There has been a lot of tension regarding the ratings between the players and EA, to the extent that some gamers voice their discontent with EA’s development priorities, the NFL’s exclusive licensing deal and the whole situation. The post on the official account of Madden NFL was only an example of Sunday games in Madden 26 through EA’s marketing mechanism. However, the image was used; oh my God, C.J. Stroud was 78 and Drake Maye, the rookie without any NFL snaps, was 94. A difference of SIXTEEN POINTS! The internet, as usual, went mad in unison. This was not just a minor disagreement but that was the last straw for many players who were already worn out.
The responses are nothing but personal expressions of gamer rage and, truthfully, it is tough not to take their side. The first person to comment set the tone for the entire affair: “Who the heck is that on the right?” user Chris asks while directing his question toward Maye’s character model. And he is not wrong to ask! Another gamer, Ńïčk Gömêž, expressed very openly: “Looks like they need to fix up Drake Maye’s face here.” The visual aspect of the game is being condemned before even getting to talk about numbers.
But the next big thing is the numbers… and the numbers are the main event. The 78 rating assigned to Stroud was met with the utmost disbelief. “He should be rated 86, not a fuking 78,” kaybouttelover writes. Another gamer _CoreyDaGawd_ joined the discussion with “78 is ridiculous, lmao. I didn’t know he was so low.” The feeling is one of disbelief that the Offensive Rookie of the Year and a player who led his team to the playoffs are being rated so much lower than an untested rookie. User GiannisForThree perhaps best captured the absurdity when he said, “Stroud sucks but the gap isn’t that big lol.” Even the critics agree that this is outrageous.
And it is not only about Stroud. The discussion soon became the normal sickening, but perfectly valid complaints bout the entire Madden series. “Your game still looks horrible,” was the plain speaking statement from TitansGreatness. User moneymo2525, meanwhile, asked the million-dollar question: “They both look terrible, that’s not the official NFL game?? Also, Stroud below 80 is crazy.” That’s the whole point right there. Frustration over one rating is not the main reason; it is the perceived low quality of the only NFL sim in town.
This is the moment when the discussions of replies become really fascinating, as they get into the business aspect. A whole discussion on the topic of NFL’s exclusive license with EA erupted. User NotoriousCal_ simplified it in a reply to a fellow user, arguing that “it’s actually the other way around, NFL forces EA to keep the license so they have total control over what goes into the game. The NFL. The NFL knows they will make money every year, so does EA and the game developers don’t have to worry about competition at all. It’s a win-win for both parties.” But for players? Not so much.
That is a feeling that is echoed by BenSinnottFC who passionately argues for competition: “ATP the NFL needs to end the exclusive rights now. 2k has their own problems but GOD they have an infinitely better franchise mode.” He lists features such as eras, historic drafts, and complex contract options that Madden lacks. It is a common refrain; players feel they are locked in a monopoly where EA sees no need for innovation as there is no alternative. When one player, betoyabish, simply says “Madden weak ah with the rating like always,” you can feel the resignation that has taken over many years.
Players are not only complaining about the ratings and the faces but they are pointing out real bugs. User Jermeek1 complains about Franchise mode being “stuck on week 16 forever,” rendering the long-term mode “pointless.” So it is not just about aesthetics or ratings being slightly off; core modes are reportedly broken. And when someone like ZionsDenn asks “Madden, you are so disrespectful. Do you honestly believe Caleb is better than Bryce and CJ?” it shows how these ratings feel like a personal insult to the fans of the actual sport.
The reaction to this single tweet is a perfect snapshot of the gaming community’s frustration, which is also felt by players on PlayStation and Xbox.
