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10 MSFL Teams That Have Improved the Most this Madden (19)
10 MSFL teams that have improved the most this Madden (19)
The Madden 19 cycle has come to an end and it was a wild one featuring major shakeups across the league. As such, the landscape has changed with new GMs and new teams suddenly found themselves in positions of power.
Nevertheless, which teams made the greatest strides? Which teams positioned themselves for a run at future success? And which teams appeared poised it take it all the way to the Super Bowl?
Here’s a look at which 10 teams have improved the most this cycle (Madden 19).
10. Indianapolis Colts
Despite a miserable year in Season 7, the Colts feel like they’re a team close to finally breaking out. However, one of their downfall has been less-than-stellar production at the quarterback position, which was immediately shored up when they drafted Dwayne Haskins to take control under center. That move helped kick-start the Indianapolis Colts in the right direction. There is still plenty of work to be done, but quarterback was very clearly the big fix Indianapolis needed.
Total improvement from 74 team overall to 80, +6 improvement over 7 years.
9. Dallas Cowboys
Considering Dallas had lost Ezekiel Elliott last offseason, you may find yourself wondering how they’ve improved. Well, it’s simple… they’re the Cowboys. They have this remarkable ability to plug and play, while also bringing in remarkable talent even if at an expensive cost. Such was the case when they acquired defensive linemen of the year winner in Josh Allen last draft. The move may have cost them a lot in terms of wins and losses but the fact that they made a Super Bowl appearance can never be taken away from them.
Total improvement from 83 team overall to 89, +6 improvement over 7 years.
8. Miami Dolphins
Compared to the noise made by several other teams on this list, the Dolphins have flown quietly under-the-radar throughout the last couple of seasons. Narrowly missing a divisional title two years in a row. The decision to draft Daniel Jones this past offseason should not be overlooked as it provided Miami solid insurance at one of the most important positions in football. Meanwhile, adding Corey Davis gave the Dolphins a much needed 1,000-yard receiver.
Total improvement from 76 team overall to 83, +7 improvement over 7 years.
7. Chicago Bears
At first glance, the Bears appeared to focus on surrounding Mitchell Trubisky with offensive talent to begin the cycle, but then team went through a phase where they couldn’t settle on who was the play caller. From experimenting with Trubisky to Dak Prescott until finally handing over the reins to a late fourth rounder from Nebraska by the name of Joey Mullins. Once the Quarterback was finally settled on the team made their biggest strides once they focused defensive side of the ball. Chicago changed their defensive landscape and fought their way to the top, coming just one game away from a Super Bowl appearance by the end.
Total improvement from 76 team overall to 83, +7 improvement over 7 years.
6. Tennessee Titans
Under coach Sandler, the Titans are frequent contenders of the postseason, and the final year was no different. Their first truly big splash came when previous management was let go for the mishandling of Marcus Mariota, and giving them a major coaching talent. They were able to lure veteran players such as A.J. Bouye, Adrian Amos, and Tyrann Mathieu. On the defensive side of the ball, they made a big push after winning two championships to move up and draft the defensive rookie of the year in Devin White. They would ultimately come up short in an attempt for a 3-peat but nonetheless had an amazing cycle walking away with two Super Bowl banners.
Total improvement from 82 team overall to 89, +7 improvement over 7 years.
5. New Orleans Saints
The Saints did not have many needs by the end, thanks to amazing team assembled by the GM. New Orleans even managed to finally get over the hump as they made their first ever Super Bowl appearance in franchise history. The chips did not fall into place by the end, however rich with talent the team was led by second round QB Will Speegle out of Florida. The Saints did a great job developing homegrown talent in Michael Thomas, Marshon Lattimore, Marcus Davenport, and Alvin Kamara to reach their full potential. Also cannot forget the Saints even drafted and developed one of the best pass rushers in the league in Adonis Celestin.
Total improvement from 83 team overall to 91, +8 improvement over 7 years.
4. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens felt like a team on the brink of success all year long, and believing they were just a few pieces away general manager Tappin came out firing. Lamar Jackson starting his career on fire with a rookie of the year award and a bye week in the playoffs for Baltimore. Unfortunately that would be there ceiling as they sadly fell on hard times and disappeared from the postseason until the final year. However, they persevered despite going through the Dynasty in Cincinnati, the Ravens continued to draft and develop talent and ended up forming one of the greatest WR/QB connections the league has ever seen in DeMarcus Bushrod and Lamar Jackson which ultimately won Jackson the league MVP.
Total improvement from 80 team overall to 89, +9 improvement over 7 years.
3. Buffalo Bills
It has been an odd cycle for the Bills, who started by hiring Slum as their new GM before getting rid of him and then bringing him back to end the year. Despite the difficulties, they managed to work their way up from the sewers of the league to having respectable seasons, playoff appearances, and even an MVP winning QB in Josh Allen! Tre’Davious White turned out to be one of the elite shutdown corners in the entire league, and they drafted and developed the next powerhouse MLB in C.J. Adams. Despite not having much success record wise, the team was on its way up and seemed they had finally started heading in the right direction.
Total improvement from 74 team overall to 84, +10 improvement over 7 years.
2. New York Jets
Not only did the Jets acquire generational pass rusher Mychal Swinton in a trade with the Chicago Bears, but they also went out and drafted franchise QB Lucas Burt who turned around the mess that bust Sam Darnold left behind. Offensive linemen James Daniels was added to help protect their young quarterback, while Montrae Tuck was drafted in and ended up becoming one of the best corners in the league. Safety Jamal Adams would go on reach his potential as the best defensive player and captain of the defense. It took a while for the Jets to get here but they continued to improve year after year and by the end was on the brink of a divisional title and playoff appearance. There is still some work to be done, but the Jets went from worst to having a top seven roster in the league. The New York Jets was off to an amazing run by the end.
Total improvement from 72 team overall to 88, +16 improvement over 7 years.
1. New York Giants
The Giants began the cycle by naming Coach Keys as their head coach, in one of the deepest divisions ever assembled, but that was just the tip of the iceberg. At the onset of big free offseason moves, New York would constantly take gambles by making NFC-altering trades such as sending former rookie of the year and MVP winner Saquon Barkley to the Houston Texans, acquiring wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. The also took chances and traded away 1st rounder’s early on to help them eventually move up and land generational QB Blake Silva. Giants would go on to create one of the deepest rosters ever assembled. From veteran players like Luke Kuechly, Will Fuller to making splashes with established players in Jaire Alexander, John Ross, and Parrish Livingston. New York managed to build a super team equivalent to the Golden State Warriors in the salary cap era. All while continuing to bring in and develop homegrown talent in Will Hernandez, Lorenzo Carter, and Quinnen Williams. Despite the early struggles the Giants created a blueprint for the league that it’s not how you start it’s how you finish, and capped off the cycle with a Super Bowl victory.
Total improvement from 73 team overall to 97, +24 improvement over 7 years.
Honorable Mentions:
Rams Total improvement from 84 team overall to 89, +5 improvement over 7 years.
Bengals Total improvement from 77 team overall to 82, +5 improvement over 7 years.
Vikings Total improvement from 83 team overall to 87, +4 improvement over 7 years.
Chargers Total improvement from 80 team overall to 83, +3 improvement over 7 years.
Cardinals Total improvement from 75 team overall to 78, +3 improvement over 7 years.
Falcons Total improvement from 84 team overall to 86, +2 improvement over 7 years.
Packers Total improvement from 82 team overall to 84, +2 improvement over 7 years.
Browns Total improvement from 77 team overall to 79, +2 improvement over 7 years.
Chiefs Total improvement from 81 team overall to 82, +1 improvement over 7 years.
49ers Total improvement from 80 team overall to 81, +1 improvement over 7 years.
Broncos Total improvement from 79 team overall to 80, +1 improvement over 7 years.
Texans Total improvement from 79 team overall to 80, +1 improvement over 7 years.
Titans vs. Eagles Super Bowl XXII preview
A preview of the Super Bowl XXII matchup between the Tennessee Titans and Philadelphia Eagles
When: Thursday, Feb. 15, 10:00 p.m. ET (YouTube)
Where: Raymond James Stadium (Tampa)
Line: Eagles by 1
Injuries: With two weeks between the championship round and Super Bowl XXII, both teams should be at or near full strength. The one player likely to draw the most scrutiny is Titans starting RG Jack Conklin, who suffered a shoulder tear and will be out. Similar starting HB Tevin Coleman suffered an injury in divisional round vs 49ers ending his season.
Philadelphia is welcoming back HB Donnell Pumphrey Jr. after suffering a freak Achilles tear last year. This will be his first game back from that injury a year ago. WR Alshon Jeffrey is also cleared medical staff in time for the biggest game of the year.
THREE THINGS TO KNOW
1. Pressure point: The Titans' deep and relentless front four only sacked New York's Jameis Winston once Sunday but hit the quarterback enough times on a day he threw a game-changing pick 6. Wentz was sacked twice and hit a bit by a Carolina defensive line that's probably even more acclaimed than Tennessee's. However, Wentz shrugged off the heat, especially after halftime, when his pair of fourth-quarter throws proved fatal to the Panthers' Super Bowl aspirations. Starting outside with DE Shawn Clausen, and DE Adren Key, Tennessee has the talent to make Wentz uncomfortable, very often the key to beating him. However, the two-time NFC Champion has the intermediate weapons and hair-trigger release to negate the Titans' rush, plus the experience to pick apart a young group of corners. This may be the defining matchup of Super Bowl LII.
“It comes down to the trenches. If my O-line does well against (Phi) I think I have a chance of winning. If my D-line does what they have done all season I can have a really good game.” (Titans)
2. Will Eagles fly? The MVP Christian McCaffrey essentially dared Eagles front 7 to beat them. With 13 yards on 13 attempts on the ground, they did. The next question is how will Philadelphia's Defense attack Tennessee Offense? HB Patton hasn't been much of a wow factor in the playoffs, no titan player has seen the endzone via a rushing score in 3 games. It might be worth focusing the game plan on Mariota and his mobility as a dual-threat quarterback. The Eagles will surrender yards on the scrambles, but only one team allowed fewer TDs than their them this year.
“I'm just gonna play my style and adjust to what he likes to do best during the game” (Eagles)
3. The big stage: Mariota will be making his fourth playoff start in Super Bowl XXII, while Wentz makes his second Super Bowl appearance. The Eagles have reached the Super Bowl for the second time in two years, while the Titans coach hasn't been since the 9th season when they lost to LA Rams. Philly has a veteran coaching staff, headed by Malibu_Maha, who continues to earn renown as one of the MSFL’s sharpest defensive minds. But it's tough not to think they're at a disadvantage going against such an equal experienced coach who knows what it takes to hoist the Lombardi.
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Draft Grades of Round 1
Hulk analyzes each pick from Round 1 of the Season 16 MSFL Draft, grading each team on its draft-night selections.
PICK 1 GRADE D TEAM BENGALS
Bengals select: Dareon McKinnon, DE, Miami
Why give up so much to get this guy? It makes no sense. Is he Lawrence Taylor all of a sudden? Bad move.
PICK 2 GRADE A+ TEAM RAVENS
Ravens select: Max Peck, QB, LSU
Lavar Ball is off to a great start in his first draft. Avoided any doubt and got his guy. Love this move.
PICK 3 GRADE B+ TEAM VIKINGS
Vikings select: Russell Foster, CB, Clemson
It was the right pick to take Foster. Fleeced the Bengals and still got who they were after.
PICK 4 GRADE A TEAM CARDINALS
Cardinals select: Nate Bigby, ILB, Auburn
I love this kid. He can play inside, outside, blitz and he’s a tough kid. Love this pick.
PICK 5 GRADE B TEAM COLTS
Colts select: Tyronne Rumph, WR, USC
I like this pick. He’s young, can fly and they add help for Delray McAcllister.
PICK 6 GRADE A TEAM PATRIOTS
Patriots select: Tre Shade, OLB, Louisville
Love this pick. He might turn into the best pass rusher in this draft.
PICK 7 GRADE B+ TEAM JETS
Jets select: George Cruz, WR, Auburn
He’s the best receiver in this draft. I like this pick more than Rumph. Why? He can already catch.
PICK 8 GRADE B TEAM GIANTS
Giants select: Bram Curtis, CB, Ohio State
They need a corner, so I get it. The Ohio State connection with Apple helps this pick.
PICK 9 GRADE B TEAM REDSKINS
Redskins select: Evan Olivea, QB, Penn State
He’s a little inexperienced at 22, but he’s a Day 1 starter for them at quarterback – filling a major need.
PICK 10 GRADE B+ TEAM TITANS
Titans select: Marion Mickens, CB, Oklahoma
They needed a corner, and this is a game-changing player at the position. I also like this kid’s ability to take the ball away.
PICK 11 GRADE A TEAM RAVENS
Ravens select: Lewis Bulluck, OLB, Oklahoma
Love this pick. This kid has big-time edge-rush ability. He does have medical issues, but should be OK.
PICK 12 GRADE A TEAM CHIEFS
Chiefs select: Myles Briggs, ILB, Wisconsin
He has a Ray Lewis-type of game. Love this pick. Top tier linebacker
PICK 13 GRADE B+ TEAM DOLPHINS
Dolphins select: Scott Cowan, TE, Hawaii
They could have used help in the run game, but they took a player who might be the cleanest in this draft.
PICK 14 GRADE C- TEAM RAIDERS
Raiders select: Devan Najvar, WR, Oklahoma
I know they need receiver, but I don’t think this kid separates well enough.
PICK 15 GRADE B- TEAM SAINTS
Saints select: Osej Leach, OLB, Ohio State
This fills a need, and he will add speed to a unit that needs it.
PICK 16 GRADE B- TEAM PACKERS
Packers select: Sheldon Polite, CB, Auburn
There is risk with gas tank, but it could pay off in a big way. He is a nice cover player, which is what they need.
PICK 17 GRADE B TEAM LIONS
Lions select: Nick Arenas, RT, Clemson
Can transition well to interior where he will be a natural fit due to his quick feet.
PICK 18 GRADE C TEAM CHARGERS
Chargers select: Shakeel Cummings, OLB, Florida
That’s a lot to give up to go get him, but they had to do something.
PICK 19 GRADE C+ TEAM STEELERS
Steelers select: Alexander Ruegamer, C, Texas A&M
I don’t get this pick. Where does he play? Is this the end for Maurkice Pouncey?
PICK 20 GRADE B+ TEAM EAGLES
Eagles select: Tray Coghill, OLB, Texas A&M
I like the pick. He fills a pass-rush need and he can hit. Hard.
PICK 21 GRADE B TEAM 49ERS
49ers select: Josh Levine, OLB, Alabama
I like the pick. He fills a run-stopping need and he is a rising player. Still learning to play the game.
PICK 22 GRADE C- TEAM 49ERS
49ers select: Abram Faulk, CB, Texas
I don’t like this pick. A late round talent in comparison to a pair of corners still available.
PICK 23 GRADE A TEAM RAMS
Rams select: Thomas Summers, QB, Clemson
He’s a top talent who fell. This is a heck of a pick.
PICK 24 GRADE B+ TEAM BRONCOS
Broncos select: Walker Shields, HB, USC
I love the pick here. Fills a need and great skill set with the way the game is played.
PICK 25 GRADE A TEAM PANTHERS
Panthers select: Dillard Garvin, CB, Oregon
They waited patiently and possibly ended up with the best corner in the draft, who goes to a team that needs one in the worst way.
PICK 26 GRADE B TEAM COLTS
Colts select: Parker Rowe, HB, California
Like the player, like the position. This is the time where you take running backs.
PICK 27 GRADE B+ TEAM CHARGERS
Chargers select: Roman Donnell, CB, Wisconsin
They had to get a corner and they got one of the best ones in the draft.
PICK 28 GRADE C TEAM BILLS
Bills select: Shawn Frank, C, Tennessee
This kid flashed at times and did little else. Should’ve gone defense.
PICK 29 GRADE D TEAM RAIDERS
Raiders select: Anthony Denton, CB, UCLA
I don’t like this pick at all. Known to cause problems in the locker room, extensive injury history.
PICK 30 GRADE B TEAM BROWNS
Browns select: Russell Ballentine, S, Wisconsin
They had to be thrilled this kid fell to them. Great range in the middle of the field at a need spot.
PICK 31 GRADE F TEAM BUCCANEERS
Buccaneers select: DeVonte Flynn, CB, Washington
Who? Sitting at the bottom of the depth chart this kid will be lucky if he makes the roster. Horrible pick
PICK 32 GRADE B TEAM SEAHAWKS
Seahawks select: Carus Stith, RG, Florida State
Day 1 starter. Strong kid and extremely versatile in the run game.