Pittsburgh Steelers fans couldn’t get a break over the past six months.
First, two-time Super Bowl winner Ben Roethlisberger retired after 18 NFL seasons.
His departure now creates a quarterback competition between Mitchell Trubisky, Kenny Pickett, and Mason Rudolph.
Second, Heinz Field will be changing its name to Acrisure Stadium after the naming rights deal of the Pittsburgh-based company ended.
Taking their place is the fintech company from Michigan, much to the dismay of the team’s devoted followers.
Finally, they are crying foul over the Madden NFL 23 rankings, as shared by SteelerNation.
Myles Garrett is a 99 but TJ Watt is a 96. This is why Madden sucks.
— SteelerNation (@SteeIerNation) July 19, 2022
They couldn’t accept that Myles Garrett, a player from the division rival Cleveland Browns, has a higher rating than reigning Defensive Player of The Year T.J. Watt.
Steelers fans do have a point after Watt tied Michael Strahan‘s single-season sack record of 22.5 last year.
That feat made it possible for him to win the same award his brother J.J. has won thrice.
Meanwhile, Garrett is the latest member of the 99 Club and he received his gold chain and trophy from Hall of Famer Bruce Smith.
Watt deserves the 99 rating because of his dominance over the past two seasons.
A year before getting 22.5 sacks, he had 15 to go with 41 quarterback hits.
How Do Madden Developers Base The Ratings?
If only they followed stats from the previous season, Watt would have easily been a 99.
However, Electronic Arts arrive at the overall ranking based on a number of attributes.
Therefore, Watt may be the best in sacking the quarterback, but he might lag to Garrett in some categories.
Garrett is a proven stopper, be it during pass or run plays.
Meanwhile, Watt needs improvement as a run stopper.
That discrepancy could be the reason behind Watt’s lower rating.
NEXT: Steelers Seeking Talent From Another League In 2022