The following items are taken from the game manual and may help you
      understand how the game works...
 

Ratings abbreviations:  SP = Speed           HA = Hands
                        AC = Acceleration    EN = Endurance
                        AG = Agility         IN = Intelligence
                        ST = Strength        DI = Discipline
 
 

EXAMPLES OF USE OF RATINGS:

Quarterbacks:    ST - Determines how far they can throw the ball.
                 DI - Affects completion percentage and interception rate.
                 HA - Used for checking for a fumble on snap from center.

Running backs:   HA - Affects catching passes and fumbling.
                 ST - Used when blocking and trying to break tackles.

Receivers:       HA - Checked when catching the ball.
                 AG - Used when trying a fake.

Offensive line:  ST - Important use when run blocking.
                 AG - Crucial use in pass blocking

Defensive line:  AG - Used in various types of rushing.
                 ST - Used in various types of rushing and key in tackling.

Linebackers:     HA - Affects the chance of interceptions.
                 IN - Checked when calling audibles.
                 ST - Used in tackling.

Defensive backs: AG and
                 SP - Important elements in staying with a receiver.
                 IN - Checked when a receiver tries a fake.
                 HA - Affects the chance of interceptions.

Kickers &
Punters:         ST - Helps determine how far the ball is kicked.
                 DI - Affects the accuracy of the kick.
 
 
 
 
 

The following are KEY RATINGS (used by computer when evaluating players for
                               trades, drafts, and when setting up a team's
                               depth chart.)

QB - ST, IN       C - HA, ST        DE - AC, ST
HB - SP, HA       G - ST, AG        DT - AG, ST
FB - ST, SP       T - ST, AC        LB - SP, ST
WR - HA, SP       K - ST, DI        CB - SP, AG
TE - HA, ST       P - ST, DI        S  - SP, HA
 
 

NOTE: A rating for one position cannot necessarily be compared to the same
      rating for another position.  For example: A linebacker with a speed
      rating of 85 is not necessarily as fast or faster than a wide receiver
      with a speed rating of 70.

      Please remember that while the above mentioned ratings are important
      to the named positions, almost every rating category is important to
      each position in one way or another.

      What you see referenced above is all the game manual addresses
      regarding player ratings.  How most ratings affect each position can
      usually be figured out using logic and common sense.  You may get a
      better idea of how some ratings are used by watching the games when
      they are played.
 
 

The following is a chart showing how the game itself weights ratings by
position.  This is used when it lists players in the order it deems best to
worst by their given position, as in a team depth chart or a draft list.

The higher the number, the more important the skill rating.  Please note
that I do not agree with all the weightings from what I've seen in my
experiences with this game, but it is something to help you get an idea of
what to expect from the computer if you let it create your depth chart.
 

           POS   SP   AC   AG   ST   HA   EN   IN   DI
 
           QB     2    1    1    4    3    2    5    2
           HB     5    3    2    2    4    2    1    1
           FB     4    3    2    5    2    2    1    1
           WR     4    3    2    1    5    3    1    1
           TE     2    3    2    5    4    2    1    1
           C      2    3    2    5    3    2    1    2
           G      3    2    3    5    2    2    1    2
           T      2    5    1    5    2    2    1    2
           DE     4    3    3    4    1    2    1    2
           DT     2    5    2    5    1    2    1    2
           LB     4    2    2    4    3    2    2    1
           CB     4    3    4    1    2    3    2    1
           S      4    2    2    2    4    3    2    1
           K      1    1    1    7    2    1    1    6
           P      1    1    1    7    2    1    1    6
 

NOTE: Many players, both 1st string and backups, are used on special teams.
      One very important thing to know... the punt returner on any given
      team is almost always  the WR4 on your depth chart and the kickoff
      return men are usually WR3 & WR4.  Speed and other physical attributes
      are good to have at these positions.

      Linebacker #1 on your depth chart is usually the one calling defensive
      audibles.  Playing someone with high intelligence, as well as other
      high ratings at this position is a good idea.
 
 

Other tips: Some players seem to play better or worse than their ratings
            show.  If a player seems to play consistently bad, even if he
            has good ratings, it might be a good idea to change his status
            on your team's depth chart, or even trade him.  There's no use
            keeping a player if he is hurting your team.
 
 

The following is a chart which shows what percentage of time is allotted,
per position, to each rating category in each season's training camp:
 

                 SP    AC    AG    ST    HA    EN    IN    DI
Quarterbacks     10%   10%   10%   15%   10%   10%   20%   15%
Running Backs    15%   10%   15%   15%   15%   10%   10%   10%
Receivers        15%   10%   10%   15%   15%   10%   10%   15%
Offensive Line   10%   15%   15%   15%   15%   10%   10%   10%
Defensive Line   10%   15%   15%   15%   10%   10%   10%   15%
Linebackers      20%   10%   10%   20%   10%   10%   10%   10%
Defensive Backs  15%   10%   15%   10%   15%   10%   15%   10%
Punters/Kickers  10%   10%   10%   20%   10%   10%   10%   20%
 
 
 

Check this page periodically as I may add other tips as I find them out.

Please contact me if you have questions or anything to add to this list.