With theofficial ratings now released, I am continuing theMadden 21Analytics series. This article covers the pass rush situations of each team.In order to do this I used a formula I call Optimal Rush Rating, or ORR for short. This metric takes the four rushers who would normally be on the field in pass rush situations and projects their best potential outcome in an ideal situation.
Madden 21 Analytics
Best Situations
Eagles: Dominant across the line, the Eagles edged out the Browns for the top ORR score in the league. The Eagles are led by defensive tackle Fletcher Cox and his impressive 96 power move rating. While not quite at Cox’s level, the Eagles have another pair of talented rushers in defensive end Brandon Graham (90 power move) and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (85 power move).
Browns: The Browns came up just short of the Eagles for the top spot, but they are a formidable crew themselves. Myles Garret leads this line with an impressive 96 power move rating. Adding to the strength of this group are veterans Sheldon Richardson (86 power move) and Oliver Vernon (83 power move)
Bears: The Chicago Bears check in tied for 3rd in the league. Khalil Mack is dominant with his 93 power move, but the Bears as a whole are pretty stout across the entire front. Defensive tackle Akeem Hick brings interior pressure (89 power move) while newly acquired Robert Quinn (86 Power Move) should benefit from double teams to Mack’s side.
Steelers: Long time Steeler Cameron Hayward anchors a front that is especially strong in the middle. Heyward (92 power move) and Stephon Tuitt (87 power move) combine for one of the best interior pass rushes in the league. The Steeler’s edge isn’t too bad itself, as outside linebackers TJ Watt (88 finesse move) and Bud Dupree (81 power move) can apply pressure to opposing quarterbacks when needed.
49ers: San Francisco is a little lower on this list then most would expect, however the departure of defensive tackle DeForrest Buckner is hard for anyone to replace. While Buckner is gone, Arik Armstead (87 power move) and 2nd year man Nick Bosa (91 finesse move) can still bring the heat. Rookie defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw (80 power move) should quickly emerge as a reliable rusher inside.
Worst Situations
Raiders: After drafting Clelin Ferrell in the top five and getting little results, the Raider’s pass rush is still looking for answers. One bright spot in terms of rookie pass rushers was defensive end Maxx Crosby (79 finesse move). In terms of interior pressure, defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (83 power move) does have some upside still to be tapped.
Giants: Surprisingly Markus Golden, a 10 sack player a year ago, did not see much love as he checks in here with only 81 power move. On the inside Leonard Williams does show promise (83 power move), however, it does feel like he may have missed his chance to become an elite force.
Seahawks: This is a team that desperately needs Jadeveon Clowney back. As it stands now, defensive tackle Jarran Reed and his 86 finesse move is the only thing to look forward to for the Seahawks. The supporting case surrounding Reed does little to inspire excitement.
Dolphins: Journeyman outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy leads this unit with a 79 power move rating. Unfortunately, outside of Van Noy the other free agent signings from this past off season did little to address the pass rush question, at least in Madden.
Jets: The Jets are the worst pass rushing team in the league and it isn’t even close. With no notable options to rush the passer, the only real positive to look to is second year interior defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (77 power move) and the hope he can develop into a rusher at only 22 years old.
