5 Most disrespected NFL players in Madden 23 ratings

Jan 9, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt (90) reacts after sacking Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley (2) during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 16: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers recovers the ball and runs for a touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 16, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /

Madden 23 ratings: TJ Watt, Edge, Pittsburgh Steelers

At first glance, it doesn’t appear Madden disrespected TJ Watt. I’m here to tell you that a 96 rating is disrespectful to the reigning Defensive Player of the Year.

No, I don’t want to hear that he doesn’t drop back in coverage. Watt is an off-ball linebacker who dominates week in and week out. The former first-round pick tied the all-time single-season sack record with 22.5.

His record-setting season happened despite him missing two games and the majority of a third. Watt’s single-season sack rate is 6.1%, the highest in Next Gen history (2016).

Watt recorded 1.5 sacks or more in eight games. And at least one sack in all but three games. PFF rated Watt No. 1 with him and Myles Garret splitting hairs.

Yet Madden 23’s creators felt he should be tied for 13th in player rating. His late-game heroics and consistency to put pressure on the quarterback played a major role in the Steelers’ success.

Without Watt, there’s no way the Steelers have the league’s 9th best pass defenses. He makes defensive back jobs that much easier.

Other than a record-setting season, winning Defensive Player of the Year, and helping his team to the playoffs, what more could one man do to earn a 99 rating?

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