Sure, it’s just a video game, but video games can be wrong, too. Every offseason, when ratings release for the latest version of Madden, fans and players are quick to tell the rating adjusters just how wrong they are. With Madden currently releasing ratings, this year has been no different.
On Tuesday, Madden revealed the ratings for defensive tackles, and Indianapolis Colts fans were quick to notice one major poor rating: DeForest Buckner is currently the 13th ranked defensive tackle with an 86 overall rating. There’s not 10 better defensive tackles than Buckner in the NFL.
Who should be in the Top 10?? 🤔 #Madden24 pic.twitter.com/qmvuaLw3jg
— Madden NFL 24 (@EAMaddenNFL) July 18, 2023
DeForest Buckner rated an 86 overall in Madden
Buckner’s 86 overall is tied with the three defensive tackles in front of him, but he was listed at No. 13. Regardless, Buckner belongs in the top 10. In Madden 22, he was the fourth-highest rated DT with a 92 overall, and the sixth-highest rated DT with a 90 overall in Madden 23. After another productive season, there’s not much of an explanation for Buckner’s plummet.
He’s coming off a season where he played in all 17 games, recording 74 tackles, 11 for a loss, eight sacks, two forced fumbles, and three pass deflections. All better numbers than Buckner’s 2021 Pro Bowl season. However, the underwhelming season by the Colts as a team caused many individual performances to be overlooked.
Ultimately, DeForest Buckner may not be as good as he’s supposed to be in the video game, but what really matters is if he’s ready to deliver on the field this season. The Indianapolis Colts desperately need to bounce back, and with a rookie quarterback and struggling offense, the defense may have to carry the team next season, at least early. Buckner dominating on the defensive line, stopping the run and getting after quarterbacks, will help Indy’s defense be at the level it needs to perform at.