The disrespect continues for the Pittsburgh Steelers. If this isn't your first rodeo, you should be used to it now, especially when it comes to NFL Madden ratings. On Monday, Diontae Johnson and Pat Freiermuth were among the offensive players with ratings that were a bit too low. Just days earlier, Minkah Fitzpatrick was unjustifiably given a rating of just 89.
Madden Ratings
In the weeks leading up to the released ratings, it was speculated and "leaked" that TJ Watt would join the "99 club", meaning players with a 99 overall on the game. Early Tuesday, it was announced that Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett was joining that club. Seemingly, and logically, Watt was next to follow. The reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year and the league's most disruptive pass-rusher for multiple seasons now, surely a 99, right? Nope, Watt has a 96 rating in Madden '23.
Good luck blocking them 😬
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) July 19, 2022
The best edge rushers in #Madden23❗ pic.twitter.com/hps7oV8hLT
These ratings are a fun talking point until training camp and preseason begins, especially with controversial ratings like this. Hey, at least Watt comes in at No. 2! Garrett and Watt both deserve the 99 rating, but if there's one that deserves it more, it's got to be Watt. He's racked up 65 sacks over the past four seasons, all of which have led to Pro Bowl appearances. He's finished top-three in Defensive Player of the Year voting three consecutive seasons, including winning it in 2021. As a result, he's been on the All-Pro First Team three straight years, as well.
The three cover options for the upcoming “Madden NFL 23.” (Washington Post illustration; EA Sports)
Madden 23's cover features the legendary John Madden, whose name is obviously on the game and has been for years. Madden was one of the voices of football for years after coaching the Oakland Raiders. That translated to the video game, as he was a commentator on the video game for awhile as well. This year's cover honors him, as he passed away in December 2021.
Now back to the ratings aspect, what a joke. The same guy who just tied Michael Strahan's single-season sack record this past season gets a 96 rating. As if you needed another reason to not buy Madden anymore, there you go. Also, this is just another reason to not trust the ratings "leaks" in the weeks leading up to the official Madden release. They are often times inaccurate, as if we've found out this year.
What do you guys think about these ratings? Does this dissuade you from buying the game now? Are you as irate as the rest of Steelers fans? Be sure to comment your displeasures in the comment section below, as well as on Twitter!
#SteelerNation
