Every year, gamers will get together and excitedly await the release of the latest Madden game. Even non-gamers will anticipate the release of Madden NFL 22 simply because it gives them a chance to discuss how analysts view their favorite (and least favorite) players. Are they overrated, underrated, or spot on? Did they miss a rookie sensation or did a breakout year become a breakdown year?
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Naturally, the most important position for most players will be the quarterback position. QB is the default position for most offensive players and using a quarterback with a low rating feels like somebody cranked up the difficulty settings. Here are the quarterbacks for those seeking an "easy mode" experience.
10 Matt Ryan – 85
Ryan's thirteen-year career defies the usual "highs and lows" rhetoric that almost always comes for a player in the NFL for that long. After winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year in his first year, Ryan kept going at full steam.
Four Pro Bowls, an MVP award, and a Conference Championship later, his career has been one for the ages, enduring waves of new coaches and coaches. Now everyone is hoping that he'll get a chance at a Super Bowl win before hanging up the cleats.
9 Ryan Tannehill – 87
The resurgence of Ryan Tannehill with the Titans has been something to see. After once being considered a draft bust with the Miami Dolphins, he's come back to be a Pro Bowler and a playoff contender.
Tannehill wasn't the beneficiary of some good fortune, either. The change of scenery required him to throw some tough passes and he has delivered. Seeing him on a Madden top ten list is a testament to his improbable comeback.
8 Dak Prescott – 87
Before an injury took him out last year, Prescott was on pace to obliterate every single-season passing record in the books. Pretty impressive for a guy that was considered a fourth-round consolation price for missing out on Paxton Lynch (who now plays in the CFL).
If he returns to form, 87 might be far too low for Prescott who was putting up numbers not seen since Peyton Manning retired. The Cowboys on defense had an off-year, which required him to be passing often, but he made the most of every opportunity.
7 Josh Allen – 88
When it comes to cannons, Allen's arm might have a tough time getting through flight checks because of how powerful it is. Gamers that intend to throw lots of deep passes will get some extra mileage with the Bills in 2021-2022.
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The excitement around Allen is understandable as he's progressed during each of his three years in the NFL. His first year was impressive enough, so watching him develop any further means a rating in the 90s might not be far off.
6 Deshaun Watson – 90
After throwing for 33 touchdowns to 7 interceptions and over 4800 yards in 2021, Watson was poised for one of the biggest offseasons in history. He was looking at either a big payday or a big trade to a contending team. It didn't pan out that way.
The Texans played hardball to keep him on the roster and his suitors dried up as allegations about his inappropriate behavior off the field piled up. As far as talent goes, he's still one of football's best, but if these allegations are true, he doesn't belong to be in football, in a video game simulation or otherwise. He and his accusers all deserve a fast and fair resolution to the situation. Either Watson's name must be cleared or his victims must get the justice they are entitled to.
5 Lamar Jackson – 91
Gamers learning the ropes in the campaign mode will help themselves by mimicking Lamar Jackson's playstyle. His rating is no surprise considering there isn't a weak spot to his game.
His long throws and short throws are on point, but it's his running abilities that round out the build. Jackson creates problems for opposing players, whether it's the video game or regular game. Cover the pass and he runs; cover the run and he passes. There are no simple answers for shutting him down.
4 Russell Wilson – 94
Wilson was a top ten quarterback last year and he's not surrendering his spot on this list anytime soon. Many thought the dismantling of the Legion of Boom would end the hope of Seahawk supremacy.
It turns out that Wilson has been every bit capable of putting the team on his shoulders. The transition from a running team to a passing team has been smooth, thanks to consistent and acrobatic plays from the team's biggest star.
3 Aaron Rodgers – 96
Gamers are hoping for big changes between the last Madden and Madden NFL 22 after such a disappointment with the last game. If they are making changes, how about making it more likely to catch too many men on the field.
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Because until the game can account for this, what makes Rodgers a beast can't be captured by rankings or digits. He's a smart player who takes free plays when he gets them and isn't afraid of a well-executed hail mary.
2 Tom Brady – 97
Spectacular players are given one of many X-Factor abilities. For Brady, they might have to invent another X-Factor ability entirely. No quarterback has ever played average at the age of 44, but Brady is playing at his best.
Many thought Elway and Manning, who won Super Bowls at around age 40 in their final years, were anomalies. If so, that makes Brady a different species entirely, who just won yet another Super Bowl. Look out world, he's coming for another season.
1 Patrick Mahomes – 99
In the last three years, Patrick Mahomes has been an NFL MVP, a Super Bowl Champion, and an AFC Champion. So the fact that he's a 99 is hardly a shocker; he's widely regarded as the best player in the game.
Some quarterbacks make those yearly improvements to change people's minds about them. But Mahomes could smash every single-season record in the 2021-2022 season and nobody would be shocked.