We’ve already previewed the ratings for the Kansas City Chiefs offense and defense in the upcoming release of Madden ‘12, but now it’s time to take a closer look at one of their greatest rivals: the Denver Broncos. It’s an interesting roster with several players who could be higher or lower and probably presented the powers-that-be with one of the more confusing rosters to rate.
The quarterback position is interesting unto itself with Tim Tebow rated as a 77 overall with Kyle Orton slightly better at 82. Brady Quinn is also in play at 72. Tebow has amazing skill ratings for a quarterback that are almost unheard of — 80 for speed, 90 for acceleration, 83 for strength (the numbers for Orton for the sake of comparison are 64, 66, 64 respectively). It’s Tebow’s low awareness (69) and throwing accuracy (76) that lowers his overall rating.
The running back position is a bit more settled in the game than the real life version of the Broncos, where Knowshon Moreno is somehow rated an 85. Note that’s a better total than Thomas Jones. The rest of the running stable seems more accurate with ratings from the mid-to-low 70s for Correll Buckhalter, LenDale White and Laurence Maroney.
Brandon Lloyd, who enjoyed a nice resurgence last year, is rewarded with an 88 overall rating. Eddie Royal follows as a 76 and both Gaffney and Thomas sit at 73. Eric Decker also is available at 69. The tight ends are all in the mid-60s. The news gets better at offensive line where stars like Ryan Clady (92) and Ryan Harris (85) are available.
The Broncos are going to have two terrific linebackers with rookie Von Miller (79 overall) and D.J. Williams (89) get moving. Miller is hurt by a 60 awareness, but a 94 acceleration and 96 finesse move rating will certainly help his tremendous pass rushing skills. Elvis Dumervil is back at 91 and also helps a strong Denver blitz.
The secondary is in good shape with veterans like Champ Bailey (at 97 overall, the best Broncos’ player) and Brian Dawkins (87). Andre Goodman comes in at 86. Rookie Rahim Moore starts his career at 73.