Pittsburgh Steelers: Madden NFL 16 AFC North Ratings
By Larry Snyder
For some Pittsburgh football fans, the downtime between Steelers contests can be filled playing Madden NFL from EA Sports. The 16th edition is set to be released Tuesday, August 25. Let’s take a look at the AFC North ratings that they have already revealed online.
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The Baltimore Ravens, the Cincinnati Bengals, and the Black and Gold all appear to be ready for another knockdown fight for the division title. The Ravens own a single point advantage with an overall rating of 85. The Bengals and Steelers both receive 84 in their judgement. The Cleveland Browns remain in the basement with a 75 mark.
Baltimore Ravens – Team 85 OVR: Marc Trestman dons the head set and takes over as the new offensive coordinator for the Purple and Black. He has a pair of interesting rookies to put in play in wide receiver Breshad Perriman (73 OVR), and tight-end Maxx Williams (74 OVR). Right guard Marshal Yanda (98 OVR) was rated Baltimore’s No. 1 offensive lineman.
The defense has its stars at M&T Bank Stadium. Right outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (93 OVR) was rated third overall among all outside linebackers. Madden lists middle linebacker Daryl Smith (90 OVR) fifth best overall.
Pittsburgh Steelers – Team 84 OVR: The offense is set to go with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (95 OVR) as the fourth highest signal caller overall. Antonio Brown (97 OVR) is rated one point ahead of the Dallas Cowboys’ Dez Bryant for the top wide receiving slot. Le’Veon Bell (94 OVR) came in fifth overall among the running backs. Madden NFL 16 prefers Martavis Bryant (80 OVR) over Markus Wheaton (75 OVR) among the other wideouts.
The retirement of safety Troy Polamalu leaves middle linebacker Lawrence Timmons (90 OVR) as the top rated player on the defense. Defensive end Cameron Hayward (88 OVR) is just two points back. James Harrison (84 OVR) is expected to be pushed at outside linebacker by Arthur Moats (80 OVR).
Pittsburgh Steelers
Cincinnati Bengals – Team 84 OVR: Left tackle Andrew Whitworth (95 OVR) leads an offensive line that permits running back Jeremy Hill (86 OVR) to take care of business. A.J. Green (92 OVR) ranks as the Bengals best wide receiver. Another weapon could be tight-end Tyler Eifert (81 OVR), who takes over after the exit of Jermaine Gresham.
When it comes to stopping the opposition, Cincy defensive tackle Geno Atkins (89 OVR) and linebacker Vontaze Burfict (86 OVR) lead the charge.
Cleveland Browns – Team 75 OVR: The early reports out of training camp in Berea is that quarterback Johnny Manziel (71 OVR) is looking better. It remains to be seen who will emerge at the starting running back position from among Isaiah Crowell (74 OVR), Terrance West (73 OVR), and rookie Duke Johnson (73 OVR). Left tackle Joe Thomas (95 OVR) leads the offensive line.
Cleveland’s strength on defense comes from middle linebacker Karlos Dansby (90 OVR), corner back Joe Haden (90 OVR), and safety Donte Whitner (90 OVR).
Do the game-makers get it right in their evaluation of the players and the teams? Let me know in the comments section below.
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