The Game Haus will be analyzing the player ratings from Madden 21 of every NFL team. Madden has a daunting task of rating all NFL players and their attributes. While they have the ability to correct some of these rankings with in-season roster updates, there are some issues with some of the initial rankings of players. Here are the Madden 21 questionable ratings for the Las Vegas Raiders.
Tyrell Williams 82
Last season Tyrell Williams was thrust into the spotlight after Antonio Brown was released by the Raiders. Williams filled his role well while head coach John Gruden tried to figure out the offense. Bad quarterback play from Derrick Carr definitely slowed Williams. It also caused the Raiders to lean on rookie running back Josh Jacobs. Even with his touches limited by the offense Williams put up solid numbers. Last season he finished with 651 yards on 42 catches and added six touchdowns.
Rams’ wide receiver Brandin Cooks had the exact same number of catches last season at 42 but only put up 583 yards and two touchdowns. Cooks did struggle with injuries but still got the same amount of chances as Williams. Cooks’ stats earned him an 85 overall rating, and while that rating is aided by his speed you can’t throw stats out of the window.
Adjusted Rating- 85
Nick Kwiatkoski 76
Nick Kwiatkoski came out of nowhere last year and shined on the star-studded Bears’ defense. He took over after an injury to linebacker Danny Trevathan in week nine. Kwiatkoski made an impact immediately with his high motor style of play. In the eight games he played, Kwiatkoski racked up 68 tackles, eight of them for loss. He also added three sacks and an interception. If you extrapolate those numbers over the full 16 game season Kwiatkoski would finish with 136 tackles, six sacks and two interceptions.
Bills’ linebacker Matt Milano had a solid season last year as well. He racked up 100 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 15 games which is a good season but nothing spectacular. Milano was given a rating of 79 overall which is pretty high considering his stats. Kwiatkoski has proven that he is an extremely talented player with star potential who deserves a higher rating than he was given.
Adjusted Rating- 79
Darren Waller 85
Darren Waller isn’t just one of the best feel-good stories of the NFL he’s also an amazing under the radar player. He struggled with substance abuse and didn’t really have a place in the league until last year, and boy did he shine. He was a focus on 2019’s season HBO’s “Hard Knocks.” No one wanted to guard him in camp and Madden rating adjusters were constantly changing his rating before last season even started. Waller lived up to every expectation last season after totaling 1,145 yards and three touchdowns.
Saints’ tight end Jarred Cook is no doubt a solid player but the eye test favors Waller every time. However, Cook was given an 87 overall rating. Cook is good but he’s a system player in Sean Payton‘s offense with Drew Brees at quarterback. He was a big red zone target last year with nine touchdowns but he only gained 705 yards on the season. If Waller was put in that situation he’d be in the conversation for best tight end in the NFL.
Adjusted Rating- 87
Jason Witten 77
Once upon a time, Jason Witten was the best tight end in the league but those days have past. Witten is 38 years old heading into his 17th season. He’s had a very long Hall of Fame career but there’s no doubt its time to hang it up. Witten looks incredibly stiff on the field, and the little bit of athleticism he had during his career is gone. That’s not to say that Witten wasn’t semi-reliable last season. He racked up 529 yards and four touchdowns which isn’t bad but it is his worst season since 2003.
Broncos’ tight end Noah Fant had very similar stats but was rated down at a 74. Fant is younger faster and more athletic and posted good stats. Even though Witten is one of the greatest to ever play the position these ratings seem skewed in his favor out of bias.
Adjusted Rating- 74
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