Big Play Boys

by Scoop_McLeak Sun Jan 27, 2013 4:04 pm

As we approach the stretch when all things become apparent, maybe we should analyse who the 'Big Play' players are, as it is often these guys that determine a Superbowl winner or sinner.

The Browns, Bills, Titans & Raiders are jockeying for seed position in the AFC but the NFC has 1 question to be asked - which 2 from the whole of the NFC North and Arizona Cardinals will be the WC teams! Personally i think the upcoming game between the Cards and the Pack is basically a knock-out game as i expect a minimum of 12 wins will be required (NOTE: the Vikings 3 game ban will likely cost them a playoff spot)!

So, moving on - who are the players that can bring glory to their teams? Lets break it down:-

PASSING - TD/INT Ratio:
Vick 3.8/1
Cutler 2.8/1
Stafford 2.3/1
Ponder 2.2/1
Warner 1.8/1
RGIII 1.7/1

Therefore Mr Vick is the one to watch, sure, Cutler may have the yards but Vicks turnover ratio is fantastic.

RUSHING - Carries/TD/ratio:

Richardson 225/7/32
Jacobs 199/5/39
McFadden 198/11/18
Demps 194/13/15
Nelson 191/14/13.5
Gore 176/13/13.5
Johnson 174/16/10.87
Wells 173/16/10.81

Interesting this, whilst Wells & Johnson have the best TD ratio, the Cleveland rook is the danger man as he has the most carries - which tells me the Browns are controlling games.

RECEIVING:

Calvin Johnson pips Larry Fitzgerald purely because of the TD's, even though Fitz has more receptions and both have a healthy 20+ yard average per catch. The Bears WR group deserve a mention too.

DEFENSE:

INT's:
Revis and Cromartie are having fantastic seasons, with the Jets 'press' style of D they are confusing QB's and forcing errors. Unsurprisingly the 49ers duo of safety Whitner and superhuman MLB Willis have 6 picks each. For me, Revis and Willis are the guys you need to throw away from. Thought 1 or 2 of the rookies would have performed better, but just goes to show 80+ OVR rooks aren't always what they're cracked up to be.

OVR Defense:
Rookie MLB Michael Jones has been astounding, particularly against the run. The Browns, Bills and Jets are tough to do pretty much anything against. But passing against Julius Peppers, Derrick Morgan, Calais Campbell and SuperMario Williams can be hazardous to your health, but my pick for pass rushing is the Lions Ronnell Lewis - who also leads the league (joint with Pat Willis) with 4 FF's.

And there it is my friends, the Big Play Boys - and the ones to either avoid or double team are highlighted above. It is always hard to predict the eventual Superbowl teams, but i will stick my neck out and go for a Browns v 9ers rematch. The Eagles are my NFC dark horse and the Titans for the AFC. The hardest thing to predict is which of the unsung heroes can step up and make the difference ....... how about the success story of rookie LE Detchauz Walker over in San Francisco - 10 sacks and 24 tackles for a guy rated 68 OVR, brilliant performance. I actually know why he has performed so well in Madden 13, but i wont spoil it and go telling everyone. Last thing i want to do is upset one of the Superbowl favourites Coach!

Oh, and 1 more thing - i will make another prediction here - ONE OR TWO TEAMS MAY ACTUALLY BE BANNED BEFORE WE GET TO THE SUPERBOWL!!! You know who you are, and if you cant refrain from running up the score versus cpu then GO FIND ANOTHER LEAGUE. The SML has long had a fine reputation for playing sim but this season guys are taking the p**s. IT MUST STOP HERE.