In the NFL, you live and die by your quarterback, and if Madden ‘12 is similar to previous releases of the popular game series, then the San Diego Chargers should be sitting pretty in any world they inhabit. That’s because Philip Rivers is as dynamic in Madden as he is in the NFL.
Rivers leads a loaded Chargers offense in the latest Madden ’12 ratings released today on ESPN with a 96 overall rating that includes incredible throwing accuracy across the board — overall (96), short (96) and intermediate (95). Billy Volek is the only back-up on the roster at 69 overall.
The wide receiver corps is also loaded with a top-rated Antonio Gates at tight end at 99 overall. Vincent Jackson is also present as the best wideout (87) and Michael Floyd immediately follows at 80. Patrick Crayton plays the third wide receiver role with a 74. The running back position is rather thin with Darren Sproles and Ryan Mathews coming in at 79 and 77 respectively, but the latter could definitely advance well with strong in-game results.
Kris Dielman, Marcus McNeill, Nick Hardwick and Louis Vazquez all sit at 80 or above on the offensive line, including Dielman at 94. It’s a strong unit that should aid a weaker running game and protect Rivers long enough to make his plays.
The defense is not nearly as strong as a unit, but it’s not without its heroes. Shaun Phillips leads the linebackers at 91 overall, including a great 95 rating at Power Moves. Larry English is a 75 and Stephen Cooper is at 83. Somehow, Kevin Burnett is only at 76.
The defensive line is flat-out weak, with the best overall rating at 84 for Luis Castillo. Rookie Corey Liuget starts his career at 75, but they rewarded him with a 91 strength rating. The secondary is better with Quinten Jammer at 89 and Eric Weddle at 87. It’s really just up front that the Chargers are hurting on defense.