On Tuesday, EA Sports released their Madden 19 player ratings, and Lamar Jackson is the fastest quarterback in the video game
When Madden 19 hits the shelves on August 10, Baltimore Ravens fans will get the chance to play with the most talked about player of the offseason, and that’s rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson.
In college, Jackson tore up defenses as a dual-threat quarterback. The 2016 Heisman Trophy winner scored 113 touchdowns in college with Louisville – 63 through the air and 50 on the ground. It’s unclear if that production will translate at the NFL level, but Jackson’s electrifying play-making ability could serve him well in the pros.
The Ravens have already dubbed Joe Flacco as the team’s starting quarterback in 2018. That being said, Ravens fans can get a glimpse of the future by playing as Jackson in Madden. Earlier this week, EA Sports released their player ratings for this year, and Jackson is rated the fastest quarterback in the game. Jackson clocks in with 91 overall speed, the only quarterback in the game to eclipse a speed over 90. Jackson also received a 93 ball carrier vision, 86 spin, and an 89 juke. With a 94 overall throw power, Jackson can stretch the field, but his throw accuracy (83 short, 80 intermediate, 74 deep) isn’t too impressive.
More from Ebony Bird
- Will Baltimore Ravens be rewarded for risky Lamar Jackson decision?
- The Baltimore Ravens Big Gamble
- Ravens Super Bowl odds present fascinating insight on Lamar Jackson’s future
- Should Baltimore Ravens be interested in this recently released WR
- Do the Baltimore Ravens have serious interest in this free agent wide out?
Out of all rookie quarterbacks in this year’s game, Jackson finished with the second-highest rating, 79, behind Baker Mayfield of the Cleveland Browns. Rounding out the top 5 is Josh Rosen of the Arizona Cardinals (78), Sam Darnold of the New York Jets (75) and Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills (74).
How do Jackson’s ratings match up with Michael Vick’s?
It’s no secret that Jackson has been compared to Michael Vick several times. Vick revolutionized the game during his 13-year career, both as a passer (22,464 yards, 133 touchdowns) and as a runner (6,109 yards, 36 touchdowns). Vick’s quarterback rushing totals land him third all-time in the record books. If Jackson continues to keep defenses on their feet like he did in college, his career could start to parellel Vick’s.
Vick entered the NFL as a rookie in 2001, making Madden 2002 the quarterback’s first appearance in the game. The rating categories are slightly different than the current format. As a rookie, Vick ranked 72 overall with 89 speed, 42 carrying, 61 break tackle, 85 agility, and 84 acceleration. When Vick was on the cover for Madden 04, he carried a 95 overall rating with 95 speed, 54 carrying, 49 break tackle, 95 agility, and 94 acceleration. Along with being able to evade almost any defender with 95 speed, Vick owned a 97 throw power with an 84 in throw accuracy. Even though he did not rank 99 overall, the 2004 version of Vick was the most dominant player in the history of Madden.
The Bottom Line:
Next: Baltimore Ravens: All-Time 53 man roster
The rating categories have changed, and it’s much harder to run as a quarterback in the current version of Madden opposed to 2004’s game. Despite being drafted at a lower pick than Vick (Vick was selected #1 overall by Atlanta in 2001), Madden gave Jackson higher marks than Vick as a rookie. Time will tell where Jackson’s career as a dual-threat quarterback goes, but comparatively speaking with Vick, it’s off to a solid start, at least in Madden’s eyes.
When August gets here, there will be a ton of things to talk about. Before you know it, the NFL Preseason will be here. When Madden comes out, you’ll have another outlet for your football fix. Make sure to follow Ebony Bird for everything about your Baltimore Ravens. Whether it’s talking about the latest news in the football world, or giving you insight when something goes down, Ebony Bird has you covered.