Top 25 Offensive & Defensive Players of Madden 13 – Part 2
Here’s part 2 of our “Top 25 Offensive & Defensive Players of Madden 13” feature. We check our #22-20 today.
You can check out Part 1 and my assessment criteria/explanation here.
Offense
22. WR – DeSean Jackson (5’10 175)
Key Ratings: 98 SPD/98 AGI/97 ACC/98 JKM/85 CTH
Whether it is for attitude or effort, football fans often criticize Jackson. Thankfully in Madden, gamers don’t have to deal with either factor. Instead, you get control over the fastest player in the game, as well as an electric quarterback to get him the ball. The scary part is that Jackson also has a respectable 85 catch rating as well.
21. WR – Dez Bryant (6’2, 218)
Key Ratings: 92 SPD/97 CTH/97 SPC/91 BPR/98 JMP
The Cowboys make their second straight appearance on this list with Dez, one of the most reliable 3rd down and red zone targets in Madden 13. Only Andre Johnson and Reggie Wayne have higher catch ratings, while there isn’t a single receiver in the game with a higher jump rating. Dallas will always be a popular team on Madden, and Dez will be one of the reasons why for the near future.
20. RB – LeSean McCoy (5’11 208)
Key Ratings: 94 SPD/98 AGI/97 ACC/98 ELU/93 CAR
In Madden 13, Shady McCoy has always been the key cog to the Philly “track-team” offensive machine. Though there are faster full speed running backs, there are very few backs that have the quickness, carrying, and receiving abilities that McCoy has. Being able to stop on a dime or make the needed cutback makes him extremely dangerous. And because he’s a running back, it’s also easier to get him the ball. Whether it’s on handoffs, options, or wheel routes out of the backfield, McCoy is a handful.
Defense
22. CB – Jonathan Joseph (5’11 191)
Key Ratings: 95 SPD/92 AWR/96 JMP/97 MCV/88 ZCV
Joseph has that elite man coverage rating like the other lockdown corners in the game, but out of this specific group, he also boasts top 2 abilities in speed, awareness, and play recognition ratings. There are plenty of corners who never put that MCV rating to good use, but Joseph is one of the few that does. Plus playing behind the Bulls on Parade doesn’t hurt either.
21. DT – Ndamukong Suh (6’4 307)
Key Ratings: 97 STR/97 POW/94 PMV/93 BSH/96 PUR
Suh stomps his way onto number 21, making him the first defensive lineman on our list. Running up the middle or any undercenter offense is difficult to execute against the Lions because of this man. Being the undisputed strongest player in Madden 13 has its perks, and what’s even scarier is Suh’s surprising nimbleness. His deceptive quickness also lets him get to the outside as well.
20. DT – Geno Atkins (6’1, 300)
Key Ratings: 94 ACC/85 AWR/99 PMV/94 BSH/96 PUR
The Madden 13 version of the Bengals were one of the toughest defenses in the game, with blinding speed and thunderous power everywhere. Atkins led the way on the attack, with his rare combination of shedding and quickness at the DT position. His acceleration alone makes it tough to run the ball anywhere near him. As a sure tackler, Atkins made it extremely fun to play as the Bengals. Make that two for Cincinnati on our list.
Make sure to check back here tomorrow at Gamesided as we continue my reveal of the “Top 25 Offensive and Defensive Players of Madden 13″ list.
Note: Kristian Cuaresma began playing Madden in 2004 when introduced to the game by a circle of friends who had their own league. He then started playing competitively in 2006, and has since competed in several tournaments (both in Canada and the US) as well as various online competitions. Highlights include finishing top 16 in Canadian Madden Challenge, as well as finishing top 32 in the 2009 MLG Online Madden Challenge.