The annual release of the newest Madden season is highly anticipated by gamers and players alike. An initial high rank is a confidence boost to the players who are assigned a rating based on past and expected performance. Gamers look to win, buy, or trade for their favorite players in an effort to build the ultimate team. The popular video game series from EA Games debuts Friday, August 20th.
The highest-ranking player for the Cowboys is Right Guard Zack Martin who earned a 98. Last season was the first in which Martin did not earn a Pro Bowl invitation. He missed six games while struggling with a calf strain. All signs point to a performance rebound this season while protecting quarterback Dak Prescott.
Wide Receiver Amari Cooper and Left Tackle Tyron Smith wrap up the 90+ club rankings for Cowboys players.
Cooper had 1,114 yards on 92 receptions last season. He is currently rehabbing an ankle injury and will miss the Hall of Fame game on Thursday, August 5th. Team trainers anticipate Cooper will be active for the season opener. ESPN is predicting that Cooper could have a career season in 2022.
Smith missed two of the first four games last season with a neck injury. He underwent surgery in Week 5 and missed the remainder of the season. He is a seven-time Pro Bowl selection that is expected to come back stronger and faster after an intensive rehabilitation routine.
Cowboys Quarterback Prescott is probably the single biggest question mark heading into 2022. He suffered a compound fracture and dislocation against the New York Giants on October 11th, 2020. He suffered a shoulder sprain in training camp this season and has been held out of most throwing drills.
Madden ranked Prescott with an 87 overall. The ranking puts him as the eighth highest ranking starting quarterback behind Buffalo Bills Quarterback Josh Allen. If Prescott and his offensive line can stay healthy, the quarterback stands poised for an epic bounce-back season.
Other initial rankings for popular players include Ezekiel Elliott (88), CeeDee Lamb (81), and Trevon Diggs (72). Newly acquired Long Snapper Jake McQuaide gets the “Mr. Irrelevant” position of the lowest team ranking at 35.
Madden ratings are a complex combination of skills like speed, agility, and various abilities. The EA Games team uses combine stats, scouting reports, and game footage to rate players.
During gameplay, a higher-rated player will excel on the field. Throughout the season, additional ratings will be released when players excel in a game or over the season. Special edition players with higher ratings are also released throughout the season.
Though the game doesn’t directly impact players, it is still a fun tradition to hope for higher rankings. A high ranking shows players they are respected for their skill and dedication, while a low ranking can invigorate players who have had an off-year.
The game is released on multiple platforms including Playstation, Xbox, and PC. A mobile version will also debut featuring players with new rankings.
