For countless football fanatics, the dog days of summer signal the glorious return of pigskin passion. While the real-life gridiron gears up, millions will experience the thrill of the game through EA Sports Madden NFL. This digital gridiron lets you call the plays, orchestrate the offense, and dominate the defense, all from your living room. With the release of Madden NFL ’20, the anticipation is palpable. Has EA Sports captured the Steelers’ true potential? Let’s dive into the virtual huddle and dissect the Madden ratings for the black and gold.
Pittsburgh Steelers: A Force to Be Reckoned With?
Madden NFL ’20 has spoken, bestowing upon the Pittsburgh Steelers an overall team rating of 84. This respectable score secures them the 10th spot in the league and a commanding lead within the AFC North. They’ve got the edge over their rivals – the Browns (83), Ravens (81), and Bengals (80) – but how do they stack up against the league’s elite? The Philadelphia Eagles, with a formidable 89 rating, currently reign supreme in the Madden universe.
Individual Brilliance: Unveiling the Steelers’ Top Dogs 🏆
Every great team boasts exceptional talent, and the Steelers are no exception. Leading the charge is All-Pro guard David DeCastro, a force of nature on the offensive line, earning a well-deserved 93 rating. He stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the league’s best, only surpassed by the Dallas Cowboys’ Zack Martin.
But DeCastro isn’t alone in his brilliance. The Steelers boast a constellation of stars:
- JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR, 88)
- Cameron Heyward (DE, 86)
- Alejandro Villanueva (LT, 86)
- Maurkice Pouncey (C, 85)
- Ben Roethlisberger (QB, 85)
- Joe Haden (CB, 84)
- Ryan Shazier (LB, 84)
- James Conner (RB, 83)
- T.J. Watt (LB, 82)
X-Factors: Unleashing Game-Changing Abilities 💥
In the realm of Madden ’20, certain players possess that intangible “it” factor, the ability to single-handedly shift the momentum of a game. These are the coveted “X-Factors.” The Steelers, with the departure of Bell and Brown, see two key players bestowed with this honor: Roethlisberger and Smith-Schuster.
Smith-Schuster, the master of the slot, can activate “Double Me,” boosting his catch rate in single coverage. Imagine the frustration of your opponent as JuJu consistently hauls in contested catches. He’s also armed with “Cross Specialist” and “Slot-O-Matic,” making him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Roethlisberger, the veteran gunslinger, boasts a wider array of X-Factor abilities:
- “Pro Reads:” Illuminating the first open receiver, giving you that extra split second to deliver a strike.
- “Anchored Extender:” Nearly guaranteeing he’ll shrug off that first blitzing defender, buying time for the play to develop.
- “Lofting Deadeye:” Ensuring pinpoint accuracy on those touch passes, dropping the ball right into your receiver’s hands.
- “Last Ditch:” Increasing the likelihood of completing those desperation throws under pressure.
- “Sleight of Hand:” Boosting the effectiveness of pump fakes, leaving defenders grasping at air.
- “Homer:” Because there’s no place like Heinz Field, Big Ben gets an extra boost when playing in front of the home crowd.
Rookie Report: The Next Generation of Steelers 🏈
The Steelers made waves in the 2019 draft, landing potential stars who could shape the franchise’s future. Here’s how Madden ’20 sees their potential:
- Devin Bush (LB): 72
- Diontae Johnson (WR): 69
- Benny Snell (RB): 69
- Justin Layne (CB): 69
- Sutton Smith (LB): 66
- Isaiah Buggs (DT): 63
- Zach Gentry (TE): 63
- Ulysees Gilbert (LB): 62
While rookies often start with lower ratings due to their lack of NFL experience, many believe Devin Bush deserves a higher initial rating.
This is where the Madden community’s voice comes in – as the season progresses and players showcase their skills, EA Sports adjusts ratings accordingly.
The Madden Debate: Are the Ratings on Point? 🗣️
No Madden release is complete without its share of controversy. Steelers fans might raise an eyebrow at Alejandro Villanueva’s 86 rating, placing him as the fourth-best player on the roster. Similarly, Jordan Berry’s 75 rating (equal to Donte Moncrief) might spark debate.
On the flip side, some players might feel undervalued. Artie Burns at 71 overall, Chris Boswell at 69, and Bud Dupree at 73 might leave some questioning the Madden gods. Even Joe Haden himself took to Twitter, hinting at his dissatisfaction with his Madden rating: “Smh! Do they even watch tape!?!? No disrespect to my fellow CB’s but I know what I bring 2 the table.”
The Virtual Season Awaits: Time to Rewrite the Script 🎮
While Madden NFL ’20 provides a starting point, the true story of the season is yet to be written. Will the Steelers live up to their potential? Will rookies exceed expectations? Will veterans silence their critics? It’s time to fire up your console, step into the shoes of your favorite Steelers players, and carve your own path to glory.
What are your thoughts on the Steelers’ Madden ’20 ratings? Share your reactions and predictions in the comments below!