Here are four Chargers players whose ratings seem off in “Madden NFL 21.”
WR Mike Williams – Rating: 81
Keenan Allen was given a 91 overall rating, which seems just about right considering he is one of the best wide receivers in the game. But his partner in crime’s rating of 81 seems to be a bit off. He’s stacked up with wideouts like A.J. Brown and Michael Gallup when he should be in the same tier as Courtland Sutton, Jarvis Landry and D.J. Moore. His rookie season was riddled by an injury, but he has been the model of consistency since then. In 2018, the big-bodied target reeled in 10 touchdowns. He scored just twice in 2019, but he averaged 20.4 yards per reception, which was No. 1 in the league, and topped 1,000 yards for the first time. While Tyrod Taylor might not have the biggest arm, Justin Herbert does. If Herbert is under center, Williams will become a go-to target for the former Clemson product.
What it should have been: 85
LB Drue Tranquill – Rating: 72
There’s no denying that Tranquill was the best linebacker on the team last season. After serving as a special teamer in his rookie season, Tranquill’s hard work led to more playing time. Week in and out, the 2019 fourth-round pick was consistently making plays in the middle of the defense, finishing as the second-leading tackler with 75 total tackles. He also added four tackles-for-loss, a pass breakup, and blocked two punts. For his efforts, he was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team. He should have more opportunities to make an impact with an improved defensive unit around him this season. Look for Tranquill and rookie Kenneth Murray to wreak havoc together in 2020.
What it should have been: 76
FS Rayshawn Jenkins – Rating: 70
Jenkins received a mixed bag of opinions by fans for his play last season, but I thought he manned the single-high role pretty well. In his first season as a full-time starter after making the transition from strong safety to free safety, Jenkins led the team in interceptions (3). This was all while Derwin James was out of the action. For reference, Nasir Adderley, who was out for nearly the entire season, was given a higher rating than Jenkins (71). While Adderley may eventually be a better player, it’s difficult to justify that he should be higher than a player that saw every single defensive snap. This isn’t to say that Jenkins should be among the elite safeties, but I believe he should be rated a bit higher.
What it should have been: 75
QB Tyrod Taylor – Rating: 69
Taylor is likely going to enter the regular season as the team’s starter, and rookie Justin Herbert, who hasn’t played a single snap in the NFL yet, is rated higher than him (70). You can make the argument that it’s been years since Taylor has produced as a starter, but over the three-season stretch when Taylor started for the Bills, his grade was 83.2, per Pro Football Focus. At only 30 years old, he still has plenty of juice left in the tank to lead an offense, especially with a coach’s system that he used to and skill players that’ll help make life easier on him. Rather than being in the same tier as Joe Flacco and Marcus Mariota, Taylor deserves to be sitting with Ryan Fitzpatrick and Sam Darnold.
What it should have been: 74
