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Now for my 2nd installment of Madden Rankings. This thread will cover rankings 11-20.
11) Washington Redskins - They slide in here at number 11, and could make a lot of people's top 10. The Washington Redskins are a great Madden team with a Donovan like QB in Jason Campbell. Campbell has a Cannon Arm, and some decent accuracy, and he has plenty weapons to throw it to with the additions from the draft. Santana Moss is an 88 Overall with a 98 Speed, and he can be one of the best Deep threats in the game, and also very deadly on the screen. Along with Moss they have the shifty Antwan Randle El, and 2 Tall fast Rookie WR's in Malcom Kelly, and Devin Thomas. Finally Chris Cooley finishes off this passing attack coming into Madden 09 as one of the best Tight Ends in football. Washington has a top 10 Offensive Line, and one of the best Running Backs in football to run behind it in Clinton Portis(94). Let's not forget that they have one of the better RB duos, Ladell Betts is also an 84 Overall. Damn, I didn't even get to the defense yet. The Defense is highlighted by newly acquired Jason Taylor(98), and with Taylor they have one of the best Madden Safeties in the game in LaRon Landry(93) a top 5 LB crew in Fletcher-Baker(96), Washington(89), and McIntosh(88). Not to mention they have a good trio of Cornerbacks, (89,88, and 87 overalls).
12) Minnesota Vikings - The Vikings have it all...except for a Quarterback. Now the Freestyle gamers obviously love Tavaris Jackson, but for us people who actually like to sit in the pocket we might have a controversy at this position. Between Tavaris, Gus, and John David-Booty you have a choice of mediocrity at this position. The Vikings QB position may be the only thing stopping them from making the top 5 on some lists. Now let's get to the good stuff. His name is Adrian Peterson, he is virtually unstoppable, and with the great offensive line he has it makes him even better. Adrian is arguably the best RB in the game, and when you pound him behind the left side of their line, you aren't going to stop him.They also have a great power back in Chester Taylor that lays low behind the ever so injured Adrian Peterson. This year the Vikings knew they had to add someone to help the passing game out so they added Bernard Berrian. In Madden terms this guy is a great WR, and is a nice compliment to the possession skills of Sidney Rice. Sadly, they lack at Tight End. Now just like a lot of the other teams ahead of the Vikings, their Defense may be the strength of their team. With Pat Williams, Kevin Williams, and Jared Allen (98,97, and 97 Overalls respectively.) they have the best Defensive Line in the game. The Line Backers are great, however even though E.J. Henderson is a 92 Overall, he is very slow, and it seems like he can't make the plays that a 92 Overall usually makes. The Secondary is sexy, and highlights Darren Sharper (92) who is always a ball hawk, and holds the Smart Safety Weapon. They also have a great rookie safety in Tyrell Johnson who is one of the faster Safeties in the game (94 Speed), and they have a great CB in Antoine Winfield who is damn good at Bump and Run Coverage.
13) Oakland Raiders - The Oakland Raiders are surprisingly a top 15 team due to the weapons they have on offense, and defense. If you don't believe me look at the top 100 on the EA Leaderboards, 90% of them use this team the most. They are a huge threat on offense with the Cannon Arm of JaMarcus Russell, and the newly acquired Darren McFadden. Don't forget about Justin Fargas, and the emergence of Power Back Michael Bush though. Much like other teams on my list, Oakland's defense is their strength. With Nnamdi Asomugha, and Dante Hall they are the 2nd best CB duo in Madden. Also Michael Huff really helps out the secondary with his speed, and makes this team really hard to throw on. Derrick Burgess is one of those Defensive Ends that just torment QBs, and they also have 2 great Linebackers in Kirk Morrison(92), and Howard Thomas(91).
14) Cleveland Browns - At #13 Cleveland gives us an Overrated, but damn good Madden QB in Derek Anderson. One of the best Power backs in Madden in Jamal "Tippy Toe" Lewis, and a great set of Wide Receivers. With Anderson's Cannon Arm Weapon, hopefully you can take advantage of the Speed of Dante Stallworth(97). Braylon Edwards is no slow poke either, as he enters Madden 09 as one of the top Receivers in the game. Cleveland also gives us Joe Jurevicius as he is one of the tallest WR's in the game, even if he lacks speed. With all those weapons mentioned, and the fact that Cleveland's Offensive Line is much better, you can afford to send 97 Overall Kellen Winslow Jr. on some routes, as he is one of the best Tight Ends in Madden. Cleveland's defense isn't as high powered as their Offense, but it is good enough for you 3-4 lovers. Although they lost 90 Overall Leigh Bodden, they still have 2 great Madden Safeties in Sean Jones(87), and Brodney Pool. Cleveland upgraded their defense with the additions of Shaun Rogers(94),and Corey Williams(90), and have one of the better Line Backing crews in the game in McGinest(85) Jackson(85),Davis(84) and Wimbley(88).
15) Carolina Panthers - The Carolina Panthers round out my top 15 with a great balance of Offense, and Defense. Carolina highlights a two headed backfield with John Stewart (The Power Back), and DeAngelo Williams (The Speed Back). They have a great line to run behind, and when mixed up well this Backfield can be very, very dangerous. The WR crew of this team is above average. They have a superstar, and deep threat in Steve Smith, and they have 2 great Possession WR's in Mushin Muhammed, and D.J. Hackett. Carolina has always had a great defense, and this year is no different. With 2 88 Overall Cornerbacks in Ken "Did he really just punch me? Lucas, and Chris "I can't return punts" Gamble. Jon Beason(93) returns in his 2nd year as a beast of a LineBacker, and with Tommy Davis(87) they make a good LineBacker duo. Let's not forget about Julius Peppers as he highlights the Defensive Line with a 96 Overall.
16) Tennessee Titans - The Tennessee Titans are probably lower on my list than they are on other people's. However, I seem to not care. With the declining overall of Vince Young, and the 99 Drunk Rating of Kerry Collins they really are struggling at the QB position this year. Not only are they struggling at the QB spot, but they really have no Wide Receivers to throw it too either. Not to worry Titans users. Chris Johnson should be banned from the game due to his 99 Speed, and ever so often inclination of his Overall, and LenDale White offers you a top 5 "Thunder and Lightning" duo with his Truck Weapon. The Titans have a great defense in this years game which include one of the best Defensive Lines in Madden.The line features the oft injured Jevon Kearse(81), Kyle Vanden Bosch(93), Tony Brown(86), and Albert "Face Stepper" Haynesworth(98). Not only are those guys good, but 6 out of the 7 guys behind them are above an 88 Overall. 2 great LineBackers in Thornton(89), and Bullock(97). Plus they have a few great guys in the secondary in Chris Hope, and Cortland Finnegan. I almost forgot to mention Rod Bironas.
17) Arizona Cardinals - People, Kurt Warner is back. Edgerin James has left us. However Steve Breaston has come out of nowhere. With the emergence of Steve Breaston(82), Kurt Warner has even another target to throw it to. Trust me, you'll be throwing the ball a lot with this team when you realize Edgerin James can't out run your grandmother. This team still lacks a great playmaker at Tight End, and the Offensive Line is probably the worst out of all the teams on this list so far. CornerBacks... they have always been a problem since Aeneas Williams has been on the team. Well Maddenites, not any more. Roderick Hood seems like he is a capable CB sitting at an 86 Overall, and the NFL Rookie Draft added Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie(82) who is a great athlete, and absolute beast in this game when you factor Speed(97), Height(6'2), and Catch(75). Gone are the days of Antrel Rolle at CornerBack, but nowadays you can find him at the Free Safety position with an 89 Overall rating. Next to him is the physically superior Adrian Wilson(96). Karlos Dansby, and Clark Haggans are both 85 Overalls, and they highlight the LineBacker position.Although listed at Outside Linebackers, I like to put Chike Okeafor, and Bertrand Berry at Defensive Ends due to the lack of skill at those positions.
But wait there's more...
11) Washington Redskins - They slide in here at number 11, and could make a lot of people's top 10. The Washington Redskins are a great Madden team with a Donovan like QB in Jason Campbell. Campbell has a Cannon Arm, and some decent accuracy, and he has plenty weapons to throw it to with the additions from the draft. Santana Moss is an 88 Overall with a 98 Speed, and he can be one of the best Deep threats in the game, and also very deadly on the screen. Along with Moss they have the shifty Antwan Randle El, and 2 Tall fast Rookie WR's in Malcom Kelly, and Devin Thomas. Finally Chris Cooley finishes off this passing attack coming into Madden 09 as one of the best Tight Ends in football. Washington has a top 10 Offensive Line, and one of the best Running Backs in football to run behind it in Clinton Portis(94). Let's not forget that they have one of the better RB duos, Ladell Betts is also an 84 Overall. Damn, I didn't even get to the defense yet. The Defense is highlighted by newly acquired Jason Taylor(98), and with Taylor they have one of the best Madden Safeties in the game in LaRon Landry(93) a top 5 LB crew in Fletcher-Baker(96), Washington(89), and McIntosh(88). Not to mention they have a good trio of Cornerbacks, (89,88, and 87 overalls).
12) Minnesota Vikings - The Vikings have it all...except for a Quarterback. Now the Freestyle gamers obviously love Tavaris Jackson, but for us people who actually like to sit in the pocket we might have a controversy at this position. Between Tavaris, Gus, and John David-Booty you have a choice of mediocrity at this position. The Vikings QB position may be the only thing stopping them from making the top 5 on some lists. Now let's get to the good stuff. His name is Adrian Peterson, he is virtually unstoppable, and with the great offensive line he has it makes him even better. Adrian is arguably the best RB in the game, and when you pound him behind the left side of their line, you aren't going to stop him.They also have a great power back in Chester Taylor that lays low behind the ever so injured Adrian Peterson. This year the Vikings knew they had to add someone to help the passing game out so they added Bernard Berrian. In Madden terms this guy is a great WR, and is a nice compliment to the possession skills of Sidney Rice. Sadly, they lack at Tight End. Now just like a lot of the other teams ahead of the Vikings, their Defense may be the strength of their team. With Pat Williams, Kevin Williams, and Jared Allen (98,97, and 97 Overalls respectively.) they have the best Defensive Line in the game. The Line Backers are great, however even though E.J. Henderson is a 92 Overall, he is very slow, and it seems like he can't make the plays that a 92 Overall usually makes. The Secondary is sexy, and highlights Darren Sharper (92) who is always a ball hawk, and holds the Smart Safety Weapon. They also have a great rookie safety in Tyrell Johnson who is one of the faster Safeties in the game (94 Speed), and they have a great CB in Antoine Winfield who is damn good at Bump and Run Coverage.
13) Oakland Raiders - The Oakland Raiders are surprisingly a top 15 team due to the weapons they have on offense, and defense. If you don't believe me look at the top 100 on the EA Leaderboards, 90% of them use this team the most. They are a huge threat on offense with the Cannon Arm of JaMarcus Russell, and the newly acquired Darren McFadden. Don't forget about Justin Fargas, and the emergence of Power Back Michael Bush though. Much like other teams on my list, Oakland's defense is their strength. With Nnamdi Asomugha, and Dante Hall they are the 2nd best CB duo in Madden. Also Michael Huff really helps out the secondary with his speed, and makes this team really hard to throw on. Derrick Burgess is one of those Defensive Ends that just torment QBs, and they also have 2 great Linebackers in Kirk Morrison(92), and Howard Thomas(91).
14) Cleveland Browns - At #13 Cleveland gives us an Overrated, but damn good Madden QB in Derek Anderson. One of the best Power backs in Madden in Jamal "Tippy Toe" Lewis, and a great set of Wide Receivers. With Anderson's Cannon Arm Weapon, hopefully you can take advantage of the Speed of Dante Stallworth(97). Braylon Edwards is no slow poke either, as he enters Madden 09 as one of the top Receivers in the game. Cleveland also gives us Joe Jurevicius as he is one of the tallest WR's in the game, even if he lacks speed. With all those weapons mentioned, and the fact that Cleveland's Offensive Line is much better, you can afford to send 97 Overall Kellen Winslow Jr. on some routes, as he is one of the best Tight Ends in Madden. Cleveland's defense isn't as high powered as their Offense, but it is good enough for you 3-4 lovers. Although they lost 90 Overall Leigh Bodden, they still have 2 great Madden Safeties in Sean Jones(87), and Brodney Pool. Cleveland upgraded their defense with the additions of Shaun Rogers(94),and Corey Williams(90), and have one of the better Line Backing crews in the game in McGinest(85) Jackson(85),Davis(84) and Wimbley(88).
15) Carolina Panthers - The Carolina Panthers round out my top 15 with a great balance of Offense, and Defense. Carolina highlights a two headed backfield with John Stewart (The Power Back), and DeAngelo Williams (The Speed Back). They have a great line to run behind, and when mixed up well this Backfield can be very, very dangerous. The WR crew of this team is above average. They have a superstar, and deep threat in Steve Smith, and they have 2 great Possession WR's in Mushin Muhammed, and D.J. Hackett. Carolina has always had a great defense, and this year is no different. With 2 88 Overall Cornerbacks in Ken "Did he really just punch me? Lucas, and Chris "I can't return punts" Gamble. Jon Beason(93) returns in his 2nd year as a beast of a LineBacker, and with Tommy Davis(87) they make a good LineBacker duo. Let's not forget about Julius Peppers as he highlights the Defensive Line with a 96 Overall.
16) Tennessee Titans - The Tennessee Titans are probably lower on my list than they are on other people's. However, I seem to not care. With the declining overall of Vince Young, and the 99 Drunk Rating of Kerry Collins they really are struggling at the QB position this year. Not only are they struggling at the QB spot, but they really have no Wide Receivers to throw it too either. Not to worry Titans users. Chris Johnson should be banned from the game due to his 99 Speed, and ever so often inclination of his Overall, and LenDale White offers you a top 5 "Thunder and Lightning" duo with his Truck Weapon. The Titans have a great defense in this years game which include one of the best Defensive Lines in Madden.The line features the oft injured Jevon Kearse(81), Kyle Vanden Bosch(93), Tony Brown(86), and Albert "Face Stepper" Haynesworth(98). Not only are those guys good, but 6 out of the 7 guys behind them are above an 88 Overall. 2 great LineBackers in Thornton(89), and Bullock(97). Plus they have a few great guys in the secondary in Chris Hope, and Cortland Finnegan. I almost forgot to mention Rod Bironas.
17) Arizona Cardinals - People, Kurt Warner is back. Edgerin James has left us. However Steve Breaston has come out of nowhere. With the emergence of Steve Breaston(82), Kurt Warner has even another target to throw it to. Trust me, you'll be throwing the ball a lot with this team when you realize Edgerin James can't out run your grandmother. This team still lacks a great playmaker at Tight End, and the Offensive Line is probably the worst out of all the teams on this list so far. CornerBacks... they have always been a problem since Aeneas Williams has been on the team. Well Maddenites, not any more. Roderick Hood seems like he is a capable CB sitting at an 86 Overall, and the NFL Rookie Draft added Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie(82) who is a great athlete, and absolute beast in this game when you factor Speed(97), Height(6'2), and Catch(75). Gone are the days of Antrel Rolle at CornerBack, but nowadays you can find him at the Free Safety position with an 89 Overall rating. Next to him is the physically superior Adrian Wilson(96). Karlos Dansby, and Clark Haggans are both 85 Overalls, and they highlight the LineBacker position.Although listed at Outside Linebackers, I like to put Chike Okeafor, and Bertrand Berry at Defensive Ends due to the lack of skill at those positions.
But wait there's more...
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