Week 1 of the NFL season is in the books and while the first week of the season has its hiccups, many players showed up and put on major performances. From DeAngelo Williams to Drew Brees, players across the league played their hearts out... while others like Ezekiel Elliott was a dud instead of a stud in Week 1.
Based on player performances from Week 1, the team at Madden NFL 17 begins adjusting the ratings of numerous players for Week 2. Last week, we saw Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys move up the Madden ratings board, but after his up and down performance against the Giants, will he be on the list of biggest movers this week? Let’s look at the players who had their ratings adjusted, either for the good or bad.
David Johnson, RB, Arizona Cardinals (up two points to 86 Overall)
As the starting running back of the Cardinals, Johnson will benefit from having teams looking at Arizona's three wide receivers and forgetting about Johnson. The second-year player started this NFL season with 89 rushing yards and four catches out of the backfield. Based on that performance against the Patriots, Johnson's attributes in Awareness (+5), Agility (+2), and Strength (+1) went up also as he will continue to be a major part of the Arizona offense.
Orlando Scandrick, CB, Dallas Cowboys (down 3 points to 84 Overall)
Scandrick had a decent day against the Giants. While getting a sack in the second half, he left the game in the first half with a hamstring injury. After being out all of 2015 with a knee injury, Scandrick staying on the ground for more than ten seconds gets Cowboy fans nervous. Even with an okay performance, Scandrick's Man Coverage rating dropped three points after being past 90 since Madden’s release in August. Hopefully this will not continue for the veteran.
Keith McGill II, SS, Oakland Raiders (up 5 points to 74 Overall)
Pretty sure no one knew or still knows who Keith McGill II is but after finishing with 6 tackles (4 solo) and a pass breakup, Raider fans are beginning to look up his history. The former Utah Utes player made a definite impact helping the Raiders defeat the Saints in New Orleans. A five point jump in Awareness, a four point jump in Strength and a nine point jump in Play Recognition makes McGill a good option in the defensive backfield for Raider fans in Madden .
Marshall Newhouse, RT, New York Giants (up 3 points to 73)
This will probably be the first and last time an offensive lineman is discussed, however the Giants’ offensive line played better than most thought they would going into the Dallas game. Newhouse was part of a makeshift offensive line for New York last season as guys were moved along the line all season, with many playing out of their natural position. Newhouse anchored a line last week that allowed Eli Manning to have time in the pocket as Newhouse’ ratings in Pass and Run Blocking went up by two points. Newhouse may be on the list of biggest movers on a weekly basis if he continues his great play.
For the full list of player ratings, including those whose ratings went up and down, visit the EA Sports Madden NFL 17 website. Did EA get it right this week with player ratings? Let us know in our comments section.
