The flame-inducing, 7-on-7 gridiron slugfest known as "NFL Blitz" will hit Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network on Jan. 4. And while the remake uses the same playbooks of the classic arcade game, the rosters have been updated to include current NFL stars.
But because the game features only seven players on each side of the ball, EA Sports had to make some tough decisions when making the final roster cuts.
ESPN's Gamer Blog will reveal these rosters exclusively, breaking down one division per day and wrapping everything up before the holidays so you can already have a strategy in mind once the game drops in 2012.
We kick things off with the NFC East.
DALLAS COWBOYS
For those not familiar with the "NFL Blitz" franchise, the game is built on speed, jump catches and mobile quarterbacks. The Cowboys offer all of this with a strong-armed Tony Romo, a receiver who can fly in Miles Austin, DeMarcus Ware chasing down the ball from all over the field, and a blazing fast running back in Felix Jones. I would've rather had DeMarco Murray in the backfield, but in terms of "NFL Blitz," Jones features that video-game speed you're looking for. The absence of Dez Bryant hurts this roster, though, as he is the perfect big-bodied receiver "Blitz" gamers like to throw to downfield.
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DEFENSE:
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NEW YORK GIANTS
This looks like one of those teams that is better in real life than the video game. The lack of Victor Cruz and Jason Pierre-Paul doesn't help, but if the defense can create pressure and force a few turnovers, Eli Manning has the accuracy to hit his targets downfield for points.
OFFENSE:
DEFENSE:
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PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
I just mentioned how the G-Men are a better team in reality than in video games, but the Eagles are the complete opposite, as their insane speed will make them one of, if not the most used team in "Blitz." Michael Vick's ability to scramble away from pressure and take off downfield will remind old arcade fans of playing as the Steelers with Kordell Stewart. "Slash" was pretty much unstoppable running the ball in the game, and Vick should be the same, not to mention featuring a much stronger arm. I might have to outlaw this team under house rules.
OFFENSE:
DEFENSE:
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WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Talk about a roster that doesn't even come close to reflecting the current Redskins. Noodle-armed John Beck as the quarterback is the most surprising to me, as Rex Grossman has that boom-or-bust ability to make any video game entertaining. Roy Helu's omission is also disappointing, as he has quickly become one of the more exciting rookies in the league.
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DEFENSE:
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