Bengals Finally Get Respect But It’s From Madden
By Emile Pierce
The Cincinnati Bengals have been fighting an uphill battle for respect. Finally, EA Sports is willing to recognize the talent. Madden 2017 shows some love.
The world will get to see how good the Cincinnati Bengals have become. Their transformation is complete. But, it’s not under the bright lights of national television. Head coach Marvin Lewis and Co. have created a monster. Where can you see it? The newest edition of Madden.
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For years I’ve taken out my frustration with the Madden franchise. Whenever the Bengals’ season was subpar, I’d hook up the video game and start whuppin’ tails. There was one teeny tiny problem. The Bengals ratings were always horrible. Thus, the act of creating players and massive trade action was my saving grace.
Fortunately, Madden 2017 has taken the Bengals seriously. Where football analysts and crackpot sports writers have fallen short, EA Sports has stepped up their game. Cincinnati happens to be well represented, from the individual player aspect. Geno Atkins bullied his way to a 94 rating. Andrew Whitworth and A.J. Green are next in line with a sparkling rank of 93.
Aaah…it’s so good to feel the love.
Even though Tyler Eifert ended his campaign with more TD’s than Rob Gronkowski, he managed a 90 (just a homer remark). This would be a perfect moment to address the overall bias against the Bengals, but it could be worse. At least the Men in Stripes weren’t put on the cover. That’s not cool.
Overall, EA Sports was able to give Cincinnati a decent ranking as a team. Chiming in at 84, the Bengals were only three points behind both the Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots. The Denver Broncos managed an 82.
Does that mean the Bengals have reached elite status? But, I digress.
Don’t forget the defense. Paul Guenther’s unit was given high marks too. Vontaze Burfict, Adam Jones, and Carlos Dunlap made the cut, with ratings of 88. Somehow, their performances pleased the football gods. Burfict and Jones received such solid rankings. Usually, players with ratings of 85 and above (that’s how I roll) will give a team a fighting chance.
Again…are the Bengals elite? Gotta get my mind right.
Looking at the signal-callers, Andy Dalton is ranked at No. 9, with an 87. Maybe there was a glitch in the system. Carson Palmer is ahead of Dalton. If EA Sports is rating by Super Bowl rings and playoffs…nevermind. Dalton is in good company. Maybe the ranking will motivate the Red Rifle to prove a point.
Essentially, Cincinnati is getting the attention they deserve. It’s only a matter of time until the Orange and Black are a household name. Like John Madden said, “Speed kills.” Hopefully, Cincinnati is on the fast track to hoisting a “real” Lombardi. But, that’s another story.