Madden 22: It’s time for Derrick Henry to join the 99 Club

EA released the latest roster update for Madden 22, adjusting the ratings of players in the game based on their performances in real life. The highlight of the Week 6 ratings update was a slight boost to Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry, who was raised from a 97 overall rating to a 98. It’s a slight increase, but one that is well-deserved. And honestly, it’s criminal that Henry still isn’t part of Madden 22’s 99 Club.

Derrick Henry is far and away the best running back in the NFL — not just this season, but the past few. After rushing for over 2,000 yards last year, Henry is off to tremendous start in 2021.

Through six games, Henry has already rushed for a league-leading 783 yards and 10 touchdowns. The 27-year-old is on pace to rush for a record 2,219 yards, which would shatter Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards. Granted, Henry has the benefit of an added regular season game, but he came close to the record with 2,027 yards last season as well. If Henry stays healthy and continues on this trajectory, he would be the first running back to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season twice in his career.

I mean, the dude is a straight-up beast. He’s the best running back in the league, hands down, which is why it was ridiculous that Henry began the season with a lower overall than Carolina Panthers’ oft-injured back Christian McCaffrey. EA’s initial ratings drew the ire from fans who believed Henry deserved to not only be the best-rated back, but also a member of the 99 Club.

EA explained at the time that it was Henry’s Carrying (95) and Trucking (90) ratings that have kept him out of the coveted club. As I pointed out at the time, Henry had only three fumbles last season on over 378 carries.

Henry got his first ratings increase from a 96 to a 97 in Week 4 when his Carrying was increased to 98. The latest boost from a 97 to a 98 overall was thanks to a three point increase to his Trucking (93) and 1 point increase to his Awareness (99). He also got a 1 point increase to his Speed (93) and a 2 point increase to his Catching (66) this week, which could have helped.

While I attributed McCaffrey’s pass-catching ability out of the backfield as having the slight edge over Henry to begin the season, the Titans running back has proven quite reliable in the passing game to start the season. He already has 16 receptions on 18 targets for 138 yards. Those are already near his career highs and we’ve still got over half the season left to play.

What makes Henry’s climb to the 99 Club so frustrating is how long it has taken him. EA had no problem boosting Tom Brady and Justin Tucker to 99 overall after their record-setting games, although their time in the 99 Club was simply due to a limited time boost to honor their achievements. It seems if EA is to add Henry to the 99 Club, it’s going to be on a permanent basis.

Derrick Henry has rushed for over 100 yards in five straight games. With a soft matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs this weekend, it will likely be six, and I better see him in the 99 Club come the Week 7 roster update.