It's official: Madden NFL 24 hates the Pittsburgh Steelers

I'm not one to get upset over meaningless player ratings on a video game franchise that has underwhelmed for years. However, EA Sports appears to have gone insane when it came time to sign off on player ratings for Madden NFL 24. The Pittsburgh Steelers might be the most disrespected team in the league so far.

Madden has been slow-releasing their player ratings this week -- almost to give the illusion that this is something everyone cares about. While I haven't purchased the game in years, their developers managed to get under my skin with their obscure player ratings.

On July 18th, Madden 24 released its ratings for every NFL defensive lineman and edge defender. T.J. Watt earned an overall rating of 94 -- well behind the 98 ratings handed out to Nick Bosa and Myles Garrett. Micah Parsons was next on the list at 97 overall before a tier gap with Watt, Von Miller, and Maxx Crosby all tied at 94.

On the interior defensive line, Cameron Heyward was the fifth-highest-rated player at his position. Aaron Donald joined the '99 Club' for the 7th time, but Chris Jones, Dexter Lawrence, and Quinnen Williams were all above him in the ratings.

Earlier in the week, Minkah Fitzpatrick fell short of the top safety spot in the league to Derwin James, and his 93 overall rating on Madden 24 was a bit underwhelming after the spectacular All-Pro season we witnessed in 2022. Even Diontae Johnson and George Pickens were disrespected, as the Pittsburgh Steelers didn't have a single receiver near the top 32 at the position in the NFL.

Steelers fans have a right to be upset over Madden 24 ratings

I know that Madden ratings have no bearing on our everyday lives, but the fact that the team at EA Sports messed this up so badly is appalling. Despite boasting three defenders who have been three-time First-Team All-Pro players, their overall Madden ratings are lower than we all expected.

Watt clearly wasn't up to speed when he returned from his pectoral injury in Week 10 last year. Apparently, Madden took that as an opportunity to greatly lower his rating heading into the 2023 season. While Fitzpatrick's grade improved from an 89 overall last summer, he somehow didn't earn the top mark at his position after leading the league in interceptions and grading out as one of the best defensive backs in football.

Somehow, Madden believes that there are 8 interior defenders who are stronger than Heyward despite having arguably the most lethal bullrush in the NFL. He tied for 9th at his position in terms of strength with rookie DT Mazi Smith.

It just seems obvious at this point: Madden hates the Pittsburgh Steelers. I'll be the first to admit that this team is far from perfect, and there are plenty of players that I am fine with them handing out low grades. However, the disrespect for their trio of stars is to the point where it almost seems like they are trying to cause controversy.

Eventually, roster updates can help correct some of these questionable ratings that Madden NFL 24 is rolling with upon the release of their game this August. Until then, we all can be convinced that Madden has it out for the Pittsburgh Steelers.