Madden ’23 ratings are unkind to Chiefs running backs

The Kansas City Chiefs were once the best offensive team in EA Sports’ Madden franchise. As Madden 23 approaches, the running back’s debut ratings are uninspiring.

EA Sports continues to drop initial player ratings ahead of the Aug. 19 release of Madden 23. The game’s developers released the running back ratings on Wednesday, and there is not much good news for Kansas City Chiefs fans.

Sure, the Chiefs are not known for their running game, especially since the team lacked a powerful rushing threat. 2021 rushing yards leader Darrel Williams left in free agency, leaving a hole in Kansas City’s running back room. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Ronald Jones, and Jerick McKinnon will all have roles in the Chiefs’ offense, but opportunity does not translate to ability. That ability is what Madden ratings are all about.

Edwards-Helaire’s 79 overall rating leads all Chiefs running backs, but his 86 speed is tied for the lowest as well. Fans may use 77-overall Jones more, with 90 speed and 92 change of direction. The top two backs are very close, mirroring the narrow gap between the two players in real life. McKinnon (75), Derrick Gore (69), and rookie Isiah Pacheco (64) round out the running back group.

While Pacheco has a Madden rating fit for a seventh-round selection, his trademark speed has not translated virtually. The Rutgers product posted a 4.37 40-yard dash at the 2022 combine, tied for the fastest time amongst running backs. However, his 91 speed is barely the fastest in his own team’s position group. Hopefully, Pacheco’s real-life speed accelerates his Madden ratings as the season progresses.