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EA Sports Madden 20 will be released on August 2nd, 2019 just in time for fall camp to start here in North Carolina. The hype for football season will be at a fever pitch and this year’s rendition of the classic series sounds better than ever. I haven’t personally purchased a game in the Madden series in quite some time, but with the Air Raid and RPO’s being part of the new playbook- I feel it’s time to change that.
The Hurricanes have played a major part of football video games, and especially Madden, throughout the years. Ray Lewis was on the cover of Madden 2005 and Devin Hester was the first ever player to be ranked with a 100 rating in speed (Madden ‘08).
Top 5 rated Hurricanes in Madden 20:
1- Calais Campbell
The highest rated Hurricane in Madden 20 is defensive end Calais Campbell. Campbell has a 92 rating as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Campbell was a 2nd round pick of the Arizona Cardinals back in 2008 and has logged 640 tackles, 81.5 sacks, and forced 12 fumbles over his career. Campbell has been named to four Pro Bowls and was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2017.
2- Greg Olsen
The Panthers star tight end is an 89 overall rating and Miami’s 2nd highest rated player. Olsen was drafted by the Chicago Bears with the 31st overall selection of the 2007 NFL Draft. Olsen has caught 57 touchdowns over his career while being named to three Pro Bowls.
3- Brandon Linder
Brandon Linder is the center for the Jacksonville Jaguars and received an 86 overall rating. Linder’s contract in July of 2017 made him the highest paid center in league history amassing over $51 million dollars on a five year deal. Linder has started in 54 games since being drafted by the Jags in the 3rd round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
4- Lamar Miller
Lamar Miller has landed an 85 overall rating in Madden 20. Miller was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the 4th round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Miller is a one-time Pro Bowl selection who has scored 40 touchdowns and amassed over 7,000 yards from scrimmage over his career.
5- Jimmy Graham
Jimmy Graham received an 83 overall rating and is another highly rated member of Tight End U. Graham, a member of the Green Bay Packers, was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the 3rd round of the 2010 NFL Draft. A former ‘Canes basketball star, Graham has caught 71 touchdowns while being named to five Pro Bowls.
Other notable Hurricanes in Madden 20 (70 rating cut-off):
David Njoku- 82
Olivier Vernon- 82
Frank Gore- 81
Duke Johnson- 80
Travis Benjamin- 79
Matt Bosher- 78
Phillip Dorsett- 77
Christopher Herndon IV- 76
Allen Hurns- 76
*Gus Edwards- 75
Denzel Perryman- 74
Adrian Colbert- 73
Pat O’Donnell- 72
Michael Badgley- 71
Artie Burns- 71
Summary
I’m excited for Madden 20 between the Air Raid and RPO’s but also because of split field coverage on defense. After listening to the Madden programmer Anthony White discuss Madden 20 on the Coach McKie podcast I think it’s officially a purchase on the release date. The Miami Hurricanes aren’t as dominant throughout the game as they were when Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Edgerrin James and other ‘Canes were all over the field but there are enough Miami players to go around and your QB1 storyline can come from THE U.