Darius Leonard has been dominant for the Indianapolis Colts ever since he was selected in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Aside from being the 2018 Defensive Rookie of the Year, he has been an All-Pro in each of his first four seasons.
He is also a three-time Pro Bowler and led the league in forced fumbles in 2021.
The former South Carolina State standout also led the NFL in tackles during his rookie season.
But despite those commendable accomplishments, he is just the fifth-best linebacker in terms of Madden NFL 23 ratings.
His 90 rating is lower than Fred Warner (94), Demario Davis (93), Lavonte David (92), and Bobby Wagner (91).
That’s why the Colts are crying foul over the injustice that is Leonard’s Madden rating.
😈 Voted top LB in NFL by league poll
😈 Only player ever to have 8 FF and 4 INT in a season
😒 Still hasn’t been rated over 90 on Madden pic.twitter.com/u40R5T7zvj
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) July 19, 2022
The Colts’ official Twitter account pointed out that Leonard was voted as the best linebacker by NFL scouts, executives, coaches, and players in a recent ESPN poll.
He is also the only player in NFL history to have four interceptions and eight forced fumbles in a season.
It’s a difficult feat to achieve because defensive backs often have the most interceptions but it’s rare for them to force fumbles once a catch is made.
Yet even though Leonard has those impressive credentials, he hasn’t been ranked above 90.
Exposing The Madden NFL Player Ratings
EA Sports would argue that the overall rating is based on a number of attributes.
Therefore, it would be impossible for one player to dominate in all categories.
However, the Leonard debacle puts the process of determining ratings in a questionable light.
If they would like to base their numbers on what happens on the field, then Leonard should have a higher rating.
That’s a fair observation, especially considering that Wagner’s prime years are about to end while Leonard has just begun.
NEXT: Looking Back At The Colts Career Of Jeff George