It’s that time of year again, EA Sports have released their player ratings for the upcoming release of Madden NFL 20. There is a new rating system this year, which aims to establish a gap between the average player and the superstar. This goes along with the introduction of “Superstar X-Factors” to the game. The main purpose is to make stars feel like stars. The “X-Factor” group will feature 50 players that are considered as ‘elite’.
We’re going to start off with an analysis of the ratings for Quarterback position. The Top 10 rated Madden QB’s are as follows;
- Patrick Mahomes (97)
- Tom Brady (96)
- Philip Rivers (94)
- Drew Brees (92)
- Andrew Luck (92)
- Russell Wilson (91)
- Aaron Rodgers (90)
- Matt Ryan (89)
- Ben Roethlisberger (85)
- Cam Newton (84)
There is a common theme within the top 7 of these ratings. Those top 7 players are the same as the top 7 highest PFF graded players, from the 2018 season. They may be listed in a different order here, but the fact is there is a clear top 7 QB’s in both list. This portrays EA’s idea of setting apart the elite from the rest.
Madden’s not infallable
Now, we are onto the part well I tell you what I would change about the Madden ratings and who’s over and underrated etc. I believe that these ratings should reflect on the recent form and in particular, the most recent season. Which is why my first player who I would class as slightly overrated is Cam Newton.
Cam is listed as QB #10. Which is a bit of an over statement compared to his PFF grade which is #21. Last season Cam had a PFF rating of 70.9. Putting that in to perspective, that’s lower than Derek Carr and Marcus Mariota, who had average seasons at best. Now, I know you are all saying, “He was playing through injury”, but his Carolina team finished 7-9, after starting 6-2. I’m not saying Cam is the 21st best starting QB, although he isn’t exactly consistent, but I’m saying that he should be behind Baker Mayfield and on par to Carson Wentz. I’d adjust Cam to an 82 overall.
I believe that Baker should be rated between 84-85. I’m not saying he’s as good as Big Ben yet, because he’s not. But based upon last season, he should be higher than an 83 overall. Mahomes (97) had an MVP season in his first season as a starter. And Baker will be considered among those who are ‘elite’ very soon
As for those who are underrated in Madden 20, the Daniel Jones situation is just purely laughable. He was the 6th overall pick back in April, and is lower rated than Tyree Jackson, who went undrafted. My final criticism of EA’s rating would be Nick Foles, Super Bowl MVP less than 18 months ago, and now lower rated than Mariota and Andy Dalton. I’d probably rate Foles at an 81 or maybe even 82, the same as Wentz, bearing in mind Philly seriously considered who to have as their QB going forward.
Other than that, I’d say that EA’s Madden ratings were pretty much spot on, particularly the top 7 QB’s.
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