart change
Staff Is Leaving
Staff is leaving the team
Staff Was Fired
A coach was fired
Draft Day Trade Negotiation
A draft day trade is occurring that might be of interest
Staff Is Retiring
Hint Screens (13 total)
A coach retired
Shows hints for topics such as glossary depth chart, play creator, player status, etc.
Depth Chart Alert
Shows a depth chart alert
Injury Alert
An injury is over a length limit
Draft - Trade Down
You can attempt to trade away the current draft pick
Practice Recap
Practice results are ready to be viewed
Staff Recap
A recap of all staff changes in a season can be viewed
Help Screens (9 total)
Shows help screens for topics such as free agency, contracts, scouting, etc.
Inactive Notification
A list of an upcoming opponents inactive players can be viewed
Inactive Selection (Delegate Required)
Select inactive players for that week
Undrafted Rookies
Undrafted rookies can be viewed
Free Agency Preview
A preview of upcoming free agents can be viewed
Activate Gameplan
A gameplan agenda is available for use
Season Goal (Completed or Failure)
A season goal has either failed or has been accomplished
Keep Created Plays
When the in-game play creator is used, asks if the new play should be saved
Training Camp Invite
Invitees for the start of training camp can be viewed
Training Camp Rookie Progression
Training camp rookie progression can be viewed
Training Camp Cut Day (Delegate Required)
Players must be cut to meet the maximum player count
Cut Dead Weight

Free Agency Recap
Dead weight on the team can be cut

The free agents recap screen can be viewed
Season Recap
Gameplan Suggestion
The season has ended

A coordinator is suggesting a gameplan agenda
Offensive CPU Download Plays
Offensive CPU plays can be downloaded
Defensive CPU Download Plays
Defensive CPU plays can be downloaded
Draft - Trade Up
New Hire Playbook
CLIPBOARD MANAGEMENT
ADVANCED SETTINGS
If youre tired of dismissing the same

events over and over again, or if you
want to focus only on certain aspects
of coaching, you can manage which
events will appear on your Clipboard.
To do this, pause your career and
select Coach Clipboard. A long menu
of events will appear with two check
18
You can attempt to trade up for the current draft pick

You can view the old playbook of a newly hired coach
boxes for each event: Show Me and

Delegate. The default for nearly all
events is Show Memeaning that
every event of that type will appear in
your Clipboard.
The other check box is Delegate,
which means that your coaching staff
will make decisions for you if you dismiss or ignore such events. Some Delegate check boxes are locked, which
means that they will be taken care of

no matter what.
When only the Show Me box is
checked, it is up to you to act on the
event. Ignoring or dismissing it means
that it will disappear without any action
being taken. This gives you total controlbut if you miss out, your coaching
staff wont be available to help unless
required to do so.
The first indoor NFL game took place in 1932 at Chicago Stadium. Because of the
stadium size and configuration, the teams were forced to play on an 80-yard field.
When only the Delegate check box

is selected, your coaching staff will take
care of it automatically, and it wont
appear in your clipboard. You give up
some control when you go this route.
When both boxes are checked, you
get the option to either act on the event
manually or make your coaching staff
deal with it if you ignore or dismiss it.
CLIPBOARD CATEGORIES
OTHER STUFF TO DO
Press left or right on the directional

pad or stick, or press either the LB or
RB buttons (L1 and R1 on the PS3)
to toggle between other categories to
choose from, including:
1. Draft: Review draft picks, draft
results and draft recap.
2. NFL: Review the NFL schedule, standings, news, injuries, various
stats, important dates and free agency

preview.
3. Team: Review all the important
data for your team, including approval
rating, team schedule, season goals,
staff status, staff development, player
status, team philosophy, team needs,
team roadmap, and salary cap status.
In this submenu, Player Status
gives you a snapshot of each players
approval of you and of any issues he
might have.
4. Roster: Review your roster, depth
chart, injury report, player roadmap,
progression, free agents, trade and
roster breakdown.
5. Playbook: View your playbook,
manage plays, export plays and view
your play call history.
6. Glossary: View help screens of
various game-related topics.
7. Sim To: The points to which

you can simulate play to will change
depending on what point of the season
youre at.
You can simulate gameplay at any
time in the SIM TO section of the
coachs Clipboard. You can simulate
through the Pre-Season, Next Game,
Regular Season, Playoffs, Next OffSeason or Senior Bowl (the actual
choices may vary depending on what
part of the season youre at).
Some of these selections are also
events in themselves; well go into
further detail later in this guide on many
of them.
ASK EA SPORTS
Are there opportunities
to schedule activities
at all, or has that whole
system been completely
done away with?
While navigating the Clipboard, you can change
how fast the game progresses at any time by using
the LT and RT buttons (L2 and R2 on the PS3). For beginners, the slowest speed is recommended: Events can
pile up quickly, and you may get flustered if youre not
monitoring events very closely.
If neither the Show Me or Delegate check box is selected, the event will be ignored and never be seen.
Obviously, be very careful when trying thisyou dont
want to miss out on important events. A good example
of items to turn off completely are game hints and help
screens once youve got a feel for whats going on.
Simulation may be a good time-saver, but youll

certainly miss out on important events or key decisions that may occur during the simulation. As a result,
use this feature with care. Stop a simulation in progress
by pressing the A button (X button on the PS3).
Youll notice the clock in the upper right progress

as the simulation runs; your approval rating will
change accordingly as events occur. Also, as you travel
to different team cities, the background setting will
change accordingly.
COACH CAREER
We did away with the

scheduling system for
NFL Head Coach 09.
We know scheduling
meetings in our lives is
an annoyance, so we
felt like it would be a
good idea to save you
that trouble.
19
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ON THE SIDELINES
Your first Coach Now or pre-season
game can seem intimidatingthere is
so much going on at once, its easy to
lose focus. Compounding that challenge is that the clock keeps ticking no
matter what, giving you a limited window to call plays, make adjustments,
and react to events on the field.
Visually, youll have multiple camera
game views that you can switch by
pressing LT or RT (L2 or R2 on PS3).
Heres a breakdown of what you can
expect when playing any game:
YOUR
text. GAMEPLAN AGENDA
SETTING UP YOUR IN-GAME ADVANTAGES
Before any game, you can opt to

choose a Gameplan Agenda: In a
Coach Now game, you can choose
up to three strategic advantages or
development goals you want to have
during the game. (You can opt to
choose less than three, but that is not
recommended.) In Career Mode, your
agenda is determined by your practices
that week.
When you choose to use a Gameplan Agenda during a game, your
players will receive a boost in stats. The
exact number of boosts per agenda
item depends on how youve set up
your gameplan and your coaching
staffs ability.
While you can activate your Gameplan Agenda at any time, theyre best
saved for key situations, such as near
the end of scoring drives, key third- or
fourth-down plays, and near the end of
a close game or overtime. You might
also want to choose agenda items
thatll help you achieve season goals.
THE
text.COIN TOSS
WHO GETS THE BALL FIRSTAND MUCH MORE
The visiting team gets to call the

coin toss, which determines who gets
the ball first and which end zone is
defended by each team.
Most coin toss winners opt to kick
off (defer possession) so that the team
gets the ball to start the second half.
A notable exception is when its very
windy: Teams instead pick an end zone
to defend so that theyll have the wind
to their back in the 4th quarter. This
helps kickers kick field goals, which
can become crucial in close games.
20
This lists the

many different
options for selecting
a play.
Any play can be flipped. You can also

make player substitutions and edit the
playbut dont spend too much time choosing, or youll be penalized for delay of game.
COACH
text. CLIPBOARD REVIEW
WHAT YOU CAN DO DURING A GAME
Other Clipboard categories during a

game comprise the following:
Gameday: Jump to SuperSim
mode, sub in your 2nd or 3rd string
players, call a timeout, and (when applicable), review instant replay or challenge a call on the field.
Gameday Info: Check your Depth
Chart, and review drive/score summaries as well as player/game statistics.
NFL: Review injured players.
Roster: Review the health and
fatigue of your players.
ACCELERATED
CLOCK
text.
MAKE THE GAME GO FASTER
The Accelerated Clock is a built-in

feature that quickly runs off time when
no active items are on your Clipboard.
This is intended to speed up lulls in
the game, which keeps the gameplay
pace fast. This feature is disabled in
the last 2:30 of the second quarter,
the last 5:00 of the fourth quarter, and
overtime.
CALLING
PLAYS
text.
THE BRAINS BEHIND THE BRAWN
Your most important task during a

game is to call offensive and defensive
plays. Although you can press the B
On defense,
you can analyze your opponents
playcall tendencies.
button (Circle on PS3) on any play call

to let the CPU handle it, doing it yourself gives you a better grasp of your
playbook. During a game, youll have
a wide variety of ways to call plays: By
Formation, By Play Type, By Success,
By Agenda, Ask Coach, By Play Knowledge, Recent Plays and Created Plays.
Use whichever option works best and
fastest for you.
COACH
ADVANTAGE
t.
ANALYZING THE ODDS
For each play, the Coach Advantage

pops up at the bottom of the screen.
This shows you the boosts that youll
be getting (if any) on that play. It also
shows the boost your opponent is receiving. Boosts come from play knowledge, gameplans and coach skills.
SUPERSIM
text.
FLY THROUGH THE GAME
Supersim Mode is a fast way to play

through a game. After activating Supersim Mode, youll see a representation
of the field to monitor the progress of
the drive currently in progress.
Youll be able to call plays (but not
make adjustments) while in Supersim
Mode, and you can resume normal play
mode by pausing the game and selecting Jump to Gameplay.
All NFL officials wear black hats, except

for the referee, who wears a white cap.
EDITING
PLAYS IN-GAME
text.
TWEAK PLAYS ON THE FLY
Before confirming a playcall selection, you can edit it on the sideline. This
is a powerful feature: Change blocking
assignments, pass routes or experiment with variations of the same play.
Many of the tactics used to edit
plays apply to conventional play
design, which is covered fully in the
Playbook Strategy section of this guide.
ADJUSTMENTS
text.
TWEAKING YOUR PLAY CALLS
Offensive or defensive adjustments

are made to enhance your playcall
based on what you see on the field. On
defense, you often have a limited time
to make adjustments.
The chart to the right shows the
different offensive defensive adjustments you can make before the ball is
snapped, and why youd make them.
EMOTIONAL REACTIONS
REACTING TO IN-GAME SITUATIONS
During each game, youll have

Emotional Reactions appear. This is
your opportunity to react to a big play
that just happened (either good or bad).
Choose a reaction and youll see your
coach respond.
Depending on your players personalities, they could like or dislike your
choice. As a general rule, the more you
know your players personalities, the
better you can guess which reaction
will be most compatible with your
players. If you dont know your players
personalities, guess the reaction most
in line with your own personality, then
see how your players react. If favorable, then try to stay consistent with
your personality type.
PENALTIES
ACCEPT OR DECLINE
When a penalty is committed, a

screen will appear to show you the effect of accepting or declining it.
QUICK SUBS
ANOTHER POWERFUL FEATURE
Before confirming a playcall selection, you can make a quick player substitution at any position on the field by
pressing the X Button (Square on PS3)
before confirming a playcall. The play

clock will count down, so you must
choose your subs very quickly.
INJURIES & FATIGUE

KEEPING PLAYERS FRESH
When injuries occur or when players

on your squad are fatigued, youll be
notified. For fatigued players, youll
get to choose to rest them or keep
them playing. Dealing with injuries and
fatigue is covered later in this guide.
OFFENSIVE ADJUSTMENT
Flip Play
WHAT IT DOES
Flips the play diagram
Call this when you want to run a play to a certain side of the field; this is usually
done for plays such as sweeps so that theyre run to the wider side of the field.
Hot Routes
Changes the assignment of a specific receiver
Hot route options include these pass routes: Streak, Curl, In, Out, Drag, Slant In,
Slant Out and Fade. You can also tell the receiver to Block Left or Block Right.
Reset All
Negates all offensive adjustments
Call this when you want to revert to your original offensive play called
DEFENSIVE ADJUSTMENT
DL Shift Left
WHAT IT DOES
Shifts defensive linemen left of where theyd usually line up
Call this when you expect a play to the left side of the field
DL Shift Right
Shifts defensive linemen right of where theyd usually line up
Call this when you expect a play to the right side of the field
DL Pinch
Moves defensive linemen closer together
Call this when you expect a play between the offensive tackles (i.e. dive run)
DL Spread
Spreads defensive linemen farther apart
Call this when you expect a play to the sidelines (i.e. sweep run)
LB Shift Left
Shifts linebackers left of where theyd usually line up
Call this when you expect a play to the left side of the field (run or short pass)
LB Shift Right
Shifts linebackers right of where theyd usually line up
Call this when you expect a play to the right side of the field (run or short pass)
LB Pinch
Moves the linebackers closer together
Call this when you expect a play between the offensive tackles (i.e. dive run)
LB Spread
Spreads linebackers farther apart
Call this when you expect a play to the sidelines (i.e. sweep run or short out)
Press
Moves the cornerbacks closer to the receivers
Call this when you expect a shorter pass or run; may disrupt timing routes
Release
Backs the cornerbacks off the receivers
Call this when you expect a long pass; gives CBs room to keep pace with WRs
Show Blitz
Shows blitz regardless of whether you called it or not
May trick/pressure the QB into thinking blitz even if you didnt call for a blitz
For Emotional Reactions, move the left
direction stick up or down to choose one
of the options listed on screen.
COACH CAREER
Reset All
Negates all defensive adjustments
Call this when you want to revert to your original defensive play called
21
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ON THE SIDELINES
DEFINING MOMENTS
REACTING TO CRITICAL IN-GAME SITUATIONS
Defining Moments occur during key

win or lose situations in your games.
Your choice, and its subsequent success or failure, will have a huge impact
on your approval rating.
When the Defining Moments screen
pops up, youll be given a list of choices, and how each choice could impact
your approval rating.
As head coach, your job is to win
football gamesnot win a popularity
contest. Worry less about your approval rating and more on the choice thatll
give you the best chance at winning the
game at handeven if the fans wont
agree with your call.
BOX SCORE
REVIEW THE GAME
After the game, youll get to review

the Box Score, from which you can access many statistics to analyze.
ASK EA SPORTS
How will CPU opponents
call plays?
Teams track how
successful their plays
are, and thatalong
with personnel and
team tendencies
drives what they call.
For instance, if you play
against the Colts, youll
notice they call the
stretch play 90 percent
of the time when they
run the ball. The Bucs
run Cover 2 on defense.
The Patriots come out in
5-wide sets.
When you edit a play

from the sidelines, time
freezes to give you a chance
to modify an existing play as
you see fit. After making your
modifications, press the X button (Square on PS3) to call the
play. After you watch the play
unfold, youll get the option of
saving it to your playbook.
Quick Subs are a good

way to give a specific
player enough reps in a game;
you can also use the Gameday
portion of the Clipboard to
substitute your 2nd and 3rd
string players as a group. To
make permanent substitution
changes, adjust your Depth
Chart as needed.
APPROVAL RATING
Success and failure in NFL Head
Coach 09 is measured by your Approval Rating, which is the large number
on the lower right corner of the screen
when you begin your career.
Every action you take can affect
your Approval Ratingplay calls,
games played, trades, etc.and some
groups may react more strongly than
others to events affecting your team.
Your Approval Rating can range
from 0 to 99. If it drops too low (i.e.
20 or lower), you run the risk of being
fired. If your approval rating is high,
not only will you have job security, but
youll have an easier time negotiating
contracts and dealing with players.
Achieving team goals, fulfilling your
preseason promise, winning games,
and successful Defining Moments can
all boost your Approval Rating sharply.
22
When major
rating changes
occur, youll find out
why on this screen.
The rating is actually a composite score

based upon the approval of different
groups of people: players, coaching staff,
fans, your team owner and the media.
If this score
drops to 20,
your job security
may be in jeopardy.
Im a lot better at holding

thoughts inside than I was
when I was younger. Its
something I do consciously.
No. 1, Im trying to think
ahead to the next situation.
No. 2, Im trying to show my
team that Im in control and
that Im poised out there,
even when Im not.
Tony Dungy in January 2007, describing his demeanor while on the sidelines
THE OFF-SEASON
TEAM PHILOSOPHY
24
FRANCHISE TAGS
24
OFF-SEASON EVENTS
25
FREE AGENCY
26
RESTRICTED FREE AGENCY 27

TRADES
28
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS 32
PLAYER GRADES
32
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TEAM PHILOSOPHY
Team Philosophy determines your
organizations direction in many categories ranging from player management to drafting and contract negotiations. Some of these may be locked
(meaning you cant change them) if you
gave up control of a specific philosophy when hiring coaches. Its important
to review and adjust your Team Philosophy to make sure your off-season
moves sync up with your teams plan
for the season ahead. You can find
your Team Philosophy in the Team section of your Clipboard.
THE SALARY CAP
HOW TO KEEP YOUR TEAM UNDER THE CAP
The salary cap is essentially your

teams yearly spending budget when it
comes to player contracts.
The salary cap increases slightly

each year as your career progresses.
Be careful when you sign players to big
contracts: You may eventually have to
cut other players to stay under the cap.
A tiny cap space will limit your ability
to negotiate trades or free agency bids.
If for some reason you bust your cap,
your team will be fined and/or you will
lose draft picks. Obviously, you never
want to go over your salary cap.
PLAYER STATUS
HOW YOUR PLAYERS MEASURE UP
Your teams Player Status (also

found in the Team section of the Clipboard) shows an overall evaluation of
every player on the team, their approval
rating and current status.
Team Philosophy categories include Coach Hire, Injury, Depth

Chart, Playcall, Evaluation, Trade, Draft, Contract, Career Development, and Philosophies for all positionstake the time to review it all.
TEAM ROADMAP
PLOTTING YOUR FRANCHISES FUTURE
The Team Roadmap is an important

tool comprising several key elements:
Salary Cap Status lets you review
your salary cap levels.
Team Needs lists the positions
you need to fill from highest to lowest.
The Team Philosophy guides many
aspects of the Team Roadmapnot
just for your team, but for all teams.
Team Gameplan lists all available
players at each position, including free
agents, rookies and trade candidates.
This gives you an idea of who to target.
This can be sorted by player position.
Find Team Roadmap in the Team
section of the Clipboard.
Franchise tags are often used to prevent superstars from leaving;

in general, theyre saved for players with an overall rating of 85 or
higher. However, you can tag any player you wish (or none at all).
FRANCHISE TAGS
The franchise tag is a special designation given to a player by a team that
guarantees that player a contract the
average of the five highest-paid players of that same position in the entire
league, in return for retaining rights to
that player for one year.
When the Apply Franchise Tag event
occurs, youll get to choose one player
to slap the tag on. Youll see the tag
pricewhich is the one-year contract
cost to keep that player.
24
The Team Philosophy guides the

use of franchise tags for CPU teams:
Some teams will tag players frequently,
others rarely.
An NFL franchise may only designate one player a year as having the
franchise tag, and may designate the
same player for consecutive years.
The tag allows you to keep a player
for one year even if that player doesnt
want to re-sign with your team. However, be carefulif you tag a player who
doesnt want to be on your team, that

players approval will drop drastically.
Depending on the personality type, that
player may also demand a trade.
In theory, you never want to use the
tagall your players should be happy
and want to stay. In reality, you need
to protect yourself from other teams
wholl try to lure a player away from
you, and this keeps them locked on
your roster.
OFF-SEASON EVENTS
Heres a list of some non-scouting
related events that occur during the
off-season. (Scouting events such as
the Mock Draft, NFL Combine and Pro
Days are covered in the NFL Draft section of this guide.)
Not on this list are events related to
free agency and tradesthose major
topics are covered later in this section.
NEW SEASON GOALS
OFF-SEASON BENCHMARKS TO ACHIEVE
Youll review goals at many points

during each season; at the start of the
off-season, these goals are usually
related to finding solid draft picks or
acquisitions at specific positions.
A more comprehensive review of
New Season Goals is in the Pre-Season
section of this guide.
You can review your Season Goals
at any time by navigating to Team >
Season Goals.
CUTTING DEAD WEIGHT
CLEAR YOUR ROSTER BEFORE FREE AGENCY
Before free agent bidding begins,

all NFL teams will evaluate their rosters
and cut dead weight. Teams often cut
overpaid, older players to free up salary
cap room.
COACH BIDDING LIVE EVENT

GIVING UP CONTROL TO IMPROVE YOUR STAFF
As your first season ends, struggling

teams will begin to clean house and fire
coaches or staff while college coaches
look to go pro. This puts them all on
the market for hire.
When considering a bid for a new

staffer, giving up control shouldnt
bother you if youre pursuing a
very skilled (rated 85-plus) coach.
Also bid aggressively if you want
to fulfill a related season goal.
It takes longer for a GM or trainers
skill points to build, so hiring a
great one is faster than developing
one. If you see a 99-rated trainer
on the market, hire him at all costs!
During Coach Bidding, youll have

the opportunity to give up control to
the coach you want to hire to increase
his interest in your team. If youre the
team left with the highest interest, youll
be able to hire that coach. Control
changes range from replacing playbooks to cutting specific players. You
may even have to revamp your teams
philosophy. If you successfully hire
an offensive or defensive coordinator,
youll be allowed to choose plays from
his playbook to add to yours.
Pay special attention to coaches
who can bring new playbooks to the
table, such as those featuring the option, run and shoot or the wishbone.
If youre the type of person itching to
bring college tactics to the NFL, itll be
easier to hire a college coach with a
proficient playbook than draw one up
from scratch. (A list of those playbooks
can be found in the Playbook Strategy
section later in this guide).
When reviewing your Season Goals, you can use the LT button (L1
on PS3) to sort through your them. You can view All Goals, Goals in
Progress, Successful goals and Failed Goals.
THE OFF-SEASON
ROOKIE
SIGNINGS
text.
AFTER THE DRAFT
Rookie signings begin just before

Training Camp; look in the Pre-Season
section of this guide for a full review of
negotiation tactics with rookies.
UNDRAFTED
ROOKIES
text.
ANOTHER EVENT AFTER THE DRAFT
Undrafted Rookie Free Agent signing allows you to bid on players who
slipped through the cracks during the
NFL Draft. You can only sign five players, so be careful who you bid on.
Players are ranked from highest to
lowest overall score.
The clock begins ticking on players
whove been bid on, so you must evaluate players quickly and monitor them
closely to make sure you dont get
outbid before time runs out (a beeping
sound will occur so you know when a
bidding process is about to end).
Sort players by position if you want
to target specific team needs. This is a
cheap way to fill glaring roster holes.
Youll go down the list of rookies
until your five slots are filled or exit the
process early (you dont have to use all
five slots, but thats not recommended).
DATES & SCHEDULES

FRIENDLY REMINDERS
The Important Dates event will pop

up occasionally during your career as
a reminder of whats ahead. You can
review your schedule (and other teams)
at any time by choosing Team > Team
Schedule in the Clipboard.
Each undrafted rookies bid timer is activated when a first bid is

placed. The team bidding is shown to the right. You must scroll
fast through prospects to make sure you dont miss out on any bids.
25
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FREE AGENCY
The NFL off-season is dominated
by free agency, in which players with
expiring contracts try to find new teams
to join. Heres what you need to know:
THE FA PREVIEW
A SNEAK PEEK OF PLAYERS ON THE MARKET
The FA Preview shows you every

free agent that might be available in the
off-season and in the years to come.
This is a great way to help you plan
for pursuing talent youd like to see
on your squad. It will appear in your
Clipboard before free agency begins,
but you can review it at any time by accessing NFL > FA Preview.
FREE AGENT BIDDING
HOW THE BIDDING PROCESS WORKS
When a free agent appears in your

Coach Clipboard, youll have a limited
time to decide whether to bid on him or
not. There is no harm in joining in, even
if youre not interested at all: You can
just browse to see (without making
When controlled by the CPU, the

following teams have a default
philosophy of building their rosters
through free agency: Broncos,
Buccaneers, Chiefs, Cowboys,
Dolphins, 49ers, Giants, Packers,
Raiders, Redskins and Saints.
any bids, of course) which other teams

are interested in this player and what
the going price winds up being.
If you agree to bid, youll be shown
the Free Agent Auction screen, which
will show you the players name,
position, overall score and ageall of
which should be taken into account
before making a bid.
Underneath, youll see the icons of
all the teams participating in the auction with you.
Below that is your bid, your cap
room, your cap hit, and the time remaining in the auction. At the bottom,
youll see which team is in the lead and

the amount of their highest bid.
You can raise your bid or exit the
bidding process at any timebut if you
leave, you cant return.
Youll also see CPU teams bid for
the player. If two teams really want the
same player, youll see the bids rise
dramatically from their starting point.
You should expect to pay a lot of
money for premium free agentsin
some cases, up to $70 million! Obviously, the worst thing you can do is win
a bid for a player you dont really need
or wantso bid with caution and a
sharp eye on your cap room.
The flip side of that is that you
shouldnt be afraid to put up a little
extra money to get a player you desperately want.
The winner of a free agent bid
gets to negotiate a contract with that
player, which is an important step. The
contract value will be based on the bid
amount, but the particulars will be open
ASK EA SPORTS
Will teams overpay for
players?
Monitor your Clipboard carefully for free agent

names to pop up. Ideally, youve created a wish
list of players to pursue. Thatll help you make sure you
dont accidentally miss out on any prospects.
The only 100-percent-sure way to win a bid is to

aggressively bid until all other teams drop out. This
can get expensive, so use this approach only for musthave players. Youll negotiate the contract after winning.
26
As the bidding price increases, youll start to see

teams drop out. Make an early bid, then lurk in the
background and wait for other teams drop out before
bidding again to find out whos seriously in the running.
If you do not tender a Restricted Free Agent, you

release him from the team and he becomes a Free
Agent. Tendering an RFA will give you compensatory
picks if you dont choose to match another teams offer.
Sometimes a team will

overpay depending on
how deep the free agent
market is.
If a team likes that type
of player, theyre willing
to spend some money to
get him, depending on
who they already have.
As far as value goes, our
system is pretty robust.
Ratings are just a small
part of a players value
to a team. Value takes
into account a number
of things including his
upside remaining, his
cap hit, how much of
the playbook he knows,
and so forth.
Eagles Hall of Fame coach Earle Neale also was a baseball player
for the Cincinnati Reds and played in the 1919 World Series.
for negotiation (covered later in this

section).
Although there is less of a chance
that a player will walk away from his
negotiation, if he does, the penalty is
severe. That player will return to the
open market, and you will lose the right
to negotiate with him.
FREE AGENCY RECAP

AT THE END OF THE OFF-SEASON
You can review most free agency

moves when this event appears.
FREE AGENCY TACTICS
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR SALARY CAP SPACE
Its way too easy and tempting

to annihilate your salary cap in free
agency. Avoid impulse buys by making
a must-buy shopping listand stick
to it no matter what.
Many of your teams off-season

goals are related to acquiring players
rated 85 or higher overall at specific
positions.
When the FA Preview appears
before free agency kicks off, sort the
preview by each of those positions,
and write down the name of the best
(or youngest if the talent gap is narrow)
85-plus rated player available. Ignore
names of players you deem as too old
(personally, this writer limits the search
only to players in their 20s). If there
are no qualified names, youll have to
achieve the goal via the draft.
During free agency, look for those
names on your list and win as many
bids as your salary cap can comfortably handle. If you have lots of cap
space, be aggressive: Remember,
every young free agent you acquire is
one less draft pick you have to use.
If you have a top-five position of

need that isnt linked to season goals,
you can investigate free agents for that
position, but join an auction only if all
three criteria apply:
1. You have enough cap space after
considering the money needed for
players on your season-goal list as well
as your top draft picks. If youre not
sure, dont risk it.
2. The free agent has an overall rating higher than your current starter at
that position.
3. That player is in his 20s AND
younger than your current starter.
4. You have space on your roster.
(To release a player, go to Roster >
Roster on your Clipboard and press the
A Button (X on PS3). A series of options
will appear, including one to release.)
Most importantly, ignore every other
free agent thats not a top-five needs
position. Your salary cap will thank you
later.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

Restricted Free Agents are players
on your team that have been in the
NFL three years and their contract is
expiring. Unlike free agents, you can
exercise a little control over whether
they can stay or go.
TENDER RFAs
CHOOSING YOUR TENDER LEVEL
During the Tender Restricted Free

Agents event, youll get to choose a
Tender Level for that player. If you do
not tender that player (i.e. you definitely
no longer want that player), hell be
released to free agency. Otherwise, you
can choose a Tender Level between 1
and 4the higher the level, the more
valuable you deem the player.
If you make the Tender Level too
high, other teams probably wont negotiate a deal with that player, and then
youll be stuck with that player with a
contract priced at that previously chosen tender level (ranging between $0.9
million and $2.6 million in 2008).
THE OFF-SEASON
This is a timed deadline event, so

youll need to make a quick decision.
When in doubt, follow the recommended course of action next to the players
name.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

MATCHING OTHER TEAM OFFERS
Like Free Agents, Restricted Free

Agents can also accept bids from various teams to negotiate the best contract for themselves. However, RFAs
are required to let their current team
match whatever offer they receive. In
other words, youll get right of first
refusal for any RFA on your team.
When considering an RFA match,
key factors include how itll affect your
salary cap, the players age, and the
importance of that player to your depth
chart. For instance, if that player is older, and you plan to draft a replacement,
you probably dont want to match if the
deal is expensive.
If you dont match your players RFA
For the 2008 NFL off-season,

here is the nitty-gritty about how
the four tender levels translate to
compensatory draft picks:
Level 1: Draft pick equal to the
round the restricted free agent was
originally drafted at.
Level 2: Second-round draft pick
Level 3: First-round draft pick
Level 4: First and third-round picks
offer, youll receive compensatory draft

picks based on the tender level previously chosen.
Therell be a time limit to decide
(usually one minute), so youll need to
have back-up scenarios plotted out in
advance for your teams RFAs before
free agency kicks off.
27
www.primagames.com
TRADES
When you decide to activate a
trade negotiation event, youll have a
timed deadline (two minutes) to decide
whether to negotiate or to say youre
not interested. Trade negotiations usually occur in the off-season, but they
can continue into the pre-season and
even into the regular season.
The trade screen will show you the
team thats looking to trade with you
(which youll have to glean from the
players team background and helmet
logo), what the team is looking to trade
for, and your current depth chart at the
position for the player being offered.
Here are key considerations when
negotiating any trade:
1. Player Age: How many years left
before hes likely to retire? The average NFL retirement age varies from
position to position, but generally, the
more physical the position, the shorter
the career. (Thats usually why quarterbacks and kickers can play well into
their 40s, while linesmen and running
backs cannot).
2. Depth Chart: How will your depth
chart look after the trade? In general,
you should avoid getting too thin or
thick at any one position. On the other
hand, if you have multiple players with
low talent level, a trade might be to
your benefit.
The initial Trade Player

screen has a lot of information thatll help you decide
whether to start negotiations.
The first thing you want to do is
to see how that trade candidate
would improve your depth chart.
28
Itll be fairly common for CPU

teams to trade between each other
without your participation. When
a CPU-to-CPU trade involves a
player that your team may be interested in, you may receive an event
notice that a trade negotiation is
taking place.
3. Overall Talent: Is this a superstar

deal (i.e. a player with 90-plus overall
score) or a lower-tier trade? Obviously,
the better the player, the more you
should consider negotiating.
4. Salary Cap: How will this trade
affect your salary capnot just for this
season, but for future seasons as well?
This is especially important when trading for superstar players: A big-name
player might help your team in the short
run, but it may also hamper your salary
cap in the long run.
5. Goals: Obviously, if a player trade
comes up that matches one of your
goals in progress, you should pursue it.
INITIATING A TRADE
GETTING THE BALL ROLLING
You are always free to initiate a

trade with any other team. You can
do it solely on your own preferences,
Make sure to take age into

accounta player with a
lower Overall score may be preferable to an older player with a
higher score. The younger player
has more time to develop and
may have more potential.
or you might want to initiate talks to

try and meet a season goal set by the
team owner.
To initiate a trade, select Roster >
Trade in your Clipboard.
Be careful about being too greedy:
Any unreasonable demands can
abruptly terminate a trade negotiation.
It is wise to know the negotiation preferences of the team youre negotiating
with (a list of the default CPU preferences is available later in this section).
The more stubborn and stingy the
negotiator, the less likely hell budge on
terms of a deal.
THE TRADE SCREEN

THE CLOCK STARTS TICKING
If you decide to negotiate, the trade

screen will appear. Youll hear the clock
start ticking, but dont panic.
The trade screen will reveal a lot
of information youll need to process
quickly. The top bar shows the head
coach of the team youre negotiating
with, and their comments to you as the
negotiations progress.
Below that is a black bar listing the
team (or teams) currently at the negotiating table. Remember that CPU teams
will also be bidding at the same time.
You wont see their bids, but if a team
makes a bid better than yours, youll be
If youre the only team

participating in the trade,
you can haggle a bit more. If
another team is in the mix, your
bid will have to beat other offers
AND satisfy the team initiating the trade. If a lot of teams
are involved, you might have to
sweeten your offers a bit more to
be taken seriously.
Its tough to lowball other

NFL teams when it comes
to trades. If you see the words
Are you serious? or Thats
absurd. after you make your
first offer, that often means that
youre way too low. Another
lowball offer from you will most
likely terminate trade discussions immediately.
Hall of Fame coach Steve Owen coached for the

New York Giants without ever signing a contract.
out of luck once the timer runs out. If

there are no other teams bidding, you
may have more leverage when it comes
to negotiating a more favorable deal.
Below that are three boxes: The current best offer youve made, the player
being traded (listed with position and
overall grade), and the time remaining
with trade negotiations.
The first thing you should always
do is review your roster breakdown by
pressing the Y button (Triangle on PS3).
That will reveal how many players you
have at that position, the desired level,
and your current grade at that position.
Any grade lower than a B should make
you seriously consider a trade.
Below that are the packages that
you can offer the other team. Each
package to offer comes with a fivepoint scale that indicates the relative
value of your offerone star is a low
offer, five stars is a very generous offer.
These offers can include draft picks
and players, or a mix between the two.
Once you select an offer, the other
team will most likely decline and ask for
a better deal from you (in fact, if they
accept right away, your first offer was
probably more than what they were
looking for). You can continue to make
the same offer or choose a different
one. Negotiations will continue until
time runs out, they get tired of your
offers, or they agree to your terms (or
another teams terms).
Any successful trade will likely
impact your approval rating positively
or negatively, depending on how well it
matches up with your teams road map
and owner expectations. You shouldnt
worry if your approval falls with one or
two tradesthink of it as short-term
pain for long-term gain (assuming
you made a good trade, of course).
However, if youre consistently getting
negative approval, you may be making
too many bad trades.
TRADING TIPS
SOME RULES OF THUMB TO LIVE BY
Its tough to determine whether a

trade is fair or not. Here are some tips
that may help at the negotiating table:
1. Calculate Gain and Loss: All
things being equal, any drop in overall
score should be offset with a gain in
THE OFF-SEASON
ASK EA SPORTS
What can you tell us
about the CPU logic for
picking up free agents
and trading?
When you initiate a trade, you can Trade For a certain

player, or Trade Away someone on your roster. Youll only
be able to trade for players who have their Trade boxes checked.
When you Trade Away a player by clicking their Trade box,

youre actually just adding him to your trading block. Nothing
will happen until a CPU team approaches you about that player.
Keep an eye on both the NFL Network pop-ups and the news
ticker at the bottom of the screen. Both will keep you abreast
of all the major trades, player updates and signing news as the
off-season progresses.
All CPU teams have

a plan with each free
agent and each trade
negotiation that comes
along. Its called the
Team Roadmap, and
it basically provides a
plan for each team at
each position for the
entire year. Sometimes
teams wont sign a free
agent knowing they can
draft a player to fill the
spot instead.
If they do decide to go
after a free agent, how
much a team will spend
depends on how severe
the team need is versus
how much cap room
they have to spend. If a
team has a lot of money
and they really need a
player at a particular
position, expect to be in
a bidding war for that
player.
With trades, personalities will dictate how
much the team you are
dealing with is willing
to take. They may walk
away if you counter too
many times or they may
cave in because their
GM is a pushover. It all
depends on the GMs
personality. The same
concept also applies to
contract negotiations
with players.
You can Quicksave your game at any time during your career whenever you
see the Quicksave button icon as an option in the lower left corner of the
screen (to activate Quicksave, depress the left directional stick on your controller). Whether you use Quicksave or not, make it a point to save before
any big event or game that you might wish to redo.
29
www.primagames.com
TRADES
what you are trading for.
For instance, if youre trading for
a tight end with an 89 overall rating,
and your second-string player has a
rating of 80, youre gaining 9 points
of production. Your trade offer should
not give up more than 9 points on your
end. Of course, you should also take
into account player age and possible
potential growth when making such
calculations.
2. Calculate Gain and Loss with
Draft Picks: How can you use the first
rule when youre giving up draft picks
TEAM
GM NAME
in exchange? It is hard to do, but it may

help to create guidelines that equate
draft picks to player overall grades.
Here is one example:
1st round draft pick: 90 overall
2nd round pick: 85 overall
3rd round pick: 80 overall
4th round pick: 75 overall
5th round pick: 70 overall
Change the numbers to values you
deem best. The key here is this: When
you start thinking of draft picks as
potential players, it can make it easier
to determine trade value.
3. Always negotiate: Never take the

first deal the CPU offers you. Almost as
important is to never low-ball your first
counteroffer. You want to be conservative with your first counteroffer, but
dont insult the CPU with a way-toolow offer that may make him walk away
from the negotiating table prematurely.
CPU teams base their free agent
and trade strategies on their Team
Roadmaps, which dictate how teams
expect to fill positions for the entire
year.
For instance, a CPU team wont
TRADE FREQUENCY PHILOSOPHY TRADE MINDSET PHILOSOPHY
TRADE FUTURE PICKS PHILOSOPHY
Bears
Jim Andrews
Light Trader
Over Offer
Neutral
Bengals
Marvin Louis
Light Trader
Low Ball
Neutral
Bills
Noah Body
Neutral
Over Offer
Neutral
Jim Treadway
Heavy Trader
Normal
Neutral
Browns
Bill Savant
Heavy Trader
Normal
Trade Away Future Picks
Bucs
Ben Allens
Neutral
Normal
Neutral
Cardinals
Red Grave
Light Trader
Low Ball
Acquire Future Picks
Chargers
Jay Smits
Light Trader
Normal
Neutral
Broncos
Chiefs
Karl Potts
Neutral
Normal
Neutral
Colts
Phil Foliage
Heavy Trader
Normal
Cowboys
Gary Jones
Heavy Trader
Over Offer
Gil Darnell
Heavy Trader
Over Offer
Neutral
Tim Heckle
Heavy Trader
Normal
Dolphins
Eagles
Falcons
49ers
Giants
Don Ross
Neutral
Normal
Neutral
Josh McClout
Heavy Trader
Low Ball
Neutral
Gary Meese
Light Trader
Normal
Neutral
Jerry Harless
Neutral
Low Ball
Neutral
Jets
Guy Torrent
Heavy Trader
Normal
Neutral
Lions
Mack Miller
Heavy Trader
Over Offer
Packers
Tom Tedson
Light Trader
Low Ball
Neutral
Panthers
Marvin Hurley
Light Trader
Normal
Neutral
Patriots
Sam Polo
Heavy Trader
Over Offer
Neutral
Raiders
Alan David
Neutral
Over Offer
Neutral
Ray Zest
Light Trader
Normal
Neutral
Oswald Newberry
Heavy Trader
Normal
Danny Spyder
Heavy Trader
Over Offer
Jaguars
Rams
Ravens
Redskins
Saints
Mikey Lewis
Neutral
Low Ball
Neutral
Seahawks
Tom Russell
Heavy Trader
Normal
Neutral
Neutral
Steelers
Kyle Corbert
Neutral
Low Ball
Johnny Paycheck
Light Trader
Normal
Neutral
Texans
Riley Smithe
Light Trader
Normal
Vikings
Ron Spielberg
Light Trader
Low Ball
Neutral
Titans
30
When it rains during a game on natural grass, youll see

the middle of the field get muddy as the game progresses.
sign a free agent if their Team Roadmap projects that the team would be
better off by drafting a player instead.
The current state of each CPU teams
salary cap also affects this strategy;
essentially, the more room under the
salary cap, the more freedom a team
will have to pursue free agents. (Team
Roadmaps are also affected by Team
Philosophies: A team that historically
prefers to rebuild through draft picks
rather than free agency will tend to
stick to that approach.)
Negotiations with the CPU (whether
TEAM
its a proposed trade with a GM or

a contract dispute with a player) will
also be affected by the personalities of
those you have to deal with.
4. Study Your Losses: You will not
emerge as the winner in every trade
negotiation you participate in. (In fact,
if you find yourself winning too many
trade deals, youre probably destroying
your salary cap space in the long term.)
After trade negotiations end for a
player, carefully check the ticker for
which team made the winning bid
and more importantly, what they gave
up. Of course, needs vary from team

to team, so one franchise may give up
more if they really need that player.
Still, itll give you an idea of how CPU
teams value players and what theyll
give up to land players of specific talent
levels.
CPU DEFAULT PHILOSOPHIES
TRADING, NEGOTIATION AND PLAYER ROADMAPS
The charts on these two pages

show the GMs for each team and their
default CPU trading, negotiation and
Player Roadmap philosophies.
NEGOTIATION TONE
COUNTERING IN NEGOTIATION
SPENDING MONEY PHILOSOPHY
PLAYER ROADMAP PHILO.
Haggle
Cheap
Spend on 3 Biggest Needs
Favor Grade
Give In To Player Demands
Normal
Distribute Evenly
Favor Grade
Bills
Low Ball
Normal
Spend on Biggest Need
Favor Role
Broncos
Low Ball
Normal
Favor Grade
Browns
Overpay
Generous
Favor Role
Bucs
Overpay
Normal
Distribute Evenly
Favor Grade
Cardinals
Low Ball
Cheap
Favor Contract
Chargers
Haggle
Normal
Favor Grade
Chiefs
Low Ball
Normal
Distribute Evenly
Favor Role
Colts
Overpay
Normal
Distribute Evenly
Favor Play Knowledge
Cowboys
Overpay
Generous
Favor Grade
Dolphins
Overpay
Generous
Favor Grade
Haggle
Cheap
Favor Grade
Normal
Favor Upside
Overpay
Generous
Favor Grade
Giants
Overpay
Normal
Distribute Evenly
Favor Grade
Jaguars
Low Ball
Cheap
Favor Grade
Bears
Bengals
Eagles
Falcons
49ers
Jets
Normal
Distribute Evenly
Favor Grade
Overpay
Normal
Favor Role
Favor Grade
Lions
Packers
Low Ball
Cheap
Distribute Evenly
Normal
Favor Grade
Haggle
Cheap
Favor Play Knowledge
Raiders
Overpay
Generous
Distribute Evenly
Favor Upside
Rams
Low Ball
Cheap
Favor Grade
Panthers
Patriots
Ravens
Normal
Favor Upside
Redskins
Overpay
Generous
Favor Grade
Saints
Low Ball
Cheap
Favor Grade
Seahawks Give In To Player Demands
Normal
Favor Grade
Steelers
Low Ball
Cheap
Distribute Evenly
Favor Grade
Titans
Low Ball
Cheap
Distribute Evenly
Favor Upside
Texans
Normal
Favor Role
Vikings
Generous
Favor Grade
THE OFF-SEASON
31
www.primagames.com
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS
While trades are between you and
another team, a contract negotiation is
between you and another player. When
a Package Negotiations event begins,
a screen will appear with a timer and a
list of packages from least to most attractive. Every contract contains:
Total Value: The cost of the package, including extras. Some packages
can list a higher total value but be considered cheaper depending on the
signing bonus and/or incentives.
Length: How many years that
player will be signed for.
Signing Bonus: The extra amount
that goes to the player immediately; to
minimize its salary cap impact, the bonus is prorated over the life of the contract. Try to limit big singing bonuses
to your franchise superstars. Cutting or
trading a player you gave a big signing
bonus to will hurt your salary cap.
Incentive(s): Extra money paid per
year only if certain conditions are met.
Given two contracts of equal total value
with no signing bonuses, GMs will
prefer the one with incentives.
Incentives in contracts do not

count into a players salary until
they are met. At that point, they
become part of the players salary
for the year.
Negotiations are similar to other
trade-type events in that theres a time
limit involved, and either party can
counteroffer, accept a proposed package or leave the negotiating table.
CONTRACT TACTICS
TIPS FOR SMOOTH NEGOTIATIONS
1. Personalities Matter: Negotiations are very different from player to

player. Some players may walk away
after one counteroffer, others wont
leave until the deal is done. Looking up
their personality type before negotiating
may help you understand their tactics.
2. Be Firm: Never overpay for a
player. Try to calculate that players
value (it may help to see how similar
players on other teams are valued),
and stick to it. Giving up too much too
When you view the details of a package,

you can analyze how it will impact your
salary cap in the years ahead. Most NFL salaries are back-loaded; in other words, more
money is paid at the end of the contract.
easily just to wrap up negotiations will

eventually eat up your salary cap.
3. Ignoring Players: Ignored negotiations will hurt your approval rating
slightly, so be careful. Ignore negotiation requests only when youre sure
you dont want that player back.
4. Timing: Players seeking longerlength contracts usually indicate that
they would like to stay; players seeking shorter contracts are more likely to
leave after their contracts expire.
PLAYER GRADES
Those familiar with Madden NFL 09
will recognize many of the player attributes used to evaluate players.
However, NFL Head Coach 09
features some additional attributes,
and players are evaluated under a
new grade system that mirrors how
NFL scouts grade players. Players
are graded in athletic and intangible
abilities, production, durability, learning
ability, potential and size. (Production
is a noteworthy inclusion, because it
takes into account players who may
have talent but havent yet produced
on the field, or for players whove been
injured and havent put up numbers
youd normally expect.)
Other factors include how much
a player knows the playbook, how
expensive his contract is relative to
his talent level, and how much upside
potential remains to be discovered.
Those various grades are weighted to
32
Every player has a potential rating

that he can progress up to. Thats
done through practice time, playing time and game performance.
That rating determines how good
hell get at the peak of his career,
assuming he stays healthy. The
only two things that can increase
potential are a coachs special
skills or Game Changer events.
make up an overall grade that will vary

from franchise to franchise depending
on the type of players the coach needs
to match the team philosophy. Some of
the more important grades include:
The Intangibles Grade is determined by attributes such as ball carrier
vision, man-to-man pass coverage or
throw accuracy.
The Athletic Grade is determined
You can check grades by looking at each

players card from the Roster screen.
by physical attributes such as speed,

agility or throw power.
The Durability Grade is determined by the players health at each
body part.
The Potential Grade is determined by the players maximum abilities. This is by far the most important
stat to focus on. Older players wont
have a lot of potential.
Your goal is to only pick

in the top 10 once. When
youre there, youve got to
make it work.
Tony Dungy on the importance of making the most of a top-10 draft pick
THE NFL DRAFT

ABOUT THE DRAFT
34
SCOUTING PLAYERS
35
INDIVIDUAL WORKOUTS
36
TRADING UP OR DOWN
36
DRAFT TACTICS
37
THE FUTURE 50
38
CPU DRAFT PHILOSOPHY
48
www.primagames.com
ABOUT THE DRAFT

The NFL Draft is how your team will
discover its next superstars. During
your career, youll be able to scout,
evaluate and draft from a pool of more
than 20,000 rookies with unique ratings, stories and personalities.
Just like in the real NFL, the draft
will be full of surprises: Youll get your
first-round busts and your sixth-round
surprises, and itll be your job to separate the wheat from the chaff.
The NFL Draft consists of seven
rounds over two days. The first day
comprises rounds 1 and 2. The second
day covers rounds 3 through 7. There
is a time limit (which varies between
5 and 10 minutes depending on the
round) for each team on the clock to
make their draft move.
EVENTS
BEFORE THE DRAFT
text.
OFF-SEASON DRAFT EVENTS
Draft Board: The Draft Board lists

all the draft picks from highest overall
to lowest; you can also screen by position. Move the players up and down
the board as you see fit. Press the X
button (Square on PS3) to review the
details of a specific prospect.
Mock Draft: Youll occasionally
review your Mock Draft during the
off-season. The Mock Draft projects
which players each franchise will draft
in the first round. This will give you
some sense of the players wholl be
unavailable by the time your first draft
slot rolls around.
SEASON
GOALS & THE DRAFT
text.
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR DRAFT PICKS
Just prior to the draft, your GM or

team owner will probably throw out
some new season goals specifically
when it comes to drafting players, such
as finding a sleeper pick in a late round
or avoiding a bust.
Depending on how well youve
scouted prior to the draft, your goals
may be easy or difficult to reach. It
is important to try and achieve those
goalstheyll benefit your team as well
as your career.
34
ASK EA SPORTS
Will there be some
definitive way to tell a
draft bust or a gem?
Our scouting and draft
are set up pretty differently than anything
youve seen before.
Players get grades (just
like scouts give), and
they are then sorted by
overall grade. For 2008,
Darren McFadden has
a grade of 99, Chris
Long is a 98 and Glenn
Dorsey is a 97.
We do have busts and
gems, and we can have
those players drafted in
the top 5 or at the end
of the 7th round. The
easiest way to find out
how good a player will
be is to scout him in an
individual workout
that is the only way
to unlock that draft
picks true potential for
growth (assuming he
stays healthy).
The main draft screen features three data screens that constantly change to give you the latest info on the draft as well
as the team on the clock (the upper right corner).
When your pick rolls around, your GM and staff will usually
recommend a specific player. Your Approval Rating will
probably suffer if you dont follow their suggestionbut the final
choice is always up to you.
During the NFL Draft, youll have

the optional chance to pick the
pick when not on the clock. If you
can guess who the team on the
clock will draft, youll get an approval rating boost.
DRAFT
text. DAYS
SURVIVING DRAFT WEEKEND
When the first draft day begins, you

have the option of running through it or
simulating that day.
Drafting occurs in real time, but you
can speed up the pace by selecting
Advance Pick in the Clipboard.
You can also review the Previous
Pick in the Clipboard. To simulate any
part of the draft, navigate to Draft >
Advance Draft. Youll have multiple options to choose from.
When going through players to

draft, press the X button (Square on
PS3) to show details of a given player,
including scouting details (pluses and
minuses), stats, and comparison to a
current NFL player. The clock will keep
ticking, so use your time wisely.
When it comes to choosing a player, always focus on either team needs,
team goals or best available talent.
Youll be better prepared if you create
a list of wanted players in advance.
Youll also get a chance to trade up
or down, which is a topic covered later
in this section.
A Draft Recap appears at the end of
each round; the draft selection process
continues from the 1st through the 7th
round until all draft picks are mode.
SCOUTING PLAYERS
Scouting is all about unlocking as
much information as you can about a
player to discover their true overall rating and potential.
The easiest way to determine a
players ultimate potential is to scout
him in an Individual Workout. That
workout unlocks his potential grade,
which basically tells you how good he
could become if he has a productive
career and stays healthy.
Another key metric to check is a
players Learning Grade, which plays a
major role in determining how well he
can learn your playbook. Some rookies come in with a very high Learning
Grade, while others come in with a
very low rating with the potential to
get much better. Other rookies will just
never improve; of course, those are
players to avoid or cut.
Your GMs skills play a major role in
scouting. The better his scouting skill
level, the better this scouting ability
both in quantity of players scouted and
amount of info unlocked. If you have a
great GM, he may have special skills
that reveal even more player data than
an average GM can.
These key events during the offseason will help you discover the player
info youll need for draft day.
SENIOR ALL-STAR GAME

THE FIRST SCOUTING OPPORTUNITY
The Senior All-Star Game is much

like the Pro Bowl: The top college
seniors play in an exhibition game once
the college season is completed. Obviously, this game is heavily attended by
NFL scouts and is the first event in the
off-season scouting process.
Players you scout at this game will
have their intangible attributes unlocked, including Awareness (arguably
the most important intangible stat).
You will get to scout players at various positions, so focus on players likely
to still be on the draft board when your
first and second picks take place.
The player list displays some key information about each player, including
name, player position, school, percent
of teams that have scouted this player
(an indicator of interest level), and overall score. (The school will be important
to remember if you plan to do addition-
THE NFL DRAFT
When scouting, choosing a player by

pressing the A button (X button on PS3)
moves him to your teams selected list. If you
change your mind, you can remove a player
by pressing the A button (X button on PS3) on
that player in your selected list.
al scouting during that schools scheduled Pro Day.) The number of players
available to scout will be shown at the
top of the player list. That number is
based on your GMs scouting ability for
each position.
NFL COMBINE
A YEARLY TRADITION
The NFL Combine is where top draft

prospects participate in a series of
athletic tests, workouts, drills and interviews for NFL scouts and the media
who attend.
Players at the combine automatically
have their height, weight and size grade
unlocked. They also have their athletic
grade and attributes unlocked. Choosing to scout them also unlocks their
personality type.
Some players may choose not to attend the combine. Usually, these players are top draft choices who can only
be scouted via Individual Workouts.
The player list and player selection
interface (to add and remove players
off your list) is the same as that used
for the Senior All-Star Game.
Similar to the Senior All-Star game,
the number of players available to
scout will be shown at the top of the
player list. That number is based on
your GMs skill level.
Focus your player choices on positions of need and most likely selections
still on the board based on your current
draft pick spots. It is useless to scout
players wholl likely be off the board
when your draft pick rolls around unless you definitely plan to trade up prior
to or during the draft.
To get more information about the prospects at each school for Pro Day, press
the X button (Square on PS3). Remember, you
can only pick one school, so if you dont have
any idea which school to target, choose the
school with the most prospects.
PRO DAYS
HIT THE COLLEGE CAMPUSES
Pro Days let you choose a college

to visit and scout out potential players.
This is a good way to discover sleeper
picks. Players scouted during Pro
Days unlock every piece of information
except for potential.
The Pro Days screen will show a list
of schools to the left. Each will show
the number of total prospects at that
school, the percent of player data that
you have unlocked, and the average
rating of the scouted players there.
There is also a green deadline timer
bar at the top, so youll need to make
your selection before time runs out.
The schools you pick should be
based upon your roster needs; dont
visit a school unless they have prospects at positions you plan to draft for.
Another consideration is your GM
skills: Some GMs have special skills
that allow them to unlock more information when visiting small, mid-major
and/or major universities. To Find out if
your GM has any of those special skills,
navigate to Team > Develop Staff in
your clipboard and select your GM.
Various schools hold their Pro Days
at different times of the year to reduce
scheduling conflicts. Each school holds
only one Pro Day per off-season. If you
want to visit two schools who are holding their Pro Days at the same time,
youll have to make a tough decision as
to which school has the more important
prospects for you to scout.
35
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INDIVIDUAL WORKOUTS
Individual Workouts give you a
chance to unlock every single piece of
scouting information about a player, including their potential. In fact, Individual
Workouts are the only way to unlock a
rookies potential.
Obviously, you want to use your
workout selections on your most likely
first-round picksnot just your first
choices but also back-up selections.
Youll be spending a lot of money on
your top draft prospects, so you want
as much information as possible to
make an informed decision.
It helps to have a list of likely draft
candidates written down in advance of
these workouts. You should also create
as list of players whove had individual
workouts for draft day so you know
which prospects have their potential
grades unlocked.
ASK EA SPORTS
How do CPU teams
handle the draft?
When teams get into the
draft, theyll take a look
at the highest graded
players and draft the
player that fills their
most severe need. If no
player fills that need,
theyll try to trade down.
This solves problems
with teams drafting
players two rounds too
early or seeing a kicker
or FB get drafted in the
1st round.
The number of individual workouts you get

is directly tied to your general
managers scouting skill level.
A GM with a Level 1 scouting skill can only have a few
workouts while a Level 5 skill
level can result in more than
20 individual workouts.
Dont waste your workout selections on players

that will likely be off the draft
board before your first pick
unless you plan to trade up on
draft day.
TRADING UP OR DOWN
Trading up and down is common
during both draft days. CPU teams will
follow their draft philosophies when it
comes to trading up or down, but for
your team, youll be in charge of making such moves. You can try to trade
up at any time by selecting that option
in your Clipboard. Trading up to very
high draft picks almost always requires
you to put players on the trading block
that the other team would like to get (to
do this, go to Draft > Trade Block).
The CPU may approach you with
proposed trades as well; those will appear as events in your Clipboard.
When its your turn on the clock, you
can select the Trade Down event to
review what teams are offering for your
selection level. Reasons for trading
down in the draft include the following:
1. Another Team Snapped Up
Your Top Prospect: If you expect your
first alternate to be around for a while
(i.e. at least through the next round),
you can trade down and gamble with
the expectation that your first alternate
will still be available with your next pick.
36
Superstar players on your team

may get upset when you draft a
player at their position, so be careful during the draft.
2. Draft is Weak at Your Position

of Need: No use using a 1st round pick
on a player worth only a 2nd round
pick. That may be the case if the draft
class is weak at a needed position.
3. Your Salary Cap is Tight: A top
draft pick might actually hurt you if you
have no cap space to pay that player
from. In those extreme cases, it might
be best to trade down for future draft
picks in years where you expect to
have more cap space.
Theres usually only one reason for
trading up: You want a specific player
and youre scared that someone ahead
of you is going to draft him. Youll need
to strike a deal with a franchise who
picks ahead of that other teamand
pray that your move will be enough to
draft that prospect.
You usually wont get a team to trade

a high draft pick without putting some
good players on the trading block.
When you Trade Down, you can tell any

interested CPU team to increase their
offer, request a specific package, end negotiations, or accept their initial offer.
DRAFT TACTICS
There is one key strategy to becoming a draft wizard: Always use your
top three picks to fill your teams three
biggest holes that you wont (or cant)
fill through free agency.
You can easily view your top needs
by looking at your Team Needs chart.
During a draft, its tempting to
forsake team needs to pick up a highprofile superstarbut if youre already
well-stocked at that position, itll create
salary cap and depth chart headaches
later on. In laymans terms: Buy your
meat and potatoes first before looking
for gravy.
TEAM NEEDS AND SCOUTING

HOW TO WORK THE SYSTEM
The great benefit of a strategy that

focuses on Team Needs is that it gives
you a road map to planning your scouting efforts:
Regular-season scouting: Scout
positions of need at all schools (small,
mid and major) to 100 percent, starting with your biggest need, then your
second biggest, and so on.
Combine: Scout the highest-overall-rated prospects at your top two positions of need. (If you have a very low
first draft pick, ignore the top one or
two candidates if you think other teams
will take them before you.) For Team
Needs ranked third or lower, focus on
players around 50 to 80 or soin other
words, the players that you expect will
still be around after you make your first
two draft picks.
Pro Days: Look at your Combine
reports and write down the schools
where the prospects for your top three
needs attended (it helps to sort your
Draft Board by position). Prioritize and
visit those schools first. For Pro Days
where none of those schools are listed,
visit the school with the most prospects
or the school with the highest average
rating (your preference). Also keep an
eye out for players you havent scouted
at all (0 percent); if youre a gambler,
visit those schools to possibly discover
hidden gems.
Individual Scouting: Save these
workouts for players you project to
draft in the first or second round. Since
you wont know which players are
going to be available when your draft
THE NFL DRAFT
BOTTOM PICK TACTICS

WHAT TO DO WHEN DATA IS MISSING
The Draft Preview screen shows the

overall talent level at each position as
well as a sleeper and overrated pick. For your
positions of need, make note of each sleeper
picks name and school, and try to scout each
one rather thoroughly.
picks roll around, youll have to do

some educated guesswork and create
pools of key players (three or four per
position of need) that you realistically
expect to be available for those high
draft picks.
Many draft-related season goals
require you to select players with high
potential in the first round or two;
theres no reason to gamble on a player
if you dont know his Potential Grade.
TOP PICK TACTICS

MANAGING YOUR FIRST PICKS
By draft day, you should have had

Individual Workouts with (and Potential
Grades for) the top players of need
projected to still be available when your
first two draft picks roll around.
If you scouted properly, your staffs
first Draft Suggestion should match one
of the players you had an Individual
Workout with. Feel free to follow their
suggestion to get a small approval
boost from them.
However, if your top two needs are
relatively equally important, you can opt
to use your first pick on the player with
the biggest Potential Grade instead
especially if theres a big grade gap.
Ideally, by the time your second
draft pick comes around (usually in the
second round), youll have a player with
a high Potential Grade still available to
fill that second need. If you discovered
a must-have player with a great Potential Grade, consider trading up to help
guarantee that selection.
After your first two picks or so,

youll begin to make draft choices with
key player data missing, starting with
Potential Grade. During the middle
rounds, youll still be able to use a
players Overall Grade to evaluate talent. However, at some point, youll find
players with not enough scouted data
to have a meaningful Overall Grade.
You can always default to your
staffs Draft Suggestions, especially if
they fill Team Needs. However, Staff
Suggestions may not take into account
poorly scouted players with hidden
potential.
During the final rounds when player
data can be scarce, your picks will become educated guesses at best, pure
gambles at worst. But here are some
tips that may increase your chances of
finding a sleeper:
Bypass Overall Grade: When data
is missing, ignore the Overall Grade,
as it can be misleading. Dig into the
players scouting details instead to get
the raw numbers.
Future 50: If the prospects name
is listed in the Future 50 (the next
section of this guide), thats a dead
giveaway of superstar potential.
NFL Comparison: Hidden draft
gems always have a comparison to an
elite superstar or top-grade player.
The Double 90 or Triple 90
rule: Look at the players Physical and
Durability grades (two grades youll
most likely have to work with).
If both are in the 90s (especially high
90s), you might be on to something.
For positions where size is beneficial,
look at the Size Grade to make sure
thats in the 90s as well.
Of course, a Double 90 or Triple
90 is not a guarantee of success, but
at least you have found a player who is
strong, big (if applicable) and healthy.
If you can combine such stats with an
extremely favorable NFL Comparison,
you have the formula for a potential
sleeper pick.
A list of the top 2008 NFL prospects by position can be found in
the Data Compendium section.
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THE FUTURE 50
We know the NFL superstars of
today, and we can guess wholl be the
stars of tomorrowbut wholl be the
big stars five or 10 seasons from now?
Thatll be your big challenge as your
career progresses, and youll need to

rely on your instincts, skills and your
GM to draft a future NFL Hall of Famer.
Fortunately, the NFL Head Coach
09 development team has given us a
crystal ball thatll give us a glimpse

of some of the most promising youth
prospects in the years to come. Here
are 50 top-ranked prospects to keep an
eye out for: The Future 50.
Boar
Jackson
61 224 lbs.
Auburn
Patrick
Boma
63 319 lbs.
NW Okla. St.
LeRon
James
510 222 lbs.
Northern Arizona
Jack
English
63 229 lbs.
Stanford
Dane
Morrow
64 218 lbs.
Penn State
Early
draft
report:
Boar Jackson got
his name from his
dad, who used to
take him hunting in
southern Alabama
when he was a
kid. Jackson is a
nasty player that
can either run over
you, around you or
through you.
Early
draft
report:
Patrick Boma
is a favorite of
some scouts. He
might have been
overlooked by
some scouts after
playing at such a
small school, but
this kid is special.
Early
draft
report:
LeRon James is
the guy nobody
knows anything
about, but some
scouts have a
feeling that will
change very soon.
Early
draft
report:
Need a franchise
quarterback? You
just got one.
Early
draft
report:
While every scout
has been praising
Jack English and
Kelly James for the
last nine months,
one quarterback
has quietly gone
unnoticed.
HB
He ran a 4.31 forty

at the combine,
benched 225
pounds 36 times
and had a 38-inch
vertical. Scouts
have never seen a
back this talented
coming out of
college.
Boar isnt some
finesse back like
Reggie Bush
and hes not a
big bruiser like
Brandon Jacobs.
Hes somewhere
in between,
and that has to
terrify defensive
coordinators.
Outlook: Could be
best running back
to come out in the
draft in this game
38
RG
After escaping
war-torn Darfur
as a child, his
family settled
in Oklahoma to
provide a better
life for Patrick and
his brothers.
He didnt try out
for organized
football until his
senior year and
because of that,
he wasnt heavily
recruited by the
bigger colleges.
Outlook: Could
become a Pro
Bowl player
HB
This kid was

dominant at
Northern Arizona,
finishing his career
with 5,678 rushing
yards. His greatest
game came during
his junior year
when he rushed
for 411 yards and
seven touchdowns
against Portland
State.
Hes got it all.
Dont be surprised
if James is the
premier back in
the NFL in 2-3
years.
Outlook: Could
become the
next LaDainian
Tomlinson
QB
Jack English is
the type of player
that only comes
around once in a
generation.
His rocket arm,
football IQ and
poise remind every
scout of another
Stanford QB from
the Class of 83
(John Elway).
English has real
Hall of Fame
potential. Well just
have to see how
many Super Bowls
he wins before he
gets there.
Outlook: Could
become the next
John Elway
QB
Scouts have
heard comments
about his throwing
motion, his
mobility, you
name it but
theres definitely
something special
about this kid.
He reminds scouts
a lot of a young
quarterback out
of Pitt that went
on to become the
greatest player in
Miami Dolphins
history.
Outlook: Could
become the next
Dan Marino
The profiles of the players on the following pages illustrate the level of realism and detail that
the game developers went to when creating the games 20,000-plus future draft prospects.
Numbers on all players NFL jerseys must be

at least eight inches high and four inches wide.
Kelly
James
63 225 lbs.
Miami
Early
draft
report:
Kelly James
may be getting
overshadowed by
the Jack English
hype machine,
but hes just as
talented.
QB
Hes led Miami to

some huge wins
in his career, and
hes got all the
tools to be an
elite player in this
league.
He may need
a year or two
to develop, but
no one will be
surprised to see
him in the Pro
Bowl in the very
near future.
Outlook: Could
become the next
Jim Kelly
Javon
Jackson
67 327 lbs.
Florida
LT
Early
draft
report:
Jackson
possesses
enormous size.
Jackson did not
allow any sacks
throughout his
entire college
career with the
Gators. Hes
the premier pass
blocking tackle in
the draft. Jackson
has excellent
quickness to
prevent rushers
getting around
him, and he
presents excellent
poise in the
pocket.
During his
freshman season,
Jackson shifted
from DT to the
offensive side of
the ball because
his coaches
needed to fill a gap
with an injuryplagued line. Hes
received All-SEC
honors each
season, and he
was named SEC
Player of the Year.
Expect him to start
on Sundays.
Outlook: Could
become the next
great left tackle
similar to Orlando
Pace
THE NFL DRAFT
Juran
Riley
60 204 lbs.
Texas
Jake
Scott
63 221 lbs.
Texas State
Jamarion
Bellows
60 190 lbs.
Grand Valley St.
Early
draft
report:
Juran Riley played
his entire career
for the Longhorns
at cornerback, but
he might be better
suited for safety in
the NFL.
Early
draft
report:
Jake Scott played
all four years
at Texas State
University, which is
less than an hour
from the University
of Texas.
Early
draft
report:
This could be
a draft steal
that could be
remembered for
years to come.
The 6-foot-tall,
204-pound corner
is very physical
and aggressive.
He provides a
tough match-up
for receivers at the
line of scrimmage.
Coming out of
high school, Jake
received only one
scholarship offer.
After signing his
letter of intent,
he proceeded
to break seven
school passing
records.
CB
He has very good

hands, hes fast,
and he is very solid
in run support.
Riley does tend
to be a little bit
inconsistent, but
most of the time
hes a very solid
defender. He
is projected to
be a very good
lockdown corner
for any NFL squad.
QB
Jake Scott has

the size, mental
capacity and arm
to be a star in the
NFL. Does it really
matter what school
he went to?
Outlook: Could be
an amazing lateround sleeper pick
WR
Bellows is a
60, 190-pound
receiver out of
tiny Grand Valley
State University in
Allendale, Mich.,
but hes got the
ability to start
and maybe even
dominate in the
NFL.
He wasnt invited
to the combine or
the Senior All-Star
Game. Few scouts
have even seen
him play in person.
Outlook: Could be
a big sleeper pick;
reminds scouts of
a smaller version
of Terrell Owens
Outlook: Very
good run-stopping
corner similar to
Quentin Jammer
Use the Draft Class Score to review the quality of

prospective players at each position. These grades
will change for every new draft class.
39
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THE FUTURE 50
Mack Truck
Jackson
511 226 lbs.
New Mexico
Jemarcus
Boone
62 323 lbs.
UCF
Ozzie
Jones
57 190 lbs.
Oklahoma State
Dravannti
Jordan
61 208 lbs.
Notre Dame
Cooper
Reno
63 229 lbs.
UNLV
Early
draft
report:
You know who
Mack Jackson
reminds scouts of?
Brian Urlacher.
Early
draft
report:
Jemarcus Boone
is a defensive
tackle out of the
University of
Central Florida.
There hasnt been
this much hype
about a player
from UCF since
Daunte Culpepper.
Early
draft
report:
Ozzie Jones
reminds many of
another running
back out of
Oklahoma State
who turned out
to be one of the
best ever: Barry
Sanders.
Early
draft
report:
Dravannti Jordan
is a track star
turned WR out of
Notre Dame. He
might become the
fastest player in
the NFL.
Early
draft
report:
Cooper Reno
reminds scouts so
much of Peyton
Manning that its
scary.
MLB
Mack Truck
Jackson is 511,
226 pounds, and
very proud to have
gone to the same
school that his idol
attended.
Its uncanny how
similar he is to the
Bears Pro Bowler.
Hes smart, mean
and flies to the
ball like a bee to
honey. He never
returned any kicks
for the Lobos,
but when he hit
somebody, you
heard it in the
upper deck.
Outlook: Could
become the next
Brian Urlacher
DT
Boone can beat

you in a variety of
ways; he doesnt
have any one
particular strength.
He is very solid
against the run,
very good in the
pass rush, and
is really just an
overall solid player.
Boone was a very
respected player
at UCF and a
unanimous AllAmerican selection
in his final two
years at the
school. The junior
wisely decided to
pass up his senior
year for a chance
to be a top pick in
this years draft.
Outlook: Could
become a great
defensive tackle
HB
He is listed at 57
and 190 pounds,
but he may even
be shorter than
that. He is very
fast and agile, and
he has great hands
coming out of the
backfield. This guy
can really make
you miss.
Hes a big homerun threat: He had
24 carries for more
than 20 yards last
season, and he
can find the end
zone between the
tackles or as a
return man.
Some teams
question this kids
durability to be an
every play back,
but he has enough
talent to be worth
a top draft pick.
Outlook: Could
become the next
Barry Sanders
WR
He was clocked
at a 4.19 at
the combine in
February; rumor
has it that some
scouts have
clocked him at
a 4.18. He has
decent hands for
such a fast guy,
and he can go up
and get the ball at
its highest point.
Jordan would be
an elite prospect
except for two
issues. First, he
cant get off the
line when pressed
to save his life.
Second, hes
going to spend
most of his career
in the training
room. Hes missed
all or part of the
last four seasons,
and he seems to
get hurt every time
hes popped. If
he stays healthy,
he could be
dangerous.
Outlook: Very fast
but injury-prone
40
QB
Hes a tireless
worker in the film
room, has a very
strong arm and
his accuracy is
unparalleled.
A lot of scouts
are split between
him or Rob Lane
being the best QB
in the draftbut
look beyond the
arm strength and
pay attention to his
leadership skills.
This is a guy who
will never call out
his teammates or
complain about his
salary.
Bottom line:
Whichever team
drafts Reno could
wind up with a
franchise QB for
the next 15 years.
Outlook: Could
become the next
Peyton Manning
The first joint AFL-NFL draft took place in 1967, three

years before the leagues officially merged in 1970.
Devin
Gilbert
65 328 lbs.
USC
Flash
Gorden
65 221 lbs.
LSU
Darius
Pryor
65 221 lbs.
Texas
Alex
Hurst
65 231 lbs.
Alabama
Demetrius
Grimes
60 190 lbs.
Arkansas
Early
draft
report:
Devin Gilbert,
the next great
defensive tackle
from the acclaimed
USC Trojan
program, is an elite
pass rushing force.
Early
draft
report:
Could this kid have
a better name?
Its almost like
his parents knew
hed be fast when
he was born.
However he got
his name, it fits.
Early
draft
report:
Pryor came back
and had a solid
senior year after
a subpar junior
season. Last
years loss against
Oklahoma haunted
him for the rest of
the season, and
he seemed to have
trouble shaking off
that pick he threw
to first-round pick
Rakeem Jordan.
Early
draft
report:
Alex Hurst passed
up millions after
his Heisman
Trophy-winning
junior year to come
back and have
one more shot at
winning a national
championship.
Early
draft
report:
Demetrius Grimes
from Arkansas is
the premier corner
in the draft.
DT
Hes an explosive
interior lineman
who plays with a
relentless motor.
He has an
amazing first
step, possesses
a closing burst of
speed, and gets a
lot of penetration
in the backfield.
Hes also quick
to read the play
and locate the
ball. His sub-4.6
forty was one of
the fastest times
ever recorded for a
defensive tackle.
This guy has
the potential to
be one of the
most dominant
defensive tackles
ever.
Outlook: Projected
to become an elite
pass-rushing DT
WR
The only thing to

remember here
is speed. He ran
a 4.19 at the
combine and a
4.18 at his Pro
Day. Hes got
good size at 65
and 221 pounds,
and he can jump
out of the room. In
fact, he had a 39
inch vertical at the
combine, too.
The only issue
scouts have heard
about him is his
attitude at times.
As long as a team
puts him in the
right environment,
he should be fine.
Outlook: With
99 speed and 99
acceleration, this
is a lightning-fast
wide receiver
QB
This year, he
avenged those
demons by
beating OU and
Texas A&M, really
showing poise
under pressure.
He grades out as
a 2nd rounder, but
I think he has the
potential to be a
good QB in this
league.
Outlook: A very
mobile QB with
a playing style
similar to Vince
Young
QB
Hurst has great

poise back in
the pocket, a
great arm, and is
incredibly accurate
on his passes.
The 65
quarterback was
slated to be a top
three pick in last
years draft, and
hes expected to
draft very high
once again.
Hurst is your
typical dropback
passer with very
limited mobility,
but has an
incredible sense
under pressure.
He is a QB you
could build a
franchise around.
Outlook: Expected
to develop into a
great QB
While this is open to debate, in general, these are the most valuable positions when it comes
to drafting solely on talent: Quarterback, offensive (left) tackle, defensive end. If you were
building a team from scratch, youd use your top three picks on these positions in order.
THE NFL DRAFT
CB
At Arkansas,
Grimes showed
his versatility by
spending time on
both sides of the
ball at receiver and
cornerback, and
he was arguably
the best punt
returner in the
nation. His college
career reminds
many of Charles
Woodson.
He has great
speed and
acceleration,
excellent hands,
and he can leap
out of the stadium.
His only setback
is that he tore his
ACL in both knees
during his college
career. Scouts
have watched him
at some private
workouts, and it
hasnt seemed to
have slowed him
down at all.
Outlook: Could
develop into
a dominant
shutdown corner
similar to Champ
Bailey
41
www.primagames.com
THE FUTURE 50
Talon
Tolliver
63 218 lbs.
San Diego State
Jermail
Rucker
64 238 lbs.
Cincinnati
John
Onken
63 311 lbs.
Texas A&M
Blake
Onken
63 308 lbs.
Texas A&M
Quincy
Sims
66 300 lbs.
Miami
Early
draft
report:
At first glance,
Tolliver looks like
every other kid
from the O.C.
(Orange County,
Calif.), but when
you look past
the surfer haircut
and laid-back
demeanor, youll
find a fierce
competitor whos
been overlooked
his entire life.
Early
draft
report:
Jermail Rucker
is the kind of guy
youd want your
sister to marry.
Hes the ultimate
team player and
a great guy. Fans
have seen Rucker
working in soup
kitchens and
delivering meals to
the homeless all
over Cincinnati. All
that and hes got
talent, too?
Early
draft
report:
John Onken, twin
brother of Blake
Onken, started all
four years on the
offensive line at
Texas A&M.
Early
draft
report:
Like his brother
John, Blake
started all four
years on the
offensive line at
Texas A&M.
Hes a huge kid

at 63 and 311
pounds. When he
makes an impact,
you always feel
it. He grew up in
Austin, Texas, and
it was expected
that he would go
to the University
of Texas with
his brother, but
he changed his
mind at the last
minute on signing
day. John and
his brother were
quite a tandem on
the line in College
Station, paving
the way for three
straight 1,000-yard
rushers.
Hes slightly
smaller than his
brother at 63,
308 pounds, but
hes just as good.
Early
draft
report:
Quincy Sims is
possibly the best
defensive tackle
to ever come out
of college into the
NFL. There really
isnt any knock on
him. He has good
size at 66 and
300 pounds, and
he has freakish
speed for his
frame, running in
the low 4.7 range.
QB
Tolliver was
raised by his
grandparents
after his mother
abandoned him
at age 3. He grew
up on the beach,
surfing every spare
moment of the
day. Coming out
of high school, he
only received one
scholarship offer,
and that was from
nearby San Diego
State. He took
the scholarship
and started all
four years for the
Aztecs.
This is a good
pick; he has a
chance to shine in
the NFL.
Outlook: Sleeperpick QB who might
become really
good
42
TE
His stock rose

dramatically after
he ran a 4.49 at
the combine and
notched a 36-inch
vertical.
The biggest
positive was his
interviews, though.
A few teams told
me theyd be
shocked to see
Rucker ever hold
out for a bigger
deal or complain
about playing time.
Outlook: Could
become the next
Antonio Gates
LG
Outlook: A tough,
hard nosed
lineman who
should have a
long, productive
career in the NFL
RG
He loved the
Texas Longhorns
growing up, and
its still a shock
that he went to
Texas A&M as a
freshman.
Blake has a great
first step, and
he can pack a
powerful punch in
a phone booth.
Outlook: Just like
his brother, should
have a long,
productive 10-12
year career as an
NFL lineman
A sleeper draft pick is a player with possible potential to be a

great player, but is not expected to draft high because he is not
well known and/or was poorly scouted. By definition, sleepers are
always more valuable than the draft position theyre selected at.
DT
He can play any

position on the
defensive line. He
is quick enough to
beat defenders on
the outside, and
strong enough to
push back guards
on the inside. He
even has enough
awareness to drop
back into coverage
on a zone blitz if
he needs to.
He is a huge trash
talker, but there is
no one on the field
who can back it up
more.
Outlook: Will likely
be an awesome
DT. Expect him
to be one of the
highest-paid draft
picks in the history
of the league
In 1962, the Cleveland Browns drafted John Havlicek in the seventh round, who later became
a Hall of Fame player in the National Basketball Association (playing for the Boston Celtics).
Peter
Boma
64 316 lbs.
NW Oklahoma St.
Tristan
Riley
65 215 lbs.
Ole Miss
Jelani
Okoye
64 333 lbs.
Oregon State
Donsay
Smith
511 240 lbs.
Georgia Southern
Darby
Miles
60 225 lbs.
Missouri
Early
draft
report:
Peter Boma, little
brother of NFL
lineman Patrick
Boma, is a great
pick.
Early
draft
report:
Tristan Riley is
a kid who many
compare to Tom
Brady.
Early
draft
report:
Jelani Okoye has
only been playing
organized football
for three years,
and hes already
projected as a
top 10 pick in the
draft. Jelani is an
amazing physical
specimen with
great speed, a
great burst, good
strength, and a
non-stop motor.
Early
draft
report:
Donsay Smith
is a bulldozer of
a running back
out of Georgia
Southern. This kid
is as tough as they
come. A couple
years ago, he was
breaking up a fight
outside of campus
and he was hit
with a wooden bat.
The bat took most
of the punishment
and broke in two.
Smith wasnt
injured.
Early
draft
report:
Darby Run for
Miles has been
ready for the NFL
since his freshman
year. He was a
two-time Heisman
runner-up.
RG
QB
Its great to see

kids like Boma
make it to the NFL.
He really put on a
show during his
Pro Day, wowing
scouts with his
athleticism and
strength.
Riley never really

got to show what
he was made
of at Ole Miss,
but when he did
play, he showed
the intangibles
required to play
the quarterback
position in
the NFL. Hes
accurate, hes got
a strong enough
arm, and his
coaches say hes
the smartest player
theyve ever been
around.
Outlook: Expected
to become a solid
offensive lineman
Outlook: Could
become the next
Tom Brady
He reminds scouts
a lot of his older
brother. Patrick is
a little stronger,
but Peter has
better footwork on
passing downs.
If you want to draft the best talent regardless of

position, choose a player shown on the Best Available screen. But be warned: You could be taking a major
risk if you didnt adequately scout that prospect.
THE NFL DRAFT
HB
At 64 and a
daunting 333
pounds, Jelani
was spotted in
the weight room
by one of the
assistants at
Oregon State,
and he was asked
to walk on to
the team. By his
sophomore year,
he was getting
some playing
time and learning
the offense, and
last year he burst
onto the scene,
going from a raw
prospect to a
polished football
player. Jelani will
be a nightmare for
defenders trying to
bring him down in
the NFL.
Outlook: Could
become the next
Christian Okoye
HB
He possesses
great speed and is
very hard to bring
down. At the 1-AA
level, it wasnt
unusual to see
him carrying 3 or 4
defenders up the
field. Hes a great
player with a good
work ethic, and he
should be able to
join any franchise
and become a
solid starter at
running back.
Outlook: Expected
to emerge as a
big-bruiser-type
running back
HB
As a freshman,
he eclipsed 1,500
yards, and in his
senior year he
passed the 2,000
yard plateau. Hes
a three-time Big 12
Player of the Year,
and hes a very
dangerous runner.
Darby has a good
frame at 6 feet
and 225 pounds.
He has great
speed, and he
will hit you like
a train. He was
ruled academically
ineligible during
his sophomore
year, and if not for
that, he probably
wouldve left
school as the
nations all-time
career rushing
leader. Theres
no doubt that he
is ready right now
to make an impact
for a team needing
an every-down
running back.
Outlook: Could be
an excellent HB
43
www.primagames.com
THE FUTURE 50
Marcus
Jackson
511 208 lbs.
Colorado
Early
draft
report:
Marcus Jackson is
one half of the twin
brother combo
from Colorado.
HB
He is an amazing
prospect at
running back. Hes
got great vision,
and that allows
him to choose
a hole and get
through it quickly.
Jackson has great
hands, and hes a
weapon catching
the ball out of the
backfield. Even
though hes a
little undersized,
Marcus can handle
the ball 25-30
times a game. He
did it his entire
career at Boulder,
and he should be
able to do it in the
NFL. Both Marcus
and JerMarcus
have star written
all over them.
Outlook: Expected
to become a great
running back
JerMarcus
Jackson
63 245 lbs.
Colorado
LOLB
Early
draft
report:
JerMarcus
Jackson is the
other half of the
twin brother
combo from
Colorado.
He is also an
amazing prospect.
He played outside
linebacker for the
Buffaloes while
his brother played
running back.
Jackson led the
Big 12 in tackles
last year, and his
forced fumble
in the Big 12
Championship
game sealed the
victory.
The scary thing
about JerMarcus is
his athletic ability.
Hes as fast as
his twin brother,
but he plays
linebacker.
Outlook: Expected
to become a great
linebacker
Kaven
Duncan
63 229 lbs.
Nevada
Maceo
Sweetney
60 225 lbs.
Tennessee
Mike
Zazzali
63 235 lbs.
Arizona
Early
draft
report:
Kaven Duncan,
son of former NFL
QB Dan Duncan, is
a great pick.
Early
draft
report:
A talented threedown back, Maceo
Sweetney from
Tennessee is the
complete package
at tailback.
Early
draft
report:
Arizonas Mike
Zazzali is a truly
outstanding
athlete. Hes
an unbelievably
strong runner who
will run through
linebackers
tackles on one
play, then throw
a 50-yard rope to
the receiver for a
TD on the next.
QB
Duncan won
more games than
any other QB at
Nevada in his three
years there, and
hes smart to have
declared for the
NFL draft. Hes got
an above-average
arm and hes very
accurate.
The biggest
positive with this
kid is how he
conducts himself
off the field.
Duncan studies
film as much as
Peyton Manning
does, and hes a
very quick learner.
This is a nice
selection for a
team that needs a
quality starting QB.
Outlook: Could be
a quarterback to
build a franchise
around
Given the rise of multiple receiver sets in the NFL, your third (nickel)
and fourth (dime) cornerbacks are becoming as valuable as your
starters. You must draft for depth at corner to make sure your nickel
package is a strength, not a weakness.
44
HB
He is well built
at 6 feet and 225
pounds. He has
great break tackle
power along with
his game breaking
speed and moves.
He catches the
ball out of the
backfield very well,
as evidenced by
his 70 receptions
and 950 yards last
season.
Sweetney is
versatile, lined up
at quarterback in
high school and is
actually a halfway
decent passer.
Look out for trick
plays galore when
Sweetney is lined
up in the backfield.
Outlook: Could
emerge as the
top RB in his draft
class; playing
style reminds
many of LaDainian
Tomlinson
QB
His rushing skills

at the QB position
have really never
been seen before
at the pro level:
1,100 yards and 22
rushing scores to
go along with his
25 passing scores.
What Zazzali does
is simply bull over
defendershe
could even be
effective as a short
yardage runner.
His technique
needs some work,
but that will come
with pro coaching.
Outlook: Lefthanded passer has
a great armbut
can also truck
defenders like a
FB; a versatile
scoring threat
The most recent number two NFL Draft pick whos also in the
Pro Football Hall of Fame: Eric Dickerson (chosen in 1983).
Demario
Waddell
61 205 lbs.
Washington
Travian
Davis
69 350 lbs.
Florida
Drew
Thompson
64 225 lbs.
UCLA
John
Scotland
64 210 lbs.
Oklahoma
Antonio
Boxx
62 208 lbs.
Tennessee
Early
draft
report:
This Heisman
Winner from
Washington is
a throwback
playera modern
day iron man.
Early
draft
report:
Travian Davis is
the best offensive
tackle prospect to
come along since
Orlando Pace from
Ohio State in the
1997 NFL Draft.
Early
draft
report:
Drew Thompson
started all four
years at UCLA
and ended up
as the career
passing yard
and touchdown
leader of the
Pac-10, breaking
Matt Leinarts
longstanding
records.
Early
draft
report:
Due to the left
shoulder blade
injury John
Scotland suffered
in Oklahomas
bowl game, he
was not able to
attend the NFL
Combine, which
has hurt his draft
stock. Before the
injury, Scotland
had already
announced his
intentions of
entering the draft.
Most doctors think
the injury will have
little to no longterm effects on his
non-throwing arm.
Early
draft
report:
Antonio Boxx (or
A-Boxx as all
of the Tennessee
internet message
boards call him) is
an elite NFL safety
prospect with his
4.4 speed and
ferocious hitting
reputation.
CB/WR
Starring at four
roles this season,
his primary
job was at
cornerback. With
six interceptions,
the Huskies led the
Pac-10 in passing
defense.
His offensive
starting job was at
the X receiver. He
tallied 45 catches,
800 yards and 9
touchdowns.
Waddell was also
a starting kickoff
and punt returner;
combined four
return TDs.
LT
An absolute
monster in terms
of size and
quickness at 69,
350 lbs., and
freakish, sub-5.0
speed, Davis may
be one of the best
athletes in NFL
Draft history.
Hes excellent
at using his long
arms and strong
hands against
any type of pass
rusher.
Outlook: Could
become the next
Orlando Pace
QB
Thompson
spurned the NFL
last year after his
junior season,
saying he wanted
to bring a national
championship
back to UCLA.
He fulfilled that
promise by taking
UCLA to the
championship
game and taking
home MVP honors.
Waddell does it all;

he has been telling
GMs that he wants
to play both sides
of the ball.
With his arm and

leadership skills,
Thompson will
be a multiple Pro
Bowl type of NFL
QB when it is all
said and done.
Outlook: Could
wind up as a star
on both offense
and defense; could
fill roles of WR,
CB, KR and/or PR
Outlook:
Great senior
QB prospect;
complete
package with no
weaknesses
THE NFL DRAFT
QB
Scotland has
a huge arm
and looked like
one of the best
QB prospects
around despite
being a redshirt
sophomore.
FS
Boxx was famous

in Tennessee for
going through
eight or nine
helmets from the
hard-hitting he
was dishing out
during games.
Outlook:
Promising big-hit
safety; just make
sure to buy him
extra helmets
He will be a fun
player to watch
throughout his NFL
careerif he stays
healthy.
Outlook: Big risk
as a draft pick due
to injury history,
but still has huge
upside
45
www.primagames.com
THE FUTURE 50
Enoka
Oshinowo
70 370 lbs.
Nebraska
Chad
Gunn
65 250 lbs.
Texas Tech
Early
draft
report:
Corn isnt the only
thing that grows
tall in Nebraska:
Once drafted,
Oshinowo will
officially become
the tallest player in
NFL history.
Early
draft
report:
When you hear
Texas Tech
besides Chad
Gunns resume,
you might think
inflated numbers
due to the gimmick
offensive scheme
that only works at
the college level.
Youd be very
wrong to make
those assumptions
with this particular
Red Raider
gunslinger.
LT
Standing at 70
and weighing 370
lbs., Oshinowo
will tower over
even the tallest
NFL defenders by
almost half a foot.
At Nebraska, he
simply engulfed
defenders at the
point of attack
and wore them
down so much
that Nebraska just
steamrolled over
their opponents
late in the second
half of games.
Some scouts have
a problem with
Enokas weight
they actually want
to put 20-30 more
pounds on him.
Enoka likes where
hes at now. He
amazingly cracked
a sub-5.0 forty; at
the combine he
had a 4.97.
Outlook: Will be
the tallest NFL
player in history
46
QB
He has a rocket
launcher for a right
arm and uses it to
throw one of the
best deep balls
ever seen.
The knock on
Gunn is his lack
of mobility; hes
not going to get
away from many
defensive ends.
Still, that didnt
matter much when
he threw for over
5,000 yards and 56
touchdowns last
year, both of which
led the nation.
Outlook: Amazing
arm from Texas
Tech who broke all
kinds of records
but will it translate
into NFL success?
Cletis
Parker
55 175 lbs.
LSU
HB
Early
draft
report:
Cletis The
Gimmick Parker
stands only at
55, so he is
always going to
be looked at as a
specialty back.
At LSU, The
Gimmick
nickname stuck
after opposing
SEC head coaches
started to refer
to Parker as a
gimmick any time
they were asked
questions by the
media about him.
Parker had a great
senior season
with 1,400 total
yards and 12
touchdowns. Hes
got great hands
out of the backfield
as well. He is not
your typical thirddown back, but his
skills make him the
ultimate weapon.
He also logged a
4.30 speed at the
combineblazing
fast quickness.
Outlook: An
even smaller
version of an RB
similar to Maurice
Jones-Drew;
has unbelievable
moves
Vince
McGrady
65 275 lbs.
Alabama
Jervonte
Johnson
69 245 lbs.
San Diego State
Early
draft
report:
Vince McGrady
is an absolute
monster at the
MLB position
with his 65,
275-pound frame.
Early
draft
report:
At 6 foot 9 inches,
you might assume
Jervonte Johnson
starts on the
San Diego State
basketball team at
power forward, but
youd be wrong:
Johnson has been
San Diego States
breakout WR star
this year, catching
more than 65 balls
for 1,000 yards
and 12 scores.
MLB
McGrady is most
often compared
to former NFL
Defensive Player
of the Year Ray
Lewis when scouts
review his film.
He is a very
instinctive
player; his play
recognition is
already at an elite
NFL level.
McGrady is a highenergy player who
never leaves the
field willingly. He
was also voted
by the players
as Alabamas
defensive
captain the last
two seasons,
which shows his
leadership skills
and the amount
of respect his
teammates gave
him.
Outlook: Could
become even
bigger and
stronger than Ray
Lewis at the peak
of his career
WR
He has emerged
as the ultimate
red-zone jumpball threat: its
almost unfair
to see Johnson
lined up against a
cornerback whos
almost a foot
shorter than him.
Johnson lacks
top-end speed,
but still managed
to run under 4.6
at the combine,
proving he can
move awfully well
for a big man.
Outlook:
Impressive
receiver with
unreal size; could
line up as either a
WR or TE
The number one NFL Draft pick with the most Pro Bowl appearances is Bruce
Smith of the Buffalo Bills (with 11), closely followed by John Elway (with 10).
Tee
Morgan
58 180 lbs.
Tennessee
Vonteego
Cross
66 285 lbs.
South Carolina
Phillip
Okafor
62 250 lbs.
Texas A&M
Darrent
Boulware
62 215 lbs.
Texas
J.J.
Sunday
63 215 lbs.
Notre Dame
Early
draft
report:
Four years ago,
16-year-old
Tee Morgan
was known as
TeeMorgan422
when he played
Madden NFL
08 online. Tee
was one of the
best, winning
competition after
competition
including the
biggest one
of them all,
the Madden
Challenge. He now
admits playing
Madden helped
him understand
the basic concepts
of the Cover 2
defense, which he
in turn applied on
the field in real life.
Early
draft
report:
Vonteego Cross
is a playmaking
defensive end with
an explosive first
step and powerful
bull rush move.
Early
draft
report:
Okafor the Great
is what Aggies call
super sophomore
running-back
sensation Phillip
Okafor.
Early
draft
report:
Texas star wideout
Darrent Boulware
reminds scouts
a lot of former
Longhorns legend
Roy Williams.
Early
draft
report:
J.J. Sunday has
been the guy since
he was a midget
football star in the
3rd grade.
South Carolina
won the SEC title
this year thanks
to Cross and
a suffocating
defense that led
the nation in sacks
and turnovers.
Cross led the team
and the nation
with 21 sacks. He
was the emotional
leader on the
team, and hes a
workout warrior
who is always the
first and last to
leave the gym.
When scouts
saw the 62,
250-pound back
run a 4.42 at the
combine, they
almost fell out of
the standsthe
hype machine
is rolling and for
good reason.
Hes got great

size, excellent
straight-line speed,
and hes so strong
that he cannot
be pressed by
corners.
Morgan now
spends his time
playing real
football, and he
locks down wide
receivers that
usually tower
over him. He
stands 58 at 180
pounds, which is
not your prototype
CB size, but his
4.22 in the 40-yard
dash makes up
for it.
Despite his
success rushing
the passer at
South Carolina in
his final season,
the rest of his
game is raw; hes
not much help
against the run.
CB
Outlook: Small but

speedy prospect
THE NFL DRAFT
DE
Outlook: Could
be a future Hall of
Famer if you can
develop his run
defense skills
HB
Watch out for

Okafor the Great,
coming to an NFL
stadium near you.
Outlook: Some
scouts have
already compared
him to Jerome
Bettis; a power
runner with
tremendous speed
WR
Boulware has
excellent body
control, and he
can make some of
the most acrobatic
catches youve
ever seen.
He cemented his
status as the #1
WR in the draft
after an amazing
New Years Day
Bowl performance.
His 12 catches
for 220 yards and
three touchdowns
against the Florida
Gators and AllAmerican corner
Marcus Carroll
told scouts that he
deserved to be a
top pick.
Outlook: Could
become the next
Roy Williams
QB
After excelling
as a four-year
starter at Notre
Dame, Sunday
has become very
experienced in the
countrys most
visible, high-profile
college program.
Hes proven
he can handle
the pressure of
being the face
of a franchise
as evidenced by
his 41-5 career
record as starting
quarterback for the
Irish.
Sunday has
delivered the
TKO punch to
opposing teams
time and time
again on Saturday
afternoonsnow
its time for him to
do it on Sunday.
Outlook: Ideal QB
prospect; most
likely a #1 overall
pick in the draft
47
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CPU DRAFT PHILOSOPHY

The chart below lists the default
CPU team philosophies for the 2008
season when it comes to the NFL Draft
and scouting players.
This is open to debate, but the
best philosophy across the board is to
draft based on need. Its a good idea
to manually adjust to that philosophy
because scouting the best available
players does you little good if you dont
plan on drafting them.
Also, if you have a weak GM, the
need to narrow your scouting focus
becomes that much more important.
TEAM
Bears
Bengals
Bills
Broncos
DRAFT PHILOSOPHY
Notable drafting trends for 2008 and beyond in the NFL include
Running Back Platooning: Unless you have a superstar RB, many teams are
relying on more than one back. The backs often have contrasting playing
styles (i.e. one will be a quick and speedy slasher, the other a powerful upthe-gut runner). By rotating RBs as the play situation dictates, youll have
better suited personnel in the backfield. As an added bonus, this reduces
wear and tear on your players. Drafting a group of specialized backs may
enhance your run game more than sticking to a single back.
Getting Bigger: Draft choices have gotten heavier at almost all positions.
In 1988, the average player drafted was 231 pounds. In 2007, the average
player was 243. QBs and WRs have also grown an inch taller on average.
DRAFT DAY TRADE PHILOSOPHY INDIVIDUAL WORKOUT PHILOSOPHY
REG. SEASON SCOUT FOCUS
Best Available
Trade Down
Scout Best Available
Mid-Major Schools
Need
Neutral
Scout Needs
Major Schools
Need
Neutral
Scout Needs
Major Schools
Best Available
Trade Up
Mid-Major Schools
Browns
Need
Trade Up
Scout Needs
Small Schools
Bucs
Need
Trade Down
Scout Needs
Major Schools
Cardinals
Need
Trade Down
Scout Needs
Major Schools
Chargers
Best Available
Trade Up
Mid-Major Schools
Chiefs
Best Available
Trade Down
Major Schools
Colts
Best Available
Trade Up
Needs
Cowboys
Need
Trade Down
Scout Needs
Mid-Major Schools
Dolphins
Best Available
Trade Down
Major Schools
Eagles
Best Available
Trade Up
Mid-Major Schools
Falcons
Need
Trade Down
Major Schools
49ers
Need
Neutral
Scout Needs
Major Schools
Giants
Need
Neutral
Scout Needs
Major Schools
Jaguars
Best Available
Neutral
Scout Needs
Small Schools
Jets
Best Available
Trade Up
Mid-Major Schools
Need
Neutral
Scout Needs
Major Schools
Lions
Packers
Best Available
Trade Down
Major Schools
Panthers
Need
Neutral
Scout Needs
Mid-Major Schools
Patriots
Need
Trade Down
Scout Needs
Mid-Major Schools
Raiders
Need
Trade Down
Scout Needs
Major Schools
Rams
Need
Neutral
Scout Needs
Major Schools
Ravens
Best Available
Trade Down
Mid-Major Schools
Redskins
Best Available
Trade Down
Major Schools
Saints
Best Available
Neutral
Small Schools
Seahawks
Best Available
Neutral
Mid-Major Schools
Steelers
Need
Trade Up
Scout Needs
Small Schools
Titans
Need
Neutral
Scout Needs
Major Schools
Texans
Need
Neutral
Scout Needs
Major Schools
Vikings
Best Available
Neutral
Scout Needs
Small Schools
48
Once you get here, it doesnt

matter if youre the No. 1 pick or
a free agent. Everybody gets the
same opportunity and hopefully
theyll take advantage of it.
Tony Dungy at the Colts 2008 rookie minicamp
THE PRE-SEASON
OFF-SEASON EVENTS
50
DEVELOP STAFF
52
CUT DAYS
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PRE-SEASON EVENTS
The pre-season begins at the end of
July, roughly a week or two before your
first pre-season game.
If youre starting a career at the
pre-season, youll have the chance to
start your team with the default roster,
current roster or load a saved roster.
Here are some of the various events
that youll encounter during the preseason. Two specific events, Cut Days
and Develop Staff, are featured as
separate topics later in this section.
Events related to game preparation
and player health are covered in the
Regular Season section.
NEW SEASON GOALS
SETTING BENCHMARKS FOR YOUR SEASON
The first task of the pre-season is

to review any new Season Goals that
appear during the pre-season.
Goals can be viewed by one of four
categories (hold down the LT button
(L2 on PS3)), then use the directional
stick to select: All Goals, Successful Goals, Failed Goals and Goals in
Progress. The categories are fairly
self-explanatory, and for those starting a career in the pre-season, the only
goals available for view will be those in
progress.
Each goal consists of four items:
1. Description: A note from your
team owner about what he or she
would like to accomplish.
2. Action(s): Below the description
is what you need to do to meet that
goal. Depending on the goal, you may
have multiple options. For instance, if
Some examples of goals include:

Execute a specific trade
Increase average play
knowledge for a specific player
Add new plays to the playbook
you need to update the playbook with
new plays, you can create new plays or
download them.
3. Upside: The green box shows
what will happen to your approval rating. For instance, a GM +40 means
the approval rating of your GM will go
up by 40 points if you meet the goal.
4. Deadline: The date you need to
have this goal achieved.
5. Downside: The red box shows
what will happen to your approval rating if you fail to meet your goal by the
deadline. For instance, a Players -20
means the approval rating of your players will go down by 20 points if you fail
to meet the goal.
If you have to prioritize goals, focus
first on the ones with the most negative
downside. Give lower priority to those
with no downside (in other words, the
penalty for failure is 0). Of course, your
goals should also be prioritized by
deadline as well.
You will get an event notice when
you fail to reach a goal.
Season Goals that appear in the pre-season usually involve adding

plays to the playbook or increasing play knowledge for a specific
player on your roster.
50
TRAINING CAMP INVITE
WHOS ATTENDING YOUR TRAINING CAMP
This screen shows wholl be attending your training camp this year.
Attendees fall into two categories:
1. Rookies: You may or may yet
have an idea of their potential or their
skill levels just yet. Itll be your job to
find that information out as the season
progresses.
Rookies are denoted by a large R
in the upper right corner of their player
profiles.
2. Veterans: Youll have an idea of
their potential right off the bat. Obviously, many of these players will be
from your current squad.
You can sort this list by attribute,
playing position and category.
STAFF RECAP
REVIEWING YOUR HELP ON THE SIDELINES
The Staff Recap lets you review

team by team the various staff moves
done during the pre-season. If this is
your first season as head coach, you
probably wont see much movement.
ROOKIE NEGOTIATIONS
HOW TO AVOID HOLDOUTS
Rookie contract negotiations kick off

before and during training camp. The
higher the rookie was drafted, the more
money hell expect: First-round draft
picks can command multimillion-dollar
signing bonuses (i.e. $30-40 million)
while 7th rounders rate only the minimum total at best.
In general, the bigger the contract,
Your GM is in charge of finding and inviting players (both undrafted rookies and unsigned free agent veterans) to fill out your
training camp roster.
Once players start considering retirement, they

can retire at any time in the offseason or pre-season.
the bigger the headache. Depending

on the personality youre dealing with,
negotiations can break down quickly.
When that occurs, the player will wait
a week before returning to the negotiating table. If that occurs more than
once, youll wind up with a holdout.
The quicker you can get players
into camp, the sooner theyll learn the
playbook, so its to your advantage to
wrap up deals expeditiously.
There is one very important strategy
when it comes to rookie negotiations:
Theyll always ask for way more than
they deserve. In fact, most non-highprofile rookies deserve merely the lowest salary available. In such cases, play
hardball in your initial rookie negotiation: Dont budge and offer the lowest
or second-lowest package twice in a
row to see if the rookie will cave in. You
can readjust your tactics if the player
walks away immediately.
Its also a bad idea to finalize a deal
with an unknown rookie until you unlock enough info about their stats and
overall score to make an informed offer.
ASK EA SPORTS
Will CPU teams evolve
from one season to the
next?
Most rookies dont have negotiation leverage because they

have yet to prove their potential. As a result, you can afford
to offer only the minimum (or second) packageand stay firm.
Some elite coordinators

may even demand that
the CPU fire the rest of
the coaching staff
and some NFL teams
might comply.
PRE-SEASON PROMISE
DEFINING SEASON EXPECTATIONS
The Pre-Season Promise is a conversation between you and the team

owner about what you expect your
team to accomplish this season.
When this event appears, you get
to see your current job status and your
owners season expectationconsider
the latter the miminum accepted
performance level.
Each promise shows an increase in
your approval rating if you choose that
given promise. Promises range from
winning a certain amount of games (as
little as 3 for struggling teams) to winning the Super Bowl.
When choosing a promise, set
realistic goals but try to pick one that
exceeds your owners expectation:
After all, the owner sets that bar for the
CPU coachand you can do better
than that.
Failing to meet this promise wil
severely hurt your Approval Rating; if
youre on the hot seat, it may even get
you fired.
THE PRE-SEASON
CPU teams will

certainly change
styles throughout your
coachs career. When
a CPU team has a bad
year, the owners will
shake things up and
bring in new coaches.
In addition to your owners current expectation for the

season ahead, youll also get to see your current job status.
If youre on the hot seat, youll need to turn things around this
seasonyou might not have a second season to work with.
Other coaches will

bring in their personal
playbooks and revamp
their rosters to find
players who fit in with
the new system. As a
result, your opponents
will constantly evolve
as the seasons
progress.
PROGRESS REPORT
UNLOCKED INFO
You have to keep a rookie around until

the start of the regular season to unlock
that players final Overall rating.
BOX SCORE
REVIEW YOUR PRE-SEASON GAMES
This event will appear after each

pre-season game; you can review your
game and player stats.
Before each Cut Day, youll get to

review some of the stats your GM was
able to unlock for rookies in training
camp. The longer you keep a player
in camp, the more information youll
be able to discover. A players Overall
rating may go up or down as more information on that player gets released.
PLAY CREATOR
ADD TO YOUR PLAYBOOK
Your first opportunity to develop

your playbook occurs after your first
pre-season game. Although youll get
additional opportunities in the regular
season, if you have creating new plays
as one of your Season Goals, take advantage of these chances to get closer
to achieving those goals.
51
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DEVELOP STAFF
One of the most important things
to learn in NFL Head Coach 09 is that
your assistant coaches and staff will
make a great impact on your players
development. The better your staff, the
faster youll be able to turn a franchise
around and improve players skills.
For instance, for 2008 the Rams
have an excellent wide receiver coach
in Henry Ellardamong the leagues
top five, in fact. A coach like Ellard
boosts his receivers intangible ratings
(i.e. route running and catching) during
practices and enhances their progression. So how do you turn your WR
coach into the next Henry Ellard?
Skill Points are the key to developing not only your skills, but those of
your coaching staff as well.
Skill Points are earned through various accomplishments, such as game
wins or outstanding player stats in a
game (i.e. rush for 200 yards or pass
for 400 yards). Specific coaching staff
positions can earn points for special
tasks: A GM who drafts a great player
or a trainer who heals a key player
quickly can earn points.
STAFF DEVELOPMENT
THE BUILDING BLOCKS FOR TRUE SUCCESS
Improve a player, and you get one

better player. Improve a coach, and everyone that coach manages improves.
Its no wonder why staff development will play a crucial role during the
season.
When you evaluate your staff skills
for the first time, there are some important things to look at:
1. Your Trainers Philosophy: This
will help determine the type of recommendations you can expect from your
trainer when evaluating health and
fatigue reports. Pay careful attention to the last philosophy attribute:
Injury Playing Status. You may need to
manually adjust your injury and fatigue
decisions based on how aggressive or
conservative your trainer is.
2. Your General Managers Skills:
Look especially hard at how well he can
evaluate rookies and potential for given
positions. Your scouting knowledge will
come from your GM, so you need to
evaluate how much info youll actually
get from him.
52
Heres how basic skills are rated

from a scale of 1 to 5:
Level 1: Poor (one of the worst)
Level 2: Decent (not the worst but
close to it)
Level 3: Average (middle of the
pack)
Level 4: Good (does a great job)
Level 5: Great (one of the best)
Whenever you or someone on your

staff earns skill points, use them immediately, and focus on skills that address
your teams top priorities or compensate for your staffs deficiencies.
When it comes to basic skills, all
coaching staff (excluding the GM and
trainer) share similar skill categories
such as Team Chemistry, Play Call,
Strategy, Performance, Physical Development, Intangibles Development and
Learning Development. The differences
will be in the positions those skills apply to (i.e. the defensive back coach
only has basic skills that apply to DBs).
Heres a breakdown of notable skills
that other staff members possess:
OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR
23 SPECIAL SKILLS
All are based on defensive special

skills similar to the head coach except
for Play Stealing and Advanced Playbook Training (as previously shown).
SPECIAL TEAMS COACH

4 SPECIAL SKILLS
Kick Power Training

3,500 Skill Points
Increases kicker and punter
kicking power.
Kick Accuracy Training
6,500 Skill Points
Increases kicker and punter
accuracy.
Kicking Discipline
10,000 Skill Points
Generally improves kicker and
punter stats. Prerequisites: Kick Power
Training and Kick Accuracy Training.
Kick Return Discipline
7,500 Skill Points
Gives the kick returner boosts
to speed and ball carrying stats when
returning a kickoff or punt.
POSITION COACHES
SPECIAL SKILLS
Quarterback Coach
7 Special Skills (all are based on
skills similar to the head coach)
28 SPECIAL SKILLS
All are based on offensive special

skills of the head coach except for the
following:
Running Back Coach

Play Stealing
4,500 Skill Points
Guarantees that the coordinator
will be able to steal plays from the
opponent at the end of every game.
Prerequisite: Playbook Training.
Wide Receiver Coach

Advanced Playbook Training

22,500 Skill Points
All newly created or downloaded plays come into the playbook at the
Learned level for all players.
Prerequisite: Play Stealing.
Offensive Line Coach

Linebacker Coach
Defensive Back Coach
Super Bowl XLII (in which the Giants beat the Patriots 17-14) was the most-watched Super Bowl ever; it was seen by more than
97 million viewers. It broke the 1996 record of 94 million who watched the Cowboys defeat the Steelers in Super Bowl XXX.
GM DEVELOPMENT PROFILES
HOW GMS DEVELOP THEIR OWN SKILLS
The chart below lists the default

2008 Team Philosophies for each team
when it comes to career development.
TEAM
Just like players, staff members may

have limited potential when it comes to
basic skills. You might need to replace staff
members with very low potential.
When it comes to scouting and potential

evaluation, many General Managers
usually are very effective at analyzing certain
positionsbut less effective at others.
Defensive Line Coach

GENERAL MANAGER
SKILLS AND SPECIAL SKILLS
Basic skills:
Trade Negotiation: Defines how
effectively a GM negotiates trades.
Contract Negotiation: Defines
how effectively a GM negotiates contracts.
(The next two skills are broken down
by position: QB, RB, WR, TE, OL, DL,
LB, DB, P and K)
Potential Evaluation: Defines
how accurately this GM will evaluate a
players potential during scouting for a
given position (10 total)
Rookie Scouting: Defines how
well this GM scouts rookie players for a
given position (10 total)
Special skills:
Accommodation
6,000 Skill Points
Increases a free agent coachs
compatibility with the team going into
the hiring process.
THE PRE-SEASON
CAREER DEVELOPMENT PHILO.
Bears
Balanced
Bengals
Balanced
Bills
Balanced
Broncos
Balanced
Browns
Balanced
Bucs
Balanced
Cardinals
Balanced
Chargers
Important Abilities First
Chiefs
Colts
Balanced
Cowboys
Balanced
Dolphins
Balanced
Small School Insider

4,000 Skill Points
Unlocks additional scouting
information about players from small
schools during the scouting process.
Eagles
Balanced
Falcons
Balanced
49ers
Balanced
Giants
Balanced
Jaguars
Balanced
Mid Major School Insider

6,000 Skill Points
Unlocks additional scouting info
about players from mid-major schools
during the scouting process.
Jets
Major School Insider

8,000 Skill Points
Unlocks additional scouting
information about players from major
schools during the scouting process.
Draft Intuition
10,000 Skill Points
Instantly unlocks ALL scouting
information for some top players in the
Draft Classoccurs at the start of each
scouting period. Prerequisites: Small
School Insider, Mid Major School
Insider and Major School Insider.
Potential Intuition
10,000 Skill Points
Adds the Potential Grade to the
information unlocked about any players
scouted during Pro Day Scouting in the
off-season. Prerequisite: Draft
Intuition.
Lions
Balanced
Acquire Special Skills
Packers
Balanced
Panthers
Balanced
Patriots
Raiders
Balanced
Rams
Ravens
Redskins
Saints
Seahawks
Balanced
Balanced
Balanced
Steelers
Balanced
Titans
Balanced
Texans
Balanced
Vikings
Balanced
If you see the Develop Staff event

pop up constantly, its probably
because you have a large amount
of unused Skill Points to spend.
53
www.primagames.com
DEVELOP STAFF
First Round Intuition
12,500 Skill Points
Instantly unlocks ALL scouting
information for every projected first
round draft pick. Prerequisite: Potential
Intuition.
TRAINER
SKILLS AND SPECIAL SKILLS
Basic skills:
Injury Evaluation: Defines how
accurately the trainer can assess recovery length for a players injury.
Rehabilitation: Defines how long it
will take injured players to recover from
all types of injuries.
Fatigue Recovery: Defines how

efficiently the trainer assists players in
recovering fatigue.
Special Skills:
Off Season Rehab
3,500 Skill Points
Players will recover health faster
during the off-season.
Cardio Training Program
6,500 Skill Points
Reduces the negative impact to
a players stats that is normally
associated with low levels of health and
fatigue.
Long Term Rehabilitation

10,000 Skill Points
Reduces or negates the
permanent impact to a players
attributes that can be caused by severe
injuries. Prerequisites: Off Season
Rehab and Cardio Training Program.
Specialized Rehabilitation
10,000 Skill Points
Players coming off of injury
status will return with the injured body
part at maximum health. Prerequisite:
Long Term Rehabilitation.
CUT DAYS
Cut Days are a difficult but necessary part of the NFL pre-season. Every
head coach has to whittle down their
roster as the pre-season progresses,
and usually, players that cant prove
their potential in pre-season games are
the first to go.
Just like in real life, the longer your
players stay in training camp, the more
information youll unlock about each
one. Thatll make your decisions a little
easier as the pre-season progresses.
As far as NFL Head Coach 09 goes,
there are two approaches to Cut Days:
1. Cut Based on Overall Talent:
This is the easiest approach; cut the
players with the lowest overall ratings.

2. Cut Based on Roster Breakdown: Press the Y button (or Triangle
button on PS3) to display the Roster
Breakdown. Make a list of positions
where you have excess personnel, then
cut the lowest-rated personnel at those
positions.
3. Cut Based on GM Suggestions:
Press the X button (or Square button
on PS3) to get the GMs suggestions.
Remember that his suggestions may
only be as good as his evaluation skills,
so dont treat them as gospel unless
you have no clue who to cut.
Regardless of what approach you
The Cut Players screen lists players and their positions in reverse
order of their Overall grades. Each player listed shows how cap
space be saved (or penalized) by cutting a given player.
54
take, make sure you dont create any

depth chart holes.
Could you be cutting a diamond
in the rough using either of these approaches? Possiblybut remember,
you can only work with the best data at
hand, even if it may not be complete. If
youre stuck with missing data, sort by
athleticism or speed and weed out the
lowest scores.
If you find yourself cutting high draft
picks, you must seriously re-evaluate
how well youre scouting your draft
picksits something that should never
happen, and if it does, it could wreck
any season goals related to the draft.
Press the Y button (Triangle on PS3) to view your teams Roster

Breakdown. This will help you figure out your depth at various
positionstry not to cut below your desired levels.
The finality of not playing

any more, of the season just
being over with no warning,
is what makes the NFL
playoffs so special. There are
no second chances and no
excuses accepted. But when
you lose, there is nothing to do
but look to next year.
Tony Dungy on the end of the 2007 season after a playoff loss to the San Diego Chargers
THE REGULAR SEASON

WEEKLY GAMEPLAN
56
PLAYBOOK EVOLUTION
57
DEALING WITH INJURIES
58
OTHER EVENTS
59
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WEEKLY GAMEPLAN
The weekly Gameplan is your key
for preparing for your next opponent.
Although you first develop Gameplans
in the pre-season, its in the regular
season where they really matter.
Your Gameplan can focus on
increasing the effectiveness of certain
offensive or defensive plays, or in some
cases, training a player youve invited
to camp. Your Gameplan will dictate
your Gameplan Agenda before a football game begins, so smart gameplan
decisions are crucial to success.
DETERMINE YOUR GAMEPLAN

MAPPING OUT YOUR STRATEGY
Before your next game, your general

manager will assemble the coaching
staff and outline your practice strategy
for the current day. Choosing a gameplan prepares your team for the game,
and it can give your players a boost
when you choose to use it.
The better your coaches are, the
more opportunities youll get to use the
Gameplan(s) during a game. The highest-level coordinator will let you use
each Gameplan six times in a game,
while the lowest-level coordinator will
let you use each one only twice.
Gameplan choices may include:
Train player: Increase playbook
knowledge for a specific player. In
training camp, this will usually involve
a rookie.
Improve an offensive or defensive play: Increase the effectiveness as
well as mastery of a specific offensive
and defensive play or scheme.
Cancel practice: Rest your players to fix their health and fatigue.
Some other considerations when
determining your gameplan:
1. Select Gameplans that have the
added benefit of achieving goals. For
instance, work with specific players to
increase their play knowledge.
2. Try to balance gameplan choices
between offense and defense to avoid
undue fatigue to a specific squad or
player. Also balance choices so you
have a good variety at your disposal.
3. Select Gameplans that exploit
your opposing teams weaknesses. For
example, if your next opponent cant
stop the run, work on run plays. When
the NFL Network cut-ins appear, listen
56
A players learning rating has a big

effect on your team. Players with
learning ratings greater than 90
will learn plays very quickly. Players with less than 50 may never
learn your plays quickly enough to
execute them properly.
Youll have more time to develop

your gameplan (i.e. more practice
opportunities) during regular season and playoff bye weeks.
The Practice Recap screen illustrates how your teams knowledge improved for the play you chose to focus
on in practice.
The left side of the window shows
the actual play layout, play name, average success score and yards gained.
You want the success score to be as
close to 100 percent, of course. On
offense, you want a high yards gained
average; on defense you want an average as close to zero as possible.
The right side of the window shows
the before vs. after change as a result
of practice of the percent of players
who have mastered the play, learned
the play or unlearned the play. Here are
these categories in detail:
Mastered: Players with this level
of knowledge will get a huge boost
when this play is run. In many cases,

these will be your veterans and your
quick-learning superstars.
Learned: Players with this level of
knowledge will run your play mistakefree but wont get any boosts.
Unlearned: Players who havent
learned the play may make mistakes
(i.e. run the wrong route or blitz instead
of play zone) and will have a drop in
key attributes when the play is run.
Obviously, the goal is to have mastery of a given play; the secondary goal
is to have your players at least learn the
given play. Various schools of thought
exist when it comes to mastering plays;
a good rule of thumb is to completely
master plays you plan to call frequently
during a game, and master plays that
you label as high consistencyi.e.
runs that regularly net you the same
amount of yards each time its called.
Players will forget a play over time
if its not practiced or used in a game.
Players with higher learning ratings will
remember plays longer than those with
lower ratings (another reason why that
stat is important to scout for).
For practice as it relates to health
and fatigue, dont put too much stress
on your offense or defense by practicing similar plays in repetition. Mix up
reps between offense and defense, run
and pass, zone and blitz. This will also
develop a well-rounded playbook.
When it comes to Gameplans, try to develop rookies in the pre-season. During

the regular season, focus on plays that exploit
your upcoming opponents weaknesses.
The effects of your team practice are

revealed in the Practice Recap; youll get
to see first-hand what percent of players have
learned or mastered the play(s) shown.
for clues that may help you choose the

best Gameplans. For instance, if your
opponent is working on the inside run,
choose a plan to stop such plays.
4. Choose Cancel Practice to let
players rest; set up a schedule to keep
players fresh (i.e. one canceled practice
after a win or every other game). Players love time off, so youll get a small
approval boost whenever you do this.
PRACTICE RECAP
THE RESULTS OF YOUR GAMEPLAN
PLAYBOOK EVOLUTION
Think of your playbook as a living being: always changing, always
growingbut never static. Youll have
many reasons to evolve your playbook:
Injuries, new players, stolen plays and
season goals to devise new plays.
ASK EA SPORTS
What do the different
colors stand for when
looking at defensive
play diagrams?
PLAYCALLING ADVICE
ADDITIONAL INSIGHT
Weather Watch: Always take

weather into account when calling
plays: If its rainy or snowy, it may be
more difficult to complete passes. If
its windy, it may be easier or harder
to convert field goals and kick punts.
Make sure your play calls work well
with weather conditions.
How the CPU Operates: When you
let the CPU take over playcalling for
your team (i.e. if you play games in sim
mode), the CPU will take a look at your
playcalling history and follow the trends
youve set.
In a Hurry? Keep It Simple: Make
sure to not get caught in an exotic
defense playcall when the opposing
offense kicks into hurry-up mode. You
may not be able to change your playcall without calling a timeout.
Quality Trumps Quantity: A small
playbook with good plays always
trumps a big playbook with average
plays. If you plan to simulate playcalling, having CPU coaches pick from a
smaller pool of good plays is essential.
Mastery Trumps Everything: A
weak playbook gets a whole lot stronger if your team can master it. Likewise,
a very strong playbook loses its punch
if your players cant learn it or dont
have the talent to execute it effectively.
To find out how much your players know your plays, go to

View Playbook in the Clipboard. Find the play you want to
see, then press the A button (X on PS3) to view play knowledge.
The colors are similar to

those used in Madden
NFL 09. Colored ovals
represent areas of zone
coverage; lines to an
oval show the defenders movements into
their zones.
Light blue: Covers the
flats (shallow zone)
Dark blue: Deep zone
White: Spy coverage
Orange arrow: Blitz
Yellow: Hook zone (in
general, zone areas
near the hash marks)
When you get your playcalling scouting report for your

upcoming opponent, you can get all sorts of useful data from
it: Not only the pass/run ratio and most successful plays, but also
play diagrams. If you see a play that looks cool, sketch out and
copy the design to create your own version of it in your playbook.
Purple: Buzz zone (in

general, zone areas
close to the sidelines)
PLAYCALL HISTORY
REVIEWING YOUR TENDENCIES
The Playcall History screen (in the

Playbook section of the Clipboard)
tracks your history of called plays.
You can filter called plays to see what
youve called in different situations. Its
a good way to track tendencies and to
see if youre being too predictable with
your calls (remember, if you can see it,
so can your CPU opponents).
Each week prior to a game, youll
THE REGULAR SEASON
Stealing Plays is a fast way to build your playbook with minimal effort. The number of plays available to steal depends on
your coordinators skill levels.
get a scouting report on your opponent

with that teams playcall tendencies.
Analyze that report carefully to get a
feel for what plays you can expect.
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DEALING WITH INJURIES

NFL Head Coach 09 features an innovative Wear and Tear injury system,
in which a player loses health points
each time he gets hitand the body
parts affected depend on where the
player receives the contact. This damage builds up over time, so youll be
responsible for dictating when players
should rest and recover.
INJURY REPORTS
WHO TO PLAY OR SIT
The injury report screen lists the

health status of all the players on your
roster, so you can decide who to sit and
who to play. Youll get your first injury
report as you start the preseason.
You can sort players by position
using the RT button (R2 on PS3). You
can also sort players by the following
categories:
All: All players
Healthy: Healthy players only
Probable: Should be healthy
enough by game day
Questionable: May or may not be
healthy enough by game day
Doubtful: Will likely not be healthy
enough by game day
Out: Not available due to injury
Low Fatigue: Players with low
fatigue
HEALTH & FATIGUE REPORTS

KEEP YOUR PLAYERS FRESH
You will regularly receive these

reports, which list all the players who
are banged up or hurt. You can then
choose to sit out or play them.
If youre not sure what to do, follow the recommendation given by the
trainer. However, you can override any
recommendation depending on the
situation. For instance, you should rest
fatigued players if the upcoming game
is meaningless to your playoff picture. If
you have a must-win game ahead, play
your superstars no matter what.
However, from a long-term franchise
standpoint, its almost always wisest to
err on caution and keep your players
fresh and develop your back-ups rather
than risk key personnel to season- or
career-ending injuries (which can also
hurt their trade value down the road).
On the Injury Report Action screen,
youll see the main bars that show over-
58
ASK EA SPORTS
How often will players
be injured, and how
long will they need to
recover?
Players will get injured
as often as they do
in the NFL, and your
trainers ability will
determine how quickly
theyll rehab. Some injuries can knock a player
out for a year or more.
Severe injuries can affect your players overall rating. For

instance, a severe concussion could make a player with a 99
overall rating drop to 92. Obviously, you dont want to overwork
players to the point where they run a high risk of a career-threatening injury, so when you get reports during a game of fatigued
players, think twice before forcing them to stay on the field.
all health and fatigue. However, you

should also focus on the specific areas
listed: head, right arm, right leg, torso,
left arm, and left leg. A diagram to the
left shows those areas, and injured
parts will show up in red.
WHEN A PLAYER IS INJURED

WHAT TO DO WHEN DISASTER STRIKES
that players season, you should place

the player on IR. Players on IR are
gone for the season and cannot return,
so use IR with extreme care. (IR also
opens up cap space equal to that hurt
players salary for that season.)
SUBSTITUTIONS
PREVENT INJURIES BEFORE THEY OCCUR
When a player gets injured, you

can adjust your depth chart, hire a
free agent to take his spot, or put the
player on injured reserve (IR). For minor
injuries, you dont need to do anything;
the player will be pulled to the sidelines
and return once healthy. If youre thin
at that position, you can hire a free
agentbut its not necessary to do so
until your staff informs you of a Low
Roster Alert. If the injury is likely to end
Frequent substitutions can keep

players fresh and reduce the chance of
injury. Either make a point of manually
subbing in players during a game, or
adjust your teams philosophy to boost
health/fatigue substitution levels.
Another substitution tactic is to edit
a play in your playbook to alter the
depth chart so that certain players are
more likely to run that given play.
Review the health of all players with the

Fatigue and Injury Report. Youll also get
these reports during games as certain players
tire. The options are simple: Let the player
play or keep him out to rest. If youre not sure,
either follow the recommendation of your
trainer or play it safe and keep him out.
The best way to avoid fatigue is to

be proactive with substitutions. For
instance, bring in your 2nd and 3rd stringers
when you have a comfortable lead. Another
useful tool is to Quick Sub when choosing a
playthis is the easiest way to sub in running
backs if youre trying to platoon them.
OTHER EVENTS
In addition to your weekly game
preparation and roster management
tasks, here are other events youll see
as the regular season unfolds:
NEW SEASON GOALS

REGULAR SEASON
Youll usually see a deluge of new

Season Goals once the regular season
begins. Some examples include:
Win a certain number of games
Win a specific game against a rival
Re-sign specific players
Replace certain members of your
coaching staff
Reach a specific approval level by
the end of the season.
GAME CHANGERS
UNEXPECTED BIG MOMENTS
Game Changers are unexpected

events that every coach must deal with.
In actuality, these can occur at any time
of the yearbut you probably wont
encounter any of these events until
after your first regular season begins.
A few examples:
The Accounting Error Game
Changer causes the league to wipe
your cap penalties clear due to an accounting error.
The Approval Boost Game
Changer gives you a small increase in
approval.
The Approval Drop Game
Changer gives you a small decrease in
approval.
The Change of Heart Game

Changer causes a staff member with
locked philosophies to unlock them.
The Coaching Retreat Game
Changer cause your coaches to gain
skill points after a weekend retreat.
The Coaching Seminar Game
Changer causes your coaches to gain
skill points after that seminar.
The Continue Career Game
Changer causes one NFL player to
come out of retirement and return to
the league.
The Development Breakthrough
Game Changer causes a player to gain
some progression points.
The Inside Info Game Changer
causes a team to unlock all scouting
information about an individual player
in the draft.
The Teaching Breakthrough
Game Changer causes every player on
the teams learning ability to increase
by 10 percent.
The Max Fatigue Game Changer
causes a player to regain his max
fatigue immediately.
The Miracle Recovery Game
Changer causes an injured player to
recover instantly from an injury.
The Unexpected Injury Game
Changer causes a player to be injured
off the field, whether its cutting their
hand making a sandwich or receiving a
sprained back from a violent sneeze.
The Unexpected Retirement
Game Changer forces a player to walk
away from the NFL early.
Game Changers are purely random events that are out of your
controlwhether good or bad, youll have to take them in stride.
THE REGULAR SEASON
CONTRACT RE-SIGNINGS
NEGOTIATIONS
Starting in the first month of the

regular season, players in the final year
of their deal will seek a new contract if
they want to stay with the team.
If talks break down, theyll come
back as the season comes alongbut
be warned: Some personality types will
decide to leave the team if contract
talks break down. Its imperative to
settle contracts with your key superstars that you wish to keep.
UNDERPAID PLAYERS
NEGOTIATIONS
Players who believe theyre currently

underpaid (whether justified or not) will
often seek to renegotiate their contract
even though they may have years left
on their deal. This is never good for
your salary cap, but it may require you
to bite the bullet and pony up more
dough to keep that player happy.
Personality type plays a big role in
thisso when bringing in new players,
watch out for personality types and
traits (i.e. Materialistic, Self-Focused)
that might cause contract headaches.
down the road.
ACTIVE ROSTER
PRE-GAME REQUIREMENT
Before each game, youre required

to submit a 45-player list of active
players from your full 53-player roster.
The CPU does this for you automatically based on your teams injuries and
depth chart, but you can review it if you
Youll get additional opportunities during the season to create

plays. If youre just making plays to fulfill season goals, but arent
really into the whole process, choose an existing play and edit it only
slightly, such as changing a pass route, then rename and save it.
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OTHER EVENTS
wish. You can also review other teams
(including your next opponent) so see if
there are any key injuries that you might
be able to take advantage of.
AWARDS
THE BEST PLAYERS OF THE WEEK & THE YEAR
After each week of games, the NFL

names the offensive and defensive
players who had the best performances. At the end of the season, the NFL
hands out awards such as offensive
and defensive players of the year as
well as coach of the year.
to this type of behavior.
IN-SEASON SCOUTING
THE HUNT FOR TALENT NEVER CEASES
Scouting is a year-long event: Your

scouts and GM will scout colleges during the fall to evaluate talent for next
years draft. Players scouted during the
regular season will have their strengths
and weaknesses, production grade and
NFL comparisons unlocked. Players
production grades will go up or down
as the season progresses.
to this type of behavior.
DEPTH CHART SCENARIOS

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM YOUR STAFF
Occasionally, your coaching staff

will approach you with requests to alter
the depth chart.
Usually, the request is to bench a
struggling player or to replace a veteran
with a promising rookie. You get the
final say in the decision, but usually, its
best to follow their suggestions to see
how it plays out.
TRADE DEADLINE
TIME TO FINALIZE YOUR ROSTER
The trade deadline usually falls before mid-October, and it is an important

date no matter what your situation is.
If youre a possible playoff contender, you might want to trade to fill some
holes to replace injured players or to
bolster your depth chart with veteran
talent to make a strong playoff run.
Conversely, if youre looking to rebuild a franchise with a multiyear plan,
now might be the time to hear some
trade offers for some of your older players in exchange for future draft picks.
While you never want to dismantle
your team in the middle of the season,
you can always entertain trade offers
by putting cap-killing players on the
drafting blockjust to see how much
interest there might be out there.
COACH EVALUATION
MID-JANUARY EVENT
At the end of the season, youll meet

with the owner to discuss your future
with the team. At this evaluation, youll
review your owners expectations, what
expectations you actually reached,
what you promised your owner, and
how your approval changed.
Hopefully, youll be reviewing how
great your season was, and how your
approval increased accordingly.
Based on that data, the owner will
either ask you to stay or go, and youll
have the option of staying with the
team, finding a new team, or retire.
Players from smaller schools usually get picked later in the draft,
so you can gain an advantage by focusing on them to find sleeper
picks or diamonds in the rough. Youll get a bigger boost if your GM
has skills that specialize in scouting mid-majors and/or small schools.
60
As the regular season progresses, youll

begin to see small icons next to some
players names: Crutches indicate a player
on injured reserve, a teardrop indicates low
fatigue and a red arrow indicates an injury.
If you are fired (or voluntarily choose

to leave your team), you may have the
chance to join a new team if any of
them are interested in your services.
If no team is interested, you may be
THE BOWLS
forced
to retire.
ENDING THE SEASON
The Super Bowl is the game every

NFL coach wants to participate in and
win. The winner of the Super Bowl gets
their team campus specially decorated
in celebration of that victory.
The Pro Bowl is an exhibition game
that features the best players in the
NFL. It is the final NFL game played
before the offseason begins; youll get
to see how the fans voted for each
position.
If youve made it this far with your
job intact, congratulations! Youve survived your first season in the NFL!
If you can meet your Season Goal of being at a specific Approval

Rating by the end of the season, youll be in great shape for keeping your job for one more year. Even if your team owner wants you to
stay, youre free to leave or retire at the end of the season.
It seems like you have to

step it up to another level in
the playoffs, but you really
dont. You just have to be
able to play at high intensity,
knowing how much is on the
line, but still just execute and
play basic, sound football.
Tony Dungy on preparing for playoff games
PLAYBOOK STRATEGY
EDITING/CREATING PLAYS 62
PLAY CREATOR OPTIONS
63
OTHER PLAYBOOKS
67
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWNS
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EDITING/CREATING PLAYS
One of the coolest features in NFL
Head Coach 09 is the ability to tweak
and create new plays. With the ability to upload and download plays to
GamerNet, the game will continue to
evolve over timeand coaches will
need to adapt accordingly.
The best way to begin creating
plays is to take an existing play you are
familiar with and tweak it slightly, such
as changing a receiver route. Once you
get a feel for handling small changes
and evaluating their impacts (more on
that later in this section), you can take a
stab at plays drawn up from scratch.
PLAY
CREATION ADVICE
.
TIPS FROM THE PROS
Its easy to get overwhelmed by the

myriad options for designing a play, so
before you begin, here are some core
coaching principles to build on:
1. Copy What Beats You: If a

certain teams plays beat your defense
time and time again, study them and
add them to your offensive playbook.
2. Name Plays Smartly: A naming
system makes it easy for you to recognize plays in the heat of battle.
3. Bread and Butter vs. Wild Card:
Your plays should fall into two categories: The first are reliable bread and
butter plays that provide consistent results. The second are wild card plays
that are unreliable, but when called in
the right situation, can catch a defense
completely off guard for a big gain.
You want to focus on mastering
bread and butter plays, but not rely
on them so much to the point of being
predictable. On the other hand, dont
junk up your playbook with wild card
trick playsbut its important to have
those plays to keep defenses honest.
4. Every Run Play Has a Play Action Equivalent: This is an important

secret of the prosevery run play you
design must have a play-action pass
off that exact same run play.
5. Your Personnel Dictates Your
Playbook: Only create plays that take
advantage of your teams strengths,
not weaknesses. Since your players
skill levels (and roster) will change from
season to season, your playbook must
evolve to match.
5. Test, Evaluate, Edit and Repeat:
An offensive play can only be truly successful if it can beat multiple defenses.
It is vital to test plays against blitzes
and zones, and run them multiple times
to properly evaluate them.
6. Making Spaces: A successful run
or pass creates space at the point of
attack by drawing defenders away from
that pointnot toward it.
ASK EA SPORTS
What do the differently
colored arrows on a
pass play stand for?
The arrow colors are the
same as those found in
Madden NFL 09 plays:
Light blue: Block
and release route
To create a play, select My Coach in the main

menu, select Playbooks and then Create a Play.
On the last menu screen, youll also see options to
create and edit playbooks, export and import plays, and
connect to GamerNet.
Select the NFL team youll use to test the play that
youre about to edit or create from scratch.
Youll be sent to your teams practice field, then be

asked to select an offensive or defensive play.
Orange: Primary
pass receiver (on a run
play, the person getting
the ball)
Yellow: Pass route
(not primary receiver)
Green: Auto
motion route (receiver
goes into motion before
the ball is snapped)
Multiple arrows: Option
pass route (receiver
chooses his route based
on defensive coverage)
If you select an offensive play, youll be asked

whether youre creating a pass or run play. Your
choice here will determine your editing options later on.
4
5
62
Youll then be asked to either create a new play or

choose an existing play to edit.
No matter what option you chose in the previous

step, youll be asked to select a formation to base
the play on. If you chose to edit an existing play, youll
also be asked to pick the specific play to edit. Press RB
(or R1 on the PS3) to see more plays to choose from.
Tony Dungy was the first head coach

to defeat all 32 modern-day NFL teams.
Assignment options
vary depending
on position and where
theyre lined up in the
formation (for instance,
linesmen cant go into
motion). A full list of the
options can be found in
this section.
This is the main play

editing screen.
An orange arrow
indicates the main
ball handler on a run play
or the primary receiver on
a pass play.
Use the directional
pad to switch from
one player to another.
The position of the
currently selected
player (shown on the field
in a blue circle) is here.
After creating or editing a play, youll

have the option to test it, edit it again,
save it or start over. Most likely, youll want to
test it against a variety of defenses.
If testing, youll watch the action on the

field as the play is run repeatedly. Make
note of the kind of yardage youre getting.
PLAY
CREATOR OPTIONS
.
OFFENSIVE PLAY ICONS
Here are icons you might see when

creating an offensive play:
Step Drop
QB
Denotes how many steps back
(1, 3, 5 or 7) the quarterback takes after
taking the ball from the center. When
used for pass plays; the rule of thumb
is the longer the pass, the deeper the
drop so that the quarterback has time
to make reads and avoid defensive
pressure.
Block (Run Block)
Any position
The blocker moves forward to
block the closest defender.
PLAYBOOK STRATEGY
If you want to
keep a play
youve edited or created from scratch,
select Save Play (as
shown in the previous screen) and type
in a play name.
10
Select a name
that will make
it easy to remember
what type of play it
is. Consider using a
consistent play naming system like pro
coaches use.
Finally, select
how often you
want this play called
by your computercontrolled coaches:
infrequently, sometimes or frequently.
11
Unless youve
tested a play
extensively and
are confident it
works against many
defenses, choose
infrequently to be
on the safe side.
Block and Release

RB, TE, WR
The offensive player blocks the
defender in front of him, then releases
either left or right.
Curl (Long) (Left or Right)

Any receiver
A pass route in which the
receiver runs straight down the field before stopping and turning around.
Counter
RB
Sends the player in a direction
opposite the general blocking direction.
You can counter left or right.
Curl (Medium) (Left or Right)

Any receiver
A shorter-yardage version of the
previously described curl pass route.
Cross (Left or Right)

TE, WR
A pass route that cuts roughly
five yards behind the defensive line.
Curl & Go (Left or Right)

Any receiver
The receiver runs a curl route
before streaking down the field for a
long pass. A quarterback will need a
deeper drop or good pass protection to
let this route develop.
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EDITING/CREATING PLAYS
Dive
Any ball carrier
The dive is a standard rushing
route that splits two offensive linesmen
(usually the center and guard).
Except when otherwise noted,

most pass routes can be flipped
left or right depending on the
players position on the field.
Drag (Left or Right)

Any receiver
A pass route with a first move at
a 45-degree angle, then a cut to the
interior of the field behind the defensive
line.
In (Short) (Left or Right)

Any receiver
Same concept as the middle in
route, but the 90-degree cut is made
even earlier.
Draw
RB
A dive-type run by the running
back on a play (usually in shotgun
formation) designed to look like a pass.
In and Up (Left or Right)

Any receiver
A pass route that starts like an
in route, but the receiver cuts a second
time to resume running down the field.
Flat (Left or Right)

RB
A pass route that begins in the
backfield that sends the receiver
toward the sidelines near the line of
scrimmage. This is usually the last-read
receiver on a pass play.
Option Route
Any receiver
A smart route; the reciever will
analyze the defensive coverage (to the
extent that his ability and training allow)
and run what he believes is the best
route to get open.
Hitch (Left or Right)

Any receiver
receiver takes a few steps then
immediately turns around to expect a
pass. Ideally, some blocks are set up
around this receiver to enable him to
run after the ball is caught.
Out (Deep) (Left or Right)

Any receiver
reciever runs down the field, then
executes a 90-degree cut to run toward
the sideline.
Hitch and Go (Left or Right)

Any receiver
Essentially a fake hitch route
in which the receiver streaks down the
field after executing the hitch.
In (Deep) (Left or Right)
Any receiver
reciever runs down the field, then
executes a 90-degree cut to run toward
the middle of the field. You can run this
route left or right depending on the
receivers position.
In (Middle) (Left or Right)
Any receiver
Same concept as the deep in
earlier.
64
Out (Middle) (Left or Right)

Any receiver
Same concept as the deep out
earlier.
Out (Short) (Left or Right)
Any receiver
Same concept as the middle
out route, but the 90-degree cut is
made even earlier.
Out and Up (Left or Right)
Any receiver
A pass route that starts like an
out route, but the receiver cuts a
second time to resume running down
the field.
Out and Up Comeback

(Left or Right)
Any receiver
An even more complex route based on
the out and up; when the receiver runs
down the field a second time, he
abruptly stops and cuts sharply toward
the sideline.
Pass Block
Any player
Assigns that player to step back
and block the closest defender
approaching him.
Play Action
QB
Makes the quarterback fake a
handoff (usually to a running back); its
designed to freeze the defense.
Play Action (I Form)
RB
Positions the running back
behind the quarterback before a fake
handoff occurs.
Play Action (Offset)
RB
Positions the running back to
the left or right behind the quarterback
before a fake handoff occurs.
Play Action (Shotgun)
RB
Positions the running back and
quarterback next to each other (usually
in shotgun formation) before a fake
handoff occurs. The running back can
be positioned left or right of the
quarterback.
Post Corner (Left or Right)
Any receiver
receiver runs down field, makes one
45-degree cut toward the center of the
field, then makes another cut toward
the corner of the end zone.
Post (Deep) (Left or Right)
Any receiver
receiver runs down field, then cuts
toward the middle of the field (or to be
precise, toward the goal post behind
the end zone).
John Maddens .759 regular season winning percentage is the highest among coaches
with 100 career victories. Under Maddens coaching, the Raiders never had a losing record.
Post (Middle) (Left or Right)

Any receiver
Similar to the deep post, but the
cut toward the middle is made sooner.
This pass route can be flipped left or
right depending on the receivers
position on the field.
Post Stop (Left or Right)
Any receiver
Similar to a post route; however,
the receiver abruptly stops his post
route, turns around and takes a step or
two back toward the quarterback. This
pass route can be flipped left or right
depending on the receivers position on
the field.
Pull
Any player
A block in which the player
moves left (or right) before blocking the
defender closest to him.
Quarterback Draw
QB
A dive-type run by the quarterback on a play (usually in shotgun
formation) designed to look like a pass.
RB Angle (Left or Right)
RB
A pass route in which a running
back cuts around the offensive tackle
to return back toward the middle of the
field.
RB Flat (Left or Right)
RB
back immediately cuts left (or right)
before moving down the sideline.
When it comes to Receiver Progression, if none of the reads are

open, your QB may opt to run if
hes a scrambler. If not, hell try to
hold the ball as long as possible
until a receiver gets open.
Generally, the first progression is the

primary receiver the play is designed
for; if the QB deems that person open,
hell pass the ball. If not open, the QB
will continue down the order of
progression until he finds an open
receiver. Generally, the last progression
is the dump-off receiver (usually an
RB in the flats) who acts as a safety
outlet if no other receiver is open.
Remove Motion
Any eligible player
Cancels a players motion.
Roll Out
QB
Makes the player execute a
curved run backwards toward the left
(or right), ostensibly to give the player a
way to avoid a pass rush and give him
more time to look for an open receiver.
Set Motion
Any eligible player
Puts a player in motion before
the ball is snapped.
Set Receiver Progression
QB
Select this icon to create or edit
the quarterbacks receiver progression
on a pass play (see Receiver Progression for more details).
RB Screen (Left or Right)

RB
back (and a corresponding lineman)
move behind the line of scrimmage to
receive a pass. The lineman then acts
as a blocker for the running back.
Slam
RB
An interior run route in which a
lead blocker (usually the fullback) runs
ahead of the ball carrier (the tailback) to
block the first defender he runs into.
Receiver Progression
Any receiver
Defines for the QB the order
(from one through five, depending on
the number of receivers on the field) in
which he looks for open pass catchers.
Slant (Left or Right)

RB
receiver runs downfield, then makes a
45-degree cut toward the opposite side
of the field.
PLAYBOOK STRATEGY
Slant and Go (Left or Right)

RB
receiver runs downfield, then makes a
45-degree cut toward the opposite side
of the field. Before reaching the other
side of the field, the receiver makes a
second 45-degree cut to run straight
down the field again.
Streak (Left or Right)
Any eligible receiver
receiver runs downfield at full speed;
also known as a go route.
Stretch
RB
A run route in which the lead
blocker (usually the fullback) runs to
block between two linemen similar to a
dive run. However, the running back
does not follow the lead block but
instead tries to run around the offensive
line and reach open space outside the
hash marks.
Sweep (Left or Right)
RB
A run play in which the running
back tries to find an opening just
outside the left (or right) tackle.
Swing (Left or Right)
Any receiver
receiver takes a curved path toward the
middle of the field.
Wheel (Left or Right)
Any receiver
receiver cuts across the field behind
the defensive line before making a
90-degree turn to run downfield.
Whip Out (Left or Right)
Any receiver
Makes the receiver run 45
degrees toward the middle of the field,
then curve back slightly behind the
defensive line.
65
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EDITING & CREATING PLAYS

WR Screen
Any receiver
A pass route in which a wide
receiver (and a corresponding lineman)
move behind the line of scrimmage to
receive a pass. The lineman then acts
as a blocker for the wide receiver.
PLAY CREATOR OPTIONS

DEFENSIVE PLAY ICONS
Here are icons you might see when

creating a defensive play:
Assignment
Any player
Assigns your player to a specific
receiver no matter where that player
lines up on the field.
Blitz
Any position
Causes that player to blitz.
Contain
Any position
Causes that player (usually a
defensive end) to try and prevent any
ball carrier from reaching the sidelines.
In effect, tries to keep the ball carrier
between the hash marks. You can
contain left or right.
Line Moves
Defensive line
Makes the defensive line move
around prior to the snap of the ball.
Lock
DB
Assigns your player to a specific
receiver location regardless of who that
receiver is; basically the opposite of the
Assignment icon.
Man
DB
Assigns your defensive back to
man-to-man cover with the closest
receiver to him.
Man Strategy
DB
Assigns man-to-man cover
assignments to all your relevant
defense personnel.
66
Play Off
Any player
Causes that player to cover a
receiver loosely from the line of
scrimmage. This is done to help protect
against a deep pass.
Press
Any player
Causes that player to cover a
receiver tightly from the line of scrimmage. This is done to help protect
against a short pass or to assume an
aggressive defensive posture.
Rush Left
Any defensive player
Makes the player attempt to the
shoot the gap to the left of the offensive player in front of him.
Rush Middle
Makes the player attempt to
directly lock up the offensive player in
front of him.
Rush Right
Makes the player attempt to the
shoot the gap to the right of the
offensive player in front of him.
Show Blitz
Makes the defensive player look
like hes going to blitz; you can use this
to fake a blitz.
Spy
Makes the defensive player
shadow a specific player in the
backfield (usually the quarterback, but
can also be a running back or wide
receiver as well) to prevent that person
from running past the line of scrimmage. For example, a spy is useful
when trying to contain quarterbacks
who like to run with the ball.
Stunt
swing behind another defensive player
(either moving left or right) to try and
generate a rush.
Zone
execute zone coverage.
Zone Curl Flat (Left or Right)
execute zone coverage by dropping
back slightly then curling back into his
coverage location (the flats).
Zone Deep 2 (Left or Right)
back fairly deep before curving left (or
right) into his coverage location
(downfield along the left or right half of
the field).
Zone Deep 4 In (Left or Right)
back fairly deep before curving left (or
right) into his coverage location, which
is the either the left or right side of the
middle of the field. Should be used with
Zone Deep 4 Out.
Zone Deep 4 Out
(Left or Right)
Makes the defensive player execute
zone coverage by dropping back fairly
deep before curving left (or right) into
his coverage location, which is the
either the left or right sideline. Should
be used with Zone Deep 4 In.
Zone Deep 3 Left
back into his coverage location (the left
third of the field). Should be used with
other Zone Deep coverages.
Zone Deep 3 Middle
back into his coverage location, which
is the middle third of the field. Should
be used in conjunction with other Zone
Deep coverages.
According to NFL rules, all helmets must have

a small NFL logo on the rear lower left side.
Zone Deep 3 Right

back into his coverage location (the
right third of the field). Should be used
with other Zone Deep coverages.
PLAY
CREATOR OPTIONS
.
Zone Hook (Left or Right)

back into his coverage location and
curling into it (either left or right).
ICONS FOR BOTH OFFENSE AND DEFENSE
Move Player
Any player
Use this option to move where a
player is positioned before the ball is
snapped. A live area will appear to
show the limits of where that player can
be positioned.
Zone Hook Middle

back into his coverage location and
curling into the middle of the field.
Zone Flat (Left or Right)

back into his coverage location, which
is the left or right flat.
Normal
Any player
Reverts a players assignment.
Zone Prevent
deep downfield to prevent a long pass.
Depth Chart
Any player
Assigns a specific roster player
to run that play.
OTHER PLAYBOOKS
When you start a new career, you
can choose a playbook not being used
by any NFL franchise.
On offense:
Spread Option
Pistol Attack
Michigan Spread
Miraldi Tech Passing
Wishbone
Option Attack
Wing T
FICTIONAL COLLEGE COACH
Larry Widebacker
Anthony Dubb
Gary Hammermill
Sanders Army Run

West Coast
College Attack
Run & Shoot
Youll also see playbooks that belong to specific offensive coordinators.
On defense:
4-2-5
3-3-5 Mustang
3-2-6
3-4 Pressure
FROM
Youll also see playbooks that belong to specific defensive coordinators.

Many of these playbooks are based
on schemes used at the college level.
During your coaching career, you
will encounter fantasy college coaches
interested in bringing one of these
unique playbooks to your team (a full
list is below). When you hire a college
coach as a coordinator, you can add
some of his plays to your playbook.
PLAYBOOK DESCRIPTION
Florida
Brings the Spread Option with a lot of QB Runs into the NFL
Memphis
Brings the college Pistol attack into the NFL and runs the 4-2-5 on defense
Michigan
Brings the West Virginia/Michigan spread attack into the NFL
Don Miraldi
Texas Tech
Brings the Air Raid Texas Tech passing attack into the NFL
Tom Bosco
Middle Tennessee State
Brings the Wishbone offense into the NFL
Army
Brings the Army running attack into the NFL and runs the 4-2-5 on defense
General Sanders
Chris Staymates
Greg Hart
Joe Gibson
Florida
Brings the Spread Option with a lot of QB Runs into the NFL
Old NFL Coach
Brings the Run and Shoot back to the NFL
Texas State
Brings the Wing T to the NFL
J.R. Scarpati
Navy
Brings the Option Attack into the NFL
UCLA
Brings the College Attack Playbook into the NFL
Kansas State
Brings the Wishbone and the 3-3-5 into the NFL
Toledo
Brings the Pressure 3-4 defense into the NFL
Lake Watterson
Tony Dyal
Eric Gruber
PLAYBOOK STRATEGY
67
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PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWNS
On the following pages are the default offensive and defensive playbooks
in NFL Head Coach 09. Playbooks are
broken down by play type, and a signature playusually a playbook favorite or one well suited to the team using
that playbookis shown for each.
These comparisons may help you
decide whether you want to stick to a
playbook or try out someone elses.
CREAM OF THE CROP
THE STRONGEST PLAYBOOKS AVAILABLE
All the playbooks below are rated

Very Strong. If youre looking for a new
playbook, heres the best of the best.
On offense:
Tom Moore Pass Attack: Home
of the Colts difficult-to-stop stretch
play
Garrett Pass Attack and Martz
Air Attack: Perfect for teams with multiple talented and quick WRs
Patriots Air Strike: A smart QB
and smart adjustments/playcalling
make this defense-dismantling playbook work
Holmgren West Coast: The
strongest playbook for those wanting
to run a (you guessed it) West Coast
offense
On defense:
Tampa 2: The most widely used
defense in the NFL
Jim Johnson Blitz: Look for some
unique blitzes
Jags Physical D: Proven effective
at stopping the run
Patriots Pressure: A proven
defensive playbook
LeBeau Zone Blitz: One of the
NFLs top attacking-style defenses
Rex Ryan 46: Playbook has an
excellent pedigree and a good reputation for totally shutting down offenses
Other innovative playbooks worth
looking over:
Shanahan Zone Block: The
Broncos have revolutionized run block
schemes
Gruden West Coast and McCarthy West Coast: Two other strong
playbooks for building a West Coast
offense
68
CHICAGO
CINCINNATI
OFFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
OFFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
Bears Power Run (Weak)

Wear down the defense and control
the clock with inside and off-tackle
runs that set up play-action passes.
Bengals Vertical Pass (Strong)

Relies on WR-CB mismatches and
deep passes; run the ball to keep
the defense honest.
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
BEARS
PASS
RUN
71
38
BENGALS
SPEC.
TOTAL
PASS
RUN
19 128
59
31
SPEC.
TOTAL
19 109
SIGNATURE PLAY
Singleback > 90 H Dive
Use your All-Pro C to block; when
defenses put eight in the box, try
Fake 90 Y Shallow to play action.
SIGNATURE PLAY
Singleback > Fake 20 864 Smash
Play action to give the WRs time to
separate and work their way down
the field; throw to whoevers open.
DEFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
DEFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
Lovie Cover 2 (Average)

Smiths version of the Tampa 2: Aggressive, controlled blitzes, attack
gaps, and have CBs reroute WRs.
Zimmer 4-3 (Very Weak)

The playbook may be poor, but if
the defense has time to master it
and stay healthy, there is hope.
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
BLITZ
ZONE
MAN
TOTAL
BLITZ
ZONE
MAN
TOTAL
12
50
70
21
38
21
80
SIGNATURE PLAY
Tampa 2 > 2 Deep Gap Shoot
This effective blitz uses some
stunting and your quick star MLB
to find gaps and pressure the QB.
SIGNATURE PLAY
Nickel > CB3 Blitz
The secondary is the strength of
the defense in 2008; CB blitzes will
help pressure opposing QBs.
Field goal posts in the NFL are 30 feet

tall and are spread 18-1/2 feet apart.
BUFFALO
DENVER
CLEVELAND
OFFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
OFFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
OFFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
Bills Balanced (Very Weak)

It is neither creative nor takes too
many risks, but a talented QB and
speedy RB can make it work.
Shanahan Zone Block (Strong)

Innovative runs in which blockers
focus on the defenders nearest to
them. Requires talented linemen.
Chudzinski Balanced (Average)

The balance focuses on smart
situational playcalls rather than an
arbitrary 50/50 run/pass split.
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
BILLS
PASS
RUN
58
37
BRONCOS
SPEC.
TOTAL
PASS
RUN
19 114
74
37
BROWNS
SPEC.
TOTAL
PASS
RUN
19 130
59
38
SPEC.
TOTAL
19 116
SIGNATURE PLAY
Singleback > 15 Power
This play takes advantage of the
left side of the Bills offensive line,
which is stronger than the right.
SIGNATURE PLAY
Singlebk. > Boot Rt U Deep Cross
Mobilize the QB with a rollout and
use his strong arm to stretch the
defense vertically.
SIGNATURE PLAY
Gun > Scram Rt 870 Hitch
Give your QB lots of WR options
but quick readsto attack the
defenses weaknesses.
DEFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
DEFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
DEFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
Bills Cover 2 (Average)

Jauron is an underrated defensive
mind; then again, its hard to mess
up any variation of the Tampa 2.
Broncos Man Cover (Weak)

The Broncos defensive scheme
fizzled in 2007. A new coordinator
will want a different playbook
Browns Rush Passer (Weak)

The 3-4 base provides lots of flexibility, but its tough to scout for
when the 4-3 dominates in college.
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
BLITZ
ZONE
MAN
TOTAL
BLITZ
ZONE
MAN
TOTAL
BLITZ
ZONE
MAN
TOTAL
11
45
10
66
27
33
21
81
34
34
16
84
SIGNATURE PLAY
4-3 Tampa 2 > Free Fire
Leverage your free-agent pick-ups
(DT Stroud and LB Mitchell) to
develop pass pressure.
PLAYBOOK STRATEGY
SIGNATURE PLAY
4-3 > Safety Blitz
The Broncos couldnt stop the run
in 07, so they had to pull up the
safety for interior run support.
SIGNATURE PLAY
3-4 > Cross Fire 3
Stunting the LBs takes advantage
of the Browns off-season pick-ups
and bolsters pressure up front.
69
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PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWNS
TAMPA BAY
ARIZONA
SAN DIEGO
OFFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
OFFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
OFFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
Gruden West Coast (Strong)

Takes pass-sets-up-run concepts
to a higher level; if you want to try
West Coast, steal this playbook.
Whisenhunt Power Run (Average)

Dont let the name fool you: You
pound the ball frequently mainly to
open up deeper pass routes.
Super Chargers Attack (Strong)

The Chargers wealth of talent
makes this playbook look goodif
their superstars stay healthy
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
BUCCANEERS
PASS
RUN
75
43
SPEC.
CHARGERS
CARDINALS
TOTAL
PASS
RUN
19 137
67
34
TOTAL
PASS
RUN
SPEC.
TOTAL
19 120
50
27
19
96
SPEC.
SIGNATURE PLAY
Gun > 320 Dragon Slant
Short drops, quicker reads and timing routes help keep the QB from
getting sacked or hurried.
SIGNATURE PLAY
Singlebk. > Ride 338 Naked Y C...
This naked bootleg attacks the left
side of the field. The QB can run if
theres no one open.
SIGNATURE PLAY
Singleback > 50 Counter Trap
Give the ball to Tomlinson, have
your tackle open up a lane, and let
your star RB read the defense.
DEFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
DEFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
DEFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
Tampa 2 (Very Strong)

Many NFL defenses have picked up
or copied this effective scheme; its
a great playbook to rebuild with.
Cardinals Blitz (Strong)

Cant get a consistent pass rush up
front? Blitz frequently to help your
front four apply pressure.
Chargers Pass Rush (Average)

The Chargers rely on a 3-4 base; a
top-notch front line is required for
this scheme to succeed.
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
BLITZ
ZONE
MAN
TOTAL
BLITZ
ZONE
MAN
TOTAL
BLITZ
ZONE
MAN
TOTAL
47
60
49
28
85
32
31
66
SIGNATURE PLAY
4-3 > Cover 3
Speed on defense is vital for the
Tampa 2; drop the MLB to convert
to Cover 3 on long pass situations.
70
SIGNATURE PLAY
4-3 > Free Fire
This fairly standard blitz puts a lot
of pressure on your secondary to
play close to the wideouts.
SIGNATURE PLAY
Attacking 3-4 > 2 Man Under
As the front three put pressure on
the QB, the LBs are free to adjust
to either the pass or run.
Each row of hashmarks in the middle of

the field is 70-3/4 feet from the sideline.
KANSAS CITY
INDIANAPOLIS
DALLAS
OFFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
OFFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
OFFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
Chiefs Grind It Out (Very Weak)

Fewer plays, better mastery. Thats
the Chiefs philosophy for 2008.
Downhill run plays are a priority.
Tom Moore Pass Attack (Very Strong)

Tom Moore exploits his biggest
assetQB Peyton Manningand
keeps defenses off-balance.
Garrett Pass Attack (Very Strong)

This playbook relies on a platoon of
RBs and dominant WRs to give the
QB plenty of targets.
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
CHIEFS
COLTS
PASS
RUN
SPEC.
TOTAL
46
24
19
89
PASS
RUN
101 38
COWBOYS
SPEC.
TOTAL
PASS
RUN
19 158
69
42
SPEC.
TOTAL
19 130
SIGNATURE PLAY
Strong > 28 Stretch
When in doubt, give Larry Johnson
lots of blockers and let him run
but keep him healthy as well
SIGNATURE PLAY
Singleback > Colts Stretch 18
The stretch play is a Colts specialty: You can run or pass from it, so it
always freezes the defense.
SIGNATURE PLAY
Singlebk. > Zip Scram Rt 76 Z S
Have the WRs stretch the field. Hit
one if open, otherwise, dump off to
the RB in the void left by the WR.
DEFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
DEFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
DEFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
Chiefs Old School (Very Weak)

The Chiefs desperately want to return to the glory days of the 1990s.
They wont with this thin playbook.
Dungy Cover 2 (Strong)

Dungys schemes reflect his playing
days with the Steel Curtain in the
1970sa very wise choice
Phillips 3-4 (Strong)

The cornerbacks must improve
their cover skills to give the 3-4 a
chance to succeed.
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
BLITZ
ZONE
MAN
TOTAL
BLITZ
ZONE
MAN
TOTAL
BLITZ
ZONE
MAN
TOTAL
12
39
58
12
41
57
24
34
67
SIGNATURE PLAY
4-3 > Cover 2 Stunt
This play reflects the Chiefs bendbut-dont-break mentality: when
talents lacking, keep things simple.
PLAYBOOK STRATEGY
SIGNATURE PLAY
Dungy 4-3 Cover 2 > Under 2
Not as many blitzes compared to
other Cover/Tampa 2s; Dungy prefers simpler zone Ds like this one.
SIGNATURE PLAY
3-4 > 2 Deep MLB Spy
Prevent defenses from converting
on third-and-long by rushing one
LB and dropping the rest back.
71
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PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWNS
MIAMI
PHILADELPHIA
ATLANTA
OFFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
OFFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
OFFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
Sparano Balanced (Weak)

Tony Sparano will be starting from
scratch, so a balanced playbook is
the safest route to start.
Reid All Passing (Strong)

Andy Reid will pass anywhere on
the field to anyoneincluding RBs
into the flats. Its a potent playbook.
Mularkey Power Run (Very Weak)

Mularkey brings his run philosophy
from the Buffalo Bills. Now all he
needs are some powerful runners
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
DOLPHINS
PASS
RUN
61
30
EAGLES
SPEC.
TOTAL
PASS
RUN
19 110
92
43
FALCONS
SPEC.
TOTAL
PASS
RUN
19 154
58
37
SPEC.
TOTAL
19 114
SIGNATURE PLAY
Singleback > 22 H Counter
A signature play has yet to be
found; this left-side run makes use
of the teams top pick, Jake Long.
SIGNATURE PLAY
Gun > 41 Draw
Defenses focus so much on the
Eagles pass attack that a simple
draw can result in a big gain.
SIGNATURE PLAY
Singleback > Flea Flicker
Mularkey is known for having a few
trick/gadget plays up his sleeve.
Heres one example:
DEFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
DEFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
DEFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
Pasqualoni Pass Rush (Weak)

This team has tried many different
defenses as coaches come and go;
is year is no exception.
Jim Johnson Blitz (Very Strong)

If you like blitzes, steal this playbook: aggressive and unpredictable, anyone is a potential blitzer.
Smith Physical D (Weak)

Mike Smith did great with Jacksonvilles defense, but his playbook
may not fit with Atlantas talent.
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
BLITZ
ZONE
MAN
TOTAL
BLITZ
ZONE
MAN
TOTAL
BLITZ
ZONE
MAN
TOTAL
24
34
67
45
26
73
12
28
22
62
SIGNATURE PLAY
3-4 > Storm Brave 1
DE Jason Taylor is the defenses
biggest asset; so let him loose with
this pass rush play.
72
SIGNATURE PLAY
Nickel > CB Blitz
This CB blitz uses the element of
surprise to (hopefully) attack the
QBs blind side and record a sack.
SIGNATURE PLAY
4-3 > Thunder Smoke
Stop the run and force the pass;
thats one of Smiths trademarks.
You need big OTs to pull this off.
When a turnover occurs, you might see an official throw a blue bean bag; its used to mark where the
fumble or interception took place. Each blue bag has a number that identifies which official threw it.
SAN FRANCISCO
NEW YORK
JACKSONVILLE
OFFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
GIANTS
49ERS
JAGUARS
OFFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
OFFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
Martz Air Attack (Very Strong)

Mike Martz will tailor this playbook
to the offenses talent levelbut
you cant deny his passing genius.
Gilbride Old School (Average)

This is a safer if somewhat uninspiring playbook to work withperfect
for a young learning QB.
Koetter Ball Control (Average)

The Jaguars love to run with a
platoon of running backs. Pass to
open up the run.
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PASS
RUN
64
22
TOTAL
PASS
RUN
19 105
52
32
SPEC.
SPEC.
TOTAL
PASS
RUN
19 108
58
29
SPEC.
TOTAL
19 106
SIGNATURE PLAY
Gun > Liz Lft Deep Attack
This is a Martz-designed big pass
play like the Rams used during their
greatest show on turf heyday.
SIGNATURE PLAY
Gun > 62 Z Dig Y Out
Eli Manning likes to throw the deep
out to Plaxico Burressespecially
in man-to-man situations.
SIGNATURE PLAY
I > 18 Stretch
With a big QB and two great RBs,
heres one run play that tests the
opposing teams LBs.
DEFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
DEFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
DEFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
Nolan 3-4 (Very Weak)

Nolan is trying to implement a 3-4
scheme that features both one- and
two-gap approaches.
Spagnuolo Pressure (Strong)

Steve Spagnuolo loves to keep QBs
off kilter by lining up pass rushers
where theyre not expected.
Jags Physical D (Very Strong)

A very potent playbookbut only if
you have good-enough hard-hitting
talent up front to make it work.
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
BLITZ
ZONE
MAN
TOTAL
BLITZ
ZONE
MAN
TOTAL
BLITZ
ZONE
MAN
TOTAL
28
24
12
64
37
26
66
19
29
23
71
SIGNATURE PLAY
3-4 > Trio Whip Man
No signature plays yet, so heres a
3-4 play that relies on man coverage. Big, strong DEs are a must.
PLAYBOOK STRATEGY
SIGNATURE PLAY
Pressure Dime > Corner Crash 3
Not one but two corners crash into
the backfield as two linemen drop
into zone coverage.
SIGNATURE PLAY
4-3 > DBL TE Bracket
The Jaguars secondary can hold
its own, so use an outside LB blitz
to assist the teams rookie DEs.
73
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PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWNS
NEW YORK
DETROIT
GREEN BAY
OFFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
OFFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
Shottenheimer Attack (Weak)

Last season was rough on Brians
playbook, devised by an ex-college
QB and son of Marty Shottenheimer.
Lions Ball Control (Weak)

The Lions are looking to establish a
power run game for 2008, then play
action out of those same sets.
OFFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
JETS
LIONS
PASS
RUN
SPEC.
TOTAL
PASS
RUN
36
25
19
80
56
25
PACKERS
SPEC.
McCarthy West Coast (Strong)

Itll be interesting to see how well
this solid playbook fares without
Brett Favre running the show.
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
TOTAL
19 100
PASS
RUN
82
52
SPEC.
TOTAL
19 153
SIGNATURE PLAY
Gun > Half Left Scram 617
The Jets have good possession
WRs; this play lets them find zone
gaps to exploit.
SIGNATURE PLAY
Shotgun > 40 Draw
The Lions are keeping these plays
secret for 2008, but one will surely
showcase rookie RB Kevin Smith.
SIGNATURE PLAY
Gun > Curl Flats
With a new QB, the Packers will
need plays that use shorter drops
(3 or 5 step) and quicker routes.
DEFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
DEFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
Jets 3-4 (Average)

Top pick Vernon Gholston and free
agent Calvin Pace should beef up
the LB depth for this defense.
Lions Cover 2 (Very Weak)

After ranking last defensively in 07,
the Lions have nowhere to go but
up. A Cover 2 scheme cant hurt
DEFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
BLITZ
ZONE
MAN
TOTAL
BLITZ
ZONE
MAN
TOTAL
21
25
19
65
42
53
SIGNATURE PLAY
3-4 > OLB Dogs Fire 2
The Jets need to juice up their pass
rush; this pressure play overloads
the right side of the offensive line.
74
Packers 4 Across (Strong)

The Packers have aging but still
potent CBs; their talent makes this
playbook effective.
SIGNATURE PLAY
4-3 > Cover 3
With all the new bodies expected in
the secondary this year, a Cover 3
shift may help stop big passes.
BLITZ
ZONE
MAN
TOTAL
36
18
63
SIGNATURE PLAY
Nickel > Corners Man Zone
The Packers can get away with
mixed coverage on the edges to
put greater pressure on the QB.
NFL referee uniforms

used to include bow ties.
CAROLINA
NEW ENGLAND
OAKLAND
OFFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
OFFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
OFFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
Davidson Balanced (Weak)

Jeff Davidson likes to keep playbook concepts to a minimum but
show a lot of looks from each one.
Patriots Air Strike (Very Strong)

The team likes using four WRs on
first or second down, surprising defenses going base instead of nickel.
Kiffin Pass Attack (Very Weak)

Lane Kiffins playbook is about as
shaky as his reportedly rocky relationship with the Raiders owner.
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PANTHERS
PASS
RUN
71
43
PATRIOTS
SPEC.
TOTAL
PASS
RUN
19 133
73
31
RAIDERS
SPEC.
TOTAL
PASS
RUN
19 123
73
42
SPEC.
TOTAL
19 134
SIGNATURE PLAY
Near > Slant 21 Belly
Davidson prefers bread and butter plays that he can rely on a
consistent basis.
SIGNATURE PLAY
Zero > Fac H 140 Scissors
Combine motion behind the line
with crossing routes to trip up
opposing cornerbacks.
SIGNATURE PLAY
I > Fake 10 789 F Flat
With Darren McFadden in the mix,
look for him as both a run/pass
threat and decoy for the long pass.
DEFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
DEFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
DEFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
Panthers Pass Rush (Average)

The team tried to get bigger and
faster in the 2008 draft, which
should help their playbook.
Patriots Pressure (Very Strong)

This prolific playbook has a wide
variety of blitzes; its tough to guess
what the defense will give you.
Raiders Rover (Average)

The defense is in search of an
identity; 3-4 didnt work a few years
back but may with new personnel.
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
BLITZ
ZONE
MAN
TOTAL
BLITZ
ZONE
MAN
TOTAL
BLITZ
ZONE
MAN
TOTAL
11
44
22
77
37
35
15
87
38
28
18
84
SIGNATURE PLAY
4-3 > Double X
The team is expected to have lots
of depth at LB; look for a lot of
pass blitzes from that position.
PLAYBOOK STRATEGY
SIGNATURE PLAY
3-4 > Flash Blitz
With a great defensive line, the
Patriots can execute exotic blitzes
without hurting pass coverage.
SIGNATURE PLAY
Raiders Rover > Pinch Blitz
Stopping the run is a big priority for
the 2008 season; this play should
help beef up the interior.
75
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PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWNS
ST. LOUIS
BALTIMORE
WASHINGTON
OFFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
OFFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
OFFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
Saunders Big Book (Weak)

Al Saunders has a reputation for big
playbooks and big scoringsomething the Rams lacked last season.
Cameron Power Run (Strong)

Definitely a quality over quantity
playbook; Cam Cameron definitely
wants to run to set up the pass.
Zorn West Coast (Weak)

Zorns playbook strives to strike a
good run/pass balance similar to
his Seahawks days in 2004 and 05.
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
RAMS
PASS
RUN
58
43
RAVENS
SPEC.
TOTAL
PASS
RUN
19 120
50
32
REDSKINS
SPEC.
TOTAL
PASS
RUN
19 101
91
46
SPEC.
TOTAL
19 156
SIGNATURE PLAY
Singleback > 80 Power Sweep
Saunders may need to tap the TE
as an extra blocker to revitalize the
run game. O-line health is a worry.
SIGNATURE PLAY
Singlebk. > 98 Halfback Screen
Cameron has stated that RB Willis
McGahee will carry the load both
as runner and receiver.
SIGNATURE PLAY
The Redskins have quality RBs and
a sharp TE who can find space in
the flats, as this play shows.
DEFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
DEFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
DEFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
Haslett Physical D (Very Weak)

The Rams top draft pick should
help Jim Haslett rev up the pass
rush and revive this playbook.
Rex Ryan 46 (Very Strong)

When you have the right personnel (especially at LB), the 46 has
proven to be nearly unstoppable.
Redskins 4-3 (Weak)

For 2008, the Redskins are looking
to trim their playbook and make
things simpler for their personnel.
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
BLITZ
ZONE
MAN
TOTAL
BLITZ
ZONE
MAN
TOTAL
BLITZ
ZONE
MAN
TOTAL
45
28
80
67
27
100
30
32
70
SIGNATURE PLAY
4-3 > Haslett Bracket
Haslett has this 4-3 blitz play in his
playbook; the goal is to overwhelm
the weak side of the offensive line.
76
SIGNATURE PLAY
46 > LB Weak Blitz
The Ravens like to rotate DEs with
LBs on the weak side to confuse
the QB and enhance the pass rush.
SIGNATURE PLAY
4-3 > Hog Buck 3
The Redskins are rebuilding, so no
signature play yetbut an effective
pass rush is a top priority.
If you look closely while watching a game, you may see an official wearing a wrist strap
connected to a finger loop. That device is used to keep track of downs and ball position.
NEW ORLEANS
SEATTLE
PITTSBURGH
OFFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
OFFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
OFFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
Payton Spread Attack (Strong)

By spreading the field both horizontally and vertically, it opens up gaps
for a speedy RB to exploit.
Holmgren West Coast (Very Strong)

Holmgrens playbook looked strong
until he lost his key RB; theres a
good selection of plays to work with.
Steelers Smashmouth (Strong)

Spread the field and pass to grab
the lead, then run mercilessly to
keep the lead and chew up clock.
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
SAINTS
PASS
RUN
67
34
SEAHAWKS
SPEC.
TOTAL
PASS
RUN
19 120
57
36
SPEC.
STEELERS
TOTAL
PASS
RUN
19 112
46
42
SPEC.
TOTAL
19 107
SIGNATURE PLAY
Singlebk. > Zebra Right 40 Draw
With an RB like Reggie Bush,
youve got to give him touches and
creative plays to establish the run.
SIGNATURE PLAY
Gun > 72 Scram Z Dig
Some say Holmgren passed too
much in 2007but what can you
do when your run game fizzles?
SIGNATURE PLAY
I > Ride 31 Belly
No fancy tricks here: Follow your
lead blocker and wear down the
interior of the defense.
DEFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
DEFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
DEFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
Saints Basic D (Very Weak)

A suspect secondary and LB corps
in 2007 certainly didnt help sell the
merits of this shaky playbook.
Hawks Multiple Blitz (Average)

This playbook works because the
Seahawks have the talent to pass
rush effectively.
LeBeau Zone Blitz (Very Strong)

Theres talk that Tomlin would like
to convert to the Tampa 2, but the
Steelers 3-4 has proven potent.
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
BLITZ
ZONE
MAN
TOTAL
BLITZ
ZONE
MAN
TOTAL
BLITZ
ZONE
MAN
TOTAL
14
31
24
69
28
31
11
70
35
27
67
SIGNATURE PLAY
4-3 > DE Contain
The Saints top draft pick, DT
Sedrick Ellis, should help the team
reinvigorate its front-line push.
PLAYBOOK STRATEGY
SIGNATURE PLAY
4-3 > Strong Side Flat Z
A reason for the teams ability to
stop the pass in 2007 was to make
the QB think blitzbut call zone.
SIGNATURE PLAY
LeBeau 3-4 > Smash Blitz
The defense likes to hit hard and
overwhelm the O-line with blitzes
from unpredictable locations.
77
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PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWNS
HOUSTON
TENNESSEE
MINNESOTA
OFFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
OFFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
OFFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
Texans Power Run (Weak)

The team needs to rethink this playbook or find healthy RBs to rely on;
platooning may be an option in 08.
Titans Power Run (Weak)

The QB and RB talent in the backfield can execute this playbook; the
passing game needs some help.
Childress Balanced (Average)

If the Vikings can inject more pass
verticality into this playbook, it will
blow the run game wide open.
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
TEXANS
TITANS
PASS
RUN
SPEC.
TOTAL
PASS
RUN
57
23
19
99
57
46
VIKINGS
SPEC.
TOTAL
PASS
RUN
SPEC.
TOTAL
19 122
47
25
19
91
SIGNATURE PLAY
I Form > 20 Scat Y Option H
The TE was a welcome improvement for the offense in 2007; this
play opens up options for him.
SIGNATURE PLAY
Gun > W Freeze Em
This play takes advantage of QB
Vince Youngs athleticism as both a
runner and scramble passer.
SIGNATURE PLAY
Strong > F Short 31 Base
1. Give Adrian Peterson the ball.
2. Make a hole for him slip through.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 as needed.
DEFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
DEFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
DEFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
Texans No Blitz (Average)

If the defense can find more LBs to
back up MLB Demeco Ryans, this
playbook may have some promise.
Titans Blitz Heavy (Average)

That blitz bias explains the teams
ability to stop the run in 2007, averaging less than 95 yards per game.
Vikings Cover 2 (Weak)

This is a decent playbook for the
Vikingsif the secondary can stay
healthy for the entire season.
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
PLAYBOOK BREAKDOWN
BLITZ
ZONE
MAN
TOTAL
BLITZ
ZONE
MAN
TOTAL
BLITZ
ZONE
MAN
TOTAL
42
24
75
23
29
15
67
14
47
68
SIGNATURE PLAY
4-3 > 2 Man Under
DE Williams and DT Okoye anchor
the front four; use stunts to get
them into the backfield.
78
SIGNATURE PLAY
4-3 > Mountainman Blitz
The Titans were able to put consistent pressure on the QB in 2007,
thanks to blitzes like the one below.
SIGNATURE PLAY
4-3 > Cover 2
Its tough to balance pass rush with
secondary support; try to man up
to disguise your zone coverages.
Hes calm on opening kickoff,

and hes calm when youre
down 21-3. Hes just a cool
customer. I think that really
spreads through the rest of the
team, that it cannot be a panic
situation and you cant try to
get it all back at once.
Colts quarterback Peyton Manning on Tony Dungy
NFL TEAMS
AFC EAST
AFC NORTH AFC SOUTH
AFC WEST
NFC EAST
NFC NORTH NFC SOUTH NFC WEST
124
138
100
96
102
120
92
136
86
90
114
88
112
144
122
94
116
84
142
126
132
118
134
110
104
130
140
98
106
82
108
128
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USING THE TEAM PROFILES

ASK EA SPORTS
Will franchises shift to a
new style of play?
Yes. This all depends on
what types of coaches
you bring onto the
team and what types of
philosophies they bring
to your team. CPU teams
will certainly change
styles throughout the
career.
When a CPU team has
a bad year, the CPU
owners look to shake
things up and bring
in new coaches to
change the direction
of the franchise. Some
elite coordinators will
actually demand that
you fire the rest of the
coaching staff. You
might not be willing
to do that as the user,
but rest assured that
at least one of the 31
other NFL teams will be
willing to give up that
control in order to have
a Mike Martz-type of
offensive coordinator on
the coaching staff.
Some coordinators
will demand that their
playbook be used, to
scrap the old system.
This will also change
the face of the offense
or defense and what
types of players are
best suited for that
system.
This section is devoted to analyzing the NFLs 32 teams for 2008. The
profiles on the following pages are designed to not only help you pick a team
to play and learn more about, but also
as a tool to help scout your opponents.
On the opposite page is an example
team profile and some explanation of
some of the more important elements
to focus your attention on.
TEAM OWNERS
THE PEOPLE WHO SIGN YOUR PAYCHECK
Just like any other person in this

game, each NFL team owner has a
unique personality that plays a role
in how their franchise develops from
season to season.
While the team owner names may
be fictional (including the Packers John
Q. Public, which seems to be an homage to the fact that the team is publicly
owned), their ownership style reflects
how these franchises actually operate.
As you can imagine, some team
owners are stubborn and demanding
the type of bosses who say its my
way or the highway.
Other team owners will be passive
and relatively weaker. They wont be as
demanding or tough when it comes to
negotiations. Youll probably have more
leeway to operateand more time to
develop your squad.
To the right is a list of every team
owner and their personality type, which
will help you figure out the type of boss
youll be dealing with.
OWNER NAME
TEAM
PERSONALITY TYPE
Edmund Farmer
49ers
Commander
Vernon Van Alstyne

Marshall D. Pickering
Anchor
Virtuoso
Bob Baines
Bills
Optimist
Donald Fisk
Broncos
Headliner
Sandy Burner
Browns
Guru
Bucs
Stoic
Ben Bidless
Cardinals
Virtuoso
Alexis Spangler
Chargers
Promoter
Chiefs
Ambassador
John Barclay III
Thomas Koop
Walter Kendrick
Colts
Captain
Randy Redstone
Cowboys
Super Star
Hyde Singer
Dolphins
Lone Wolf
Eagles
Analyst
William Kovner
Anderson P. Haskell
Alfred Linderman
Layne Cleaver
Falcons
Headliner
Giants
Commander
Jaguars
Ally
J.B. Booth
Jets
Loyalist
Don Bored
Lions
Optimist
John Q. Public
Packers
Optimist
Gary Richards
Panthers
Optimist
Henry Ross Hughes
Patriots
Commander
Charles G. Winningham
Raiders
Titan
Raymond P. Goodnight
Michael Diamond Jr.
Peter Ambrose
Jefferson Boudreaux
Allen Paul
Robert Meade
Cal Montgomery
Alex Gold
Mitchell R. Davidson
A useful tool for evaluating your team is the Player

Breakdown, accessible through your Roster. Check
it often to see which positions of need require attention.
80
Bears
Bengals
Rams
Ally
Ravens
Promoter
Redskins
Super Star
Saints
Stoic
Seahawks
Analyst
Steelers
Anchor
Texans
Headliner
Titans
Promoter
Vikings
Lone Wolf
Youd be surprised to learn how much info there is

available on your coaching staff. In your Clipboard,
go to Team > Develop Staff and view the Staff Cards.
Tackle Roosevelt Brown is the lowest-round draft pick ever elected to the Pro Football
Hall of Fame. The New York Giants took Rosey in the 27th round (321st overall) in 1953.
By the Numbers:
In addition to your
2007 team record
and team ratings (up
to a maximum of 99
for each), youll see
the amount of cap
space available for
the 2008 season,
and find out if its
above or below the
average NFL level
($39.8 million).
2008 Notable Free

Agency Moves:
This is a partial
overview of the
teams real-life free
agency activity this
off-season. The
main focus was on
players ranked 80+
OVR, although other
positions of note are
also included.
Profile of the current

Head Coach: Take
special note of his overall
skill level as well as number of special skills.
Coach and Staff

Overall Skill Ratings: Look for coaching
weakness or inexperience
(anything under 25). Pay
special attention to the
trainer and GM. A skilled
trainer can heal injuries
faster; a skilled GM will
be a more productive
talent scout.
TEAM PROFILES
2008 Schedule: Review your schedule

to see when your
toughest and most
important games
will occur. Rest your
starters before these
big match-ups. Also
look to see when
your bye week occurs: Its an extra
week of practice (or
rest) for your team.
Depth Charts: Review your default 2008 pre-season

roster at a glance. The depth chart at each position
is read from left (the projected starter) to right.
Positions in red are considered thin in either talent
and/or total players on the roster at that spot.
Each player is listed with their jersey number
and overall rating. In NFL Head Coach 09, overall
ratings change based on the team philosophy
and playbooks usedso the numbers you see on
screen may be slightly different. Still, for comparative purposes, you can use these numbers to gauge
the level of talent at each position.
Default Playbooks: Each NFL team has a default

offensive and defensive playbook; these are the
playbooks youll most likely encounter when playing
against the CPU during your first season.
For this strategy guide, a full season was simulated for
each NFL team, and a list of the most successful offensive and defensive plays was compiled. Obviously, many
variables go into whether a play is successful or not,
but these lists can give you a little insight into the type
of plays and formations a CPU opponent might throw at
you during a game.
Top 2008 Draft

Picks: This is the
real-life list of players
chosen by each team in
the 2008 NFL Draft. While
you may not agree with
all the picks a team made,
itll give you a better
sense of the players that
you might want to keep
an eye on if you plan to
redo the off-season.
81
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CHICAGO BEARS
BY THE NUMBERS
2007 SEASON
Overall:
Home Record:
Away Record:
vs. NFC North:
2008 SCHEDULE
PRESEASON
7-9
4-4
3-5
2-4
78
73
87
OVERALL RATING
OFFENSE RATING
DEFENSE RATING
Kansas City Chiefs
At Seattle Seahawks
San Francisco 49ers
At Cleveland Browns
REGULAR SEASON
TEAM OVERVIEW
Season Outlook: The quarterback position lacks long-term promise, and
the defense is aging. Youll need to upgrade the offensive playbook, utilize Devin Hester in the offensive scheme, and stretch the field with longer
pass plays. Overall Player Grade: BRedoing the 2008 Off-Season Advice: Youd think QB would be an
obvious needand it isbut no passer will be safe if the Bears dont find
some fresh bodies for the teams offensive line. The team has also had
trouble establishing a go-to RB, and lost several WRs in free agency.
2008 Notable Free Agency Moves: Lost Bernard Berrian (WR) to Vikings,
Ruben Brown (LG). Re-signed Lance Briggs (ROLB), Rex Grossman (QB).
2009 Notable Free Agents: Olin Kreutz (C), Tommie Harris (DT)
2008 SALARY CAP ROOM
$23.4
At Indianapolis Colts
At Carolina Panthers
Tampa Bay
Buccaneers
Philadelphia Eagles
At Detroit Lions
At Atlanta Falcons
Minnesota Vikings
Bye Week
Detroit Lions
10
Tennessee Titans
11
At Green Bay Packers
12
At St. Louis Rams
13
At Minnesota Vikings
14
Jacksonville Jaguars
15
New Orleans Saints
16
Green Bay Packers
17
At Houston Texans
MILLION
HEAD COACH
COACH AND STAFF OVERALL SKILL RATINGS
79
LOVIE SMITH
Current Approval: 76
Personality: Stoic
Difficulty: Hard
Overall Skill: 48
Special Skills: 1 of 44
82
48
17 23
Head
Coach
OFF
DEF
ST
Coordinators
7
QB
39 32
25
RB
WR
OL
Offense Position Coaches
49
5 11
25
LB
DL
DB
Defense Position Coaches
4
T
Trainer
GM
The Chicago Bears are probably the only team to ever draft two future Hall of Fame players in the same round. In the first
round of the 1965 draft, the Bears utilized back-to-back picks to select linebacker Dick Butkus and running back Gale Sayers.
DEFAULT ROSTER BREAKDOWN

OFFENSE
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
DEFENSE
DE
DT
OLB MLB
CB
FS
SS
C D+ B- B B- F C- A A A- B B A A- B+ F A-
TOP 2008 PICKS

R1
DEFAULT OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE PLAYBOOKS

Offense: Bears Power Run
Default Playbook: Lovie Cover 2
Playbook Strength: Weak (128 plays)
Playbook Strength: Average (70 plays)
Productive Offensive Plays to Master:

Play
Success
Avg.
I Form > Flea Flicker
79 2.8 yds.
I Form > 98 H Pass
77 2.7 yds.
75 3.2 yds.
I Form > Fake 92 Y Corner F Flat 72 3.2 yds.
I Form > Fake 90 F Flat
71 3.0 yds.
Gun > HB Flare
71 4.4 yds.
I Form > Fake 34 F 97 Toss
71 3.1 yds.

Play
Success
Avg.
Quarter > Prevent
63 2.1 yds.
Tampa 2 > Cover 2 Stunt
55 3.1 yds.
Tampa 2 > Gap Shoot Bucs 2
54 3.1 yds.
Tampa 2 > Base Cover 2
53 3.3 yds.
Tampa 2 > Bucs 2
52 3.4 yds.
Tampa 2 > Bucs 2 Line Pinch
51 3.5 yds.
Tampa 2 > Fire Cover 2
50 3.6 yds.
TEAM PROFILES
R2
R3
R3
R4
R5
R5
R7
Chris Williams
OT / Vanderbilt
Matt Forte
RB / Tulane
Earl Bennett
WR / Vanderbilt
Craig Steltz
S / LSU
Zackary Bowman
CB / Nebraska
Kellen Davis
TE / Michigan State
Ervin Baldwin
DE / Michigan State
5 players chosen
DE / G / OLB / T / WR
83
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CINCINNATI BENGALS
BY THE NUMBERS
2007 SEASON
Overall:
Home Record:
Away Record:
vs. AFC North:
2008 SCHEDULE
PRESEASON
7-9
5-3
2-6
3-3
75
89
68
OVERALL RATING
OFFENSE RATING
Detroit Lions
New Orleans Saints
REGULAR SEASON
TEAM OVERVIEW
Season Outlook: The Bengals are in disarray. While they have talent on
offense, theyve struggled to win games. Upgrades to the defense will be
necessary to get this team back on track. Overall Player Grade: C+
Redoing the 2008 Off-Season Advice: Focus on defense. Youll need
a defensive tackle to stiffen the run defense, and a defensive end as well
as a safety to offset free agency departures. You can round out your offseason moves with a LB and a TE to augment the passing game.
2008 Notable Free Agency Moves: Lost Justin Smith (RE) to the 49ers.
Franchised Stacy Andrews (LG). Signed Antwan Odom (LE).
DEFENSE RATING
2009 Notable Free Agents: Shayne Graham (K), T.J. Houshmandzadeh

(WR)
$52.1
At Baltimore Ravens
Tennessee Titans
At New York Giants
Cleveland Browns
At Dallas Cowboys
At New York Jets
Pittsburgh Steelers
Bye Week
10
At Houston Texans
11
Philadelphia Eagles
12
At Pittsburgh
Steelers
13
Baltimore Ravens
14
15
Washington Redskins
16
At Cleveland Browns
17
Kansas City Chiefs
MILLION
HEAD COACH
99
67
MARVIN LEWIS
Personality: Titan
Difficulty: Hard
Overall Skill: 38
84
38
Head
Coach
41
33 38
OFF
72 68
65
DEF
ST
Coordinators
33
22 14 11
QB
RB
WR
OL
LB
DL
DB
T
Trainer
GM
The football atop the Vince Lombardi Trophy

is the exact same size as a real NFL football.

OFFENSE
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
DEFENSE
DE
DT
OLB MLB
CB
FS
SS
A B+ A B B- B C+ B- A B- B- C B B C B B
TOP 2008 PICKS

R1

Offense: Bengals Vertical Pass
Defense: Zimmer 4-3
Playbook Strength: Strong (109 plays)
Playbook Strength: Very Weak (80 plays)

Play
Success
Avg.
I > 989 F Screen Right
100 7.4 yds.
Gun > X Screen
100 6.1 yds.
I > Scram Right 22 Wheel
100 5.6 yds.
Gun > Quick Scram Rt 770 Backs 100 5.4 yds.
Gun > Fake 21 842 F Swing
100 4.1 yds.
I > Read Right 939 H Post
97 13.0 yds.
Gun > Quick Scram Rt 980 Flare 95 7.8 yds.
Productive Defensive Plays to Master:

Play
Success
Avg.
4-4 > Double DE Spy
58 2.7 yds.
4-4 > LB Fire
54 3.2 yds.
4-4 > Cover 2 Man
49 3.9 yds.
4-3 > Strong Flat 3
47 4.0 yds.
4-3 > Over 3 Strong
46 4.2 yds.
4-3 > Wildcat
45 4.3 yds.
Dime > Zone Man X
45 4.4 yds.
TEAM PROFILES
R1
R3
R3
R4
R5
R6
Keith Rivers
LB / Southern Cal
Jerome Simpson
WR / Coastal Carolina
Pat Sims
DT / Auburn
Andre Caldwell
WR / Florida
Anthony Collins
OT / Kansas
Jason Shirley
DT / Fresno State
Corey Lynch
FS / Appalach. State
3 players chosen
TE / DE / WR
R6 R7
85
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BUFFALO BILLS
BY THE NUMBERS
2007 SEASON
Overall:
Home Record:
Away Record:
vs. AFC East:
2008 SCHEDULE
PRESEASON
7-9
4-4
3-5
4-2
74
71
75
OVERALL RATING
OFFENSE RATING
DEFENSE RATING
TEAM OVERVIEW
At Washington
Redskins
Pittsburgh Steelers
Detroit Lions
REGULAR SEASON
Season Outlook: The Bills last season came close to earning a playoff
spot. The talent on this team is subpar overall but decent enough in spots
to build upon, and the playbook is fairly weak. The team needs to break
its recent history of slow season starts and stop blowing late-game leads.
Overall Player Grade
Grade: C+
1
2
Seattle Seahawks
At Jacksonville
Jaguars
Oakland Raiders
At St. Louis Rams
Redoing the 2008 Off-Season Advice: Needs on offense include a tight

end and some depth at running back. You also need a wide receiver:
Either a possession-type wideout to enhance the pass game, or a speedster to open up run lanes. On defense, look to rebuild the CB position.
At Arizona Cardinals
Bye Week
San Diego Chargers
At Miami Dolphins
2008 Notable Free Agency Moves: Signed Kawika Mitchell (ROLB).
New York Jets
10
2009 Notable Free Agents: None
$46.7
At New England
Patriots
11
Cleveland Browns
12
At Kansas City Chiefs
13
San Francisco 49ers
14
Miami Dolphins
15
At New York Jets
16
At Denver Broncos
17
New England Patriots
MILLION
HEAD COACH
99
DICK JAURON
Personality:
Ambassador
Difficulty: Very Hard
Overall Skill: 46
86
46
20
Head
Coach
OFF
34
DEF
ST
Coordinators
81
7 18
QB
9 11
RB
WR
OL
35 28
LB
DL
DB
53
24
T
Trainer
GM
Helmets were not required as mandatory gear until 1943; most

helmets during that era were made out of leather and padding.

OFFENSE
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
DEFENSE
DE
DT
OLB MLB
CB
FS
SS
C+ B- B B C B- B- B- A C+ B+ B- C+ D- B- B+ A
TOP 2008 PICKS

R1

Offense: Bills Balanced
Defense: Bills Cover 2

Play
Success
Avg.
100 3.3 yds.
73 3.4 yds.
Strong > Fake 10 869 F Flat
73 3.3 yds.
Singleback > 80 Stretch
72 3.2 yds.
Singleback > Boot Rt. 819 U Cross 71 3.2 yds.
Singleback > Scram Rt.709 H Swing 71 3.1 yds.
Singleback > Boot Rt 879 Dig
71 3.2 yds.

Play
Success
Avg.
Quarter > Prevent
63 2.1 yds.
4-3 Tampa 2 > Cover 2 Stunt
57 2.8 yds.
4-3 Tampa 2 > SS Snake 3 Stay
56 3.0 yds.
4-3 Tampa 2 > Cover 2 Buc
55 3.1 yds.
4-3 Tampa 2 > Cover 2 QB Spy
55 3.1 yds.
4-3 Tampa 2 > 2 Man Under
51 3.5 yds.
4-3 Tampa 2 > Cover 1
51 3.6 yds.
TEAM PROFILES
R2
R3
R4
R4
R5
R6
R7
Leodis McKelvin
CB / Troy
James Hardy
WR / Indiana
Chris Ellis
DE / Virginia Tech
Reggie Corner
CB / Akron
Derek Fine
TE / Kansas
Alvin Bowen
OLB / Iowa State
Xavier Omon
RB / NW Missouri St.
3 players chosen
OT / WR / CB
87
www.primagames.com
DENVER BRONCOS
BY THE NUMBERS
2007 SEASON
Overall:
Home Record:
Away Record:
vs. AFC West:
2008 SCHEDULE
PRESEASON
7-9
5-3
2-6
3-3
82
86
77
OVERALL RATING
OFFENSE RATING
At Houston Texans
Dallas Cowboys
Green Bay Packers
REGULAR SEASON
TEAM OVERVIEW
Season Outlook: The team has talent, but the scheme and coaching
staff are starting to show their age. Quarterback Jay Cutler could blossom
with more playmakers on offense, and the run defense needs to improve.
The Broncos in recent years have assembled lackluster draft classes, so
scouting efforts need to improve. Overall Player Grade: B
Redoing the 2008 Off-Season Advice: Continue to build the defensive
line as well as the offensive line. Consider using one of your higher draft
picks on a wide receiver.
2008 Notable Free Agency Moves: Lost Jason Elam (K) to the Falcons.
DEFENSE RATING
2009 Notable Free Agents: John Lynch (FS) (Note: Lynch may consider
retirement before 2009), Tom Nalen (C)
$57.4
At Oakland Raiders
San Diego Chargers
New Orleans Saints
6
7
Tampa Bay
Buccaneers
At New England
Patriots
Bye Week
Miami Dolphins
10
At Cleveland Browns
11
At Atlanta Falcons
12
Oakland Raiders
13
At New York Jets
14
Kansas City Chiefs
15
16
Buffalo Bills
17
At San Diego
Chargers
MILLION
HEAD COACH
79
73
65
MIKE SHANAHAN
Personality:
Commander
Difficulty: Medium
Overall Skill: 79
88
26 25 27
Head
Coach
OFF
DEF
ST
Coordinators
12
QB
19
11 11 18 16 9
RB
WR
OL
LB
DL
DB
T
Trainer
GM
The NFL logo has been updated for 2008: The eight stars represent the eight AFC and NFC divisions;
the football has been stylized to look more like the one atop the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

OFFENSE
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
DEFENSE
DE
DT
OLB MLB
CB
FS
SS
B+ B C+ B B+ F B A B+ B B- B+ D+ A D- A B+
TOP 2008 PICKS

R1

Offense: Shanahan Zone Block
Defense: Broncos Man Cover

Play
Success
Avg.
Singleback > P 91 Slam H Check 100 5.8 yds.
Singleback > P 92 Dive Z Corner 100 5.1 yds.
Singleback > Z Slip Screen
99 4.7 yds.
Singlebk. > Fake 98 Boot Lt Y Cross 97 6.8 yds.
I > Fake 98 Boot Left X Come
97 5.7 yds.
Gun > 322 Semi
95 4.3 yds.
Near > P 92 Y Flag
90 5.3 yds.

Play
Success
Avg.
Nickel > DBL Z Bracket
51 2.8 yds.
Dime > 2 Man Under
51 3.5 yds.
Dime > All Out Blitz
51 3.5 yds.
4-3 > 2 Deep
51 3.5 yds.
4-3 > 2 Man Under
50 3.6 yds.
4-3 > Broncos Base D
50 3.7 yds.
4-3 > Cover 1
49 3.9 yds.
TEAM PROFILES
R2
R4
R4
R5
R5
R6
R7
Ryan Clady
OT / Boise State
Eddie Royal
WR / Virginia Tech
Kory Lichtensteiger
OG / Bowling Green
Jack Williams
CB / Kent State
Ryan Torain
RB / Arizona State
Carlton Powell
DT / Virginia Tech
Spencer Larsen
OLB / Arizona
2 players chosen
S / FB
89
www.primagames.com
CLEVELAND BROWNS
BY THE NUMBERS
2007 SEASON
Overall:
Home Record:
Away Record:
vs. AFC North:
2008 SCHEDULE
PRESEASON
10-6
7-1
3-5
3-3
84
89
69
OVERALL RATING
OFFENSE RATING
Season Outlook: The Browns had a breakout season in 2007 and almost
earned a playoff spot. This young team has playmakers, a promising QB
in development, and a bright future. Overall Player Grade: B+
Redoing the 2008 Off-Season Advice: A cornerback should be your top
priority, followed closely by linebacker to augment depth for the teams
3-4 scheme. On offense, look for a dependable back-up for running back
Jamal Lewis.
2008 Notable Free Agency Moves: Signed Donte Stallworth (WR), Rex
Hadnot (RG). Re-signed Derek Anderson (QB).
2009 Notable Free Agents: Willie McGinest (LOLB)
$29.7
90
At Detroit Lions
Chicago Bears
Dallas Cowboys
Pittsburgh Steelers
At Baltimore Ravens
At Cincinnati Bengals
Bye Week
New York Giants
At Washington
Redskins
At Jacksonville
Jaguars
Baltimore Ravens
10
Denver Broncos
11
At Buffalo Bills
12
Houston Texans
13
Indianapolis Colts
14
At Tennessee Titans
16
17
MILLION
Personality: Stoic
Difficulty: Medium
Overall Skill: 52
At New York Giants
15
ROMEO CRENNEL
New York Jets
REGULAR SEASON
TEAM OVERVIEW
DEFENSE RATING
HEAD COACH
At Philadelphia
Eagles
Cincinnati Bengals
At Pittsburgh
Steelers
71
52 57
42
25 24
Head
Coach
OFF
DEF
ST
Coordinators
66 61
QB
RB
WR
OL
33
21 11 12
LB
DL
DB
T
Trainer
33
GM
One of the entertainment highlights at Super Bowl I was the

flight of a pair of jetpack-strapped men into the stadium.

OFFENSE
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
DEFENSE
DE
DT
OLB MLB
CB
FS
SS
B+ B B- B+ A B+ B B+ A- B B B+ B C B- B B
TOP 2008 PICKS

R4

Offense: Chudzinski Balanced
Defense: Browns Rush Passer

Play
Success
Avg.
I > 20 Draw
100 5.3 yds.
Singleback > Fake 38 Zone Z Cross 92 7.9 yds.
Strong > 23 Belly
80 3.9 yds.
Singleback > Zip 30 Dive
75 3.5 yds.
I > Boot Rt Y Pivot X Over
75 3.2 yds.
Strong > 470 Circle F Swing
72 3.1 yds.
Strong > 78 Y Option H Angle
72 3.0 yds.

Play
Success
Avg.
Nickel > FS Sam Crash
53 3.4 yds.
Nickel > SS Mike Cross
52 3.4 yds.
Nickel > Inside Zone Blitz
50 3.7 yds.
Nickel > Cover 2
50 3.7 yds.
Nickel > 2 Man Under
46 4.2 yds.
3-4 > Strike Spy 2
46 4.2 yds.
Nickel > Man QB Spy
45 4.4 yds.
TEAM PROFILES
R4
R6
R6
R7
Beau Bell
OLB / UNLV
Martin Rucker
TE / Missouri
Ahtyba Rubin
DT / Iowa State
Paul Hubbard
WR / Wisconsin
Alex Hall
DE / St. Augustine
91
www.primagames.com
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

BY THE NUMBERS
2007 SEASON
Overall:
Home Record:
Away Record:
vs. NFC South:
2008 SCHEDULE
PRESEASON
9-7
6-2
3-5
5-1
90
85
94
OVERALL RATING
OFFENSE RATING
At Miami Dolphins
At Houston Texans
REGULAR SEASON
TEAM OVERVIEW
Season Outlook: The team surprised many NFL experts by clinching

the NFC South last season. The running game needs to be revitalized,
and the aging defense needs fresh blood. However, overall the team and
coaching staff are both solid. Overall Player Grade: A
Draft Outlook: It probably wouldnt hurt to find a talented wideout who
can augment the veteran talent at that position. Top defensive needs are
at DT to shore up the middle and at CB to replace free agency losses.
2008 Notable Free Agency Moves: Signed Eugene Wilson (FS), Jeff
Faine (C), Warrick Dunn (RB). Unknown status for Jeremiah Trotter (MLB).
DEFENSE RATING
$43.7
At New Orleans
Saints
Atlanta Falcons
At Chicago Bears
Green Bay Packers
At Denver Broncos
Carolina Panthers
Seattle Seahawks
At Dallas Cowboys
10
Bye Week
11
Minneapolis Vikings
12
At Detroit Lions
13
New Orleans Saints
14
15
At Atlanta Falcons
16
San Diego Chargers
17
Oakland Raiders
MILLION
HEAD COACH
99
77 76
74
JON GRUDEN
Personality: Headliner
Difficulty: Medium
Overall Skill: 74
92
46
Head
Coach
OFF
53
34
DEF
ST
Coordinators
22
QB
39
5
RB
WR
OL
27
LB
DL
DB
14 21
T
Trainer
GM
NFL players can only wear tinted helmet visors or tinted

eye shields if approved by a doctor. Clear visors are optional.

OFFENSE
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
DEFENSE
DE
DT
OLB MLB
CB
FS
SS
A- B B- B+ B B C- B+ B B B A- B- B B- B B+
TOP 2008 PICKS

R1

Offense: Gruden West Coast
Defense: Tampa 2
Playbook Strength: Very Strong (60 plays)

Play
Success
Avg.
Strong > Fake 98 Boot Lt Y Cross 100 5.8 yds.
Singlebk. > Fake 91 Boot Rt Y Pivot 99 7.2 yds.
Gun > P 33 Bob X Dig
98 6.2 yds.
Split > 20 Z Corner H Flow
98 5.0 yds.
I Form > Fake 98 Boot Lt Y Cross 98 5.6 yds.
Singlebk. > Fake 63 Boot Rt U Cross 97 7.2 yds.
I Form > 22 Y Flag H Flare
96 4.8 yds.

Play
Success
Avg.
Nickel > Nickel 2
57 2.7 yds.
Dime > Bucs 2 DT Spy
51 3.6 yds.
4-3 > Base Cover 2
49 3.8 yds.
Nickel > Kiffin 2
49 3.9 yds.
4-3 > Cover 2 QB Spy
48 3.9 yds.
4-3 > 2 Stunt
48 3.9 yds.
Nickel > Dungy 2 Under Deep
48 3.9 yds.
TEAM PROFILES
R2
R3
R4
R5
R6
R7
Aqib Talib
CB / Kansas
Dexter Jackson
WR / Appalachian St.
Jeremy Zuttah
OG / Rutgers
Dre Moore
DT / Maryland
Josh Johnson
QB / San Diego
Geno Hayes
MLB / Florida State
Cory Boyd
RB / South Carolina
93
www.primagames.com
ARIZONA CARDINALS
BY THE NUMBERS
2007 SEASON
Overall:
Home Record:
Away Record:
vs. NFC West:
2008 SCHEDULE
PRESEASON
8-8
6-2
2-6
3-3
82
88
76
OVERALL RATING
OFFENSE RATING
New Orleans Saints
At Oakland Raiders
Denver Broncos
REGULAR SEASON
TEAM OVERVIEW
Season Outlook: The Cardinals started a new era in 2007 and showed
signs of life at times. Unanswered questions persist at quarterback and
on defense. The secondary unit is fairly solid. Overall Player Grade: B
Redoing the 2008 Off-Season Advice: Look for a young running back
who can deliver long-term consistency at that position. On defense, look
for another defensive end who can pass rush. Also consider adding depth
to the offensive line as well as at cornerback.
2008 Notable Free Agency Moves: Franchised Karlos Dansby (ROLB).
Unknown status for Mitch Berger (P).
DEFENSE RATING
2009 Notable Free Agents: Scott Player (P), Kurt Warner (QB)
2
3
$30.3
Miami Dolphins
At Washington
Redskins
At New York Jets
Buffalo Bills
Dallas Cowboys
Bye Week
At St. Louis Rams
10
San Francisco 49ers
11
At Seattle Seahawks
12
New York Giants

At Philadelphia
Eagles
14
St. Louis Rams
15
Minneapolis Vikings
16
MILLION
At San Francisco
49ers
13
HEAD COACH
17
At New England
Patriots
Seattle Seahawks
99
76
KEN WHISENHUNT
Personality: Loyalist
Difficulty: Hard
Overall Skill: 39
94
39
49
64
44
39
11
Head
Coach
OFF
DEF
ST
Coordinators
QB
RB
WR
OL
33
21 16 14
LB
DL
DB
T
Trainer
33
GM
Eight of the last 10 top NFL Draft picks (1998-2007)

were quarterbacks. The other two were defensive ends.

OFFENSE
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
DEFENSE
DE
DT
OLB MLB
CB
FS
SS
B B+ B B B- D+ B- B- A- C B B+ B C- B- A B
TOP 2008 PICKS

R1

Offense: Whisenhunt Power Run
Defense: Cardinals Blitz

Play
Success
Avg.
I > 92 Slant H Shoot
75 3.5 yds.
I > Jab 37 Kick
75 3.7 yds.
Gun > 52 Post X Under
74 10.0 yds.
I > Toss 38 G
73 3.6 yds.
I > 64 Post Y Dig
72 3.3 yds.
Gun > Z Slip Screen
72 2.8 yds.
I > 64 Exxon Z Post
71 3.4 yds.

Play
Success
Avg.
3-4 > Cover 3
62 2.2 yds.
3-4 > Weak Side Surprise
55 3.1 yds.
3-4 > Trio Whip Man
54 3.0 yds.
Nickel > Stunt Blitz
54 3.0 yds.
3-4 > Boom
53 3.4 yds.
4-3 > SS Snake Blitz
52 3.4 yds.
3-4 > Swoop Blitz
51 3.5 yds.
TEAM PROFILES
R2
R3
R4
R5
R6
R7
Dominique
Rodgers-Cromartie
CB / Tennessee State
Calais Campbell
DE / Miami
Early Doucet
WR / LSU
Kenny Iwebema
DE / Iowa
Tim Hightower
RB / Richmond
Chris Harrington
DE / Texas A&M
Brandon Keith
OT / Northern Iowa
95
www.primagames.com
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

BY THE NUMBERS
2007 SEASON
Overall:
Home Record:
Away Record:
vs. AFC West:
2008 SCHEDULE
PRESEASON
11-5
7-1
4-4
5-1
94
94
89
TEAM OVERVIEW
Carolina Panthers
At Denver Broncos
New York Jets
Draft Outlook: Other than a back-up running back, the team doesnt
have any truly pressing needs. You might want to consider adding depth
to the front lines by drafting an offensive or defensive tackle, or seek a
versatile player who can play either cornerback or safety.
At Oakland Raiders
At Miami Dolphins
At Buffalo Bills
2008 Notable Free Agency Moves: Lost Michael Turner (HB) to the
Falcons.
2009 Notable Free Agents: Nick Hardwick (C), Mike Goff (RG), Tony
Pape (LT)
At New Orleans
Saints
Bye Week
10
Kansas City Chiefs
11
At Pittsburgh
Steelers
12
Indianapolis Colts
13
Atlanta Falcons
14
Oakland Raiders
15
16
MILLION
17
At Tampa Bay
Buccaneers
Denver Broncos
83
96
At San Francisco
49ers
$25.7
Personality: Guru
Difficulty: Easy
Overall Skill: 49
Seattle Seahawks
NORV TURNER
At St. Louis Rams
REGULAR SEASON
Season Outlook: The Chargers stumbled out the gate last year but
rebounded and beat the Colts in the playoffs. This team is loaded with
talent. Overall Player Grade: A
DEFENSE RATING
HEAD COACH
Dallas Cowboys
OVERALL RATING
OFFENSE RATING
60 58
51
49
46
56
21
Head
Coach
OFF
92
79 82
16 14
DEF
ST
Coordinators
QB
RB
WR
OL
LB
DL
DB
T
Trainer
GM
According to NFL rules, a muff is defined as the touching of the football

by a player in an unsuccessful attempt to obtain possession of a loose ball.

OFFENSE
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
DEFENSE
DE
DT
OLB MLB
CB
FS
SS
A- A- D B A B- B+ A- A B+ B A C+ B- C+ C B
TOP 2008 PICKS

R1

Offense: Super Chargers Attack
Defense: Chargers Pass Rush

Play
Success
Avg.
Singleback > 89 Halfback Pass
100 8.1 yds.
Weak > Half Right 670 China
100 6.7 yds.
Weak > Scat Rt X Z Cross
100 6.3 yds.
Gun > Scram Rt 525 Backs Swing 100 5.8 yds.
Singleback > Scat Rt 519 Angle 100 5.6 yds.
I > Scat Rt 70 Y Option
100 5.6 yds.
Singleback > Rip Rt 215 Seam
100 5.4 yds.

Play
Success
Avg.
Attacking Nickel > SS Mike Cross 53 3.2 yds.
Attacking Dime > SS Mike Cross 53 3.2 yds.
Attacking 3-4 > Strike Spy 2
49 3.8 yds.
Attacking 3-4 > Strong Blitz
49 3.9 yds.
Attacking 3-4 > Cover 3
48 3.9 yds.
Attacking Nickel > SS Zone Blitz
48 3.9 yds.
Attack. Dime > Outside Zone Blitz 47 4.0 yds.
TEAM PROFILES
R3
R5
R6
R7
Antoine Cason
CB / Arizona
Jacob Hester
FB / LSU
Marcus Thomas
RB / Texas-El Paso
DeJuan Tribble
CB / Boston College
Corey Clark
OT / Texas A&M
97
www.primagames.com
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

BY THE NUMBERS
2007 SEASON
Overall:
Home Record:
Away Record:
vs. AFC West:
2008 SCHEDULE
PRESEASON
4-12
2-6
2-6
2-4
74
67
82
OVERALL RATING
OFFENSE RATING
At Chicago Bears
Arizona Cardinals
At Miami Dolphins
St. Louis Rams
REGULAR SEASON
TEAM OVERVIEW
Season Outlook: The team has a few superstars but not much talent
after that. The offensive line needs help, and the starting QB situation is
still up for grabs. Overall Player Grade: C+
At New England
Patriots
Oakland Raiders
At Atlanta Falcons
Redoing the 2008 Off-Season Advice: Rebuild the offensive line and
look for cornerbacks on defense. Consider a wideout with one of the
lower picks. If youre worried about RB health, a back-up halfback might
help ease the load on Larry Johnson.
Denver Broncos
Bye Week
Tennessee Titans
2008 Notable Free Agency Moves: Did not re-sign John Welbourn (RG).
Signed Demorrio Williams (ROLB). Unknown status for John Carney (K).
At New York Jets
DEFENSE RATING
2009 Notable Free Agents: Tony Gonzalez (TE), Rob Smith (C)
10
$61.4
Tampa Bay
Buccaneers
At San Diego
Chargers
11
New Orleans Saints
12
Buffalo Bills
13
At Oakland Raiders
14
At Denver Broncos
15
San Diego Chargers
16
Miami Dolphins
17
MILLION
HEAD COACH
HERMAN EDWARDS
Personality:
Super Star
Overall Skill: 41
98
41 36
Head
Coach
OFF
80
63 58 56
58
10 19 5
DEF
ST
Coordinators
QB
RB
WR
OL
30
23 1
LB
DL
DB
T
Trainer
GM
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Jan Stenerud was the

first kicker elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

OFFENSE
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
DEFENSE
DE
DT
OLB MLB
CB
FS
SS
B- B+ C+ C- B- F B C- B- C+ F B+ A A- C B- B+
TOP 2008 PICKS

R1

Offense: Chiefs Grind It Out
Defense: Chiefs Old School

Play
Success
Avg.
Strong I > Rip Rt 414 F Check
100 5.3 yds.
Singleback > Rip Rt 586 H Option 100 5.3 yds.
Singlebk. > Scram Rt 819 U Shake 100 4.4 yds.
Strong I > Fake 20 670 F Flat
94 7.3 yds.
Singlebk. > Scram Rt 709 H Swing 92 4.2 yds.
Gun > Fake 22 826 F Swing
91 4.5 yds.
Singlebk. > Fake 28 86 H Flat
90 4.7 yds.

Play
Success
Avg.
4-3 > Free Fire
53 3.3 yds.
Dime > Cover 2 Pinch
52 3.3 yds.
52 3.4 yds.
4-3 > Cover 2 Edge
52 3.4 yds.
4-3 > Cover 2 Buc
49 3.8 yds.
4-3 > Cover 3
48 4.0 yds.
Dime > Cover 2
48 3.9 yds.
TEAM PROFILES
R1
R2
R3
R3
R3
R4
Glenn Dorsey
DT / LSU
Branden Albert
OG / Virginia
Brandon Flowers
CB / Virginia Tech
Jamaal Charles
RB / Texas
Brad Cottam
TE / Tennessee
DaJuan Morgan
S / North Carolina St.
Will Franklin
WR / Missouri
5 players chosen
CB / OT / WR / DE / TE
R1 R1 R1
99
www.primagames.com
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
BY THE NUMBERS
2007 SEASON
Overall:
Home Record:
Away Record:
vs. AFC South:
2008 SCHEDULE
PRESEASON
13-3
6-2
7-1
5-1
96
97
97
OVERALL RATING
OFFENSE RATING
DEFENSE RATING
TEAM OVERVIEW
Season Outlook: This is a great team for beginners, given the great
coaching staff, wealth of talent, and solid playbooks. If the team can stay
healthy at key positions, the Colts are poised for yet another division title.
Overall Player Grade: A+
Redoing the 2008 Off-Season Advice: The Colts are rather thin at
linebacker and could benefit from more depth on the defensive line. On
offense, look for back-ups for both offensive tackle and running back. In
real life, the Colts didnt make any major moves in free agencyso you
probably dont have to either. Focus on the draft instead.
2008 Notable Free Agency Moves: Re-signed Josh Thomas (DE).
$35.9
Buffalo Bills
Cincinnati Bengals
REGULAR SEASON
1
Chicago Bears
At Minn. Vikings
Bye Week
At Houston Texans
Baltimore Ravens
At Tennessee Titans

At Pittsburgh
Steelers
11
Houston Texans
12
At S. Diego Chargers
13
At Cleveland Browns
14
Cincinnati Bengals
15
Detroit Lions
17
Tennessee Titans
99
89 92
71
85
99
90 88
TONY DUNGY
100
At Atlanta Falcons
At Jacksonville
Jaguars
99 99
Personality: Anchor
Difficulty: Easy
Overall Skill: 99
Special Skills:
12 of 44
16
MILLION
HEAD COACH
10
2009 Notable Free Agents: Jeff Saturday (C)
At Washington
Redskins
35
Head
Coach
OFF
DEF
ST
Coordinators
QB
RB
WR
OL
52
33
LB
DL
DB
T
Trainer
GM
The first sudden NFL overtime game took place in 1958

when the Baltimore Colts beat the New York Giants 23-17.

OFFENSE
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
DEFENSE
DE
DT
OLB MLB
CB
FS
SS
A+ B+ C+ A- C- B D+ B- A+ A B- C B+ B- B A A
TOP 2008 PICKS

R2

Offense: Tom Moore Pass Attack
Defense: Dungy Cover 2

Play
Success
Avg.
Gun > 505 X Post
100 6.2 yds.
Singleback > 210 X Clown
100 3.7 yds.
Singlebk. > 18 Pitch Halfback Pass 99 4.7 yds.
Gun > 505 Z Smash
96 5.6 yds.
Singleback > 210 Z Corner Y Flat 94 4.2 yds.
Singlebk. > F Right Hot Weak Flood 92 11.0 yds.
Singlebk. > 218 X Z Comeback
92 7.4 yds.

Play
Success
Avg.
D. Dime Cvr 2 > Bucs 2 Norm. Pinch 59 2.3 yds.
D. Nickel Cvr 2 > D. 2 Under Deep 54 3.2 yds.
Dungy 4-3 Cvr 2 > Bucs 2
53 3.3 yds.
Dungy 4-3 Cvr 2 > Cover 2 Edge 53 3.4 yds.
D. Nickel Cvr 2 > Cover 2 QB Spy 53 3.4 yds.
Dungy Dime Cvr 2 > Edge Buc 2 52 3.4 yds.
Dungy 4-3 Cvr 2 > CVR 2 Stunt
50 3.7 yds.
TEAM PROFILES
R3
R4
R5
R6
R6
R6
Mike Pollak
OT / Arizona State
Philip Wheeler
OLB / Georgia Tech
Jacob Tamme
TE / Kentucky
Marcus Howard
OLB / Georgia
Tom Santi
TE / Virginia
Steve Justice
C / Wake Forest
Mike Hart
RB / Michigan
2 players chosen
WR / OL
R2 R2
101
www.primagames.com
DALLAS COWBOYS
BY THE NUMBERS
2007 SEASON
Overall:
Home Record:
Away Record:
vs. NFC East:
2008 SCHEDULE
PRESEASON
13-3
6-2
7-1
5-1
94
96
91
OVERALL RATING
OFFENSE RATING
Season Outlook: Tony Romo came into his own, turning into a franchise
quarterback. The team has talent, great coaches and a strong playbook.
Overall Player Grade: A
Redoing the 2008 Off-Season Advice: Look for a running back and a
wide receiver on offense to add depth at both those positions, and build
more depth at cornerback on defense.
2008 Notable Free Agency Moves: Franchised Ken Hamlin (FS).
Signed Cory Lekkerkerker (LG), Zach Thomas (LB). Re-signed Marion
Barber (HB), Flozell Adams (LT).
2009 Notable Free Agents: Terrell Owens (WR), Zach Thomas (MLB)
Minneapolis Vikings
At Cleveland Browns
Philadelphia Eagles
Washington Redskins
Cincinnati Bengals
At St. Louis Rams

Tampa Bay
Buccaneers
At New York Giants
10
Bye Week
At Washington
Redskins
12
San Francisco 49ers
13
Seattle Seahawks
14
At Pittsburgh
Steelers
15
New York Giants
16
Baltimore Ravens
17
MILLION
At Philadelphia
Eagles
83
81
102
Houston Texans
11
$29.3
Personality: Guru
Difficulty: Very Easy
Overall Skill: 62
At Denver Broncos
WADE PHILLIPS
REGULAR SEASON
TEAM OVERVIEW
DEFENSE RATING
HEAD COACH
62
32 33 30 27
Head
Coach
OFF
DEF
ST
Coordinators
QB
66
78
45
RB
WR
OL
56
48
12
LB
DL
DB
T
Trainer
GM
The most recent number one NFL Draft pick whos also in
the Pro Football Hall of Fame: Troy Aikman (chosen in 1989).

OFFENSE
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
DEFENSE
DE
DT
OLB MLB
CB
FS
SS
B+ D+ C+ A- B- B B- B+ B+ B- B- B+ A B- B A A+
TOP 2008 PICKS

R1

Offense: Garrett Pass Attack
Defense: Phillips 3-4

Play
Success
Avg.
Singlebk. > Fake 20 Smash Z Pivot 100 4.8 yds.
Gun > 25 Power
100 4.2 yds.
Gun > Quick Scat Rt 496 H Opti 100 4.0 yds.
I > Flea Flicker
100 5.7 yds.
Near > 25 Counter
95 4.8 yds.
I > Fake 20 Lead Q Naked
94 2.8 yds.
Gun > Read Rt 426 Drag
93 6.3 yds.

Play
Success
Avg.
Dime > Cover 2
68 1.5 yds.
Dime > 2 Man Under
65 1.5 yds.
3-4 > SS Blitz
54 3.2 yds.
3-4 > Pinch
53 3.4 yds.
Dime > 3 Spy Blitz
52 3.5 yds.
3-4 > Strike Spy 2
50 3.6 yds.
3-4 > 2 Deep MLB Spy
49 3.8 yds.
TEAM PROFILES
R1
R2
R4
R5
R6
Felix Jones
RB / Arkansas
F Mike Jenkins
CB / South Florida
F Martellus Bennett
TE / Texas A&M
F Tashard Choice
RB / Georgia Tech
F Orlando Scandrick
CB / Boise State
F Erik Walden
DE / Middle
Tennessee State
103
www.primagames.com
MIAMI DOLPHINS
BY THE NUMBERS
2007 SEASON
Overall:
Home Record:
Away Record:
vs. AFC East:
2008 SCHEDULE
PRESEASON
1-15
1-7
0-8
0-6
68
65
72
2 At Jacksonville
Jaguars
OVERALL RATING
OFFENSE RATING
DEFENSE RATING
3
4
TEAM OVERVIEW
Season Outlook: Youll be starting from scratch with the Dolphins:
meager talent, new coaching staff and a weak playbook. Prepare yourself
for a big challenge. On the plus side: A relatively easier regular-season
schedule for 2008. Overall Player Grade: CRedoing the 2008 Off-Season Advice: The Dolphins have a long shopping list to take care of, but the most pressing need is the offensive line.
Use the teams first pick on the best OT available (Jake Long of Michigan). After that, look for a DE or DT, and then perhaps a WR.
2008 Notable Free Agency Moves: Lost Cory Lekkerkerker (LG) to the
Cowboys, Rex Hadnot (RG) to the Browns. Signed Josh McCown (QB).
$58.5
MILLION
HEAD COACH
104
Kansas City Chiefs

At New Orleans
Saints
REGULAR SEASON
1
New York Jets
At New England
Patriots
Bye Week
San Diego Chargers
At Houston Texans
Baltimore Ravens
Buffalo Bills
At Denver Broncos
10
Seattle Seahawks
11
Oakland Raiders
12
13
At St. Louis Rams
14
At Buffalo Bills
15
San Francisco 49ers
16
17
At New York Jets
60
58
TONY SPARANO
Personality: Captain
Overall Skill: 37
Tampa Bay
Buccaneers
37 34
Head
Coach
OFF
20
DEF
ST
Coordinators
10
QB
34
16 11
RB
WR
OL
27
54
37
LB
DL
DB
14
T
Trainer
GM
NFL coaches are reserved a special six-foot-wide walking area marked

by a yellow line that separates the field from the players benches.

OFFENSE
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
DEFENSE
DE
DT
OLB MLB
CB
FS
SS
B- B C- B- B- F F B- B+ B- B B- B+ C+ C+ B- F
TOP 2008 PICKS

R1

Offense: Sparano Balanced
Defense: Pasqualoni Pass Rush

Play
Success
Avg.
Singleback > Zip 20 Dive
74 3.5 yds.
Singleback > Scram Rt 549 H Swing 74 3.3 yds.
I > 24 Tight Zone
73 3.3 yds.
I > 28 Toss Sweep
73 3.2 yds.
Singleback > 28 Stretch
73 3.3 yds.
Gun > Fake 22 615 Post
73 3.3 yds.
Singleback > 25 G Toss
73 3.2 yds.

Play
Success
Avg.
Dime > Quarters Spy
52 3.3 yds.
Dime > Zone Blitz
50 3.6 yds.
3-4 > SS Blitz
50 3.6 yds.
3-4 > Pinch
49 3.8 yds.
Nickel > CB3 Blitz
47 4.0 yds.
3-4 > Sting Pinch 3
46 4.2 yds.
3-4 > 2 Man Under
46 4.2 yds.
TEAM PROFILES
R2
R2
R3
R4
R6
R6
Jake Long
OT / Michigan
Phillip Merling
DE / Clemson
Chad Henne
QB / Michigan
Kendall Langford
DT / Hampton
Shawn Murphy
OT / Utah State
Jalen Parmele
RB / Toledo
Donald Thomas
OG / Connecticut
2 players chosen
RB / DE
R6 R7
105
www.primagames.com
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
BY THE NUMBERS
2007 SEASON
Overall:
Home Record:
Away Record:
vs. NFC East:
2008 SCHEDULE
PRESEASON
8-8
3-5
5-3
2-4
86
86
88
2
3
OVERALL RATING
OFFENSE RATING
TEAM OVERVIEW
Season Outlook: The Eagles rebuilding effort is still a work in progress.
The team hasnt made inroads when it comes to upgrading talent. Overall
Player Grade: B+
Pla
Redoing the 2008 Off-Season Advice: Fix the depth at safety immediately; follow up with some new blood at DE opposite Trent Cole. On
offense, look for another WR and an OT to back-up some of your older
veterans at that spot.
2008 Notable Free Agency Moves: Signed Asante Samuel (CB). Resigned L.J. Smith (TE).
DEFENSE RATING
2009 Notable Free Agents: Brian Dawkins (FS), William Thomas (LT), Jon
Runyan (RT)
$40.1
HEAD COACH
Carolina Panthers
At New England
Patriots
New York Jets
REGULAR SEASON
1
St. Louis Rams
At Dallas Cowboys
Pittsburgh Steelers
At Chicago Bears
Washington Redskins
At San Francisco
49ers
Bye Week
Atlanta Falcons
At Seattle Seahawks
10
New York Giants
11
12
At Baltimore Ravens
13
Arizona Cardinals
14
At New York Giants
15
Cleveland Browns
16
MILLION
At Pittsburgh
Steelers
17
At Washington
Redskins
Dallas Cowboys
99
77
ANDY REID
Personality: Stoic
Difficulty: Medium
Overall Skill: 77
106
52
41
33
19
Head
Coach
OFF
DEF
ST
Coordinators
73
63
QB
48
RB
WR
OL
30
5 14
LB
DL
DB
T
Trainer
GM
Some people use the less-than-flattering term Mr. Irrelevant

to describe the final person chosen each year in the NFL Draft.

OFFENSE
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
DEFENSE
DE
DT
OLB MLB
CB
FS
SS
A A- B- B B+ B- B B A B- C+ B- C- A A- C+ B
TOP 2008 PICKS

R2

Offense: Reid All Passing
Defense: Jim Johnson Blitz

Play
Success
Avg.
I Form > Fake 93 Boot Rt X Deep C 97 6.4 yds.
I Form > 95 Counter
92 3.5 yds.
Singlebk. > 2 Jet Scat H Opt. (var.) 91 5.2 yds.
Singleback > 2 Jet Scat H Option 90 6.5 yds.
Singleback > 2 Jet Scat H Choice 90 6.1 yds.
I Form > P 94 Zone F Flat
89 4.3 yds.
Split > 320 Y Drag Z Follow
88 5.9 yds.

Play
Success
Avg.
Dime > Cover 3
74 0.7 yds.
4-3 > Double Z
55 3.1 yds.
4-3 > LOLB Blitz
52 3.5 yds.
4-3 > Storm Blitz
52 3.4 yds.
4-3 > OLB Fire Man
49 3.9 yds.
4-3 > Safety Blitz
49 3.8 yds.
4-3 > 3 Deep Eagle Swoop
49 3.8 yds.
TEAM PROFILES
R2
R3
R4
R4
R4
R6
Trevor Laws
DT / Notre Dame
DeSean Jackson
WR / California
Bryan Smith
OLB / McNeese State
Mike McGlynn
OT / Pittsburgh
Quintin Demps
FS / Texas-El Paso
Jack Ikegwuonu
CB / Wisconsin
Mike Gibson
OT / California
3 players chosen
ILB / OLB / OT
R6 R7
107
www.primagames.com
ATLANTA FALCONS
BY THE NUMBERS
2007 SEASON
Overall:
Home Record:
Away Record:
vs. NFC South:
2008 SCHEDULE
PRESEASON
4-12
3-5
1-7
1-5
69
67
70
OVERALL RATING
OFFENSE RATING
DEFENSE RATING
TEAM OVERVIEW
Indianapolis Colts
Tennessee Titans
At Baltimore Ravens
REGULAR SEASON
Season Outlook: The Falcons are desperate for talent and a beefed-up
playbook. This will be a multiseason project to turn this team around.
Overall Player Grade: CRedoing the 2008 Off-Season Advice: Whether through free agency (i.e.
Michael Turner of the Chargers) or the draft, you need another halfback
to develop the run game. Even more important is the need to find and
develop a franchise-reviving QB and an OT to boost the offensive line.
2008 Notable Free Agency Moves: Lost Demorrio Williams (ROLB) to
the Chiefs. Did not re-sign Morten Andersen. Signed Jason Elam (K),
Michael Turner (HB). Re-signed Michael Boley (LOLB).
1
2
MILLION
Detroit Lions
At Tampa Bay
Buccaneers
Kansas City Chiefs
Chicago Bears
Bye Week
At Philadelphia
Eagles
At Oakland Raiders
10
New Orleans Saints
11
Denver Broncos
12
Carolina Panthers
13
14
At N. Orleans Saints
15
$66.5
HEAD COACH
At Jacksonville
Jaguars
Tampa Bay
Buccaneers
16
At Minn. Vikings
17
St. Louis Rams
95
MIKE SMITH
Personality: Titan
Overall Skill: 36
108
75
63
36
Head
Coach
22 26
OFF
DEF
ST
Coordinators
56
32
QB
38
16 9
RB
WR
OL
LB
DL
DB
1
T
Trainer
GM
The Vince Lombardi Trophy is hand-crafted

each year by Tiffany & Co. out of sterling silver.

OFFENSE
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
DEFENSE
DE
DT
OLB MLB
CB
FS
SS
F B A- B C- F B- B+ A+ B+ B- B+ F C- B B+ B
TOP 2008 PICKS

R1

Offense: Mularkey Power Run
Defense: Smith Physical D

Play
Success
Avg.
Strong > 40 Power O
74 3.0 yds.
Strong > Fake Power 728 F Slide 70 2.8 yds.
I > 40 Gut
69 3.4 yds.
Singleback > 30 Gut
68 3.4 yds.
Singleback > 40 Gut
68 3.4 yds.
I > 80 G Toss
67 3.3 yds.
Strong > Read Rt 718 H Angle
66 2.3 yds.

Play
Success
Avg.
4-3 > Cover 1
49 3.8 yds.
4-3 > Man QB Spy
49 3.8 yds.
49 3.8 yds.
4-3 > 2 Man Under
47 4.0 yds.
4-3 > Trio Wham Lurk
46 4.2 yds.
Dime > Double Slot
45 4.3 yds.
4-3 > Thunder Smoke
45 4.3 yds.
TEAM PROFILES
R1
R2
R3
R3
R3
R5
Matt Ryan
QB / Boston College
Sam Baker
OT / Southern Cal
Curtis Lofton
LB / Oklahoma
Chevis Jackson
CB / LSU
Harry Douglas
WR / Louisville
Thomas DeCoud
FS / California
Robert James
OLB / Arizona State
4 players chosen
OLB / RB / CB / TE
R5 R6 R7
109
www.primagames.com
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

BY THE NUMBERS
2007 SEASON
Overall:
Home Record:
Away Record:
vs. NFC West:
2008 SCHEDULE
PRESEASON
5-11
3-5
2-6
3-3
70
66
72
OVERALL RATING
OFFENSE RATING
At Oakland Raiders
Green Bay Packers
At Chicago Bears
San Diego Chargers
REGULAR SEASON
TEAM OVERVIEW
Season Outlook: Besides Patrick Willis, Frank Gore and Nate Clements,
there isnt much talent on this roster. Build around those players to engineer a turnaround. Overall Player Grade: C
Arizona Cardinals
At Seattle Seahawks
Detroit Lions
Redoing the 2008 Off-Season Advice: With Mike Martz now calling the
shots on offense, expect the 49ers to open up the passing game. Youll
need speedy receivers to run Martzs plays and more talent on the offensive line to keep the QB protected. On defense, look to add youth at CB.
2008 Notable Free Agency Moves: Signed Isaac Bruce (WR), Justin
Smith (RE). Re-signed Billy Bajema (TE).
DEFENSE RATING
2009 Notable Free Agents: Isaac Bruce (WR)
$41.5
At New Orleans
Saints
Philadelphia Eagles
At New York Giants
Seattle Seahawks
Bye Week
10
11
St. Louis Rams
12
At Dallas Cowboys
13
At Buffalo Bills
14
New York Jets
15
At Miami Dolphins
16
At St. Louis Rams
17
Washington Redskins
MILLION
HEAD COACH
99
83
MIKE NOLAN
Personality: Promoter
Difficulty: Hard
Overall Skill: 34
110
34
Head
Coach
20
OFF
35 40
DEF
ST
Coordinators
QB
52
25
39
18
RB
WR
OL
35
14
14
LB
DL
DB
T
Trainer
GM
Super Bowl I is the only Super Bowl

to not sell out all of its stadium seats.

OFFENSE
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
DEFENSE
DE
DT
OLB MLB
CB
FS
SS
B- A- C+ B+ B+ B C- C- B+ B- F B- B B+ C+ B A-
TOP 2008 PICKS

R1

Offense: Martz Air Attack
Defense: Nolan 3-4

Play
Success
Avg.
Singleback > Scat Rt8 512 Hook 93 6.8 yds.
Singleback > Scat Rt Hook
93 7.0 yds.
Singleback > Liz Slot Post
91 7.7 yds.
Singleback > Fake Gut 864 Smash 91 6.0 yds.
Gun > Quick Read 239 Out
91 6.0 yds.
Gun > Liz Left Slot Cross
91 7.3 yds.
Singleback > 99 Halfback Screen Rt. 90 6.3 yds.

Play
Success
Avg.
3-4 > Pinch
55 3.0 yds.
3-4 > Over Blitz
53 3.3 yds.
5 DBs > 2 Man Under
52 3.5 yds.
3-4 > CB Dogs Blitz
51 3.6 yds.
3-4 > Double Man
50 3.6 yds.
3-4 > Double Man
50 3.7 yds.
5 DBs > LB Ram Dogs
50 3.7 yds.
TEAM PROFILES
R2
R3
R4
R6
R7
Kentwan Balmer
DE / North Carolina
Chilo Rachal
OG / Southern Cal
Reggie Smith
DB / Oklahoma
Cody Wallace
OL / Texas A&M
Josh Morgan
WR / Virginia Tech
Larry Grant
OLB / Ohio State
111
www.primagames.com
NEW YORK GIANTS

BY THE NUMBERS
2007 SEASON
Overall:
Home Record:
Away Record:
vs. NFC East:
2008 SCHEDULE
PRESEASON
10-6
3-5
7-1
3-3
93
90
95
OVERALL RATING
OFFENSE RATING
DEFENSE RATING
Season Outlook: The Giants came alive in the playoffs and stunned the
Patriots to win the Super Bowl. Despite that feat, doubts remain about QB
Eli Manning and some of the coaching staff. Overall Player Grade: A
Redoing the 2008 Off-Season Advice: OLB is probably the biggest hole
you need to fill, followed closely by S. The WR corps is still talented but
getting older, so fresh legs will eventually be needed at wideout.
2008 Notable Free Agency Moves: Lost Kawika Mitchell (ROLB) to the
Bills. Did not re-sign Zach Piller (LG). Re-signed Lawrence Tynes (K).
2009 Notable Free Agents: Michael Strahan (LElikely to retire in the
game, actually retired in 2008), Shaun OHara (C)
At New York Jets
Washington Redskins
At St. Louis Rams
Cincinnati Bengals
Bye Week
Seattle Seahawks
At Cleveland Browns
San Francisco 49ers
10
At Pittsburgh
Steelers
Dallas Cowboys
At Philadelphia
Eagles
11
Baltimore Ravens
12
13
At Washington
Redskins
14
Philadelphia Eagles
15
At Dallas Cowboys
16
Carolina Panthers
17
MILLION
At Minneapolis
Vikings
83
93
67
TOM COUGHLIN
112
Cleveland Browns
$30.7
Personality:
Commander
Difficulty: Hard
Overall Skill: 83
At Detroit Lions
REGULAR SEASON
TEAM OVERVIEW
HEAD COACH
66
33 38
Head
Coach
OFF
DEF
ST
Coordinators
QB
91
83
63
55
28
RB
WR
OL
36
14
LB
DL
DB
T
Trainer
GM
Each NFL game ball is known as The Duke, in honor of

New York Giants football legend Wellington Duke Mara.

OFFENSE
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
DEFENSE
DE
DT
OLB MLB
CB
FS
SS
B B C+ B+ A B B B+ B A- B B- B+ B D- B- B-
TOP 2008 PICKS

R1

Offense: Gilbride Old School
Defense: Spagnuolo Pressure

Play
Success
Avg.
Singlebk. > Ride 138 Curl T Deep Cro 100 14.0 yds.
I > 40 H Draw
93 4.6 yds.
I > H Out 72 Flood Z Cross
77 3.5 yds.
Gun > 62 Comeback Y In
76 3.4 yds.
Singleback > 76 Firm Diagonal Go 75 3.3 yds.
Gun > 72 X Slant Hook
74 3.2 yds.
Gun > 72 X Drag Y Post
74 4.0 yds.

Play
Success
Avg.
Pressure 4-3 > Safety Blitz
49 3.8 yds.
Pressure 4-3 > Mike Fire
49 3.8 yds.
Pressure 4-3 > SS Blitz
49 3.9 yds.
Pressure 4-3 > Under Ram Buck 49 3.9 yds.
Pressure 4-3 > Sam Blitz
49 3.9 yds.
Pressure 4-3 > Edge Sting
48 4.0 yds.
Pressure 4-3 > Free Fire
47 5.2 yds.
TEAM PROFILES
R2
R3
R4
R5
R6
R6
Kenny Phillips
FS / Miami
Terrell Thomas
CB / Southern Cal
Mario Manningham
WR / Michigan
Bryan Kehl
OLB / BYU
Jonathan Goff
LB / Vanderbilt
Andr Woodson
QB / Kentucky
Robert Henderson
DE / Southern Miss
113
www.primagames.com
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
BY THE NUMBERS
2007 SEASON
Overall:
Home Record:
Away Record:
vs. AFC South:
2008 SCHEDULE
PRESEASON
11-5
6-2
5-3
2-4
92
89
95
DEFENSE RATING
Atlanta Falcons
Miami Dolphins
OVERALL RATING
OFFENSE RATING
TEAM OVERVIEW
Season Outlook: The Jaguars are a solid and physical team with an imposing defense and reliable running game. Overall Player Grade: A
Redoing the 2008 Off-Season Advice: The Jaguars really need to find
a dominant pass rusher at defensive tackle as well as defensive end.
The team is also thin at safety. On offense, the Jaguars should look for a
younger center. In real life, some argue that the team traded too much to
the Ravens to get their first-round slot.
2008 Notable Free Agency Moves: Signed Drayton Florence (CB),
Pierson Prioleau (FS), Jimmy Kennedy (DT), Jerry Porter (WR). Re-signed
Maurice Williams (RG).
2009 Notable Free Agents: Fred Taylor (HB), David Gerrard (QB)
$33.1
At Tampa Bay
Buccaneers
At Washington
Redskins
REGULAR SEASON
1
At Tennessee Titans
Buffalo Bills
Houston Texans
Pittsburgh Steelers
At Denver Broncos
Bye Week
Cleveland Browns
10
At Detroit Lions
11
Tennessee Titans
12
Minneapolis Vikings
13
At Houston Texans
14
At Chicago Bears
15
Green Bay Packers
16
Indianapolis Colts
17
At Baltimore Ravens
MILLION
HEAD COACH
78
67
JACK DEL RIO
Personality:
Super Star
Difficulty: Easy
Overall Skill: 67
114
43
72
62 66
59
42
20
Head
Coach
OFF
DEF
ST
Coordinators
56
QB
RB
WR
OL
65
35
1
LB
DL
DB
T
Trainer
GM
All numbers on an NFL football field

must be six feet tall and four feet wide.

OFFENSE
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
DEFENSE
DE
DT
OLB MLB
CB
FS
SS
B B+ B B- B B- B+ B+ B+ C- B+ B B+ B B B- B-
TOP 2008 PICKS

R1

Offense: Koetter Ball Control
Defense: Jags Physical D

Play
Success
Avg.
I > 317 Naked Y Pivot
78 3.3 yds.
Strong > 35 Counter
78 3.4 yds.
Strong > 317 Naked Z Comeback 77 3.3 yds.
I > 34 Counter
77 3.3 yds.
Strong > 34 Counter
77 3.2 yds.
Strong > 18 Stretch
76 3.2 yds.
Singleback > 73 Under A Seam
75 4.0 yds.

Play
Success
Avg.
Dime > Cover 2
56 3.0 yds.
Nickel > 2 Man Under S Back
53 3.3 yds.
4-3 > Cover 1
52 3.5 yds.
52 3.5 yds.
4-3 > Double Z
51 3.6 yds.
4-3 > Safety Blitz
49 3.9 yds.
4-3 > DBL TE Bracket
48 3.9 yds.
TEAM PROFILES
R2
R5
R5
R7
Derrick Harvey
DE / Florida
Quentin Groves
DE / Auburn
Thomas Williams
OLB / Southern Cal
Trae Williams
CB / South Florida
Chauncey
Washington
RB / Southern Cal
115
www.primagames.com
NEW YORK JETS

BY THE NUMBERS
2007 SEASON
Overall:
Home Record:
Away Record:
vs. AFC East:
2008 SCHEDULE
PRESEASON
4-12
3-5
1-7
2-4
76
74
78
At Cleveland Browns
Washington Redskins
New York Giants
OVERALL RATING
OFFENSE RATING
TEAM OVERVIEW
REGULAR SEASON
Season Outlook: The Jets floundered last season. A respectable pass

defense masked a horrid run defense. Consistency at QB remains a major
question mark going into training camp. Overall Player Grade: BRedoing the 2008 Off-Season Advice: Production levels at RB need to
improve, so new faces at that position should be a top priority. Follow
that with a WR. On defense, the Jets need to find a prospect flexible
enough to line up as an LB or DE.
2008 Notable Free Agency Moves: Signed Alan Faneca (LG), Bubba
Franks (TE), Tony Richardson (FB), Calvin Pace (LB).
DEFENSE RATING
2009 Notable Free Agents: Kerry Rhodes (SS)
At Miami Dolphins
Arizona Cardinals
Bye Week
Cincinnati Bengals
At Oakland Raiders
Kansas City Chiefs
At Buffalo Bills
10
St. Louis Rams
11
MILLION
ERIC MANGINI
Personality: Stoic
Overall Skill: 44
116
At New England
Patriots
12
At Tennessee Titans
13
Denver Broncos
14
$27.0
At San Diego
Chargers
HEAD COACH
At Philadelphia
Eagles
At San Francisco
49ers
15
Buffalo Bills
16
At Seattle Seahawks
17
Miami Dolphins
44
Head
Coach
62
35
OFF
17 4 23
DEF
ST
Coordinators
QB
29
60
47
5
RB
WR
OL
13 1 14
LB
DL
DB
T
Trainer
GM
Although its never seen in todays games, NFL rules still allow the use of a drop kick, which
is when a kicker drops the ball and kicks it as (or immediately after) it touches the ground.

OFFENSE
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
DEFENSE
DE
DT
OLB MLB
CB
FS
SS
B B+ B+ A- B- B- B A- B+ B- A- C B B- D+ A- B+
TOP 2008 PICKS

R1

Offense: Shottenheimer Attack
Defense: Jets 3-4

Play
Success
Avg.
Singlebk. > Qk. Read Rt 202 Shoot 100 5.4 yds.
Gun > Scram Rt 870 Hitch
100 4.9 yds.
Gun > Flood Rt 562 Seam
100 5.5 yds.
Gun > Liz Rt 628 Wheel
98 8.7 yds.
Singleback > Flood Rt 424 Flat
97 4.7 yds.
Singlebk. > Fake 50 Counter 86 Switc. 93 5.6 yds.
92 6.0 yds.

Play
Success
Avg.
3-4 > Stud Fire Spy
53 3.3 yds.
Nickel > Double Z
52 3.4 yds.
3-4 > Pats Blitz
51 3.5 yds.
3-4 > OLB Swoop
49 3.8 yds.
3-4 > SS Swarm
49 3.8 yds.
3-4 > Line Pinch
48 3.9 yds.
3-4 > Edge
48 4.0 yds.
TEAM PROFILES
R1
R4
R5
R6
R7
Vernon Gholston
DE / Ohio State
Dustin Keller
TE / Purdue
Dwight Lowery
CB / San Jose State
Erik Ainge
QB / Tennessee
Marcus Henry
WR / Kansas
Nate Garner
OT / Arkansas
117
www.primagames.com
DETROIT LIONS
BY THE NUMBERS
2007 SEASON
Overall:
Home Record:
Away Record:
vs. NFC North:
2008 SCHEDULE
PRESEASON
7-9
5-3
2-6
3-3
73
77
67
OVERALL RATING
OFFENSE RATING
New York Giants
Cleveland Browns
At Buffalo Bills
REGULAR SEASON
TEAM OVERVIEW
Season Outlook: The team has weapons on offense, notably at WR, but
their defense is the teams Achilles heel. The playbook probably needs a
tune-up as well. Overall Player Grade: C+
Redoing the 2008 Off-Season Advice: The Lions need to rediscover the
glory days with Barry Sanders and find a franchise running back. The right
side of the offensive line also needs new talent to improve pass protection. On defense, the Lions need to upgrade at DT, LB and CB.
2008 Notable Free Agency Moves: Signed Brian Kelly (CB), Travis Fisher
(CB). Did not re-sign Ben Noll (RG).
DEFENSE RATING
2009 Notable Free Agents: Jason Hanson (K), Shaun McDonald (WR)
At Atlanta Falcons
Green Bay Packers
Bye Week
Chicago Bears
$53.3
At Minneapolis
Vikings
At Houston Texans
Washington Redskins
At Chicago Bears
10
11
12
At San Francisco
49ers
Tampa Bay
Buccaneers
13
Tennessee Titans
14
Minneapolis Vikings
15
16
New Orleans Saints
17
MILLION
HEAD COACH
64
ROD MARINELLI
Personality:
Traditionalist
Difficulty: Hard
Overall Skill: 32
118
32 29 31 28
Head
Coach
OFF
DEF
ST
Coordinators
7
QB
10
25
RB
WR
OL
13 20 5 14 18
LB
DL
DB
T
Trainer
GM
The 1950 NFL draft was filled with players with colorful nicknames
such as Muscles, Snakey, Dopey and Choo-Choo.

OFFENSE
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
DEFENSE
DE
DT
OLB MLB
CB
FS
SS
B F F A- B- F C+ B A B- B B F B B- B B+
TOP 2008 PICKS

R1

Offense: Lions Ball Control
Defense: Lions Cover 2

Play
Success
Avg.
Shotgun > 414 H Circle
100 3.4 yds.
I > Fake Dive 768 F Out
96 6.7 yds.
Strong > Read Rt 97 X Drag
95 9.3 yds.
Strong > Scram Rt 384 F Circle
94 5.9 yds.
Singleback > Zip 692 Seam
94 4.2 yds.
I > Fake Dive 683 H Check
93 5.5 yds.
Singleback > Flood Rt 787 Seam 89 8.2 yds.

Play
Success
Avg.
Dime > Bucs 2 Eye
55 2.8 yds.
54 3.1 yds.
4-3 > Cover 2 Storm
51 3.5 yds.
4-3 > Bucs 2
50 3.2 yds.
4-3 > Bucs 2 Line Pinch
49 3.8 yds.
4-3 > Under 2
48 3.9 yds.
Nickel > Kiffin 2
48 4.0 yds.
TEAM PROFILES
R2
R3
R3
R3
R5
R5
R7
Gosder Cherilus
OT / Boston College
Jordon Dizon
OLB / Colorado
Kevin Smith
RB / Central Florida
Andre Fluellen
DT / Florida State
Cliff Avril
OLB / Purdue
Kenneth Moore
WR / Wake Forest
Jerome Felton
FB / Furman
2 players chosen
DE / S
119
www.primagames.com
GREEN BAY PACKERS

BY THE NUMBERS
2007 SEASON
Overall:
Home Record:
Away Record:
vs. NFC North:
2008 SCHEDULE
PRESEASON
13-3
7-1
6-2
4-2
95
96
93
1
2
OVERALL RATING
OFFENSE RATING
TEAM OVERVIEW
Redoing the 2008 Off-Season Advice: Quarterback depth needs to be

fixed due to Favres departure, and on offense, positions of need include
a tight end and a young tackle. On defense, the teams CBs are accomplished veterans but are getting older.
2008 Notable Free Agency Moves: Re-signed Atari Bigby (S).
2009 Notable Free Agents: Ryan Grant (HB)
At Denver Broncos
Tennessee Titans
Minneapolis Vikings
At Detroit Lions
Dallas Cowboys
Atlanta Falcons
At Seattle Seahawks
Indianapolis Colts
Bye Week
At Tennessee Titans
11
12
At Minneapolis
Vikings
Chicago Bears
At New Orleans
Saints
13
Carolina Panthers
14
Houston Texans
15
MILLION
At Tampa Bay
Buccaneers
10
$37.1
At Jacksonville
Jaguars
16
At Chicago Bears
17
Detroit Lions
74
70
MIKE MCCARTHY
120
Difficulty: Medium
Overall Skill: 70
At San Francisco
49ers
REGULAR SEASON
Season Outlook: Obviously, Brett Favres retirement raises questions

at not just quarterback, but also how the teams offensive scheme may
change. Regardless, the run game needs consistency to help open up the
passing game. Overall Player Grade: A+
DEFENSE RATING
HEAD COACH
Cincinnati Bengals
46 46 41
Head
Coach
OFF
DEF
ST
Coordinators
61
38 31
30
QB
RB
WR
OL
45 40
35
12
LB
DL
DB
T
Trainer
GM
The practice of having teams draft in reverse order of

their win-loss records first took full effect starting in 1959.

OFFENSE
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
DEFENSE
DE
DT
OLB MLB
CB
FS
SS
C- C+ F B+ D+ B- C B B A- B- B B A- B- C- B+
TOP 2008 PICKS

R2

Offense: McCarthy West Coast
Defense: Packers 4 Across

Play
Success
Avg.
100 8.0 yds.
I Form > Fake 93 Boot Rt X Deep C 100 6.8 yds.
I Form > Fake 98 Boot Left X Come 100 6.3 yds.
Gun > P 45 Base Z Drag
100 4.7 yds.
Singlebk. > P 98 Stretch X Z Curl 100 3.9 yds.
Full House > Max Protect
100 3.5 yds.
Full House > Flares
100 3.5 yds.

Play
Success
Avg.
Nickel > Cover 1
69 1.3 yds.
4-3 > Man Cover
56 2.9 yds.
50 3.0 yds.
Dime > Cover 1
48 3.9 yds.
4-3 > 4 Deep Quarters
48 3.9 yds.
4-3 > Cover 1
48 3.9 yds.
Dime > Quarters Man
48 4.0 yds.
TEAM PROFILES
R2
R2
R3
R4
R4
R5
R7
Jordy Nelson
WR / Kansas State
Brian Brohm
QB / Louisville
Patrick Lee
DB / Auburn
Jermichael Finley
TE / Texas
Jeremy Thompson
DE / Wake Forest
Josh Sitton
OT / Central Florida
Breno Giacomini
OT / Louisville
2 players chosen
QB / WR
121
www.primagames.com
CAROLINA PANTHERS
BY THE NUMBERS
2007 SEASON
Overall:
Home Record:
Away Record:
vs. NFC South:
2008 SCHEDULE
PRESEASON
7-9
2-6
5-3
3-3
80
75
84
1
2
OVERALL RATING
OFFENSE RATING
TEAM OVERVIEW
Season Outlook: Focus on fixing the playbook and revamping a defensive line that ranked last in the NFC in sacks. Some believe the Panthers
will try to establish a power run game. Overall Player Grade: B
Redoing the 2008 Off-Season Advice: Bulk up the offensive line with a
solid tackle. If you buy the power-run philosophy, complement that OT
with an RB. On defense, the team is getting older at DE and MLB.
DEFENSE RATING
2009 Notable Free Agents: John Kasay (K), Julius Peppers (LE)
HEAD COACH
Chicago Bears
At Minn. Vikings
Atlanta Falcons
Kansas City Chiefs
Overall Skill: 44
122
At Tampa Bay
Buccaneers
New Orleans Saints
Arizona Cardinals
Bye Week
10
At Oakland Raiders
11
Detroit Lions
12
At Atlanta Falcons
13

Tampa Bay
Buccaneers
15
Denver Broncos
16
At New York Giants
17
At N. Orleans Saints
84
JOHN FOX
At Pittsburgh
Steelers
MILLION
Washington Redskins
14
$49.6
At Philadelphia
Eagles
REGULAR SEASON
2008 Notable Free Agency Moves: Franchised Jordan Gross (RT).

Signed Toniu Fonoti (LG), D.J. Hackett (WR), Muhsin Muhammad (WR),
Landon Johnson (LB).
Indianapolis Colts
44
44
25
Head
Coach
OFF
25 20
DEF
ST
Coordinators
QB
33
74
42
51
1 19
13
RB
WR
OL
LB
DL
DB
T
Trainer
GM
During the 1960s, a common practice by teams was to keep prized prospects hidden in
hotel rooms until they were drafted to ensure that they wouldnt be drafted by someone else.

OFFENSE
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
DEFENSE
DE
DT
OLB MLB
CB
FS
SS
B D+ B- A C+ F C B- A A- B- B D- B C C+ B+
TOP 2008 PICKS

R1

Offense: Davidson Balanced
Defense: Panthers Pass Rush

Play
Success
Avg.
I > Slant 24 Zone
78 2.9 yds.
Gun > 10 QB Draw
78 2.3 yds.
Near > Jab 37 Counter
72 3.3 yds.
I > 54 Drive Y Post
72 3.1 yds.
Gun > 74 Flood
72 3.1 yds.
Zero > 45 Exxon Z Post
71 3.1 yds.
Zero > 92 Drag Slant
71 3.1 yds.

Play
Success
Avg.
Dime > Cover 3
69 0.4 yds.
Nickel > Strong Zone
61 2.3 yds.
Nickel > Cover 2
58 5.9 yds.
4-3 > Free Fire
55 3.1 yds.
4-3 > Double X
53 3.3 yds.
4-3 > Buzz Weak
52 3.5 yds.
4-3 > Cover 1
52 3.5 yds.
TEAM PROFILES
R1
R3
R3
R5
R6
R7
R7
Jonathan Stewart
RB / Oregon
Jeff Otah
OT / Pittsburgh
Charles Godfrey
CB / Iowa
Dan Connor
OLB / Penn State
Gary Barnidge
TE / Louisville
Nick Hayden
DT / Wisconsin
Hilee Taylor
OLB / North Carolina
2 players chosen
OL / OG
123
www.primagames.com
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

BY THE NUMBERS
2007 SEASON
Overall:
Home Record:
Away Record:
vs. AFC East:
2008 SCHEDULE
PRESEASON
16-0
8-0
8-0
6-0
99
99
97
1
2
OVERALL RATING
OFFENSE RATING
DEFENSE RATING
TEAM OVERVIEW
Baltimore Ravens
At Tampa Bay
Buccaneers
Philadelphia Eagles
At New York Giants
REGULAR SEASON
Season Outlook: This team has elite coaching, top-notch talent, and an
impressive playbookjust avoid injuries. Overall Player Grade: A+
Redoing the 2008 Off-Season Advice: The word need is a relative
thing with the Patriots, but you should consider free agency, the draft
(or both) to find new CBs and a safety for the secondary. The linebacker
corps is getting older, so that position will eventually need to be addressed as well. Finally, boost depth along the offensive line.
2008 Notable Free Agency Moves: Lost Eugene Wilson (FS) to the Buccaneers, Donte Stallworth (WR) to the Browns, Asante Samuel (CB) to the
Eagles. Re-signed Randy Moss (WR).
2009 Notable Free Agents: Mike Vrabel (LOLB)
$38.6
Kansas City Chiefs
At New York Jets
Miami Dolphins
Bye Week
At San Francisco
49ers
At San Diego
Chargers
Denver Broncos
St. Louis Rams
10
Buffalo Bills
11
New York Jets
12
At Miami Dolphins
13
Pittsburgh Steelers
14
At Seattle Seahawks
15
At Oakland Raiders
16
Arizona Cardinals
17
At Buffalo Bills
MILLION
HEAD COACH
99 95
124
61
52 53
HAL OPHAMER
Personality:
Commander
Difficulty: Very Easy
Overall Skill: 99
85
OFF
DEF
ST
Coordinators
70 77
40
13
Head
Coach
99
QB
RB
WR
OL
21
LB
DL
DB
T
Trainer
GM
NFL veterans have a Thanksgiving tradition: Tricking rookies into going

to a local business to pick up free turkeys that arent really available.

OFFENSE
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
DEFENSE
DE
DT
OLB MLB
CB
FS
SS
A+ B+ A A A- B B B B+ A B B D+ B C A F
TOP 2008 PICKS

R1

Offense: Patriots Air Strike
Defense: Patriots Pressure

Play
Success
Avg.
Gun > 74 Z Spot Y Flag
95 7.3 yds.
Gun > 52 Curl Z Choice
92 7.0 yds.
Gun > 74 Comeback Y Return
92 6.9 yds.
Gun > 74 Buffalo F OKie
91 6.9 yds.
Zero > 72 Mesh H Angle
90 6.3 yds.
Zero > 92 Slant
88 5.5 yds.
Zero > 72 Z Choice X Flag
87 5.8 yds.

Play
Success
Avg.
5 DBs > Cover 2
72 -1.0 yds.
5 DBs > Cover 3 Flat
55 3.1 yds.
5 DBs > Under 7 Slice
54 3.2 yds.
5 DBs > LB Contain
54 3.2 yds.
5 DBs > Slant FS Storm
53 3.3 yds.
5 DBs > 3 Overload Fire
50 3.5 yds.
3-4 > Flash Blitz
50 3.7 yds.
TEAM PROFILES
R2
R3
R3
R4
R5
R6
Jerod Mayo
OLB / Tennessee
Terrence Wheatley
CB / Colorado
Shawn Crable
OLB / Michigan
Kevin OConnell
QB / San Diego State
Jonathan Wilhite
CB / Auburn
Matt Slater
WR / UCLA
Bo Ruud
OLB / Nebraska
125
www.primagames.com
OAKLAND RAIDERS
BY THE NUMBERS
2007 SEASON
Overall:
Home Record:
Away Record:
vs. NFC North:
2008 SCHEDULE
PRESEASON
7-9
4-4
3-5
2-4
72
71
74
OVERALL RATING
OFFENSE RATING
DEFENSE RATING
San Francisco 49ers
At Tennessee Titans
Arizona Cardinals
At Seattle Seahawks
REGULAR SEASON
TEAM OVERVIEW
Season Outlook: Despite some talent on defense, this team is still a work
in progress. The offense and playbook need immediate help. For those
starting in the pre-season, itll be interesting to see how Darren McFadden will impact the offensive scheme. Overall Player Grade: C
Redoing the 2008 Off-Season Advice: The team needs a speedy WR to
stretch the field vertically and an RB to revitalize the run gamegrab the
best player available at either position with your first draft pick. If you do
go with an RB, look next to build up your offensive line.
2008 Notable Free Agency Moves: Did not re-sign Daunte Culpepper
(QB). Franchised Nnamdi Asomugha (CB). Signed Gibril Wilson (S).
2009 Notable Free Agents: Shane Lechler (P), Mark Wilson (RT)
Denver Broncos
At Buffalo Bills
San Diego Chargers
Bye Week
New York Jets
At Baltimore Ravens
Atlanta Falcons
10
Carolina Panthers
11
At Miami Dolphins
12
At Denver Broncos
13
Kansas City Chiefs
14
$32.9
At New Orleans
Saints
At San Diego
Chargers
15
16
Houston Texans
17
At Tampa Bay
Buccaneers
MILLION
HEAD COACH
86
61
LANE KIFFIN
Personality: Analyst
Difficulty: Hard
Overall Skill: 26
126
26
Head
Coach
71
67
35
OFF
DEF
ST
Coordinators
QB
RB
WR
OL
63 56
35
LB
DL
DB
28
T
Trainer
GM
When the Oakland Raiders drafted defensive tackle Richard Sligh in 1967,
he became the tallest person ever (at seven feet) to play in the NFL.

OFFENSE
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
DEFENSE
DE
DT
OLB MLB
CB
FS
SS
B F B+ B+ B- B- B- B B+ B B B- B+ B+ B B A+
TOP 2008 PICKS

R1

Offense: Kiffin Pass Attack
Defense: Raiders Rover

Play
Success
Avg.
Singleback > Boot Rt 819 U Cross 100 6.4 yds.
Singleback > Fake 20 884 Corner 96 6.9 yds.
95 5.6 yds.
Weak > Fake Lead 568 H Check
90 4.8 yds.
Singleback > 80 Power Toss
88 3.5 yds.
Singleback > 50 Counter
87 4.2 yds.
Singleback > Sprint Rt 979 Pivot 87 8.3 yds.

Play
Success
Avg.
53 3.4 yds.
4-3 > LOLB Blitz
51 3.6 yds.
4-3 > Under Ram Buck
51 3.6 yds.
4-3 > Hog Buck 3
50 3.7 yds.
4-3 > Slant 1 OLB Fire
49 3.8 yds.
Raiders Rover > Double X
49 3.9 yds.
Raiders Rover > FS Blitz
48 4.0 yds.
TEAM PROFILES
R4
R4
R6
R7
Darren McFadden
RB / Arkansas
Tyvon Branch
CB / Connecticut
Arman Shields
WR / Richmond
Trevor Scott
DE / Buffalo
Chaz Schilens
WR / San Diego State
127
www.primagames.com
ST. LOUIS RAMS

BY THE NUMBERS
2007 SEASON
Overall:
Home Record:
Away Record:
vs. NFC West:
2008 SCHEDULE
PRESEASON
3-13
1-7
2-6
1-5
74
84
70
OVERALL RATING
OFFENSE RATING
DEFENSE RATING
Redoing the 2008 Off-Season Advice: You have lots of options to look
at here. If you think the offensive line can stay healthy, look to focus
your search on a DE or DT first, then a back-up LB. If not, then look for a
starter-ready replacement at offensive tackle or guard.
2008 Notable Free Agency Moves: Re-signed Adam Goldberg (RT) and
Brett Romberg (C). Signed Josh Brown (K), Jacob Bell, (LG), Trent Green
(QB). Unknown status for O.J. Atogwe (FS).
2009 Notable Free Agents: Steven Jackson (HB)
Baltimore Ravens
At Philadelphia
Eagles
New York Giants
At Seattle Seahawks
Buffalo Bills
Bye Week
7
8
At Washington
Redskins
Dallas Cowboys
At New England
Patriots
Arizona Cardinals
10
At New York Jets
11
MILLION
At San Francisco
49ers
12
Chicago Bears
13
Miami Dolphins
14
15
Seattle Seahawks
16
San Francisco 49ers
17
At Atlanta Falcons
83
SCOTT LINEHAN
128
San Diego Chargers
Season Outlook: Injuries really hammered the Rams last season. Keep
your players healthy and spice up the playbook. The team is starting to
show its age at some positions, such as WR. Overall Player Grade: C+
$42.5
Personality: Ally
Difficulty: Medium
Overall Skill: 28
At Tennessee Titans
REGULAR SEASON
TEAM OVERVIEW
HEAD COACH
33 40 38 40
28
Head
Coach
81
OFF
DEF
ST
Coordinators
QB
65
50
30
RB
WR
OL
30
30
LB
DL
DB
T
Trainer
GM
The Rams were the first NFL team to put a logo design on their
helmets. The original golden horn design is still in use today.

OFFENSE
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
DEFENSE
DE
DT
OLB MLB
CB
FS
SS
A- A B- A- B B+ C C- A F B C+ B B- B- B B-
TOP 2008 PICKS

R1

Offense: Saunders Big Book
Defense: Haslett Physical D

Play
Success
Avg.
Gun > 524 F Cross
100 6.3 yds.
Gun > Liz Rt 926 Out
100 4.3 yds.
Gun > 40 Draw
100 4.2 yds.
Singleback > 100 Rd Rt 212 Shoot 100 4.1 yds.
Singleback > Scat Rt8 512 Hook 98 5.3 yds.
Singleback > Fake Dive 685 Press 96 6.1 yds.
Gun > Quick Read 239 Out
94 8.5 yds.

Play
Success
Avg.
Nickel > Cover 2
72 0.9 yds.
Dime > All Out Blitz
57 2.7 yds.
4-3 > LB Blitz
54 3.2 yds.
4-3 > OLB Fire Man
53 3.4 yds.
4-3 > Double Z
52 3.4 yds.
4-3 > Free Fire
52 3.4 yds.
4-3 > Slant 1 OLB Fire
52 3.4 yds.
TEAM PROFILES
R2
R3
R4
R4
R5
R7
R7
Chris Long
DE / Virginia
Donnie Avery
WR / Houston
John Greco
OT / Toledo
Justin King
CB / Penn State
Keenan Burton
WR / Kentucky
Roy Schuening
OG / Oregon State
Chris Chamberlain
DB / Tulsa
David Vobora
OLB / Idaho
129
www.primagames.com
BALTIMORE RAVENS
BY THE NUMBERS
2007 SEASON
Overall:
Home Record:
Away Record:
vs. AFC North:
2008 SCHEDULE
PRESEASON
5-11
4-4
1-7
1-5
76
72
93
OVERALL RATING
OFFENSE RATING
TEAM OVERVIEW
At New England
Patriots
Minneapolis Vikings
At St. Louis Rams
Atlanta Falcons
REGULAR SEASON
Season Outlook: In addition to finding a new quarterback, the team will

have to revamp the offense and keep its players healthy. The Ravens
defense is still potentbut getting older. Overall Player Grade: BRedoing the 2008 Off-Season Advice: The Ravens needs (in order of
priority): quarterback, offensive linemen, defensive linemen, linebacker
and cornerback.
2008 Notable Free Agency Moves: Franchised Terrell Suggs (ROLB).
Signed Brendon Ayanbadejo (LOLB) and Frank Walker (CB). Re-signed
Nick Greisen (MLB).
DEFENSE RATING
2009 Notable Free Agents: Ray Lewis (MLB), Matt Stover (K), Bart Scott
(MLB)
$27.2
Cincinnati Bengals
At Houston Texans
Cleveland Browns
At Pittsburgh
Steelers
Tennessee Titans
At Miami Dolphins
Oakland Raiders
At Cleveland Browns
10
Bye Week
11
At New York Giants
12
Philadelphia Eagles
13
14
Washington Redskins
15
Pittsburgh Steelers
16
At Dallas Cowboys
17
MILLION
HEAD COACH
99
79
52
JOHN HARBAUGH
Personality: Optimist
Difficulty: Medium
Overall Skill: 27
130
29
27
Head
Coach
OFF
DEF
ST
Coordinators
40
QB
51
24
50
35
RB
WR
OL
9 14
LB
DL
DB
T
Trainer
GM
An NFL team can have up to six captains,

all of which must be active players in uniform.

OFFENSE
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
DEFENSE
DE
DT
OLB MLB
CB
FS
SS
C- C C+ B A- B+ D- C+ A+ B B B A+ A- B+ C+ B-
TOP 2008 PICKS

R1

Offense: Cameron Power Run
Defense: Rex Ryan 4-6

Play
Success
Avg.
Far > 30 Fullback Dive
89 2.7 yds.
Singleback > Fake Zone 55 Y Delay 76 3.1 yds.
I Form > 40 Gut
72 3.3 yds.
Singleback > Scat Rt 372 H Flat
72 3.2 yds.
Singleback > 20 Dive
72 3.2 yds.
Singleback > 60 Counter
72 3.1 yds.
Singleback > 80 Wide Zone
71 3.0 yds.

Play
Success
Avg.
3-4 > Blitz Storm 8
52 3.3 yds.
Nickel > 3 Overload Fire
50 3.7 yds.
3-4 > Wide Blitz
50 3.7 yds.
3-4 > Storm Brave 1
49 3.8 yds.
3-4 > Inside Blitz
49 3.8 yds.
3-4 > ILB Blitz
48 3.9 yds.
4-3 > SS Snake 3 Stay
48 3.9 yds.
TEAM PROFILES
R2
R3
R3
R3
R4
R4
Joe Flacco
QB / Delaware
Ray Rice
RB / Rutgers
Tavares Gooden
OLB / Miami
Tom Zbikowski
FS / Notre Dame
Oniel Cousins
OG / Texas-El Paso
Marcus Smith
WR / New Mexico
David Hale
OT / Weber State
3 players chosen
FS / WR / RB
R6 R7
131
www.primagames.com
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
BY THE NUMBERS
2007 SEASON
Overall:
Home Record:
Away Record:
vs. NFC East:
2008 SCHEDULE
PRESEASON
9-7
5-3
4-4
3-3
88
87
90
OVERALL RATING
OFFENSE RATING
TEAM OVERVIEW
Season Outlook: The Redskins arent a bad team, but theyre still a few
smart draft picks or trades away from becoming a playoff contender. The
playbook could use some help as well. This is the teams first year with
head coach Jim Zorn. Overall Player Grade: ARedoing the 2008 Off-Season Advice: A taller wide receiver would add
some spark to the Redskins passing game. On defense, a pass-rushing
DE is probably the biggest priority, followed by LB and safety.
2008 Notable Free Agency Moves: Re-signed Ryan Boschetti (DT), Rock
Cartwright (HB), Todd Collins (QB), Derrick Frost (P).
DEFENSE RATING
$16.8
JIM ZORN
132
Buffalo Bills
At New York Jets
REGULAR SEASON
1
At New York Giants
New Orleans Saints
Arizona Cardinals
At Dallas Cowboys
At Philadelphia
Eagles
St. Louis Rams
Cleveland Browns
At Detroit Lions
Pittsburgh Steelers
10
Bye Week
11
Dallas Cowboys
12
At Seattle Seahawks
13
New York Giants
14
At Baltimore Ravens
15
16
Philadelphia Eagles
At San Francisco
49ers
89
87
Personality: Anchor
Difficulty: Hard
Overall Skill: 25
Indianapolis Colts
17
MILLION
HEAD COACH
25 29
Head
Coach
OFF
65
43 47
23
DEF
ST
Coordinators
QB
41
33
RB
WR
OL
41
21 9
LB
DL
DB
T
Trainer
GM
In 1946, the Washington Redskins tried to draft Cal Rossi in the first round, only to find out he was ineligible. To make
matters worse, when the Redskins tried again in 1947, they learned too late that Rossi didnt want to play in the NFL.

OFFENSE
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
DEFENSE
DE
DT
OLB MLB
CB
FS
SS
B A- B C+ C+ A C+ B+ B- B B B B+ B D B- B-
TOP 2008 PICKS

R2

Offense: Zorn West Coast
Defense: Redskins 4-3

Play
Success
Avg.
Gun > 222 F Slant
82 6.1 yds.
Gun > H Screen Rt 989
82 4.8 yds.
Gun > 382 Slot Seam
80 5.6 yds.
Gun > 560 F Stick N Go
74 5.2 yds.
Gun > 295 H Circle
73 5.4 yds.
Gun > Scram 999 H Flare
71 5.7 yds.
Gun > Screen H Right 979
60 3.2 yds.

Play
Success
Avg.
Dime > Cover 2
80 0.0 yds.
4-3 > 2 Man Under
54 3.2 yds.
4-3 > Storm Blitz
54 3.2 yds.
4-3 > Safety Blitz
49 3.8 yds.
4-3 > Man 3 Shoot Blitz
47 4.1 yds.
Nickel > SS Blitz
46 4.2 yds.
4-3 > Cover 1
46 4.2 yds.
TEAM PROFILES
R2
R2
R3
R4
R6
R6
Devin Thomas
WR / Michigan State
Fred Davis
TE / Southern Cal
Malcolm Kelly
WR / Oklahoma
Chad Rinehart
OT / Northern Iowa
Justin Tryon
CB / Arizona State
Durant Brooks
P / Georgia Tech
Kareem Moore
DB / Nicholls State
3 players chosen
QB / DE / FS
R6 R7
133
www.primagames.com
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

BY THE NUMBERS
2007 SEASON
Overall:
Home Record:
Away Record:
vs. NFC South:
2008 SCHEDULE
PRESEASON
7-9
3-5
4-4
3-3
82
93
70
OVERALL RATING
OFFENSE RATING
Houston Texans
Miami Dolphins
REGULAR SEASON
TEAM OVERVIEW
Season Outlook: The defense needs attention, especially at linebacker

and the secondary, to fix a less-than-potent pass rush. On the plus side,
the passing game is sharp. Overall Player Grade: B
Redoing the 2008 Off-Season Advice: Use free agency and/or the draft
to find a talented CB, followed by a LB and DE. On offense, it wouldnt
hurt to get a younger TE to build depth at that position.
2008 Notable Free Agency Moves: Lost Jeff Faine (C) to the Buccaneers. Re-signed Devery Henderson (WR), David Patten (WR), Eric Johnson (TE), Aaron Stecker (HB). Signed Mark Brunell (QB), Randall Gay (CB).
DEFENSE RATING
2009 Notable Free Agents: Jahri Evans (RG), Marques Colston (WR), Will
Smith (RE)
$48.5
At Washington
Redskins
At Denver Broncos
San Francisco 49ers
Minneapolis Vikings
Oakland Raiders
San Diego Chargers
Bye Week
10
At Atlanta Falcons
11
12
Green Bay Packers
13
Tampa Bay
Buccaneers
At Tampa Bay
Buccaneers
14
Atlanta Falcons
15
At Chicago Bears
16
At Detroit Lions
17
Carolina Panthers
MILLION
HEAD COACH
77
SEAN PAYTON
Personality: Guru
Difficulty: Medium
Overall Skill: 48
134
48
Head
Coach
32
OFF
22 6
DEF
ST
Coordinators
65
19
QB
37
3
RB
WR
OL
65
22 7 14
LB
DL
DB
T
Trainer
GM
According to NFL rules, the score of any forfeited game is

2-0 (with the 2 points going to the team that did not forfeit).

OFFENSE
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
DEFENSE
DE
DT
OLB MLB
CB
FS
SS
A A- B+ B B B B- C B- A- C+ B C- B B B- B
TOP 2008 PICKS

R1

Offense: Payton Spread Attack
Defense: Saints Basic D

Play
Success
Avg.
Singleback > Back Choice
93 7.1 yds.
Singleback > Reggie Option
91 6.9 yds.
Singleback > Back Out
91 6.8 yds.
Gun > P45 Base Z Drag
84 6.5 yds.
Gun > 82 All Go
84 7.1 yds.
Gun > 20 Double Smash
79 4.9 yds.
Singleback > 2 Jet H Wheel
79 3.8 yds.

Play
Success
Avg.
Dime > Double Slot
56 3.0 yds.
4-3 > Man QB Spy
54 3.2 yds.
4-3 > Free Fire
53 3.4 yds.
4-3 > Man QB Spy (variant)
51 3.5 yds.
50 3.7 yds.
4-3 > DE Contain
50 3.7 yds.
Nickel > Double X
48 3.9 yds.
TEAM PROFILES
R2
R5
R5
R6
R7
Sedrick Ellis
DT / Southern Cal
Tracy Porter
CB / Indiana
DeMario Pressley
DT / North
Carolina State
Carl Nicks
OT / Nebraska
Taylor Mehlhaff
K / Wisconsin
Adrian Arrington
WR / Michigan
135
www.primagames.com
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
BY THE NUMBERS
2007 SEASON
Overall:
Home Record:
Away Record:
vs. NFC West:
2008 SCHEDULE
PRESEASON
10-6
7-1
3-5
5-1
90
91
87
2
3
OVERALL RATING
OFFENSE RATING
TEAM OVERVIEW
Season Outlook: The Seahawks won the NFC West in 2007 and is the
favorite in a still-weak division in 08. This team needs to find a long-term
prospect at RB and upgrade the coaching staff. Overall Player Grade: A
Redoing the 2008 Off-Season Advice: If you plan to not re-sign Shaun
Alexander (as the Seahawks did in real life), youll need to find a replacement HB eventually. Other positions of need include G, DT and WR.
2008 Notable Free Agency Moves: Lost Josh Brown (K) to Rams, D.J.
Hackett to the Panthers. Did not re-sign Shaun Alexander (HB). Signed
Olindo Mare (K). Re-signed Marcus Trufant (CB).
DEFENSE RATING
2009 Notable Free Agents: Bobby Engram (WR)
$39.4
MILLION
HEAD COACH
99
60
MIKE HOLMGREN
136
Chicago Bears
At San Diego
Chargers
Oakland Raiders
REGULAR SEASON
1
At Buffalo Bills
San Francisco 49ers
St. Louis Rams
Bye Week
At New York Giants
Green Bay Packers
At Tampa Bay
Buccaneers
At San Francisco
49ers
Philadelphia Eagles
10
At Miami Dolphins
11
Arizona Cardinals
12
Washington Redskins
13
At Dallas Cowboys
14
15
At St. Louis Rams
16
New York Jets
17
92
Personality:
Commander
Difficulty: Medium
Overall Skill: 92
At Minneapolis
Vikings
51
37
1
Head
Coach
OFF
85
76
DEF
ST
Coordinators
QB
28
RB
WR
OL
14
30
LB
DL
DB
76
14
T
Trainer
GM
NFL referees line up in the offensive backfield based shaded

left or right depending on the quarterbacks throwing arm.

OFFENSE
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
DEFENSE
DE
DT
OLB MLB
CB
FS
SS
B B+ B- B+ F A- B+ B+ B- B- B A- A B B B+ A-
TOP 2008 PICKS

R1

Offense: Holmgren West Coast
Defense: Hawks Multiple Blitz

Play
Success
Avg.
Singleback > 76 X Z Double Got
74 3.7 yds.
Singleback > 76 Dbl. Shake Y Post 73 3.3 yds.
Singleback > 376 Thunder X Shake 73 3.2 yds.
Singleback > 2 Jet Hitch Z Pump 73 3.2 yds.
Singleback > 33 Trap
73 3.2 yds.
Singleback > 200 Jet Smoke
73 3.2 yds.
Singleback > 376 Semi
73 3.1 yds.

Play
Success
Avg.
Dime > Cover 2
56 3.0 yds.
Nickel > FS Snake Blitz 3
52 3.4 yds.
Dime > SS Zone Blitz
50 3.4 yds.
4-3 > FS Zone Blitz
50 3.7 yds.
Dime > WK Overload 3
50 4.8 yds.
4-3 > Flat Thirds
49 3.8 yds.
Dime > Strong Roll 3
48 2.9 yds.
TEAM PROFILES
R2
R4
R5
R6
R7
R7
Lawrence Jackson
DE / Southern Cal
John Carlson
TE / Notre Dame
Red Bryant
DT / Texas A&M
Owen Schmitt
FB / West Virginia
Tyler Schmitt
LS / San Diego State
Justin Forsett
RB / California
Brandon Coutu
K / Georgia
137
www.primagames.com
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
BY THE NUMBERS
2007 SEASON
Overall:
Home Record:
Away Record:
vs. AFC North:
2008 SCHEDULE
PRESEASON
10-6
7-1
3-5
5-1
90
88
97
DEFENSE RATING
Philadelphia Eagles
At Buffalo Bills
OVERALL RATING
OFFENSE RATING
TEAM OVERVIEW
Redoing the 2008 Off-Season Advice: If you dont plan to keep Alan
Faneca around (he may be too expensive to keep), youll need to find a
replacement guard. WR could use an infusion of youth as well. Defensively, look to build depth at CB and along the defensive line.
2008 Notable Free Agency Moves: Lost Alan Faneca (LG) to the Jets.
Signed Justin Hartwig (C), Nate Washington (WR), Chris Kemoeatu (LG).
Houston Texans
At Cleveland Browns
4
5
138
At Jacksonville
Jaguars
Bye Week
New York Giants
At Washington
Redskins
10
Indianapolis Colts
11
San Diego Chargers
12
Cincinnati Bengals
At New England
Patriots
14
Dallas Cowboys
15
At Baltimore Ravens
16
At Tennessee Titans
17
Cleveland Browns
90
86
Personality: Promoter
Difficulty: Medium
Overall Skill: 45
Special Skills: X of 44
Baltimore Ravens
13
MILLION
At Philadelphia
Eagles
2009 Notable Free Agents: James Farrior (MLB), Marvel Smith (LT)
$29.8
MIKE TOMLIN
Carolina Panthers
REGULAR SEASON
Season Outlook: Overall, the Steelers have enough talent to return to

the playoffs. The defense remains stout. The team needs to add some
wrinkles to the playbook and avoid being too predictable when it comes
to calling offensive plays. Overall Player Grade: A
HEAD COACH
At Minneapolis
Vikings
55
45
21
Head
Coach
OFF
36
DEF
ST
Coordinators
QB
38
56
69
RB
WR
OL
83
52
20 10
LB
DL
DB
T
Trainer
GM
In 1955, the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Johnny Unitas in the ninth

round, but cut him from the roster before the season started.

OFFENSE
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
DEFENSE
DE
DT
OLB MLB
CB
FS
SS
A- C A- A- B+ B C+ B B- B+ A- B- A B B A B
TOP 2008 PICKS

R1

Offense: Steelers Smashmouth
R2
Defense: LeBeau Zone Blitz

R3

Play
Success
Avg.
Gun > H Out 74 Smash
100 5.4 yds.
Gun > 62 Flood X Curl
97 4.4 yds.
Gun > Y Return T Slant
96 4.4 yds.
Gun > 54 Comeback Y Post
92 8.0 yds.
Gun > 62 Z Drag
94 5.3 yds.
Singleback > 72 H Choice Y Post 93 10.0 yds.
Singleback > Ride 32 X Close
92 5.6 yds.

Play
Success
Avg.
LeBeau 3-4 > SS Snake 3 Stay
54 3.2 yds.
LeBeau 3-4 > 2 Deep MLB Spy
51 3.3 yds.
LeBeau Nickel Blitz > FS Sam Crash 50 3.7 yds.
LeBeau 3-4 > Flash Blitz
50 3.7 yds.
LeBeau Nickel Blitz > SS Zone Blitz 49 3.8 yds.
LeBeau 3-4 > Wide Blitz
49 3.9 yds.
LeBeau Nickel Blitz > CB Fox Blitz 48 4.0 yds.
R4
TEAM PROFILES
R5
R6
R6
Rashard Mendenhall
RB / Illinois
Limas Sweed
WR / Texas
Bruce Davis
DE / UCLA
Tony Hills
OT / Texas
Dennis Dixon
QB / Oregon
Mike Humpal
LB / Iowa
Ryan Mundy
FS / West Virginia
139
www.primagames.com
HOUSTON TEXANS
BY THE NUMBERS
2007 SEASON
Overall:
Home Record:
Away Record:
vs. AFC South:
2008 SCHEDULE
PRESEASON
8-8
6-2
2-6
1-5
75
74
75
1
2
OVERALL RATING
OFFENSE RATING
TEAM OVERVIEW
Season Outlook: The Texans have untapped potential. Youll need to
develop a running game, but Andre Johnson, Okoye and Mario Williams
have talent. Overall Player Grade: C+
Redoing the 2008 Off-Season Advice: The offensive line is in constant
need of improvement to keep the QB protectedespecially at tackle,
which should be considered a high priority. The RB position needs depth.
On defense, needs include LB, CB and S.
2008 Notable Free Agency Moves: Re-signed Matt Turk (P). Signed
Chris Brown (HB), Jacques Reeves (CB), Nick Ferguson (FS).
DEFENSE RATING
2009 Notable Free Agents: Jordan Black (LT), Chris White (C)
$42.3
MILLION
HEAD COACH
At New Orleans
Saints
At Dallas Cowboys
Tampa Bay
Buccaneers
REGULAR SEASON
1
At Pittsburgh
Steelers
Baltimore Ravens
At Tennessee Titans
At Jacksonville
Jaguars
Indianapolis Colts
Miami Dolphins
Detroit Lions
Bye Week
Denver Broncos
At Minneapolis
Vikings
10
Cincinnati Bengals
11
12
At Cleveland Browns
13
14
15
Tennessee Titans
16
At Oakland Raiders
17
Chicago Bears
99
67
GARY KUBIAK
Personality: Guru
Difficulty: Hard
Overall Skill: 44
140
44
11
Head
Coach
OFF
29
DEF
ST
Coordinators
66
1
QB
31
RB
WR
OL
40
25 31
LB
DL
DB
46
14
T
Trainer
GM
Byron Whizzer White, drafted into the NFL in the first

round in 1938, later became a U.S. Supreme Court Justice.

OFFENSE
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
DEFENSE
DE
DT
OLB MLB
CB
FS
SS
B B- C+ B+ B F C+ C B- B+ B- C+ D+ B- B C B
TOP 2008 PICKS

R1

Offense: Texans Power Run
Defense: Texans No Blitz

Play
Success
Avg.
Singleback > 22 Scat H Y Cross
100 5.3 yds.
I Form > Fake 98 Boot Left X Come 100 5.1 yds.
Gun > A Left 322 Scat Y Shallow 100 4.5 yds.
Weak > Mesh
100 4.1 yds.
Gun > 22 Scat Semi Z Dig
100 3.9 yds.
Gun > 15 Base
100 3.1 yds.
Singleback > 2 Jet Z Return Y Flag 100 3.1 yds.

Play
Success
Avg.
Nickel > Cover 3
72 0.9 yds.
4-3 > Cover 3
51 3.5 yds.
4-3 > Base
50 3.7 yds.
4-3 > Man QB Spy
49 3.8 yds.
48 3.9 yds.
Nickel > Weak Zone
48 3.9 yds.
4-3 > DE Contain
48 4.0 yds.
TEAM PROFILES
R3
R3
R4
R5
R6
R7
Duane Brown
OT / Virginia Tech
Antwaun Molden
CB / Eastern
Kentucky
Steve Slaton
RB / West Virginia
Xavier Adibi
LB / Virginia Tech
Frank Okam
DT / Texas
Dominique Barber
FS / Minnesota
Alex Brink
QB / Washington St.
141
www.primagames.com
TENNESSEE TITANS
BY THE NUMBERS
2007 SEASON
Overall:
Home Record:
Away Record:
vs. AFC South:
2008 SCHEDULE
PRESEASON
10-6
5-3
5-3
4-2
87
79
93
OVERALL RATING
OFFENSE RATING
DEFENSE RATING
St. Louis Rams
Oakland Raiders
At Atlanta Falcons
REGULAR SEASON
TEAM OVERVIEW
Season Outlook: The Titans are a decent team, led by talented quarterback Vince Young and a swarming defense. The biggest need is for more
talent on offense and in the secondary. The team also needs creativity
with playcalling. Overall Player Grade: ARedoing the 2008 Off-Season Advice: Young needs wideouts who are
genuine touchdown threats. Other offensive needs include back-ups at
RB and G. You may need to find a DE to counter any free agency loss.
2008 Notable Free Agency Moves: Lost Antwan Odom (LE) to the Bengals. Franchised Albert Haynesworth (DT). Re-signed David Stewart (RT),
Rob Bironas (K). Signed Alge Crumpler (TE), Jake Scott (RG).
2009 Notable Free Agents: Craig Hentrich (P)
$63.4
Houston Texans
Minneapolis Vikings
At Baltimore Ravens
Bye Week
Indianapolis Colts
Green Bay Packers
10
At Chicago Bears
At Jacksonville
Jaguars
11
12
New York Jets
13
At Detroit Lions
14
Cleveland Browns
15
At Houston Texans
16
Pittsburgh Steelers
17
MILLION
HEAD COACH
95
89
JEFF FISHER
Personality:
Commander
Difficulty: Hard
Overall Skill: 89
142
71
45 38 44 39
42
Head
Coach
91
OFF
DEF
ST
Coordinators
QB
RB
WR
OL
65
61
30
28
LB
DL
DB
T
Trainer
GM
All NFL game balls are hand-crafted by Wilson and bear the commissioners
signature. Wilson has supplied footballs to the NFL since 1941.

OFFENSE
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
DEFENSE
DE
DT
OLB MLB
CB
FS
SS
A- C+ B- C+ B B B- A A B- B A- C+ B- B- A- B+
TOP 2008 PICKS

R1

Offense: Titans Power Run
Defense: Titans Blitz Heavy

Play
Success
Avg.
Shotgun Pass > Read Flare
100 5.4 yds.
Quick Pass > 91 Fade Y Under
100 4.7 yds.
Standard Pass > 64 Z Option
100 4.1 yds.
Shotgun Pass > 72 T Drag
100 4.1 yds.
Pitch > Strong Toss
100 3.5 yds.
Inside Handoff > 20 Lead Dive
100 3.5 yds.
PA Pass > PA TE Drag
100 3.3 yds.

Play
Success
Avg.
Cover 3 Zone > 3 Deep Under
91 -1.4 yds.
Man Blitz > Jam Middle
85 -0.7 yds.
Combo Blitz > Blitz A
80 -0.7 yds.
Man Cover > Jam Cover 1
80 0.0 yds.
Man Blitz > Gaps Fire
79 0.1 yds.
Man Blitz > Flat Buzz
74 0.8 yds.
Combo Blitz > Blitz C
73 0.8 yds.
TEAM PROFILES
R2
R3
R4
R4
R4
R7
Chris Johnson
RB / East Carolina
Jason Jones
DE / Eastern Michigan
Craig Stevens
TE / California
William Hayes
DL / Winston-Salem
State
Lavelle Hawkins
WR / California
Stanford Keglar
OLB / Purdue
Cary Williams
CB / Washburn
143
www.primagames.com
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
BY THE NUMBERS
2007 SEASON
Overall:
Home Record:
Away Record:
vs. NFC North:
2008 SCHEDULE
PRESEASON
8-8
5-3
3-5
3-3
81
76
85
OVERALL RATING
OFFENSE RATING
Seattle Seahawks
At Baltimore Ravens
Pittsburgh Steelers
At Dallas Cowboys
REGULAR SEASON
TEAM OVERVIEW
Season Outlook: The Vikings boast a solid defense and a breakout
superstar in running back Adrian Peterson. Build your team and playbook
around those two things, and youll be in good shape for the future.
Player Grade: B
Overall Play
Indianapolis Colts
Carolina Panthers
At Tennessee Titans
Redoing the 2008 Off-Season Advice: The biggest concern is at defensive end, followed by a possession-type receiver and a backup quarterback. Offensive line depth should also be improved.
2008 Notable Free Agency Moves: Signed Bernard Berrian (WR), Jared
Allen (DE), Madieu Williams (FS), Benny Sapp (CB).
DEFENSE RATING
2009 Notable Free Agents: Matt Birk (C), Darren Sharper (SS)
Detroit Lions
At Chicago Bears
Bye Week
Houston Texans
10
Green Bay Packers
11
12
$19.9
At New Orleans
Saints
At Tampa Bay
Buccaneers
At Jacksonville
Jaguars
13
Chicago Bears
14
At Detroit Lions
15
16
Atlanta Falcons
17
New York Giants
MILLION
HEAD COACH
77
BRAD CHILDRESS
Personality: Analyst
Difficulty: Hard
Overall Skill: 34
144
34
Head
Coach
20
OFF
38
20
DEF
ST
Coordinators
32
QB
77
53
45
13
RB
WR
OL
34
16 14
LB
DL
DB
T
Trainer
GM
Running back Ed Marinaro, drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second

round in 1972, later became a star actor in the hit TV show Hill Street Blues.

OFFENSE
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
DEFENSE
DE
DT
OLB MLB
CB
FS
SS
C+ B+ C B B- B B- C+ A- B A- B- B- B C A B-
TOP 2008 PICKS

R1

Offense: Childress Balanced
Defense: Vikings Cover 2

Play
Success
Avg.
I Form > Flea Flicker
100 8.0 yds.
Weak > 22 Z Shallow Cross
100 5.3 yds.
Gun > P33 Bob X Dig
100 4.7 yds.
Goal Line > 80 Toss
100 4.3 yds.
Gun > 33 Bob
100 4.2 yds.
Singleback > 76 H Shallow Cross 100 4.1 yds.
G. Line > Fake 10 Y Corner F Ang. 100 3.7 yds.

Play
Success
Avg.
Cover 3 Zone > 3 Deep Under
92 -1.6 yds.
Combo Blitz > Blitz C
86 -0.8 yds.
Combo Blitz > Gaps Fire
80 0.0 yds.
Combo Blitz > 3 Deep Blitz
78 -0.3 yds.
Combo Blitz > Blitz A
77 0.3 yds.
Cover 2 Zone > 2 Deep Zone
68 1.5 yds.
Combo Blitz > Blitz B
68 1.5 yds.
TEAM PROFILES
R5
R5
R6
R6
Tyrell Johnson
FS/ Arkansas State
John David Booty
QB / Southern Cal
Letroy Guion
DT / Florida State
John Sullivan
C / Notre Dame
Jaymar Johnson
WR / Jackson State
145
www.primagames.com
TEAM POSITION PHILOSOPHIES

A major element of any teams
philosophy is determining what kind of
players that team wants. Teams can
only win when their long-term goals
and playbooks mesh well with the
personnel on their rosters. For instance,
at fullback some teams want a pure
run blocker to enhance their run game,
while pass-oriented teams want one
who specializes as a receiver out of the
backfield. Some teams will try to find a
balanced fullback who can do both.
If you plan to simulate any part of
your seasonespecially free agency
and the draftits vitally important that
you review and adjust your team position philosophies so that they fit in with
your playbooks and gameplans. Even
Bears
if you dont simulate, key information

such as scouting data, player ratings
and draft recommendations will be
based on these philosophies.
Depending on the level of control
youve given up to others on your
coaching staff, some of these philosophies could be locked; you wont be
able to change them.
The following pages reveal the
default 2008 team philosophies for
each player position. You can expect
CPU-controlled teams to evolve these
default philosophies over time, but for
the first few seasons, itll give you an
idea of how each CPU team crafts their
roster. Itll also help you find a team
that best matches your coaching style.
Bengals
To change your teams player position

philosophies, go to Team > Team Philosophy in your Clipboard. Press LB (or L1 on
PS3) to toggle through the positions. For each
position, youll also get to adjust your in-game
and practice substitution preferences when
it comes to managing health and fatigue. You
can also set a minimum roster count (how
many players you desire at each position).
Bills
Broncos
POS.
TEAM PREFERS
POS.
TEAM PREFERS
POS.
TEAM PREFERS
POS.
TEAM PREFERS
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
T
G
C
Pure Passer
Workhorse
Blocking
Speed
Playmaker
Size/Strength/Engulfer
Size/Strength/Mauler
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
T
G
C
Strong Arm/Tools
Power
Blocking
Balanced
Blocking
Balanced
Run Block Specialist
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
T
G
C
Strong Arm/Tools
Workhorse
Blocking
Speed
Balanced
Balanced
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
T
G
C
Strong Arm/Tools
Workhorse
Receiving
Tall/Redzone Threat
Soft Hands/Routes
Smart/Mobile
Smart/Mobile
Smart/Mobile
Undersized Speed Rusher

DE
DT Pass Rusher/One Gap Penetrator
Coverage/Cover 2
OLB
Prototype
MLB
CB
Cover 2
FS
Centerfielder
SS
Smart/Productive
DE
DT
OLB
MLB
CB
FS
SS
Run Stopper
Balanced
Prototype
Power/Blitzer
Man Coverage/Ballhawk
Man Coverage
Smart/Productive
DE
DT
OLB
MLB
CB
FS
SS
Balanced
Balanced
Run Stopper
3-4/Tackler
Cover 2
Prototype
Prototype
DE
DT
OLB
MLB
CB
FS
SS
Run Stopper
Prototype
Coverage/Cover 2
Coverage/Speed
Prototype
Run Support/Blitzer
Run Support/Big Hitter
Balanced
Pinpoint Accuracy
K
P
Browns
K
P
Balanced
Big Foot/Distance
Buccaneers
Balanced
Big Foot/Distance
K
P
Cardinals
Big Foot/Distance
Big Foot/Distance
K
P
Chargers
POS.
TEAM PREFERS
POS.
TEAM PREFERS
POS.
TEAM PREFERS
POS.
TEAM PREFERS
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
T
G
C
Field General
Power
Ball Carrier
Tall/Redzone Threat
Playmaker
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
T
G
C
Pure Passer
Balanced
Ball Carrier
Tall/Redzone Threat
Soft Hands/Routes
Pass Block Specialist
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
T
G
C
Pure Passer
Balanced
Balanced
Tall/Redzone Threat
Balanced
Smart/Mobile
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
T
G
C
Pure Passer
Balanced
Blocking
Tall/Redzone Threat
Playmaker
DE
DT
OLB
MLB
CB
FS
SS
Versatile/3-4
Versatile/3-4
Pass Rusher/3-4 Blitzer
3-4/Tackler
Strong/Press/Run Support
Balanced
Prototype
Prototype
DE
Coverage/Cover 2
OLB
Coverage/Speed
MLB
CB
Cover 2
FS
Centerfielder
SS
DE
DT
OLB
MLB
CB
FS
SS

Balanced
Prototype
3-4/Tackler
Prototype
Prototype
DE
DT
OLB
MLB
CB
FS
SS
Run Stopper
Run Stopper
Coverage/Speed
Balanced
Balanced
K
P
146
Balanced
Balanced
K
P
Big Foot/Distance
Balanced
K
P
Big Foot/Distance
Balanced
K
P
Balanced
Big Foot/Distance
In 1994, Tom Tupa of the Cleveland Browns became the first player in NFL history to score a two-point
conversion in a regular season game. He ran in a fake extra point kick against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Chiefs
Colts
Cowboys
Dolphins
POS.
TEAM PREFERS
POS.
TEAM PREFERS
POS.
TEAM PREFERS
POS.
TEAM PREFERS
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
T
G
C
Field General
Power
Balanced
Strong/Blocking
Soft Hands/Routes
Smart/Mobile
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
T
G
C
Pure Passer
Receiving
Receiving
Balanced
Soft Hands/Routes
Smart/Mobile
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
T
G
C
Strong Arm/Tools
Balanced
Blocking
Speed
Playmaker
Balanced
Balanced
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
T
G
C
Balanced
Balanced
Blocking
Speed
Balanced
Balanced
Balanced
Balanced
DE
DT
OLB
MLB
CB
FS
SS
Balanced
Run Stopper
Prototype
Coverage/Speed
Cover 2
Centerfielder
Coverage

DE
Coverage/Cover 2
OLB
Coverage/Speed
MLB
CB
Cover 2
FS
Centerfielder
SS
DE
DT
OLB
MLB
CB
FS
SS
Versatile/3-4
Run Stopper
3-4/Tackler
Prototype
Man Coverage
DE
DT
OLB
MLB
CB
FS
SS
Versatile/3-4
Versatile/3-4
Prototype
Prototype
Balanced
Balanced
Balanced
K
P
Eagles
K
P
Pinpoint Accuracy
Balanced
Falcons
K
P
Balanced
Big Foot/Distance
49ers
Balanced
Balanced
K
P
Giants
POS.
TEAM PREFERS
POS.
TEAM PREFERS
POS.
TEAM PREFERS
POS.
TEAM PREFERS
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
T
G
C
Mobile/Speed
Receiving
Receiving
Balanced
Playmaker
Balanced
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
T
G
C
Field General
Balanced
Receiving
Speed
Playmaker
Smart/Mobile
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
T
G
C
Strong Arm/Tools
Moves
Blocking
Strong/Blocking
Playmaker
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
T
G
C
Strong Arm/Tools
Power
Balanced
Tall/Redzone Threat
Playmaker
DE
DT
OLB
MLB
CB
FS
SS

Prototype
Power/Blitzer
Prototype
Run Support/Blitzer
DE
DT
OLB
MLB
CB
FS
SS
Prototype
Prototype
Balanced
Power/Blitzer
Centerfielder
DE
DT
OLB
MLB
CB
FS
SS
Versatile/3-4
Versatile/3-4
Prototype
3-4/Tackler
Prototype
Balanced
Smart/Productive
DE
DT
OLB
MLB
CB
FS
SS
Prototype
Prototype
Prototype
Prototype
Prototype
Prototype
Prototype
K
P
Balanced
Balanced
Jaguars
K
P
Balanced
Balanced
Jets
K
P
Balanced
Balanced
Lions
Big Foot/Distance
Big Foot/Distance
K
P
Packers
POS.
TEAM PREFERS
POS.
TEAM PREFERS
POS.
TEAM PREFERS
POS.
TEAM PREFERS
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
T
G
C
Strong Arm/Tools
Moves
Ball Carrier
Tall/Redzone Threat
Blocking
Balanced
Smart/Mobile
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
T
G
C
Pure Passer
Balanced
Balanced
Quick/Route Runner
Balanced
Balanced
Smart/Mobile
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
T
G
C
Pure Passer
Speed
Balanced
Tall/Redzone Threat
Playmaker
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
T
G
C
Strong Arm/Tools
Workhorse
Balanced
Speed
Balanced
Smart/Mobile
Smart/Mobile
DE
DT
OLB
MLB
CB
FS
SS
Run Stopper
Prototype
Prototype
Coverage/Speed
Prototype
Run Support/Blitzer
DE
DT
OLB
MLB
CB
FS
SS
Run Stopper
Versatile/3-4
Coverage/Speed
Prototype
Run Support/Blitzer
Smart/Productive
Prototype
DE
Coverage/Cover 2
OLB
Coverage/Speed
MLB
CB
Cover 2
FS
Centerfielder
SS
DE
DT
OLB
MLB
CB
FS
SS
Balanced
Prototype
Prototype
Balanced
Man Coverage
Coverage
K
P
Big Foot/Distance
Balanced
TEAM PROFILES
K
P
Balanced
Balanced
K
P
Balanced
Balanced
K
P
Balanced
Balanced
147
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TEAM POSITION PHILOSOPHIES

Panthers
Patriots
Raiders
Rams
POS.
TEAM PREFERS
POS.
TEAM PREFERS
POS.
TEAM PREFERS
POS.
TEAM PREFERS
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
T
G
C
Field General
Moves
Blocking
Balanced
Blocking
Balanced
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
T
G
C
Field General
Workhorse
Receiving
Tall/Redzone Threat
Playmaker
Smart/Mobile
Balanced
Balanced
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
T
G
C
Strong Arm/Tools
Speed
Ball Carrier
Speed
Playmaker
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
T
G
C
Pure Passer
Balanced
Ball Carrier
Quick/Route Runner
Playmaker
Balanced
DE
DT
OLB
MLB
CB
FS
SS
Prototype
Prototype
Coverage/Cover 2
Prototype
Cover 2
Centerfielder
Balanced
DE
DT
OLB
MLB
CB
FS
SS
Versatile/3-4
Versatile/3-4
3-4/Tackler
Balanced
Balanced

DE
Balanced
OLB
3-4/Tackler
MLB
CB
Prototype
FS
Prototype
SS
Prototype
DE
DT
OLB
MLB
CB
FS
SS

Balanced
Coverage/Cover 2
Coverage/Speed
Centerfielder
Balanced
Balanced
K
P
Ravens
Pinpoint Accuracy
Balanced
K
P
Redskins
K
P
Big Foot/Distance
Big Foot/Distance
Saints
Pinpoint Accuracy
Balanced
K
P
Seahawks
POS.
TEAM PREFERS
POS.
TEAM PREFERS
POS.
TEAM PREFERS
POS.
TEAM PREFERS
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
T
G
C
Strong Arm/Tools
Power
Blocking
Quick/Route Runner
Playmaker
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
T
G
C
Strong Arm/Tools
Workhorse
Receiving
Speed
H-back
Balanced
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
T
G
C
Pure Passer
Balanced
Balanced
Balanced
Balanced
Balanced
Balanced
Balanced
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
T
G
C
Field General
Balanced
Balanced
Quick/Route Runner
Playmaker
DE
DT
OLB
MLB
CB
FS
SS
Versatile/3-4
Run Stopper
Prototype
Prototype
Prototype
Prototype
DE
DT
OLB
MLB
CB
FS
SS
Run Stopper
Balanced
Prototype
3-4/Tackler
Prototype
Prototype
DE
DT
OLB
MLB
CB
FS
SS
Prototype
Run Stopper
Run Stopper
3-4/Tackler
Man Coverage
Coverage
DE
DT
OLB
MLB
CB
FS
SS

Prototype
Prototype
Balanced
Centerfielder
Pinpoint Accuracy
Balanced
K
P
Steelers
K
P
Balanced
Balanced
Texans
K
P
Balanced
Balanced
Titans
K
P
Big Foot/Distance
Big Foot/Distance
Vikings
POS.
TEAM PREFERS
POS.
TEAM PREFERS
POS.
TEAM PREFERS
POS.
TEAM PREFERS
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
T
G
C
Field General
Power
Blocking
Strong/Blocking
Balanced
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
T
G
C
Field General
Workhorse
Balanced
Speed
Soft Hands/Routes
Smart/Mobile
Smart/Mobile
Smart/Mobile
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
T
G
C
Mobile/Speed
Speed
Blocking
Balanced
Playmaker
Balanced
Smart/Mobile
QB
HB
FB
WR
TE
T
G
C
Strong Arm/Tools
Balanced
Balanced
Speed
Balanced
DE
DT
OLB
MLB
CB
FS
SS
Run Stopper
Run Stopper
Power/Blitzer
Man Coverage
Prototype
DE
DT
OLB
MLB
CB
FS
SS
Prototype
Run Stopper
Balanced
Prototype
Centerfielder
Coverage
DE
DT
OLB
MLB
CB
FS
SS
Balanced
Prototype
Prototype
Power/Blitzer
Centerfielder
Balanced
DE
DT
OLB
MLB
CB
FS
SS
Run Stopper
Prototype
Balanced
3-4/Tackler
Cover 2
Centerfielder
Coverage
K
P
148
Balanced
Balanced
K
P
Balanced
Balanced
K
P
Balanced
Balanced
K
P
Balanced
Balanced P
We talked in the locker room

at halftime that we just had to
keep our poise and continue to
play, and wed have a chance
in the 4th quarter.
Tony Dungy after the Colts overcame an 18-point halftime deficit

to beat the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game in January 2007
DATA COMPENDIUM
FOOTBALL GLOSSARY
150
2008 DRAFT/FREE AGENTS 158

EASTER EGGS
159
XBOX 360 ACHIEVEMENTS 160

THE LAST WORD
160
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FOOTBALL GLOSSARY
0-9
3-3 (or 3-3-5) defense
A defense with three lineman, three
linebackers and five defensive backs.
Often called a 3-3 stack. In NFL Head
Coach 09, the 3-3-5 is a playbook that
a college coach might bring to the pro
level.
3-4 defense
A defensive formation with three linemen and four linebackers.
4-3 defense
A defensive formation with four linemen
and three linebackers. Several variations are employed.
4-6 defense
A defense with four down linemen and
six linebackers. Pronounced four-six
defense.
46 defense
Not to be confused with the 4-6 (foursix) defense; a formation of the 4-3 defense (four linemen and three linebackers) in which three defensive backs
(the two cornerbacks and the strong
safety) crowd the line of scrimmage.
The remaining safety, who is the free
safety, stays in the backfield. It is also
known as the Bear defense because
it was popularized by Buddy Ryan
while coaching for the Chicago Bears.
Pronounced forty-six defense.
A
audible
A play called by the quarterback at
the line of scrimmage to change the
play originally called in the huddle.
An audible is usually called after the
quarterback sees how the defense lines
up, and calls a new play to counter that
defense.
150
automatic first down

For several of the most severe penalties, including pass interference and all
personal fouls, an automatic first down
is rewarded to the offense even if the
yardage of that penalty is less than
whats needed for a first down.
B
blitz
A defensive maneuver in which one or
more linebackers or defensive backs,
who normally remain behind the line
of scrimmage, instead charge into the
opponents backfield. (Exception: In
the 3-4 defense, when one linebacker
rushes the passer with the three down
linemen, it is not considered a blitz.)
blind side
The back side of a player; for QBs, its
the side opposite the throwing arm (i.e.
a right-handed QB has a blind left side).
blocking
When a player obstructs another
players path with his body.
booth (or review booth)
A location where NFL officials conduct
instant replay activities such as reviewing footage and coordinating with onfield officials.
bootleg
An offensive play based upon misdirection in which the quarterback pretends
to hand the ball to another player, then
carries the ball in the opposite direction of the supposed ball carrier with
the intent of either passing or running.
A naked bootleg is a risky variation of
this play when the quarterback has no
blockers pulling out with him.
box
An area on the defensive side of the
ball opposite the offensive linemen and
about five yards deep. Having eight
players in the box means bringing in
a defensive back, normally a safety, to
help stop the offenses running game.
bust
A highly touted draft pick that fails to
live up to expectations.
bye week
An NFL teams week off during the
regular season.
C
center
A player position on offense. The center
snaps the ball.
chains
The 10-yard-long chain used by the
chain crew to measure for a new series
of downs.
check off
A synonym for audible.
chuck and duck
A style of offense with minimal pass
protection requiring the quarterback to
chuck the ball, then duck to avoid a
defensive lineman.
clipping
An illegal block in which the victim is
blocked from the back and below the
waist. Originally, clipping was defined
as any block from the back, but is now
restricted to blocks below the waist.
coffin corner
The corner of the field of play. Punters often attempt to kick the ball out of
bounds toward the coffin corner to
pin the receiving team near their own
end zone and/or prevent a punt return.
contain
A defensive assignment. On outside
runs such as a sweep, one defensive
player (usually a cornerback or outside
linebacker) is assigned to keep the
rusher from turning upfield. If executed
properly, the rusher has to either cut
back inside or turn upfield before the
play calls for it, giving the linebackers a
better chance of stopping the play.
Coach Hank Stram was the first to use plays featuring two tight ends on offense, and
stacked linebackers on defense (in which the linebackers lined up directly behind the linemen).
cornerback (CB)
A defensive back who lines up near the
line of scrimmage across from a wide
receiver. His primary job is to disrupt
passing routes and to defend against
short and medium passes in the passing game, and to contain the rusher on
rushing plays.
counter
A running play in which the running
back takes a step in the apparent
direction of the play (i.e., the direction the line is moving), only to get the
handoff in the other direction. Weakside linemen sometimes pull and lead
the back downfield (sometimes called
a counter trap). The play is designed to
get the defense to flow away from the
action for a few steps as they follow the
linemen, allowing more room for the
running back.
cut (or cutback)
A sharp change of direction by a running player.
D
dead ball
A ball that is no longer in play.
defensive back
A cornerback or safety position on the
defense; commonly covers wide receivers on passing plays. Many defenses
use four defensive backs but some use
five or six; see nickel back and dime
back.
defensive end (DE)
A player position on defense who lines
up on the outside of the defensive line.
defensive tackle (DT)
A player position on defense on the
inside of the defensive line. When a defensive tackle lines up across from the
center, he is known as a nose tackle.
defensive team
The team that begins a play from
scrimmage not in possession of the
ball.
DATA COMPENDIUM
dime back
The second extra, or sixth total, defensive back. Named because a dime has
the same value as two nickels.
direct snap
Often refers to a play in which the
center snaps to someone other than
the quarterback (usually a running
back). Such a snap eliminates the need
for a handoff from the quarterback
and is usually designed to confuse the
defense.
double reverse
A play in which the ball reverses direction twice behind the line of scrimmage. This is accomplished by means
of two or three handoffs, each handoff
going in an opposite direction as the
previous one. Such a play is infrequent
in football.
down
One of a series of plays in which the
offensive team must advance at least
10 yards or lose possession. First down
is the first of the plays; fourth is the last
down in the NFL. A first down occurs
after a change of possession of the
ball, after advancing the ball 10 yards
following a previous first down, or after
certain penalties.
down lineman
A player stationed in front of the line
of scrimmage and who has either one
(three-point stance) or two (four-point
stance) hands on the ground.
draw play
A play in which the quarterback drops
back as if to pass, then hands off to
a running back or runs with the ball
himself. Contrast with scramble.
drive
1. A continuous set of offensive plays
gaining substantial yardage and at least
one first down.
2. A blocking technique (drive block)
in which an offensive player (through
angle of attack or with assistance from
teammates) drives a defender out of
position, creating a hole for the ball
carrier.
drop kick
A kick in which the ball is dropped
and kicked after it hits the ground and
before it hits it again; a half-volley kick.
Such kicks are virtually non-existent in
modern-day NFL games.
exhibition game
A game that does not count toward a
teams season record; all pre-season
games are technically exhibition
games.
E
eligible receivers
Players who may legally touch a forward pass. While only certain players
on an offense are considered eligible,
all defensive players are technically
eligible receivers. After a forward pass
is touched by a player on defense, all
players on the field become eligible.
encroachment
An illegal action by a player to cross
the line of scrimmage and make contact with an opponent before the ball is
snapped, or to line up offside and remain there when the ball is put in play.
empty backfield
Refers to a formation that has only the
quarterback in the backfield; such a
formation dictates five receivers on or
near the line of scrimmage.
end zone
The area between the end line and the
goal line, bounded by the sidelines.
extra point
A point scored in a conversion attempt
by making what would be a field goal
or a safety during general play.
F
fair catch
An unhindered catch of an opponents
kick. The player wanting to make a fair
catch must signal for it by waving an
arm overhead while the ball is in the air.
151
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FOOTBALL GLOSSARY
After that signal, if he gains possession
of the ball, it is dead immediately, and
opponents are penalized for hitting him.
fake
An adjective used to describe an action
on the field that is expected to occur
but does not (such as a fake punt or
blitz), or is intended to deceive the opposing team (such as a fake handoff).
false start
A penalty in which the offense moves
illegally before the ball is snapped.
fantasy football
A game in which the participants
(called owners) each draft (on their
own or with the aid of software) a team
of real-life NFL players, then score
points based on those players statistical performance.
field of play
The area bordered by both the goal
lines and the sidelines.
field goal
Score of three points made by place
kicking (or drop kicking) the ball
through the opponents goal other than
via a kickoff or free kick following a
safety.
flanker
A player position on offense. A wide
receiver who lines up one or more
yards off the line of scrimmage outside
of another receiver.
flat
An area on the field between the line of
scrimmage and 10 yards into the defensive backfield, and within 15 yards
of the sideline. Running backs often run
pass routes to the flat when they are
the safety valve receivers.
flea flicker
A trick play in which a running back
laterals the ball to the quarterback, who
then throws a pass to a receiver.
152
flood
A strategy in which an offense sends
many players (usually wide receivers)
to a specific part of the field to try and
outnumber the defenders there.
formation
An arrangement of the offensive players. A formation is usually described in
terms of how the running backs line up
and/or how the wide receivers line up.
Rules limit what is legal in a formation:
All five offensive linemen must be on
the line of scrimmage (a small amount
of leeway is given to tackles when lined
up for pass protection). Also, there
must be one receiver (usually one tight
end and one wide receiver) lined up on
the line on either side of the offensive
line. A receiver who is on the line may
not go in motion.
forward pass
A pass that touches a person, object,
or the ground closer to the opponents
end line than where it was released
from, or is accidentally lost during a
forward throwing motion.
four-point stance
A down linemans stance with two feet
and two hands on the ground.
free agent
A prospective player not drafted by or
exclusively contracted to any team.
free kick
A kick made to put the ball in play as a
kickoff or following a safety.
free safety (FS)
A player position on defense. Free
safeties often have the responsibility of
assisting other defensive backs in deep
coverage (compared to strong safeties,
who usually have an assigned receiver
and run support responsibilities).
fullback (FB)
A player position on offense. Originally,
lined up deep behind the quarterback
in the T formation. In modern formations this position may be varied, and
this player has more blocking responsibilities in comparison with the halfback
or tailback.
fumble
A ball that a player accidentally loses
possession of.
G
GM
In this guide, this is an abbreviation
for general manager. In the NFL, the
general manager is responsible for
scouting players, negotiating contracts,
and overseeing front office operations.
goal
A surface in space marked by a structure of two upright posts 18-1/2 feet
apart extending above a horizontal
crossbar whose top edge is 10 feet
off the ground. The goal is the surface
above the bar and between the lines of
the inner edges of the posts, extending
infinitely upward, centered above each
end line in the NFL.
goal line
The front of the end zone.
guard
One of two player positions on offense
(see lineman). A five-player defensive
line has one guard, a defensive line of
six or more players has two guards,
and a defensive line of fewer than five
players has no guard.
H
Hail Mary
A long pass play, thrown toward a
group of receivers near the end zone
in hope of a touchdown. Used by an offense as a last resort when time is running out in either of two halves (usually
by a team trailing in the second half).
Refers to the Catholic prayer.
halfback
A player position on offense. Also
known as a tailback.
George Halas was the first pro football coach to hold daily practice sessions,
study opponents game film, and set up radio broadcasting of his teams games.
halfback option pass

A trick play in which the halfback can
either throw a pass or run with the ball
if no receiver is open.
handoff
A players handing of a live ball to
another player. The handoff goes either
backward or laterally, as opposed to a
forward pass.
hash marks
Lines between which the ball begins
each play. The lines are parallel to and
a distance in from the side lines and
marked as broken lines.
holder
A player who holds the ball upright
for a place kick. Often backup quarterbacks are used for their superior
ball-handling ability (as well as their
ability to pass in case of a fake kick or
botched hold).
holding
1. Offensive holding: Illegally blocking
a player from the opposing team by
grabbing and holding his uniform or
body.
2. Defensive holding: called against
defensive players who impede receivers more than five yards from the line
of scrimmage, but who are not actively
making an attempt to catch the ball (if
the defensive player were to impede an
offensive player in the act of catching
the ball, that would be the more severe
penalty of pass interference).
huddle
An on-field gathering of members of a
team in order to secretly communicate
instructions for the upcoming play.
I
I formation
A formation that includes a fullback
and tailback lined up with the fullback
directly in front of the tailback. If a third
back is in line, this is known as a Full
House I. If the third back is lined up
alongside the fullback, its known as a
Power I.
DATA COMPENDIUM
incomplete pass
A forward pass of the ball that no
player legally caught.
inside
1. Of a players path: relatively close
(in reference to the sides of the field)
to where the ball was snapped from.
Thus, a ball carriers path in crossing
the neutral zone may be said to be
inside of an opponent, or an inside
run in general, and a rushing defensive
player may be said to put on an inside
move or inside rush.
2. Of the movement of the ball between
players: directed toward a player who
cuts between a player in the backfield
who throws or hands the ball and the
place from which it was snapped. Thus,
an inside pass or inside handoff.
intentional grounding
An illegal forward pass thrown beyond the line of scrimmage without an
intended receiver and no chance of
completion to any offensive player. Intentional grounding is not called in the
case of a spike or if the QB is outside
the tackle box at the time of the pass.
interception
The legal catching of a forward pass
thrown by an opposing player.
J
Jumbo
An offensive package that includes two
tight ends, a fullback, and a halfback.
Similar to heavy jumbo, in which either
the halfback or the fullback is replaced
by another tight end. Often one (or
more) tight ends is actually a linebacker or offensive lineman. In those
cases, the player must report to the
game officials as an eligible receiver.
K
kick
As a verb, to strike the ball deliberately
with the foot; as a noun, an action producing a punt, place kick, or drop kick.
kickoff
A free kick that starts each half, or
restarts the game following a touchdown or field goal. The kickoff may be
a place kick or a drop kick.
kick returner
A player on the receiving team who
specializes in fielding kicks and running them back. On some NFL teams,
talented wide receivers or defensive
backs will also return kicks.
kneel-down
A low-risk play in which the quarterback kneels down after receiving
the snap, ending the play. Its almost
always used to run out the clock.
L
lateral
A pass thrown to the side or backward.
Also called a backward pass.
line of scrimmage/scrimmage line
One of two vertical planes parallel to
the goal line when the ball is to be put
in play by scrimmage. For each NFL
team, the line of scrimmage is through
the point of the ball closest to their end
line. The two lines of scrimmage are
called the offensive line of scrimmage
and the defensive line of scrimmage.
linebacker
A player position on defense. Linebackers typically play one to three yards
behind the defensive linemen and have
both run and pass defense responsibilities. They are often called on to blitz.
lineman
A defensive or offensive position on the
line of scrimmage.
1. On offense, the player snapping
the ball is the center. The players on
either side of him are the guards, and
the players to the outside of him are
tackles. The players on the end of the
line are the ends. This may be varied in
an unbalanced line.
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FOOTBALL GLOSSARY
2. On defense, the outside linemen are
ends, and those inside are tackles. If
there are five or six linemen, the innermost linemen are known as guards.
The latter is rarely seen in the NFL
except for some goal-line defenses.
live ball
Any ball in play, whether it is in a
players possession or not. The ball is
live during plays from scrimmage and
free kicks, including kickoffs.
long snapper
A center who specializes in long, accurate snaps required for punts and field
goal attempts. Most NFL teams employ
a specialist long snapper instead of the
starting center to perform this duty.
loose ball
Any ball that is in play and not in a
players possession. This includes a ball
in flight during a lateral or forward pass.
M
man in motion
A player on offense who is moving
backward or parallel to the line of
scrimmage just before the snap. In the
NFL, only one offensive player can be
in motion at a time, cannot be moving
toward the line of scrimmage at the
snap, and may not be a player on the
line of scrimmage.
man-to-man coverage
(also known as man coverage)
A defense in which all players in pass
coverage, typically linebackers and
defensive backs, cover a specific
player. Pure man coverage is very rare;
defenses typically mix man and zone
coverage.
mock draft
A simulated draft that attempts to
predict the prospects each team will
select, based on their needs. Each NFL
team has its own mock draft to figure
out which players will likely be available
when its draft slot rolls around.
154
muff
A loose ball thats dropped or mishandled while a player attempts to gain
possession; the term is most often
used when a punt or kick isnt caught
cleanly.
N
National Football League (NFL)
The largest professional football league
in the United States, if not the world.
neutral zone
The region between the lines of scrimmage or between the free kick restraining lines.
nickel back
An extra, or fifth, defensive back.
Named after the coin. Popularized by
the Miami Dolphins in the 1970s; now
common.
no-huddle offense
A tactic in which the offense quickly
forms near the line of scrimmage
without huddling before the next play.
Offenses go no huddle to establish
momentum, save time on the game
clock, and/or prevent the opposing
defense from regrouping or substituting
personnel.
nose tackle
A tackle in a three-man defensive line
who lines up directly opposite from the
center on offense.
0
offside
An infraction of the rule that requires
both teams to be on their own side of
their restraining line as or before the
ball is put into play. Offside is normally
called on the defensive team.
one-back formation
A formation in which the offensive team
has one running back in the backfield
with the quarterback. Other eligible receivers are near the line of scrimmage.
onside kick
A play in which the kicking team tries to
recover the kicked ball.
option
Usually, a type of play in which the
quarterback has the option of handing
off, keeping or laterally passing to one
or more backs. Often described by a
type of formation or play action, such
as triple option, veer option, or counter
option. Teams running option plays
often specialize in them. Less often, a
play in which a back may either pass
or run.
outside
Opposite of inside (see inside).
P
package
The group of players on the field for
a given play. For example, the nickel
package substitutes a cornerback for
either a linebacker or a defensive lineman (the latter is referred to as a 3-3-5
nickel), or the jumbo package substitutes a wide receiver with a tight end.
pass interference
When a player illegally hinders an
eligible receivers opportunity to catch
a forward pass.
passing play
A play in which a forward pass is attempted by the offense.
pistol
The pistol is essentially a modified
shotgun formation that has the QB
three or four yards behind center, and
an HB lined up behind the quarterback.
The advantage of the pistol for the
running game is that the HB can build
speed, have more time to read the
offensive line, and pick a hole to burst
through. It can also be used to run the
option. However, with four WRs and
the QB in shotgun, passing options
remain available on every play. In NFL
Head Coach 09, the pistol is a playbook that a college coach might bring
to the pro level.
There are 21 coaches inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame; the
first coaches to be inducted in 1963 were George Halas and Earl Lambeau.
place kick
Kicking the ball from where it has been
placed stationary on the ground or,
when legal, on a tee.
play
1. The action between the snap of the
ball and the end of play signaled by the
officials whistle for a tackle or out of
bounds.
2. The plan of action the offensive team
has for each snap.
play action
A tactic in which the quarterback fakes
either a handoff or a throw to draw the
defense away from the intended play.
play clock
A timer used to increase the pace of
the game between plays. The offensive
team must snap the ball before the time
expires. Currently, the NFL uses 40
seconds (25 seconds after a time out).
playbook
A collection of plays designed for a
specific teams offense or defense.
pocket
An area on the offensive side of the
line of scrimmage where the offensive
linemen attempt to prevent defensive
players from reaching the quarterback
during passing plays. When a quarterback remains between the hash marks
during a pass play, hes generally
considered in the pocket.
prevent defense
A conservative defensive strategy that
uses deep zone coverage to prevent
big pass plays, at the expense of giving
up yards at shorter distances. Often
used against Hail Mary plays, or at the
end of the game when the defending
team is protecting a lead.
pulling
A term used to describe an offensive
lineman who, instead of blocking the
player in front of him, moves down the
line to block another player.
DATA COMPENDIUM
punt
A kick in which the ball is dropped and
kicked before it reaches the ground.
Used to give up the ball to the opposition after offensive downs have been
used, as far down the field as possible.
punter
A kicker who specializes in punting as
opposed to place kicking.
Q
quarter defense
Defensive formation with seven defensive backs, three down linemen, and
one linebacker. This is a pass-oriented
defense.
quarterback (QB)
An offensive player who lines up behind
the center, from whom he takes the
snap.
quick kick
An unexpected punt; it is often performed on third down by the quarterback (or another player in the backfield
with kicking skill) to catch the defense
by surprise and prevent a return.
R
receiver
A wide receiver.
reception
When a player catches the ball.
red zone
The area between the 20-yard line and
the goal of the defensive team. Offenses are often judged by their ability
to score after reaching the red zone.
referee
The official who directs the other officials on the field. He is one of seven
officials.
reverse
An offensive play in which a ball carrier going toward one side of the field
hands or tosses the ball to a teammate
running in the opposite direction (if the
second ball carrier is an end, it is also
referred to as an end around).
rollout
A designed movement by the quarterback toward one side of the field,
usually to give the passer more time to
locate receivers downfield and/or the
option to run if no one is open.
run and shoot
An offensive philosophy designed to
force the defense to show its hand
prior to the snap of the ball by splitting up receivers and sending them in
motion. Receivers often run patterns
based on how defenders react to their
offensive set-up, rather than a predetermined plan.
running back
A player position on offense. Although
the term usually refers to the halfback
or tailback, fullbacks are also considered running backs.
running play
A play where the offense attempts to
advance the ball without passing.
rush
1. Trying to tackle or hurry a player
before he can throw a pass or make a
kick.
2. A running play.
S
sack
Tackling a ball carrier who intends to
throw a forward pass. A sack is also
awarded if a player forces a fumble of
the ball, or the ball carrier to go out of
bounds, behind the line of scrimmage
on an apparent intended forward pass
play.
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FOOTBALL GLOSSARY
safety
1. A player position on defense (see
free safety and strong safety).
2. A method of scoring (worth two
points) by downing an opposing ball
carrier in his own end zone, forcing the
opposing ball carrier out of his own
end zone and out of bounds, or forcing
the offensive team to fumble the ball
so that it exits their own end zone. A
safety is also awarded if the offensive
team commits a penalty within its own
end zone. After a safety, the team that
was scored upon must kick the ball to
the scoring team from its own 20-yard
line. A safety scored during a try scores
one point and is followed by a kickoff.
scramble
On a called pass play, when the
quarterback runs from the pocket in an
attempt to avoid being sacked, giving
the receivers more time to get open or
attempting to gain positive yards by
running himself. Generally a scramble
is improvised by the quarterback; if its
part of the play design, its known as a
rollout.
screen pass
A short forward pass to a receiver who
has blockers in front of him. The receiver in this play is usually a running back,
although wide receiver and tight end
screens are also used. Although they
are both called screen passes, the wide
receiver screen and the running back
screen are used for different reasons. In
the case of a running back screen, the
play is designed to allow the pass rushers by the offensive linemen, leaving
the defender out of position to make a
play. The play is employed to defuse
the pass rush in the case of a running
back screen. The wide receiver screen
is a faster-developing play, designed to
catch the defense off guard.
shotgun formation
Formation in which offensive teams
may line up at the start of a play. In this
formation, the quarterback receives
the snap five to eight yards behind the
center.
156
sideline
One of the lines marking each side of
the field. As adjective: on the field near
a sideline.
signature play
A play (usually offensive) or type of play
repeatedly run by a team that uniquely
defines that teams playing style.
slot
The area between a split end and the
offensive line. A pass receiver lined up
in the slot at the snap of the ball may
be called a slotback or slot receiver.
snap
The handoff or pass from the center
that begins a play from scrimmage.
sneak
An offensive play in which the quarterback, on receiving the snap, dives
forward with the ball.
special teams
The units that handle kickoffs, punts,
free kicks, and field goal attempts.
spike
A play in which the quarterback throws
the ball at the ground after the snap. An
incomplete pass, it stops the clock. A
spike is not intentional grounding.
splits
The distance between the feet of
adjacent offensive linemen. Said to be
wide, if there is a large gap between
players, or narrow, if the gap is small.
squib kick
A type of kickoff in which the ball is
intentionally kicked low to the ground,
bouncing on the ground a few times
before being picked up. This is done in
the hopes of preventing a long return,
as the ball is picked up by one of the
upmen as opposed to the designated
kickoff returner.
stiff-arm or straight-arm
A ball carrier warding off a would-be
tackler by pushing them away with a
straight arm.
strong I
A formation wherein the tailback is
lined up deep directly behind the quarterback, and the fullback is lined up offset to the strong side of the formation.
strong safety (SS)
A kind of safety on defense, as opposed to a free safety. This is a central
defensive back; originally, the term
indicated that he lined up on the strong
side of the field and covered the tight
end. However, the modern usage of the
term now indicates a central defensive
back with responsibility for run and
pass support.
strong side
The side of the field (left or right) that
has the most players, but it depends
on the formations of the teams. When
a team uses one tight end, the strong
side is the side of the field where the
tight end lines up. If the offensive package uses no tight end, or more than
one tight end, the strong side is the
side of the field with the most offensive
players on or behind the line of scrimmage.
stunt
A tactic used by defensive linemen in
which they switch roles in an attempt to
get past the blockers. Both defenders
start with power rushes, with the stunting defender getting more of a push.
The other lineman then goes around
him, ideally using him as a pick to get
free from his blocker.
sweep
A running play in which several blockers lead a running back on a designed
play to the outside.
T
tackle
1. The act of forcing a ball carrier to the
ground.
2. A player position on the line, either
an offensive tackle or a defensive
tackle (see lineman).
The first round of the 1983 NFL draft is considered by many to be the greatest pool of talent ever chosen in a
single round. It included quarterbacks John Elway, Dan Marino and Jim Kelly as well as running back Eric Dickerson.
three-and-out
When an offensive team fails to gain
a first down on the first three plays of
a drive, and thus is forced to punt on
fourth down.
three-point stance
A down linemans stance with three
points (his two feet and one of his
hands) on the ground.
tight end
A player position on offense, an eligible
receiver lined up on the line of scrimmage, next to the offensive tackle.
Tight ends are used as blockers during
running plays, and either run a route or
stay in to block during passing plays.
touchback
The act of downing the ball behind
ones own goal line after the ball had
been propelled over the goal by the
opposing team. After a touchback, the
team that downed it gets the ball at its
own 20-yard line.
touchdown
A play worth six points, accomplished
by gaining legal possession of the ball
in the opponents end zone. It also allows the team a chance for either one
extra point by kicking the ball or a twopoint conversion.
trap
A basic blocking pattern in which a
defensive lineman is allowed past the
line of scrimmage, only to be blocked
at an angle by a pulling lineman.
Traps are designed to gain a preferred
blocking angle and create a larger hole
in the line.
trips
A formation in which three wide receivers are lined up close to one another on
the same side of the field. Also refers to
those receivers. Used to create potential for confusion or collision between
defenders as these receivers split up.
two-point conversion
A play worth two points accomplished
by gaining legal possession of the ball
in the opponents end zone after a
touchdown has been made.
DATA COMPENDIUM
U
unbalanced line
Refers to an offensive formation that
does not have an equal number of linemen on each side of the ball. Done to
gain a blocking advantage on one side
of the formation; typically one tackle or
guard lines up on the other side of the
ball. For example, a common alignment
would be E-G-C-G-T-T-E.
upman
During a kickoff, every player on the return team is called an upman with the
exception of the one or two designated
kickoff returners, who stand farthest
away from the starting point of the
kicking team.
wide receiver
A player position on offense. He is split
wide (about 10 yards) from the formation and plays on the line of scrimmage
as a split end or one yard off as a
flanker.
wild card
An NFL team that makes the playoffs
by having one of the top two records
among non-division winners in its conference (AFC or NFC).
wing back
A player position in some offensive formations. Lines up outside the tight end
and one yard off the line of scrimmage.
May be a receiver but is more typically
used as a blocking back.
W
war room
The term for the location where a
teams coaches and staff gather to
strategize and make their picks during
the NFL Draft.
weak I
A formation wherein the tailback is
lined up deep directly behind the quarterback, and the fullback is lined up offset to the weak side of the formation.
weak side
When one tight end is used, the side of
the field opposite the tight end. In other
offensive packages, the side of the field
with the fewest offensive players on or
behind the line of scrimmage.
West Coast offense
An offensive philosophy that uses short
high-percentage passes as the core of
a ball-control offense. A main component of this offense is use of all the
eligible receivers in the short passing
game.
Xs and Os
In a play diagram, Xs signify defensive
players, Os signify offensive players.
Y
Y receiver
Term often used in offensive play calling to refer to the tight end.
Z
zone defense
A defense in which players in pass coverage cover zones of the field instead
of individual receivers. Pure zone packages are seldom used; most defenses
employ some combination of zone and
man coverage.
zone blitz
A defensive package combining a blitz
with zone pass coverage. Allows the
defense to choose the blitzer after the
offense shows formation and pass
coverage requirements, and features
unpredictable blitzes from different
linebackers and defensive backs.
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2008 DRAFT/FREE AGENTS

Defensive End (Right Side)
1. Chris Long / Virginia
2. Philip Merling / Clemson
3. Jason Jones / Eastern Michigan
4. Quentin Groves / Auburn
5. Calais Campbell / Miami
For players redoing the 2008 draft,

heres a look at the top five players at
each position as rated by the NFL Head
Coach 09 development team:
TOP OFFENSIVE PROSPECTS

2008 DRAFT CLASS
Quarterback
1. Matt Ryan / Boston College
2. Joe Flacco / Delaware
3. Brian Brohm / Louisville
4. Chad Henne / Michigan
5. Dennis Dixon / Oregon
When viewing draft prospects, press

the X button (Square on PS3) to view a
players grades and various scouting details.
Defensive Tackle
1. Glenn Dorsey / LSU
2. Sedrick Ellis / USC
3. Kentwan Balmer / North Carolina
4. Trevor Laws / Notre Dame
5. Pat Sims / Auburn
Halfback
1. Darren McFadden / Arkansas
2. Jonathan Stewart / Oregon
3. Rashard Mendenhall / Illinois
4. Chris Johnson / E. Carolina
5. Felix Jones / Arkansas
Tackle (Left)
1. Jake Long / Michigan
2. Ryan Clady / Boise State
3. Chris Williams / Vanderbilt
4. Duane Brown / Virginia Tech
5. Sam Baker / USC
Middle Linebacker
1. Curtis Lofton / Oklahoma
2. Dan Connor / Penn State
3. Tavares Gooden / Miami
4. Philip Wheeler / Georgia Tech
5. Beau Bell / UNLV
Fullback
1. Jacob Hester / LSU
2. Owen Schmitt / West Virginia
3. Jerome Felton / Furman
4. Peyton Hillis / Arkansas
5. Carl Stewart / Auburn
Tackle (Right)
1. Gosder Cherilus / Boston College
2. Jeff Otah / Pittsburgh
3. John Greco / Toledo
4 Breno Giacomini / Louisville
5. Carl Nicks / Nebraska
Outside Linebacker (Left)

1. Jerod Mayo / Tennessee
2. Jordan Dizon / Colorado
3. Shawn Crable / Michigan
4. Bruce Davis / UCLA
5. Clifford Avril / Purdue
Wide Receiver
1. Jordy Nelson / Kansas State
2. Devin Thomas / Michigan State
3. Donnie Avery / Houston
4. James Hardy / Indiana
5. Jerome Simpson / Coastal Carolina
Center
1. Mike Pollak / Arizona State
2. Cody Wallace / Texas A&M
3. K. Lichtensteiger / Bowling Green
4. John Sullivan / Notre Dame
5. Steven Justice / Wake Forest
Outside Linebacker (Right)

1. Vernon Gholston / Ohio State
2. Keith Rivers / USC
3. Stanford Keglar / Purdue
4. Erin Henderson / Maryland
5. Alvin Bowen / Iowa State
Tight End
1. John Carlson / Notre Dame
2. Dustin Keller / Purdue
3. Fred Davis / USC
4. Martellus Bennett / Texas A&M
5. Brad Cottam / Tennessee
TOP SPECIAL TEAMERS

2008 DRAFT CLASS
Kicker
1. Taylor Mehlhaff / Wisconsin
Guard (Left)
1. Branden Albert / Virginia
2. Chad Rinehart / Northern Iowa
3. Shawn Murphy / Utah State
4. Eric Young / Tennessee
5. Kalvin Black / Appalach. State
Punter
1. Durant Brooks / Georgia Tech
Guard (Right)
1. Chilo Rachal / USC
2. Oneil Cousins / UTEP
3. Jeremy Zuttah / Rutgers
4. Michael McGlynn / Pittsburgh
5. Roy Schuening / Oregon State
Defensive End (Left)

1. Derrick Harvey / Florida
2. Lawrence Jackson / USC
3. Kendall Langford / Hampton
4. Chris Ellis / Virginia Tech
5. Bryan Smith / McNeese State
158
TOP DEFENSIVE PROSPECTS

2008 DRAFT CLASS
Cornerback
1. Leodis McKelvin / Troy
2. Dominique Cromartie / Tenn. St.
3. Mike Jenkins / USF
4. Aqib Talib / Kansas
5. Antoine Cason / Arizona
Safety (Strong)
1. Kenny Phillips / Miami
2. Tyrell Johnson / Arkansas State
3. Tom Zbikowski / Notre Dame
4. DeJuan Morgan / N.C. State
5. Domonique Barber / Minnesota
Free Safety
1. Thomas DeCoud / California
2. Quintin Demps / UTEP
3. Ryan Mundy / West Virginia
4. Corey Lynch / Appalach. State
5. Haruki Nakamura / Cincinnati
EASTER EGGS
Easter Egg #1: NFL Players Who
Eventually Become Coaches
A special group of players who retire
will enter into the coaching ranks. A
notable example of this is safety Corey
Chavous: Hell become a General Manager after his playing days are over! He
has said that he wants to get into front
office management after he retiresso
EA SPORTS thought it would be cool
to give him his first shot in NFL Head

Coach 09!
The list below shows the NFL players wholl become coaches, and what
coaching positions theyll be hired for:
Corey
Chavous
GM
Michael
Strahan
DL Coach
Donnie
Edwards
LB Coach
Trent
Green
QB Coach
Lorenzo
Neal
RB Coach
Ronde
Barber
DB Coach
Hollis
Thomas
DL Coach
Derrick
Brooks
LB Coach
Charlie
Batch
QB Coach
Tony
Richardson
RB Coach
Donovin
Darius
DB Coach
Keith
Traylor
DL Coach
Mike
Vrabel
LB Coach
Jake
Delhomme
QB Coach
Jason
Hanson
Special Teams
John
Lynch
DB Coach
Zach
Thomas
LB Coach
Tedy
Bruschi
LB Coach
Trent
Dilfer
QB Coach
Adam
Vinatieri
Special Teams
Rodney
Harrison
DB Coach
Junior
Seau
LB Coach
Tom
Nalen
OL Coach
Jim
Sorgi
QB Coach
Marvin
Harrison
WR Coach
Ty
Law
DB Coach
Willie
McGinest
LB Coach
Jon
Runyan
OL Coach
Kurt
Warner
QB Coach
Isaac
Bruce
WR Coach
Sam
Madison
DB Coach
Jeremiah
Trotter
LB Coach
Jeff
Saturday
OL Coach
Anthony
Thomas
RB Coach
Bobby
Engram
WR Coach
Mike
Rucker
DL Coach
Ray
Lewis
LB Coach
Jeff
Garcia
QB Coach
Warrick
Dunn
RB Coach
2008 FREE AGENCY IN REVIEW

REDOING THE OFF-SEASON
Heres a look at the biggest free

agents (both unrestricted and restricted) that were on the market in 2008.
Although some are likely to be franchise tagged, some may not. (Players
that were tagged in real life for the 2008
season are marked with an asterisk):
Quarterbacks
Derek Anderson / Browns (RFA)
Josh McCown / Raiders (UFA)
Daunte Culpepper / Raiders (UFA)
Rex Grossman / Bears (UFA)
Running Backs
Marion Barber / Cowboys (RFA)
Michael Turner / Chargers (UFA)
Julius Jones / Dallas Cowboys (UFA)
DATA COMPENDIUM
Receivers and Tight Ends

Randy Moss / Patriots (UFA)
Bernard Berrian / Bears (UFA)
D.J. Hackett / Seahawks (UFA)
Dallas Clark* / Colts (UFA)
L.J. Smith* / Eagles (UFA)
Bryant Johnson / Cardinals (UFA)
Offensive Line
Alan Faneca / Steelers (UFA)
Flozell Adams / Cowboys (UFA)
Jake Scott / Colts (UFA)
Stacy Andrews* / Bengals (UFA)
Jordan Gross* / Panthers (UFA)
Defensive Line
Albert Haynesworth* / Titans (UFA)
Jared Allen* / Chiefs (UFA)
Corey Williams* / Packers (UFA)
Justin Smith / Bengals (UFA)
Mike Rucker / Panthers (UFA)
Linebackers
Lance Briggs / Bears (UFA)
Kawika Mitchell / Giants (UFA)
Tedy Bruschi / Patriots (UFA)
Carlos Dansby* / Cardinals (UFA)
Terrell Suggs* / Ravens (UFA)
Defensive Backs and Safeties
Asante Samuel / Patriots (UFA)
Nmandi Asomugha* / Oakland (UFA)
Marcus Trufant* / Seattle (UFA)
Gibril Wilson / Giants (UFA)
Ken Hamlin* / Dallas (UFA)
Special Teams
Rob Bironas / Titans (RFA)
Josh Brown / Seahawks (UFA)
Jason Elam / Broncos (UFA)
159
www.primagames.com
XBOX 360 ACHIEVEMENTS

The Xbox 360 version of NFL Head Coach 09 uses the same achievement system used in all Xbox 360 titles. Achievements
are awarded after completing a specific in-game task. Heres a list of all the achievements (1,000 points total):
ACHIEVEMENT
POINTS
DESCRIPTION
A Cut Above
10
Highest overall approval in the league
Best Ever
250
Win the Super Bowl 3 times
Best of All Time
100
Perfect 19-0 Season
Drawing Some Plays in the Dirt
10
Create 10 custom plays with the Play Editor
Gameday Guru
50
Complete 10 online head-to-head games
Goal Oriented
15
Achieve all season goals
Gold Miner
10 A player with a 90+ Overall rating who you invited to training camp makes the team
Man of the People
10
Player approval of 80+
Master of Plays
10
Get at least 50 plays to Mastery play knowledge level
Media Darling
10
Media approval of 80+
Mr. Popularity
10
Fan approval of 80+
Nerves of Steel
10
Make 20 successful Defining Moment decisions
One Big Happy Family
10
Staff approval of 80+
One for the Mantle
50
Win Coach of the Year
Repeat Offender
100
Win back-to-back Super Bowls
Teachers Pet
10
Owner approval of 80+
We Like You
25
Overall approval of 85+
We Love You
50
We Idolize You
75
Welcome to the Club
125
Win 100 games with a created coach
Xs and Os Guy
20
Create 25 plays
You Are So Emo
10
Get all perfect emotional reactions during a single game
You Arrived
30
Win your first Super Bowl
THE LAST WORD

Before you finish reading this guide,
here are a few small game-related tidbits that you might find interesting:
Patriots Head Coach: The Patriots head coach opted not to use his
likeness in this game; in his stead is
Hal Ophamer. Did you notice that this
fictional coachs name sounds a lot
like Hall of Famer? A pretty fitting
resemblance
Passing Game Discipline Special
Skill Icon: Did you notice that in the
icon, the quarterback is about to throw
a rocket instead of a football?
160
Notable Landmarks: Did you notice

some of the landmarks as you toured
the campuses of the NFL?
Chicago: Sears Tower
New York City (Jets and Giants):
Both the Empire State Building and the
Chrysler Building (Bonus question: Can
you tell which building is which?)
Oakland: Oakland Bay Bridge
Seattle: Space Needle
St. Louis: Gateway Arch
Washington D.C.: Washington
Monument
The team that wins the Super Bowl gets

special decorations for their campus.
If you visit the Giants team campus in 2008,
youll see special banners as well as a large
sculpture of the Vince Lombardi Trophy!

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PRIMA OFFICIAL GAME GUIDE

Created by Kaizen Media Group

Producer: Howard Grossman

The Prima Games logo

ON THE COVER: TONY DUNGY

WHATS NEW FOR 2009

Team Campuses: Each of

Everything from the game interface

Coach Clipboard: NFL Head

ever seen in a next-gen football title.

Career Starting Point: One of

Approval Rating: This is

PRIMA OFFICIAL GAME GUIDE

The Clock is Ticking: Every coaching eventwhether its a

Subs and Play Edits: You can change the

Nothing is carried over

The NFL Network: Youll receive breaking news on

The NFL Draft: Youll wield the same type of power

We had a brand new

Many options can be tweaked during a

AI settings on special teams:

decrease how often theyre called by

PRIMA OFFICIAL GAME GUIDE

So often you get to that

STARTING YOUR CAREER

THE FIRST STEPS

The most important decision youll

At the Personality screen, select

The maximum number of seasons you

If you plan to take control of an

If youre creating a new coach, therell

PRIMA OFFICIAL GAME GUIDE

In play diagrams, offensive players are usually marked by circles,

The Super Star is a highly ambitious

The Traditionalist is a well-rounded

The Loyalist is the definitive team

Although there is no user-editable difficulty setting, the team you

STARTING YOUR CAREER

The Lone Wolf is an ambitious yet

Dick Jauron of the

The Ambassador is a conservative

choose what stadium to play in (the

advanced players, its a great way to

PRIMA OFFICIAL GAME GUIDE

Mike Tomlin of the

The Promoter is a shrewd and

Every figure in the game has a

The Headliner is an energetic and

The Captain is a strong and talented

STARTING YOUR CAREER

Lane Kiffin of the

The Analyst is a highly logical and

The Enthusiast is an optimistic and

The Stoic is a wise and patient

THE MAIN MENU

EA SPORTS GamerNet allows you to go

PRIMA OFFICIAL GAME GUIDE

Tony Dungy of the

The Titan is a tough-as-nails player

Pay attention to your players personality

A Virtuoso is a talented and dramatic person who makes even the

The Ally is a loyal and dependable

CHOOSING YOUR FIRST SKILLS