Tecmo Bowl Teams:
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Regardless of which 2 teams face off, there are 3 key facets in a game of Tecmo Bowl. Here we'll breakdown each team and their abilities.
-Player personnel: This ultimately is the ability each team has. Whether it's a strong armed QB, a slow group of WRs, or the best LB group. Each team is pretty unique with it's strengths and weaknesses.
-Playbook effectiveness: Not all playbooks are created equal. Some are difficult for any team to defend. Some playbooks can be defended well because the opponent has a dominant defender at a certain position. The match-up from one game to the next is typically different based on how well the defense can match-up with the playbook.
-Special teams: Tecmo Bowl is a game of field position. The best punters in the game make a huge impact with how far they can kick the ball. There are only 2 elite kick returners in Tecmo Bowl, but they are the most dangerous players in the game. Not all kickers can hit FGs from the same distance either.
Below you will find overall ranking & a detailed look at each team. To further understand Tecmo Bowl, click here to see the complete player ratings and abilities.
-Player personnel: This ultimately is the ability each team has. Whether it's a strong armed QB, a slow group of WRs, or the best LB group. Each team is pretty unique with it's strengths and weaknesses.
-Playbook effectiveness: Not all playbooks are created equal. Some are difficult for any team to defend. Some playbooks can be defended well because the opponent has a dominant defender at a certain position. The match-up from one game to the next is typically different based on how well the defense can match-up with the playbook.
-Special teams: Tecmo Bowl is a game of field position. The best punters in the game make a huge impact with how far they can kick the ball. There are only 2 elite kick returners in Tecmo Bowl, but they are the most dangerous players in the game. Not all kickers can hit FGs from the same distance either.
Below you will find overall ranking & a detailed look at each team. To further understand Tecmo Bowl, click here to see the complete player ratings and abilities.
#1. New York Giants
The Giants are #1 simply because they are hard to score against. They have the best defense in Tecmo Bowl. Lawrence Taylor anchors this monster defense. Punter Sean Landeta is equally key, blasting 76 yard punts(at most). He gives the stingy defense a ton of room to work with.
LT can block virtually every kick, so field goals are nearly impossible to kick against the Giants. It's touch downs or nothing for the opponent, meaning the Giants pitch a lot of shut-outs.
The offense leaves a lot to be desired, but they often just need to score 3 points to win. It's up to the offense to just not lose the game.
LT can block virtually every kick, so field goals are nearly impossible to kick against the Giants. It's touch downs or nothing for the opponent, meaning the Giants pitch a lot of shut-outs.
The offense leaves a lot to be desired, but they often just need to score 3 points to win. It's up to the offense to just not lose the game.
Giants offensive personnel
Mark Bavaro leads the group as the most dynamic offensive player. He's one of the elite tight ends in Tecmo Bowl. His role in Pass 2 is key as he runs the out route and can pick up some nice yards on that play.
Phil Simms has an average arm, and is not helped out much by slow WRs. Joe Morris is a decent back, but is hurt by the lack of an explosive passing attack.
Phil Simms has an average arm, and is not helped out much by slow WRs. Joe Morris is a decent back, but is hurt by the lack of an explosive passing attack.
Giants Playbook
The Giants run plays are pretty standard but effective. Pass 1 is unspectacular, especially with Simms' mediocre arm. Pass 2 is the go-to pass play for New York. The key is to get Bavaro the ball on Pass 2 and let him get yards after the catch.
Defend it: The Giants offense is not explosive, so make them work for every yard. Contain Morris w/ run calls, and mix in some Pass 2 calls.
Defend it: The Giants offense is not explosive, so make them work for every yard. Contain Morris w/ run calls, and mix in some Pass 2 calls.
Giants defensive personnel
Giants have a lot of speed in the front 7. Its not just Carl Banks and LT though. The Giants top DE Leonard Marshall is fairly quick as well. All 3 players have good power ratings, which helps them quickly shed blocks and get to the running back.
Not much else besides that trio, but its enough to make them the elite defensive unit in Tecmo Bowl.
Not much else besides that trio, but its enough to make them the elite defensive unit in Tecmo Bowl.
Giants special teams
New York doesn't have the best set of special teams units, but they always wins the field position battle.
--Punter Sean Landeta has the strongest leg in the game and can punt the ball 76 yards. His punts mean the Giants always win the field position battle.
--Kicker Raul Allegre doesn't have a lot of range. You need the line of scrimmage to be the 40 or closer.
--Returner Phil McConkey is slow, and the Giants don't have a powerful group of blockers.
--Punter Sean Landeta has the strongest leg in the game and can punt the ball 76 yards. His punts mean the Giants always win the field position battle.
--Kicker Raul Allegre doesn't have a lot of range. You need the line of scrimmage to be the 40 or closer.
--Returner Phil McConkey is slow, and the Giants don't have a powerful group of blockers.
Giants Synopsis
Sorry Al Davis, but this is the ultimate "just win baby" team in Tecmo Bowl. The offense and playbook receive low marks, but that doesn't matter much. Play it safe, and grind out 3-0 or 6-0 type wins with that D. Only the 49ers offense can regularly challenge this defense while putting up some yards and scores. Every other offense struggles to even get close to the redzone against New York.
Sorry Al Davis, but this is the ultimate "just win baby" team in Tecmo Bowl. The offense and playbook receive low marks, but that doesn't matter much. Play it safe, and grind out 3-0 or 6-0 type wins with that D. Only the 49ers offense can regularly challenge this defense while putting up some yards and scores. Every other offense struggles to even get close to the redzone against New York.
#2. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have supplanted themselves as 2nd best in Tecmo Bowl. There's no shutting down Joe Montana and his targets. As a matter of fact, you can barely slow them down. The 49ers best asset is their offensive ability to go toe to toe with any defense. This is no better group of offensive talent in Tecmo Bowl.
Defensively the 49ers have a couple elite players with Ronnie Lott and Michael Carter. Lott can single handedly shut down a lot of teams. The only glaring weakness the team has is the lack of a stand out special teams player.
Defensively the 49ers have a couple elite players with Ronnie Lott and Michael Carter. Lott can single handedly shut down a lot of teams. The only glaring weakness the team has is the lack of a stand out special teams player.
49ers Offensive personnel
Jerry Rice's blazing speed and Joe Montana's strong arm form one of the deadliest duo's in Tecmo Bowl. Roger Craig is quick, and in the shot-gun formation gets lined up in the bottom slot giving the 49ers another fast receiver for Joe cool.
Mike Wilson leaves a lot to be desired, but the playbook is good and he's open most of the game.
Mike Wilson leaves a lot to be desired, but the playbook is good and he's open most of the game.
49ers Playbook
Pretty solid all around. Good routes and targets spread far apart. Craig is always a great check down receiver with good speed on pass 2. When the defense makes a bad call, theres a lot of receivers wide open with any play-call. Quick strikes galore!
Defend it: Pretty simple concept. Call pass 1 often. This call has the game administer coverage by the bottom OLB on Jerry Rice when SF calls pass 2 or 3. Takes Rice out, and forces lots short throws to Craig and Francis. Basically makes SF have to work to gain a lot of yards. That's the best the defense can hope for.
Defend it: Pretty simple concept. Call pass 1 often. This call has the game administer coverage by the bottom OLB on Jerry Rice when SF calls pass 2 or 3. Takes Rice out, and forces lots short throws to Craig and Francis. Basically makes SF have to work to gain a lot of yards. That's the best the defense can hope for.
49ers defensive personnel
Safety Ronnie Lott is the star of the defense. He's one of the elite defenders in Tecmo Bowl. Michael Carter is the other play-maker. Despite Carter's speed, he's not in the best position(nose tackle) as he's blocked on all run plays. If he misses a diving tackle, the RB will gain some good yards. Carter is a high risk/high reward type. Those 2 are really all they have though.
They suffer a bit defensively because they don't have a fast DE or outside LB to use regularly. Despite that minor issue, Lott can be used all game long and he will make a ton of plays. Safety Tim McKyer is decent in a pinch for a quick switch up on D.
They suffer a bit defensively because they don't have a fast DE or outside LB to use regularly. Despite that minor issue, Lott can be used all game long and he will make a ton of plays. Safety Tim McKyer is decent in a pinch for a quick switch up on D.
49ers special teams
Much like the Giants, the 49ers are lacking in good special teams performers overall.
--Punter Max Runager is one of the better in Tecmo Bowl. He tops out at 71 yards. 49ers can drive the ball. Can their opponents?
--Ray Wersching is mediocre as far as kickers go, and just falls into the bottom half of the game. The 49ers need to reach the 41 if he's going to have a shot.
--Crawford is slow & rarely gets big return yardage.
--Punter Max Runager is one of the better in Tecmo Bowl. He tops out at 71 yards. 49ers can drive the ball. Can their opponents?
--Ray Wersching is mediocre as far as kickers go, and just falls into the bottom half of the game. The 49ers need to reach the 41 if he's going to have a shot.
--Crawford is slow & rarely gets big return yardage.
49ers Synopsis
San Fran has the most prolific offense in the game. The defense also ranks just in the top half of Tecmo Bowl teams and is very serviceable. There's really not a glaring weakness with this well rounded team. They can consistently move the ball well enough to overcome the lack of a solid kick return game, and also the kicker's short range in terms of FG attempts.
The main difference between the 49ers and Giants overall is that the Giants D consistently shut's down every other offense. The 49ers offense isn't always as consistent against the rest of the Tecmo Bowl teams.
The Giants are more dominant in that sense.
#3. Chicago Bears
The Bears feature the premiere run game in Tecmo Bowl, and a rock solid defense. Walter Payton helps mask some deficiencies in the conservative pass attack. The opponent has to account for that. What's overlooked is Dennis Gentry, the kick-return champion of the universe who is a huge threat to take any kickoff to the house. Kevin Butler can hit the long field goals as well. Mike Singletary leads a tough defense with help from a group of speedsters in Richard Dent, Dave Duerson, and Steve McMichael.
Bears Offensive personnel
Walter Payton is the Bears offense. With a slow WR/TE group and Jim McMahon's mediocre arm, the run game has to shine. Payton is such a threat that the defense ignores the pass game at times, allowing the Bears to go to the air successfully.
Chicago has a two very powerful lineman with Hilgenberg and Covert. These 2 popcorn defenders often and that leaves Payton with less obstacles to deal with.
Chicago has a two very powerful lineman with Hilgenberg and Covert. These 2 popcorn defenders often and that leaves Payton with less obstacles to deal with.
Bears Playbook
Nothing flashy here. Walter Payton's elite speed and Chicago's powerful offensive line makes this a dangerous rushing attack. When throwing, Pass 1 is the go to play. The dump off to Payton is safe & effective. The Bears can rack up big yardage with Walter when the defender goes deep off screen covering Willie Gault.
Defend it: You have to call lots of run. Make the Bears slowly drive downfield on you and limit the big plays. P1 is your key call when you deviate from run calls. Pass 2 has the TE and bottom WR routes too close together so the human defender can cover both of those players pretty easily.
Defend it: You have to call lots of run. Make the Bears slowly drive downfield on you and limit the big plays. P1 is your key call when you deviate from run calls. Pass 2 has the TE and bottom WR routes too close together so the human defender can cover both of those players pretty easily.
Bears defensive personnel
Da Bears much like the Giants possess some seriously fast and powerful defenders. The difference is that Chicago has an elite defender at every level of the defense. McMichael and Dent are forces in the front 4. Mike Singletary and Dave Duerson provide speed at LB and safety. This defense is pretty much built to shut down virtually any playbook with speed all over the field.
Bears special teams
Chicago has elite special teams in Tecmo Bowl.
-Kevin Butler has a strong leg and can hit long field goals. Bears just need to reach the 45.
-Dennis Gentry is the best returner in the game. He's the fastest, and that powerful Bears O-line comes into play on kickoffs as they blow open big lanes for him to run though. Its the perfect combo for returns.
-Mike Wagner is a weak punter. He can only kick it 61yards. That's 10-15 shorter than the best punters.
-Kevin Butler has a strong leg and can hit long field goals. Bears just need to reach the 45.
-Dennis Gentry is the best returner in the game. He's the fastest, and that powerful Bears O-line comes into play on kickoffs as they blow open big lanes for him to run though. Its the perfect combo for returns.
-Mike Wagner is a weak punter. He can only kick it 61yards. That's 10-15 shorter than the best punters.
Bears Synopsis
Chicago stands out as the least of the 3 official "elite teams" in Tecmo Bowl. However its a small gap between them and the Giants/49ers. They have a similar defensive acumen as that of the Giants. Offensively they grind lesser opponents into pulp with a slow methodical offense. The Bears resemble the Giants in many ways in terms of how they win games. Kick returner Dennis Gentry is probably the most dangerous offensive player in Tecmo Bowl. The only knock on them is a conservative set of pass plays and slow WRs.
#4. Cleveland Browns
After "The Big 3" we'd struggled for years to decide who was 4th, but Cleveland has finally emerged as the next best team. The Browns have just a good enough playbook in the passing game to make them a tough opponent. Kevin Mack lacks speed, but has sheer power to run over defenders and "make popcorn" as we like to say. Bernie Kosar is adequate as far as QB's go.
Defensively, the speedy backfield combo of Frank Minnifield and Hanford Dixon cause problems for any offense. Special teams play is key here as well. McNeil is a bona-fide threat in the return game, and the Browns also have a good punter to help with field position. Overall not a weak link on this team, but they don't have that "super-star" type player that the top 3 possess.
Defensively, the speedy backfield combo of Frank Minnifield and Hanford Dixon cause problems for any offense. Special teams play is key here as well. McNeil is a bona-fide threat in the return game, and the Browns also have a good punter to help with field position. Overall not a weak link on this team, but they don't have that "super-star" type player that the top 3 possess.
Browns Playbook
Classic example of unspectacular players excelling with a great playbook. Both pass plays will gain nice yards as the routes are spread out nicely, and pass 1 offers a dump off to Kevin Mack.
Defend it: Pass 2 is typically our focus, but honestly you need to make some play-picks against this offense to shut it down. Based on Mack's lack of speed, you can be more aggressive calling pass plays and get away with it.
Defend it: Pass 2 is typically our focus, but honestly you need to make some play-picks against this offense to shut it down. Based on Mack's lack of speed, you can be more aggressive calling pass plays and get away with it.
Browns synopsis
Cleveland is a blue collar team in Tecmo Bowl. There's not a lot of flash with the Browns, just a lot of solid ability all over the field. Outside of the kick returner, the Brown do lack the "super-star" quotient on their roster. That doesn't stop them from typically having enough in the tank to often beat those ranked lower. The biggest drawback for Cleveland is Kevin Mack's lack of speed, and not possessing a standout defender in the front 7 to take care of short yardage running situations.
#5. Indianapolis Colts
The lasting impression the Colts have left on a lot of people has always been Jack Trudeau not having a strong throwing arm. Over the years the overall collective ability of the team has forced them to climb the ladder in our rankings. Eric Dickerson is an absolute beast in the run game. The Colts playbook is also surprisingly good. Probably the best playbook in Tecmo Bowl. All in all its a decent offense despite Trudeau's lob passes.
Defensively, Duane Bickett looms at line-backer blocking kicks outside the 30. The Colts often have a highly ranked defense. Part of it can be attributed to a great punter and often wining field position battles. Indy is the classic blue collar team. They're not flashy, but a very solid team often undervalued by Tecmo players.
Defensively, Duane Bickett looms at line-backer blocking kicks outside the 30. The Colts often have a highly ranked defense. Part of it can be attributed to a great punter and often wining field position battles. Indy is the classic blue collar team. They're not flashy, but a very solid team often undervalued by Tecmo players.
Colts Playbook
We consider this the best playbook in the game. The routes are spread apart far enough that with some patience Jack Trudeau is able to lead defenders off screen then hit an underneath target for solid yardage. The playbook completely overcomes his weak arm. Dickerson's speed and the blocking schemes make the run plays pretty deadly.
Defend it: Lots of run calls. Indy has to methodically drive down field with the passing game. You lull them into a false sense of security with run calls, then pop a few pass 2 calls on them. All it really takes is a play-pick on 2nd down to put them in tough situation. Indy isn't built to convert 3rd and long with Trudeau passing the ball.
Defend it: Lots of run calls. Indy has to methodically drive down field with the passing game. You lull them into a false sense of security with run calls, then pop a few pass 2 calls on them. All it really takes is a play-pick on 2nd down to put them in tough situation. Indy isn't built to convert 3rd and long with Trudeau passing the ball.
#6. Denver Broncos
Denver has been moving down the ladder a bit in recent years. The Broncos feature a strong run game with Tony Dorsett, but John Elway's slow footed targets leave much to be desired. It's vital for Denver that the run game is working otherwise they struggle.
Moving to the defense, its actually an unheralded unit with Rulon Jones at defensive end doing a pretty good job of shutting teams down. Mecklenburg can be used in certain situations and is effective against the pass. The special teams rank near the bottom with a terrible kicking game. The poor punting is easily the weak link of the team.
Moving to the defense, its actually an unheralded unit with Rulon Jones at defensive end doing a pretty good job of shutting teams down. Mecklenburg can be used in certain situations and is effective against the pass. The special teams rank near the bottom with a terrible kicking game. The poor punting is easily the weak link of the team.
Broncos Playbook
Denver has a pretty dangerous run game and when that's clicking, it really opens the passing game up. Denver has a set of slow receivers, so that somewhat offsets Elway's strong arm.
Defend it: You have to make a decent amount of run calls, but calling pass 1 really limits the attack overall. Calling Run 2 when Denver is not in Shotgun is a pretty good situation to be in as well.
Defend it: You have to make a decent amount of run calls, but calling pass 1 really limits the attack overall. Calling Run 2 when Denver is not in Shotgun is a pretty good situation to be in as well.
#7. Seattle Seahawks
Seattle is somewhat dicey in how to rank them. They possess a fairly balanced offense with good, but not great players. Warner is a decent running back, and the Krieg to Largent combo is pretty decent as well. Defensively, they don't have a lot of pieces to work with. Fredd Young is a superior defender in certain situations, but there's not really a great option to use besides him. The special teams unit combined is the worst in the league. The punting and kicking game is putrid and ranks at the very bottom. Seattle doesn't have a field position edge and at times the offense can really struggle. The run game needs to click.
Seahawks Playbook
Seattle's playbook overall isn't bad. By not having elite players, it does hinder it a bit. No facet of the offense is very explosive. Pass 1 is pretty good as you have 3 receivers all spaced out nicely.
Defend it: Warner is just dangerous enough that you have to make some run calls. We like to predominantly call Pass 1, and work in some bottom DE to really keep the offense from getting big plays.
Defend it: Warner is just dangerous enough that you have to make some run calls. We like to predominantly call Pass 1, and work in some bottom DE to really keep the offense from getting big plays.
#8. Miami Dolphins
As defensive schemes change, teams continually separate themselves in the rankings. Bad news for the Dolphins, we've got them figured out for the most part. Marino still has the laser rocket arm and can thread the needle, but we've learned to eliminate the shot gun play and this slows the offense down to a screeching halt. Miami does have a decent run game at times, which can take the pressure off. Punter Reggie Roby is the saving grace booming kicks and drastically changing field position. The defense is below average, but the opponent always has a long field to work with. These days the Dolphins have to work much harder to win games.
Dolphins Playbook
Other than the shotgun play, pass 1 & 2 are pretty vanilla. The good news is that Marino's cannon of an arm makes those passes hard to defend, even with some of the fastest defenders. typically we just quickly rifle passes out after the snap for 6-7 yard gains.
Defend it: Call shotgun a lot. That's Miami's money play. From there mix in a few pass 1 calls. You want to get Miami bottle necked down into just calling pass 2, then you can go for the playpick.
Defend it: Call shotgun a lot. That's Miami's money play. From there mix in a few pass 1 calls. You want to get Miami bottle necked down into just calling pass 2, then you can go for the playpick.
#9. Dallas Cowboys
Dallas relies heavily on Herschel Walker to carry the workload. The passing attack is not bad, but unfortunately its easily schemed for by eliminating the shot gun play. This forces the need for Walker to play a huge role. Defensively there isn't a speedy option in any situation which causes the opponent to gain extra yards on a lot of plays over the course of the game. Dallas has merely average special teams which doesn't help the situation at all. What it boils down to is needing the offense to put up some points early and slug it out.
#10. Los Angeles Raiders
Read this very carefully!!! The top outside linebacker is not blocked on Bo's run 1(programming error of sorts). He's also not blocked on Marcus Allen's run 2. The run game is stuffed without calling run plays. Call pass 1 all day and you cover Allen and Christensen on pass 2 with only 1 defender and LA is easy to beat. We play 100+ games of Tecmo Bowl a year. There's no way for LA to combat this strategy. No way in hell! Deal with the fact that your precious memories of the Raiders have been destroyed and move on with your life!
#11. Washington Redskins
Despite the offensive problems, the defense may very well be the 2nd best on the game. The Doom Combo of Manley and Mann at both defensive end positions shuts down run games left and right. Add outside line-backer Wilbur Marshall into the fray and the defense has superior speed in the front 7. Helping out the defense even more is a strong legged punter thats always giving Washington a long field to work with. Defense and field position reign supreme in Tecmo Bowl.
#12. Minnesota Vikings
Ive struggled for a long time as to how to the rank the final 2 teams which both posess the WR run play. The Tecmo strategy guide(#5) breaks down how to stop both. Minnesota has a decent offense with a better playbook than Washington. Defensively Minnesota is a very good w/ Doleman as an elite player, and Browner can patrol the defense well. Anthony Carter is a solid kick returner, but the kicking game isn't great.
Ranking teams from the Japan version that was released in 1990
What's the Japan version??? Quite simply.....its virtually the same game. As the game gained great popularity in the USA after its release in 1989, Tecmo decided to make it available in Japan.
The game of Tecmo Bowl was kept 100% in tact when it was released in Japan in 1990. It featured the exact same teams, team colors, playbooks, and game play. Nothing was changed in that aspect. However, the programmers gave each team a roster update to coincide with players joining and leaving each team, and to also showcase any emerging superstars.
The results of new rosters were surprisingly pretty big in shaking up the landscape of Tecmo Bowl as we knew it. Some teams became instantly better, and some fared worse after losing a key player. A couple teams saw significant roster changes, but the production on the field remained the same.
My theory on why the 1990 version wasn't produced and released in the USA is based on the fact that Tecmo was likely in the early stages of creating Tecmo Super Bowl. Tecmo didn't want to dump a lot of money into producing the updated version, when they had Tecmo Super Bowl waiting to be released.
What we enjoy most about the Japan version is that it gives us some variety when playing Tecmo Bowl. We alternate the USA and Japan versions each season giving us vastly different results in the standings from 1 season to the next.
The game of Tecmo Bowl was kept 100% in tact when it was released in Japan in 1990. It featured the exact same teams, team colors, playbooks, and game play. Nothing was changed in that aspect. However, the programmers gave each team a roster update to coincide with players joining and leaving each team, and to also showcase any emerging superstars.
The results of new rosters were surprisingly pretty big in shaking up the landscape of Tecmo Bowl as we knew it. Some teams became instantly better, and some fared worse after losing a key player. A couple teams saw significant roster changes, but the production on the field remained the same.
My theory on why the 1990 version wasn't produced and released in the USA is based on the fact that Tecmo was likely in the early stages of creating Tecmo Super Bowl. Tecmo didn't want to dump a lot of money into producing the updated version, when they had Tecmo Super Bowl waiting to be released.
What we enjoy most about the Japan version is that it gives us some variety when playing Tecmo Bowl. We alternate the USA and Japan versions each season giving us vastly different results in the standings from 1 season to the next.
#1. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers return all the key components to being one of the best teams. However its the additions that firmly place the 49ers at the top. New WR John Taylor(replacing Mike Wilson) has blazing speed and plays opposite of Jerry Rice. Coupled with Roger Craig being even faster, this puts this offense on a whole new level. Montana looks completely unstoppable now. The defense gets beefed up. Charles Haley is a field goal blocking machine and Don Griffin gives DB support opposite of Ronnie Lott. Pierce Holt gives them a bona-fide bottom DE play maker as well. The 49ers are not only exceedingly difficult to stop, but opponents now struggle greatly to even score on them.
#2. New York Giants
The Giants slip a little in part to a couple of detrimental changes. TE Mark Bavaro is replaced with a slower Zeke Mowatt that bogs the offense down. On defense Carl Banks is much slower. LT still overcomes all that as the defense is still difficult to score on. But that factor is overshadowed because SF has by far more elite talent on the field from a wealth of different positions.
The kicking game is still strong for the Giants and field position is always in their favor. Dave Meggett joins the action as one of the most dangerous kick returners in the game. The only problem is that with so few scores allowed by the Giants, many times he only gets one kick return per game.
The kicking game is still strong for the Giants and field position is always in their favor. Dave Meggett joins the action as one of the most dangerous kick returners in the game. The only problem is that with so few scores allowed by the Giants, many times he only gets one kick return per game.
#3. Chicago Bears
Walter Payton was replaced due to his retirement, but Neal Anderson serves as possibly the most dangerous RB on the game and that can only be good for Chicago. The Bears return virtually the same team which keeps them in the top tier of the league.
The one glaring omission is Dennis Gentry who was an elite kick returner being replaced with a slower Mark Green. Other than that, Chicago is as formidable as they come.
The one glaring omission is Dennis Gentry who was an elite kick returner being replaced with a slower Mark Green. Other than that, Chicago is as formidable as they come.
#4. Cleveland Browns
The Browns swap out Kevin Mack for Eric Metcalf. Both are slow, but Mack was very powerful so they lose the aspect of him running over defenders. The passing game gets a boost, as Bernie Kosar's targets are all faster. The passing game is now very dangerous with elite speed across the board.
Clay Matthews has good speed from the bottom outside LB spot and the DB's are both solid again. CLE overall improves a bit on both sides of the ball. Much like Chicago, they lose their kick return weapon as McNeil gets replaced by the slow footed Mike Oliphant. Overall this version is slightly better.
Clay Matthews has good speed from the bottom outside LB spot and the DB's are both solid again. CLE overall improves a bit on both sides of the ball. Much like Chicago, they lose their kick return weapon as McNeil gets replaced by the slow footed Mike Oliphant. Overall this version is slightly better.
#5. Denver Broncos
The Broncos feature a slightly revamped team in terms of a little better offense with this version. John Elway's WR targets bring a bit more speed this time out. Bobby Humphrey takes over at RB and offers a little more ability than Tony Dorsett. Mecklenburg leads the defense, but no longer has Rulon Jones for support at the top DE position. The biggest improvement is Ken Bell now as an elite kick returner taking over games.
#6. Seattle Seahawks
Seattle climbs one spot up the ladder here, but it's really by no doing of their own. The offense is virtually the same despite Steve Largent and Curt Warner getting replaced by Brian Blades and John Williams. Defensively Fredd Young no longer anchors the defense, but Rufus Porter takes over at bottom outside LB. Overall the talent is very comparable, and its roughly the same team from a performance standpoint.
#7. Minnesota Vikings
How on earth does minnesota make such a leap up the rankings with the Japan version? Quite simple...the defense which was pretty good gets a severe upgrade at a couple key positions and the WR/TE combo brings amazing speed. Steve Jordan is an absolute terror at TE. Jordan out in the open is damn near unstopable. Herschel Ealker joins the offense as well, and adds in a little more of a threat than Darrin Nelson was. They bring a speedy offense and a top 3 defense to the party.
#8. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins are about the same exact team on the Japan verision. Dan Marino still has a strong arm, but the wr targets of Clayton and Duper just aren't very fast. The defense is virtually about the same. Not much "new" to report here on this version of Miami.
#9. LA Raiders
The Raiders get a little boost in production as Bo Jackson is faster in this version. Yes, FASTER! That bodes well for them on the Japan version because the bottom teams have really horrific defenses. They also get a boost with the kick returner. Adams is faster than Tim Brown and can be a real weapon. Defensively its the same unspectacular squad.
#10. Indianapolis Colts
There's no Eric Dickerson in the japan version, and that really hurts the colts. The good news though is that Jack Trudeau has a much stronger arm. Despite that trade-off, the Colts are not as good. Gone is a speedy Duane Bickett, so you'll have to rely on DE John Hand. Colts are still pretty strong in the kicking game though.
#11. Dallas Cowboys
Dallas now has Daryl "Moose" Johnston at RB because Hershel Walker had been traded to Minnesota at the time. He's a terrible substitute. By taking away the only bona-fide weapon Dallas had the team really goes in the tank. A young Troy Aikman, and Michael Irving make an appearance here, but both were given rookie type attributes. Dallas can barely compete with most teams now.
#12. Washington Redskins
The Skins by default take the 12th spot. Minnesota is able to overcome the WR run playbook in Japan Tecmo Bowl by sheer speed at WR and TE. The Redskins do not have that luxury. This version of Washington is not as good on defense either. The loses of speed at key positions really weakens the defense. You have Charles Mann and no one else.
