One game has been getting me incredibly excited for the last few weeks. The upcoming Madden installment is coming soon, and it has me drooling. The only thing I can do to quench my thirst is to talk football. I would absolutely love to go through each and every team and their top 2 running backs, but that would take a little too long, so I’m just going to highlight the really unsettling numbers.

Let’s start with Buffalo’s second year back Marshawn Lynch. Lynch ran for 1115 yards, averaged 4.0 yards/carry and had 7 touchdowns. He missed 3 games with injuries, so those numbers are slightly less than what they could have been. They are, however, still extremely mediocre. His 90 rating in Madden 09 isn’t so mediocre. This is a relatively unproven kid, who although did well, only broke 100 yards rushing 3 times, and had only 18 catches all year long. Ryan Grant broke 100 yards on the ground 5 times, had 8 touchdowns, and averaged a astounding 5.1 yards/carry in only starting the last 10 games. He has an 86 rating, which is one I agree with, because he’s only had 1 year in the NFL, and still needs to prove he can replicate that success even after defences have prepared for him.

Edgerrin James is a 92. Gross. I feel dirty just typing it. He was good at one time, but that time is over. He is now 30 and his skills are diminishing. I don’t even want to talk about it. I’m getting upset. Let me move on…

LT is a 99. I think I’m okay with that.

I’m a little wary of Larry Johnson’s 94, but at the same time: when has any player not completely rebounded after a season plagued by injuries and poor performances? (see Shaun Alexander)

Jacksonville has two very good backs, and I’m glad the stat guys at EA recognized this. Fred Taylor is a 94 (maybe a little high) and Maurice Jones-Drew a 91. Hopefully their running attack works as well in the game as it does in real life.

Willie Parker is an enigma wrapped in a riddle. This guy has skill, yet managed only 2 touchdowns all year in 2007. I like the 93 rating, because he really can be that good, but I think it’s better to start him lower and bring him up in roster updates.

Adrian Peterson’s 95 is just right.

Darren McFadden is an 85. Rating rookies is one of the hardest things to do in the entire world (I’m totally not even exaggerating, those doctors curing cancer have no idea), but I think they got this one right. 85 is a little low for a starter, but still very good for someone who has never played a down in the NFL. I have a feeling that McFadden will have a similar year to JaMarcus Russell; they will both have their moments, but the growing pains will be tough in Oakland.

Madden 09 is set to be released on August 12^th in North America. NFL Head Coach 09 can also be bought in a bundle with Madden 09 on the 12^th, but won’t be sold alone until September.

From SportsGamer