EA Sports activities launched the quarterback scores for “Madden 25” on Friday, and whereas most gave the impression to be reflective on how every passer is mirrored in the true world, among the scores merely missed the mark.
Listed below are 5 quarterback scores that “Madden” bought incorrect.
1. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions | Ranking: 82
Goff was rated a 79 in final yr’s sport, and after throwing for 4,575 yards, 30 touchdowns and 12 interceptions with a passer score of 97.9, he solely strikes up three factors general. Make it make sense.
You’d suppose a QB who ranked second in passing yards, fourth in touchdowns, fifth in completion proportion and seventh in passer score, and who led a workforce to a Lions franchise to workforce report in wins (12) and simply its second-ever look in an NFC Championship sport would not less than be near a 90 general. Goff has been underrated for a lot of his profession, and that’s no completely different within the virtual-reality world.
2. C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans | Ranking: 81
Leaping from a 72 to an 81 in only one season would usually be commendable, however contemplating what Stroud completed final yr — second-most passing yards per sport, third-most passing yards and sixth-most landing passes ever for a rookie QB whereas main Houston to a division title — he must be rated a lot larger than the low 80s.
Stroud is certainly one of 5 QBs to throw for 4,000 yards in his rookie season, and he ranked fifth within the NFL in passer score (100.8), eighth in passing yards (4,108) and thirteenth in landing passes (23), and was the one passer with 20 or extra touchdowns to throw 5 or fewer interceptions. Many contemplate Stroud a borderline top-10 QB; his “Madden” score ought to replicate that.
3. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams | Ranking: 83
Like Goff, Stafford is one other quarterback who usually appears to get undervalued. What he completed final season isn’t being talked about sufficient. Coming off a extreme spinal wire damage, Stafford was simply 35 yards away from his tenth 4,000-yard season.
He was with out No. 1 receiver Cooper Kupp for 5 video games, and the remainder of his WR corps barely averaged 25 years of age. But, Stafford nonetheless threw for 3,965 yards and 24 touchdowns and helped then-rookie fifth-round decide Puka Nacua break the rookie report for single-season receptions (105) and receiving yards (1,486). Stafford was the No. 5-ranked QB within the league, in response to an ESPN ballot of league execs, coaches and scouts. That must be good for not less than a 90 general score, no?
4. Jordan Love, Inexperienced Bay Packers | Ranking: 81
Love is one other member of the criminally low “Madden” score membership. Positive, he has only one season of beginning expertise underneath his belt. And sure, he didn’t flip issues round till halfway by the season, however Love had arguably the most effective season for a first-time Packers beginning QB ever, together with Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers.
Love threw for 4,159 yards, 32 touchdowns and 11 interceptions whereas rallying Inexperienced Bay from a 3-6 begin to end 9-8 and upset the No. 3-seeded Dallas Cowboys within the playoffs. Not solely that, nevertheless it was one of many worst house playoff losses in Cowboys historical past, and Love carved up a top-five protection to the tune of 272 yards, three TDs and nil turnovers.
Judging by Love’s “Madden” score, EA Sports activities clearly cared little or no about him ending second within the league in landing passes, seventh in passing yards and ninth in passer score (96.1), or being certainly one of simply 4 QBs to throw for 30 or extra touchdowns.
5. Will Levis, Tennessee Titans | Ranking: 72
This has extra to do with the truth that Levis is rated so low, but Caleb Williams (76), Drake Maye (74) and Jayden Daniels (74) — rookies who’ve but to play an NFL down — plus Bryce Younger (73) and backup Gardner Minshew (74) are rated larger.
Levis had a greater passer score (84.2 to 73.7), landing proportion (3.1% to 2.1), and interception proportion (1.6% to 1.9%). He additionally threw for extra yards per sport (200.1 to 179.8) than Younger did. He confirmed flashes of greatness whereas operating for his life behind the worst offensive line in soccer final yr with just one legit receiver to throw to (DeAndre Hopkins).
This yr, Levis has an improved O-line (JC Latham, Lloyd Cushenberry, Saahdiq Charles) and WR crops (Calvin Ridley, Tyler Boyd), and his manufacturing this yr might match what Stroud completed final yr.
