Madden 23 ratings: Predicting the Top 5 Quarterbacks
Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After faking us all out with retirement this offseason, Tom Brady is back. The 44-year-old quarterback is set to return for his 23rd NFL season. This will almost certainly be the final season for seven-time Super Bowl champion and five-time Super Bowl MVP, right… right? We all say that, but then we look at the way he plays each season.
Last year, Brady led the league in passing yards with 5,316 and touchdowns with 43. In 2020, he threw for 4,633 yards and 40 touchdowns. The big question surrounding Brady is whether he will finally start showing his age. We’ve all been waiting for the inevitable downfall, and it hasn’t happened yet. A bad season for Brady is simply not making the Super Bowl.
Brady’s bid for an eighth Super Bowl ring fell short when the Buccaneers lost to the Rams 30-27 in the NFC Divisional Round. But now he’s back with vengeance. Watch out, league.
Based on legacy alone, I think Brady deserves a spot atop the rankings. It’s clear Brady is at the end of his playing career, but it has nothing to do with his performance. It looks like he could play another five years, at least. Until it’s proven otherwise, he remains one of the best quarterbacks in the league. It’s quite possible that Brady shows a decline this year, but for now, I have him as the third-best quarterback in Madden 23.
To be clear, I think quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen are more explosive playmakers. They are the younger, more exciting quarterbacks and represent a shift in what we ask from the position. They are dual-threat quarterbacks who can beat you with their arm or legs. But no quarterback has yet to show the consistency Brady. And they sure has heck haven’t matched his stats. So while they may be the future of the league, Brady is still the man now.