The Pittsburgh Steelers have had some disturbingly inaccurate ratings all week long via EA Sports. Madden 23 continued their week-long ratings release on Thursday by announcing the defensive linemen and cornerbacks. Finally, it seems as if the ratings were at least somewhat accurate.
Cam Heyward has established himself as not just one of the game's best defensive linemen, but one of the best players overall. For this year's edition of the Madden video game, he will be a 93 overall to start the season. That's good for fourth-best among defensive linemen, behind Aaron Donald, Myles Garrett, and Nick Bosa. Here's how the ratings shaped up for the Steelers defensive linemen:
- Heyward (RE) - 94
- Tyson Alualu (DT) - 82
- Larry Ogunjobi (LE) - 75
- Chris Wormley (LE) - 74
- Montravius Adams (DT) - 69
- DeMarvin Leal (LE) - 68
- Henry Mondeaux (RE) - 64
- Isaiahh Loudermilk (LE) - 63
- Khalil Davis (DT) - 63
- Carlos Davis (DT) - 62
Loudermilk pops out as the notable guy in terms of underrated linemen of the group. 63 seems a bit low for the sophomore lineman, especially behind a guy like Mondeaux. Ogunjobi's rating of 75 seems low too, as let's not forget that we're just a few months removed from him signing a three-year, $40.5 million deal with the Chicago Bears. Due to medical concerns, the contract fell through, but he's clearly more talented than a 75 overall. Otherwise, you can't complain with much else on those ratings, especially the recognition of a veteran like Alualu.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end, Isaiahh Loudermilk (#92) participates in the Organized Team Activities (OTA's), Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. | Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers were left searching for a true No. 1, lock down corner after Joe Haden showed a decline in play the past few seasons. The team opted to not bring Haden back this off-season, instead choosing to re-sign Ahkello Witherspoon and sign Levi Wallace from the Buffalo Bills. While the top three options are pretty solid, including Cam Sutton, the team is clearly still looking for that top guy, as evidenced by Madden's ratings. Here's how the Steelers cornerbacks were rated:
- Witherspoon - 79
- Wallace - 77
- Sutton - 76
- James Pierre - 70
- Justin Layne - 70
- Arthur Maulet - 65
- Linden Stephens - 62
It's interesting that Witherspoon is the highest-rated cornerback on the team, especially after he spent most of the year not playing. One can argue for any of the top three guys being the Steelers' best corner, as it is virtually splitting hairs. Witherspoon's 79 is tied-for-44th in the NFL among CB's with a handful of other guys.
Witherspoon intercepts Baker Mayfield on Jan 3 2022 - Photo Credit: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Former Steeler Steven Nelson, now with the Houston Texans, has an 80 overall rating on the game. The Steelers' decision to cut Nelson over a year ago remains a mysterious one. While it was for cap purposes, he really wasn't owed all that much. Additionally, he provided some stability at the position and with Haden getting older, he was arguably the team's best corner. That holds especially true with Mike Hilton leaving the team in free agency that same off-season. Speaking of Hilton, he's rated an 82 overall. Looking back, it's crazy that the two guys the Steelers moved on from, would be the team's two best corners.
What do you guys think of Madden's latest ratings? Did they get it accurate with the Steelers' corners and defensive linemen? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
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