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As we delve further and further into the Madden 09 offseason, EA Sports continues to leak out exciting new information to keep gamers excited about the upcoming release of Madden 10. With that said, I was pumped to see EA unveil the team ratings at E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) but there was one team’s rating that had me flabbergasted-the Denver Broncos.

Looking through the ratings, it’s very obvious early on that EA has completely revamped their team rating’s system. Instead of having 11 teams rated in the 90s at this point last year, there are now only two-the New England Patriots (93) and the Pittsburgh Steelers (92). Simply put, both of these teams have heralded the word “dynasty” in discussions about them in recent years and are very deserving of their high ratings.

Further glancing at the list, other notable teams and their ranks would be last year’s 8-8 San Diego Chargers (88), the 9-7 Dallas Cowboys (85), the 8-8 Washington Redskins (79), the 4-12 Seattle Seahawks (77) and the Detroit Lions (65).

Yet, the biggest glaring teams and their ratings for me would have to be last year’s 5-11 Oakland Raiders (71) and the Broncos (70). Even after keeping the Jay Cutler trade made earlier this offseason in mind, I am completely puzzled and baffled as to why the Broncos are rated so low. Adding more salt to my wounds, it’s nearly impossible for me to fathom that EA rated them worse than the lowly, insignificant Raiders. If I remember right, EA is touting that this version of Madden will be the “most realistic football game ever,” but how can that be if they are trying to pass off ridiculous team ratings like this?

In the end, I respect the amount of talent and speed the Raiders have, but only on Madden. In real life, the only two players that are even worth a damn for them are RB Darren McFadden and CB Nnamdi Asomugha. On the other hand, the Broncos are full of weapons, such as WR Brandon Marshall, WR Eddie Royal, CB Champ Bailey and MLB DJ Williams. That’s not even including the six or so solid RBs they have stowed away.

But, enough with the whining. I’m sure EA had a method to their madness and it will all work out in the end. Hopefully, at some point in the season, the Broncos will perform at a high level and they will be rewarded with a higher rating during a seasonal update. If they end up stinking up the place, then I will concede that their rating will have been deserved.

All I know is that Madden gamers everywhere better be ready to lose to me when I use the best 70-rated team in the game!

Team Ratings:
1st Patriots 93
2nd Steelers 92
3rd Giants 89
4th Chargers 88
5th Eagles 88
6th Titans 87
7th Colts 87
8th Cardinals 86
9th Cowboys 85
10th Panthers 83
11th Ravens 82
12th Falcons 81
13th Vikings 80
14th Bears 79
15th Redskins 79
16th Jets 78
17th Packers 78
18th Dolphins 77
19th Seahawks 77
20th Bills 76
21st Texans 75
22nd Saints 74
23rd Buccaneers 74
24th 49ers 73
25th Jaguars 71
26th Raiders 71
27th Broncos 70
28th Chiefs 69
29th Browns 68
30th Bengals 67
31st Rams 66
32nd Lions 65