As much as they have any broader meaning at all, the Detroit Lions wide receivers have been mostly overlooked, or even disrespected, in Madden 23 ratings.
EA Sports began unveiling their ratings for the Madden 23 video game on Monday, with wide receivers and tight ends. Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson landed fifth among tight ends with an 89 rating, and rookie wide receiver Jameson Williams was given a 98 speed rating–tied for second-fastest among all receivers behind Tyreek Hill.
But no Lions’ wide receiver received an overall rating above 78. All are then 60th or lower among all receivers rated for the game.
Amon-Ra St. Brown-78
D.J. Chark Jr.- 78
Jameson Williams-78
Josh Reynolds-73
Quintez Cephus- 73
Kalif Raymond-72
Trinity Benson- 69
Tom Kennedy-66
Detroit Lions wide receivers overlooked, and even disrespected, in Madden 23 ratings
St. Brown not getting better than a 78 Madden rating points to the simple idea he has to prove the stretch run of his rookie season was not a fluke. And in general, the Lions inspire skepticism and get a lack of respect in things like this.
As Mike Payton of Pride of Detroit pointed out, the No. 1 wide receiver for the Lions entering last season, Tyrell Williams, got a 79 Madden rating in 2021. And Breshad Perriman, who was cut by the Lions before Week 1, got a 75.
Williams’ 78 rating did lead rookie wide receivers, besting Chris Olave (76), Garrett Wilson (76) and Drake London (75). With six guys garnering a Madden rating above 70, it’s safe to say the Lions’ wide receiver depth is better than it was a year ago in reality and video game perception (for whatever the latter is worth).
In today’s day and age, with many that played the game when they were kids or still play the game now, young NFL players notice and will at times express some issue with a Madden rating they feel is too low. St. Brown does not lack for motivation, but if he pays any attention to his Madden rating (however trivial it is) it could become another diss to help drive him.