There has been a lot of shuffling of the elite 99 overall players as of late, and now Patriots QB Tom Brady questionably drops to a 98 in the NFL week 4 Madden 12 roster update.

With Brady coming off a unanimous MVP season, there was no doubt about who the game’s best player was. Madden 12 rightfully introduced him at 99 overall, and he was later awarded 100 throw accuracy by the fans. Somehow Brady came out of the gates in 2012 at an even higher level, piling up 940 yards and 7 touchdowns over the first two games and putting himself on pace to shatter every record imaginable. Last week, he threw for another 387 yards and 4 touchdowns, but fell a point in this week’s update. How does a man leading the league in nearly every major passing category not deserve a 99 overall? Apparently tipped passes that get picked will do that to you. Bad luck Tom.

That change and more are in the full update notes below:

Arizona Cardinals
Chester Taylor HB ARZ Decrease, from 75 to 73OVR
Jay Feely K ARZ Decrease, from 89 to 87OVR
Alfonso Smith HB ARZ Increase, from 58 to 60OVR
A.J. Jefferson CB ARZ Increase, from 71 to 72OVR
Lyle Sendlein OL ARZ Increase, from 76 to 77OVR
Clark Haggans LB ARZ Increase, from 78 to 79OVR
Calais Campbell DL ARZ Increase, from 80 to 83OVR

Atlanta Falcons
Matt Bosher P ATL Decrease, from 60 to 58OVR
Sam Baker OL ATL Decrease, from 87 to 85OVR
Dunta Robinson CB ATL Decrease, from 87 to 86OVR
Atlanta Falcons TEAM ATL Decrease, from 88 to 86OVR
Tyson Clabo OL ATL Decrease, from 92 to 91OVR
Michael Turner HB ATL Decrease, from 94 to 93OVR
Sean Weatherspoon LB ATL Increase, from 76 to 80
Julio Jones WR ATL Increase, from 78 to 79OVR
Brent Grimes CB ATL Moved to CB #1 on depth chart
Dunta Robinson CB ATL Moved to CB #2 on depth chart
Andrew Jackson OL ATL Signs
Jose Valdez OL ATL Signs

Baltimore Ravens
Mana Silva S BAL Added to the game
Michael Oher OL BAL Decrease, from 88 to 87OVR
Pernell McPhee DL BAL Increase, from 61 to 65OVR
Torrey Smith WR BAL Increase, from 69 to 75OVR
Lardarius Webb CB BAL Increase, from 77 to 78OVR
Joe Flacco QB BAL Increase, from 88 to 89OVR
Ray Lewis LB BAL Increase, from 95 to 96OVR
Dominique Foxworth CB BAL Removed from depth chart (injury)
Justin Boren OL BAL Signs
Austin Howard OL BAL Signs

Buffalo Bills
Mike Caussin TE BUF Added to the game
Donald Jones WR BUF Increase, from 68 to 72OVR
Chris Kelsay LB BUF Increase, from 71 to 74OVR
Scott Chandler TE BUF Increase, from 73 to 76OVR
Drayton Florence CB BUF Increase, from 77 to 78OVR
Buffalo Bills TEAM BUF Increase, from 77 to 82OVR
Eric Wood OL BUF Increase, from 78 to 80OVR
Leodis McKelvin CB BUF Increase, from 79 to 80OVR
Andy Levitre OL BUF Increase, from 82 to 85OVR
Ryan Fitzpatrick QB BUF Increase, from 83 to 84OVR
Fred Jackson HB BUF Increase, from 83 to 86OVR
Steve Johnson WR BUF Increase, from 87 to 88OVR
Brian Moorman P BUF Increase, from 89 to 91OVR
Lee Smith TE BUF Moved to TE #2 on depth chart
Robert Eddins LB BUF Released
David Martin TE BUF Released
Aaron Williams CB BUF Removed from depth chart (injury)

Carolina Panthers
Jason Baker P CAR Decrease, from 79 to 77OVR
DeAngelo Williams HB CAR Decrease, from 88 to 87OVR
Terrell McClain DL CAR Increase, from 69 to 71OVR
Carolina Panthers TEAM CAR Increase, from 73 to 74OVR
Greg Hardy DL CAR Increase, from 75 to 79OVR
Sherrod Martin S CAR Increase, from 76 to 77OVR
Jonathan Stewart HB CAR Increase, from 81 to 82OVR
Charles Johnson DL CAR Increase, from 86 to 87OVR

Chicago Bears
Kyle Adams TE CHI Changed position to TE (was FB)
Craig Steltz S CHI Decrease, from 72 to 71OVR
Roy Williams WR CHI Decrease, from 79 to 77OVR
Brandon Merriweather S CHI Decrease, from 79 to 77OVR
Chicago Bears TEAM CHI Decrease, from 85 to 84OVR
Jay Cutler QB CHI Decrease, from 86 to 85OVR
Dane Sanzenbacher WR CHI Increase, from 66 to 67OVR
Henry Melton DL CHI Increase, from 73 to 75OVR
Tyler Clutts FB CHI Moved to FB #1 on depth chart
Kyle Adams TE CHI Moved to TE #3 on depth chart

Cincinnati Bengals
Clint Boling OL CIN Changed position to RG (was LG)
Clint Boling OL CIN Decrease, from 74 to 72OVR
Rey Maualuga LB CIN Decrease, from 83 to 82OVR
Carlos Dunlap DL CIN Decrease, from 84 to 82OVR
Frostee Rucker DL CIN Increase, from 66 to 69OVR
Geno Atkins DL CIN Increase, from 72 to 75OVR
Andre Caldwell WR CIN Increase, from 74 to 76OVR
Jonathan Faene DL CIN Increase, from 75 to 76OVR
Mike McGlynn OL CIN Moved to LG #2 on depth chart
Clint Boling OL CIN Moved to RG #1 on depth chart
Otis Hudson OL CIN Moved to RG #2 on depth chart
Armon Binns WR CIN Now wears #85

Cleveland Browns
Jayme Mitchell DL CLE Increase, from 65 to 68OVR
Cleveland Browns TEAM CLE Increase, from 75 to 76OVR
Ahtyba Rubin DL CLE Increase, from 81 to 85OVR
Joe Haden CB CLE Increase, from 88 to 90OVR

Dallas Cowboys
Phil Costa OL DAL Decrease, from 68 to 63OVR
Kevin Ogletree WR DAL Decrease, from 68 to 67OVR
Tashard Choice HB DAL Decrease, from 74 to 72OVR
Dan Bailey K DAL Increase, from 66 to 69OVR
Victor Butler LB DAL Increase, from 69 to 70OVR
Kenyon Coleman DL DAL Increase, from 77 to 79OVR
Tyron Smith OL DAL Increase, from 77 to 79OVR
Mike Jenkins CB DAL Increase, from 77 to 79OVR
Sean Lee LB DAL Increase, from 79 to 82OVR
Felix Jones HB DAL Increase, from 80 to 81OVR
Dallas Cowboys TEAM DAL Increase, from 83 to 84OVR
Sean Lee LB DAL Moved to MLB #2 on depth chart
Keith Brooking LB DAL Moved to MLB #3 on depth chart

Denver Broncos
Knowshon Moreno HB DEN Decrease, from 83 to 81OVR
D.J. Williams LB DEN Decrease, from 89 to 88OVR
Ryan Clady OL DEN Decrease, from 92 to 91OVR
Wesley Woodyard LB DEN Increase, from 68 to 71OVR
Robert Ayers DL DEN Increase, from 73 to 75OVR
Willis McGahee HB DEN Increase, from 79 to 81OVR
Von Miller LB DEN Increase, from 80 to 82OVR
Willis McGahee HB DEN Moved to HB #1 on depth chart
Knowshon Moreno HB DEN Moved to HB #2 on depth chart
Virgil Green TE DEN Moved to TE #2 on depth chart
Mike Mohamed LB DEN Removed from depth chart (P-Squad)
Dante Rosario TE DEN Signs
Adam Grant OL DEN Signs
Jeremiah Johnson HB DEN Signs

Detroit Lions
Gosder Cherilus OL DET Decrease, from 80 to 79OVR
Jeff Backus OL DET Decrease, from 83 to 81OVR
Titus Young WR DET Increase, from 68 to 70OVR
Corey Hilliard OL DET Increase, from 71 to 74OVR
Stephen Peterman OL DET Increase, from 75 to 79OVR
Amari Spievey S DET Increase, from 77 to 79OVR
Kyle Vanden Bosch DL DET Increase, from 80 to 82OVR
Brandon Pettigrew TE DET Increase, from 81 to 82OVR
Detroit Lions TEAM DET Increase, from 82 to 84OVR
Matthew Stafford QB DET Increase, from 85 to 86OVR
Jason Hanson K DET Increase, from 88 to 90OVR
Ndamukong Suh DL DET Increase, from 89 to 90OVR
Stephen Tulloch LB DET Increase, from 89 to 90OVR
Calvin Johnson QB DET Increase, from 94 to 95OVR
Isaiah Ekejiuba LB DET Removed from depth chart (injury)
Tim Toone WR DET Signs
Kyle Moore DL DET Signs
Anthony Madison CB DET Signs

Green Bay Packers
Johnny Jones DL GB Added to the game
Morgan Burnett S GB Changed position to FS (was SS)
Charlie Peprah S GB Changed position to SS (was FS)
James Starks HB GB Decrease, from 79 to 78OVR
Donald Driver WR GB Decrease, from 82 to 81OVR
Jarius Wynn DL GB Increase, from 71 to 74OVR
Morgan Burnett S GB Increase, from 78 to 81OVR
Ryan Grant HB GB Increase, from 81 to 82OVR
Jermichael Finley TE GB Increase, from 90 to 92OVR
Greg Jennings WR GB Increase, from 93 to 94OVR
Morgan Burnett S GB Moved to FS #1 on depth chart
Charlie Peprah S GB Moved to SS #1 on depth chart

Houston Texans
Jason Allen CB HOU Decrease, from 75 to 74OVR
Kareem Jackson CB HOU Decrease, from 75 to 74OVR
Wade Smith OL HOU Decrease, from 86 to 85OVR
James Casey FB HOU Increase, from 70 to 76OVR
Duane Brown OL HOU Increase, from 80 to 82OVR
Arian Foster HB HOU Moved to HB #1 on depth chart
Ben Tate HB HOU Moved to HB #2 on depth chart
Andrew Gardner OL HOU Moved to RT #2 on depth chart
Steve Slaton HB HOU Released
Rashad Butler OL HOU Removed from depth chart (injury)
Andrew Gardner OL HOU Signs

Indianapolis Colts
Caleb Campbell LB IND Changed position to LOLB (was SS)
Donald Brown HB IND Decrease, from 72 to
Ernie Sims LB IND Decrease, from 73 to 72OVR
Reggie Wayne WR IND Decrease, from 94 to 93OVR
Dallas Clark TE IND Decrease, from 95 to 94OVR
Joe Lefeged S IND Increase, from 54 to 57OVR
Drake Nevis DL IND Increase, from 70 to 72OVR
Kavell Conner LB IND Increase, from 70 to 72OVR
Phillip Wheeler LB IND Increase, from 70 to 72OVR
Pat Angerer LB IND Increase, from 78 to 81OVR
Joseph Addai HB IND Increase, from 81 to 82OVR
Caleb Campbell LB IND Now wears #52
Stevie Brown S IND Signs
Darren Evans HB IND Signs
Mike McNeill TE IND Signs

Jacksonville Jaguars
Rod Issac S JAX Changed position to SS (was CB)
Matt Turk P JAX Decrease, from 81 to 78OVR
Marcedes Lewis TE JAX Decrease, from 90 to 89OVR
Rod Issac S JAX Moved to SS #3 on depth chart
Jamar Newsome WR JAX Signs

Kansas City Chiefs
Sabby Piscitelli S KC Decrease, from 69 to 68OVR
Jon McGraw S KC Decrease, from 75 to 73OVR
Ryan Succop K KC Decrease, from 77 to 75OVR
Kansas City Chiefs TEAM KC Decrease, from 78 to 76OVR
Thomas Jones HB KC Decrease, from 81 to 79OVR
Anthony Becht TE KC Released
Jake O’Connell TE KC Signs

Miami Dolphins
Reggie Bush HB MIA Decrease, from 75 to 74OVR
Kendall Langford DL MIA Decrease, from 88 to 86OVR
Jimmy Wilson CB MIA Increase, from 61 to 63OVR
Daniel Thomas HB MIA Increase, from 74 to 75OVR
Brian Hartline WR MIA Increase, from 74 to 75OVR
Will Allen CB MIA Now wears #25
Jimmy Wilson CB MIA Now wears #27
Brandon King CB MIA Signs

Minnesota Vikings
Bernard Berrian WR MIN Decrease, from 72 to 70OVR
Remi Ayodele DL MIN Decrease, from 77 to 75OVR
Chris Cook DB MIN Increase, from 66 to 69OVR
Michael Jenkins WR MIN Increase, from 76 to 77OVR
Brian Robison DL MIN Increase, from 78 to 82OVR
Jared Allen DL MIN Increase, from 94 to 95OVR

New England Patriots
Jeff Tarpinian LB NE Added to the game
Mike Wright DL NE Changed position to DT (was RE)
Mark Anderson DL NE Changed position to LE (was RE)
Jermaine Cunningham DL NE Changed position to RE (was LE)
BenJarvis Green-Ellis HB NE Decrease, from 82 to 80OVR
Danny Woodhead HB NE Decrease, from 82 to 81OVR
Chad Ochocinco WR NE Decrease, from 83 to 81OVR
Tom Brady QB NE Decrease, from 99 to 98OVR
Stevan Ridley HB NE Increase, from 70 to 72OVR
Kyle Arrington CB NE Increase, from 72 to 74OVR
Rob Gronkowski TE NE Increase, from 86 to 88OVR
Jerod Mayo LB NE Increase, from 90 to 91OVR
Wes Welker WR NE Increase, from 90 to 92OVR
Mike Wright DL NE Moved to DT #4 on depth chart
Mark Anderson DL NE Moved to LE #2 on depth chart
Jermaine Cunningham DL NE Moved to RE #2 on depth chart
Dan Gronkowski TE NE Released
Landon Cohen DL NE Released
Dan Koppen OL NE Removed from depth chart (injury)
Myron Pryor DL NE Removed from depth chart (injury)
Landon Cohen DL NE Signs
Philip Adams CB NE Signs

New Orleans Saints
Brian De La Puente OL NO Increase, from 64 to 68OVR
Jo-Lonn Dubar LB NO Increase, from 71 to 72OVR
Charles Brown OL NO Increase, from 73 to 75OVR
Jimmy Graham TE NO Increase, from 79 to 81OVR
New Orleans Saints TEAM NO Increase, from 87 to 88OVR
Will Smith DL NO Increase, from 88 to 89OVR
Darren Sproles KR NO Moved to KR #1 on depth chart
Mitch King DL NO Released
Garrett Hartley K NO Removed from depth chart (injury)
Joique Bell HB NO Removed from depth chart (P-Squad)
Sean Canfield QB NO Signs
Dennis Landolt OL NO Signs

New York Giants
William Beatty OL NYG Decrease, from 76 to 75OVR
Mario Manningham WR NYG Decrease, from 81 to 80OVR
Jacquian Williams LB NYG Increase, from 61 to 65OVR
Victor Cruz WR NYG Increase, from 64 to 72OVR
Aaron Ross CB NYG Increase, from 77 to 79OVR
Jason Pierre-Paul DL NYG Increase, from 81 to 84OVR
New York Giants TEAM NYG Increase, from 84 to 85OVR
Ahmad Bradshaw HB NYG Increase, from 85 to 86OVR
Eli Manning QB NYG Increase, from 87 to 88OVR
Domenik Hixon WR NYG Removed from depth chart (injury)
Michael Clayton WR NYG Signs
Ryan Perrilloux QB NYG Signs

New York Jets
Wayne Hunter OL NYJ Decrease, from 74 to 72OVR
Antonio Cromartie CB NYJ Decrease, from 86 to 84OVR
T.J. Conley P NYJ Increase, from 51 to 56OVR
Colin Baxter OL NYJ Increase, from 57 to 61OVR
Dustin Keller TE NYJ Increase, from 85 to 86OVR
D’Brickashaw Ferguson OL NYJ Increase, from 94 to 95OVR
Andrew Sendejo S NYJ Released
Jeff Cumberland TE NYJ Removed from depth chart (injury)
Aaron Maybin LB NYJ Signs

Oakland Raiders
Khalif Barnes OL OAK Decrease, from 74 to 73OVR
Joe Porter CB OAK Increase, from 54 to 59OVR
Jarvis Moss DL OAK Increase, from 66 to 69OVR
Denarius Moore WR OAK Increase, from 73 to 76OVR
Samson Satele OL OAK Increase, from 74 to 77OVR
Stefan Wisinewski OL OAK Increase, from 75 to 78OVR
Oakland Raiders TEAM OAK Increase, from 75 to 80OVR
Jared Veldheer OL OAK Increase, from 81 to 83OVR
Rolando McClain LB OAK Increase, from 82 to 84OVR
Jason Campbell QB OAK Increase, from 82 to 84OVR
Stanford Routt CB OAK Increase, from 85 to 87OVR
Tommy Kelly DL OAK Increase, from 85 to 87OVR
Sebastian Janikowski K OAK Increase, from 90 to 91OVR
Darren McFadden HB OAK Increase, from 90 to 92OVR
Denarius Moore WR OAK Moved to WR #1 on depth chart

Philadelphia Eeagles
Casey Matthews LB PHI Changed position to LOLB (was MLB)
Jamar Chaney LB PHI Changed position to MLB (was LOLB)
Akeem Jordan LB PHI Changed position to MLB (was ROLB)
Keenan Clayton LB PHI Changed position to ROLB (was LOLB)
Mike Kafka QB PHI Decrease, from 71 to 69OVR
Casey Matthews LB PHI Decrease, from 71 to 69OVR
Jason Kelce OL PHI Decrease, from 73 to 71OVR
Kurt Coleman S PHI Decrease, from 74 to 72OVR
Danny Watkins OL PHI Decrease, from 76 to 75OVR
Brent Celek TE PHI Decrease, from 83 to 80OVR
Mike Patterson DL PHI Decrease, from 85 to 84OVR
Jason Peters OL PHI Decrease, from 89 to 88OVR
Todd Herremans OL PHI Decrease, from 90 to 89OVR
DeSean Jackson WR PHI Decrease, from 91 to 90OVR
Cullen Jenkins DL PHI Decrease, from 92 to 91OVR
Philadelphia Eagles TEAM PHI Decrease, from 93 to 90OVR
Michael Vick QB PHI Decrease, from 93 to 92OVR
Nnamdi Asomugha CB PHI Decrease, from 98 to 97OVR
Brian Rolle LB PHI Increase, from 54 to 60OVR
Antonio Dixon DL PHI Increase, from 75 to 76OVR
Evan Mathis OL PHI Increase, from 77 to 81OVR
LeSean McCoy HB PHI Increase, from 90 to 91OVR
Casey Matthews LB PHI Moved to LOLB #1 on depth chart
Jamar Chaney LB PHI Moved to MLB #1 on depth chart
Akeem Jordan LB PHI Moved to MLB #2 on depth chart
Kyle DeVan OL PHI Moved to RG #1 on depth chart
Danny Watkins OL PHI Moved to RG #2 on depth chart
Keenan Clayton LB PHI Moved to ROLB #2 on depth chart
Greg Lloyd LB PHI Removed from depth chart (P-Squad)
Ronald Johnson WR PHI Signs

Pittsburgh Steelers
Jonathan Scott OL PIT Decrease, from 70 to 68OVR
Jerricho Cotchery WR PIT Decrease, from 79 to 78OVR
Hines Ward WR PIT Decrease, from 85 to 83OVR
Rashard Mendenhall HB PIT Decrease, from 88 to 87OVR
Antonio Brown WR PIT Increase, from 72 to 75OVR
Ike Taylor CB PIT Increase, from 85 to 86OVR
Mike Wallace WR PIT Increase, from 88 to 90OVR
Antonio Brown WR PIT Moved to WR #3 on depth chart
Marcus Gilbert OL PIT Now wears #77

San Diego Chargers
Mike Tolbert HB SD CTH increase, CAR decrease
Bob Sanders S SD Decrease, from 84 to 83OVR
Philip Rivers QB SD Decrease, from 96 to 95OVR
Antonio Gates TE SD Decrease, from 98 to 97OVR
Cam Thomas DL SD Increase, from 60 to 65OVR
Donald Butler LB SD Increase, from 74 to 77OVR
Randy McMichael TE SD Increase, from 77 to 79OVR
Ryan Mathews HB SD Increase, from 77 to 80OVR
Paul Oliver S SD Moved to FS #3 on depth chart
Jacques Cesaire DL SD Moved to LE #2 on depth chart
Vaughn Martin DL SD Moved to RE #1 on depth chart
Ogemdi Nwagbuo DL SD Moved to RE #2 on depth chart
C.J. Wallace S SD Released
Jonas Mouton LB SD Removed from depth chart (injury)

Seattle Seahawks
Aaron Curry LB SEA Decrease, from 82 to 78OVR
Mike Williams WR SEA Decrease, from 82 to 80OVR
Zach Miller TE SEA Decrease, from 88 to 87OVR
Doug Baldwin WR SEA Increase, from 54 to
Steven Hauschka LB SEA Increase, from 65 to 69OVR
K.J. Wright LB SEA Increase, from 65 to 70OVR
Brandon Browner CB SEA Increase, from 69 to 70OVR
Leroy Hill LB SEA Increase, from 79 to 80OVR
Sidney Rice WR SEA Increase, from 85 to 86OVR
Chris Clemons DL SEA Increase, from 87 to 88OVR
K.J. Wright LB SEA Moves to LOLB #1 on depth chart
Aaron Curry LB SEA Moves to LOLB #2 on depth chart

San Francisco 49ers
Adam Snyder OL SF Changed position to RG (was C)
Anthony Davis OL SF Decrease, from 77 to 74OVR
Chilo Rachal OL SF Decrease, from 79 to 77OVR
Jonathan Goodwin OL SF Decrease, from 80 to 79OVR
Joe Staley OL SF Decrease, from 88 to 87OVR
Tarrell Brown CB SF Increase, from 72 to 74OVR
Navorro Bowman LB SF Increase, from 75 to 77OVR
Ahmad Brooks LB SF Increase, from 76 to 77OVR
Alex Smith QB SF Increase, from 77 to 78OVR
Ray McDonald DL SF Increase, from 81 to 83OVR
Vernon Davis TE SF Increase, from 91 to 92OVR
Braylon Edwards WR SF Lowered on depth chart (injury)
Adam Snyder OL SF Moved to RG #2 on depth chart
Michael Crabtree WR SF Moved to WR #1 on depth chart
Josh Morgan WR SF Moved to WR #2 on depth chart
Colin Jones S SF Signs

St. Louis Rams
Josh Gordy CB STL Added to the game
Justin King CB STL Decrease, from 70 to 69OVR
Al Harris CB STL Decrease, from 79 to 77OVR
St. Louis Rams TEAM STL Decrease, from 79 to 77OVR
Sam Bradford QB STL Decrease, from 85 to 84OVR
Jason Smith OL STL Decrease, from 87 to 86OVR
Josh Gordy CB STL Moved to CB #4 on depth chart
Greg Salas PR STL Moved to PR #1 on depth chart
Tom Brandstater QB STL Now wears #12
Tim Barnes OL STL Now wears #61
Drew Miller OL STL Released
Jermale Hines S STL Released
Rod Hood CB STL Signs

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Quincy Black LB TB Decrease, from 79 to 78OVR
Mike Williams WR TB Decrease, from 84 to 83OVR
Josh Freeman QB TB Decrease, from 87 to 86OVR
Kellen Winslow TE TB Decrease, from 89 to 88OVR
Mason Foster LB TB Increase, from 70 to 74OVR
Brian Price DL TB Increase, from 71 to 73OVR
Connor Barth K TB Increase, from 71 to 73OVR
Adrian Clayborn DL TB Increase, from 76 to 78OVR
Earnest Graham FB TB Increase, from 79 to
Ronde Barber CB TB Increase, from 85 to 86OVR
Donald Penn OL TB Increase, from 87 to 88OVR
Larry Asante S TB Moved to FS #1 on depth chart
Preston Parker KR TB Moved to KR #1 on depth chart
Preston Parker PR TB Moved to PR #1 on depth chart
Cody Grimm S TB Removed from depth chart (injury)
Derrell Smith LB TB Signs

Tennessee Titans
Chris Johnson HB TEN Decrease, from 95 to 94OVR
Tennessee Titans TEAM TEN Increase, from 76 to 77OVR
Nate Washington WR TEN Increase, from 78 to 79OVR
Matt Hasselbeck QB TEN Increase, from 84 to 85OVR
Courtland Finnegan CB TEN Increase, from 90 to 92OVR
Kenny Britt WR TEN IR – torn ACL
Nate Washington WR TEN Moved to WR #1 on depth chart
Damian Williams WR TEN Moved to WR #2 on depth chart

Washington Redskins
Ryan Torain HB WAS Decrease, from 76 to 74OVR
Chris Chester OL WAS Decrease, from 78 to74OVR
DeAngelo Hall CB WAS Decrease, from 86 to 85OVR
Stephen Bowen DL WAS Increase, from 75 to 76OVR
Ryan Kerrigan LB WAS Increase, from 76 to 80OVR
Josh Wilson CB WAS Increase, from 82 to 83OVR

Other notable changes: Antonio Gates was at 99 overall before week 2, and now is a 97. It’s sad to see, but his foot injury may be derailing his career prematurely. The Lions continue to rise across the board starting with Matthew Stafford’s jump to 86 overall. Only one player on the Jets defense (Antonio Cromartie) dropped despite an embarrassing day chasing Darren McFadden around the field..

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Just last week it was Aaron Rodgers who received the coveted 99 overall rating, this week DeMarcus Ware joins Rodgers, Brady, and Revis as the game’s absolute best in the NFL week 3 Madden 12 roster update.

For as much hype as Dallas Cowboys players get in the media, DeMarcus Ware is the one who actually deserves that attention and perhaps more. Ware, who has lead the NFL in sacks at the end of the year more often than not, is on that pace again with a league-leading 4 sacks, two in each game so far. In this week’s update, EA has recognized Ware as the best OLB of this generation with the max rating of 99 overall. That was just one of over 340 changes this week; the rest can be found below:

Arizona Cardinals
A.J. Jefferson CB ARZ Increase, from 66 to 71OVR
Beanie Wells HB ARZ Increase, from 76 to 78OVR
Crezdon Butler CB ARZ IR
Dan Williams DL ARZ Increase, from 74 to 75OVR
Jaymar Johnson WR ARZ Signs
Jeff King TE ARZ Increase, from 72 to 74OVR
Mark LeGree S ARZ Signs
Ronald Talley DL ARZ Added to the game
Ronald Talley DL ARZ Moved to LE #3 on depth chart
Ryan Williams HB ARZ Now wears #34

Atlanta Falcons
Akeem Dent LB ATL Now wears #52
James Sanders S ATL Decrease, from 82 to 80OVR
Joe Hawley OL ATL Decrease, from 73 to 72OVR
John Parker Wilson QB ATL Signs
Michael Turner HB ATL Increase, from 93 to 94OVR
Peria Jerry DL ATL Increase, from 74 to 76OVR
Sean Weatherspoon LB ATL Increase, from 75 to 76OVR
Tony Gonzalez TE ATL Increase, from 91 to 92OVR

Baltimore Ravens
Bryant McKinnie OL BAL Increase, from 85 to 86OVR
Bryant McKinnie OL BAL Now wears #78
Cary Williams CB BAL Increase, from 70 to 74OVR
Cary Williams CB BAL Moved to CB #2 on depth chart
Chris Carr CB BAL Decrease, from 78 to 76OVR
Chykie Brown CB BAL Now wears #23
Dominique Foxworth CB BAL Decrease, from 79 to 77OVR
Haloti Ngata DL BAL New deal, 5yrs/61MIL/25M bonus
Joe Flacco QB BAL Decrease, from 89 to 88OVR
Lardarius Webb CB BAL Moved to CB #1 on depth chart
Ramon Harewood OL BAL Now wears #70
Tandon Doss WR BAL Now wears #17

Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills TEAM BUF Increase, from 75 to 77OVR
C.J. Spiller PR BUF Moved to PR #1 on depth chart
Chad Rinehart OL BUF Moved to RG #1 on depth chart
Chris Hairston OL BUF Changed position to LT (was RT)
Chris Hairston OL BUF Moved to LT #2 on depth chart
David Nelson WR BUF Increase, from 69 to 72OVR
David Nelson WR BUF Moved to WR #3 on depth chart
Demetrius Bell OL BUF Increase, from 73 to 75OVR
Fred Jackson HB BUF Increase, from 81 to 83OVR
Kraig Urbik OL BUF Moved to RG #2 on depth chart
Leodis McKelvin CB BUF Decrease, from 80 to 79OVR
Naaman Roosevelt WR BUF Increase, from 56 to 58OVR
Rian Lindell K BUF Decrease, from 83 to 82OVR
Roscoe Parrish WR BUF Injury decrease, from 85 to 74INJ
Roscoe Parrish WR BUF IR
Roscoe Parrish WR BUF Lowered on depth chart (injury)
Sam Young OL BUF Changed position to RT (was LT)
Sam Young OL BUF Moved to RT #2 on depth chart
Terrence Wheatley CB BUF Signs

Carolina Panthers
Brandon LaFell WR CAR Increase, from 73 to 75OVR
Byron Bell OL CAR Increase, from 62 to 67OVR
Cam Newton QB CAR Increase, from 81 to 82OVR
Captain Munnerlyn CB CAR Increase, from 73 to 76OVR
Carolina Panthers TEAM CAR Increase, from 72 to 73OVR
Frank Kearse DL CAR Signs
Greg Hardy DE CAR Increase, from 74 to 75OVR
Jason Phillips LB CAR Signs
Jason Williams LB CAR Moved to LOLB #2 on depth chart
Jordan Senn LB CAR Moved to LOLB #1 on depth chart
R.J. Stanford CB CAR Now wears #25
Reggie Wells OL CAR Released
Ryan Kalil OL CAR New deal, 6yrs/49MIL/28M guaranteed
Steve Smith WR CAR Increase, from 91 to 93OVR
Thomas Davis LB CAR IR – torn ACL
Thomas Williams LB CAR Now wears #56

Chicago Bears
Chris Conte S CHI Decrease, from 71 to 69OVR
Chris Williams OL CHI Decrease, from 84 to 82OVR
Dane Sanzenbacher WR CHI Increase, from 65 to 66OVR
Earl Bennett WR CHI Decrease, from 74 to 73OVR
Frank Omiyale OL CHI Changed position to RT (was LT)
Frank Omiyale OL CHI Decrease, from 71 to 67OVR
Frank Omiyale OL CHI Moved to RT #1 on depth chart
Gabe Carimi OL CHI Moved to RT #2 on depth chart

Cincinnati Bengals
A.J. Green WR CIN Increase, from 80 to 82OVR
Andre Caldwell WR CIN Moved to WR #3 on depth chart
Andrew Hawkins WR CIN Signs
Andy Dalton QB CIN Increase, from 72 to 75OVR
Armon Binns WR CIN Signs
Brandon Tate PR CIN Moved to PR #1 on depth chart
Cincinnati Bengals TEAM CIN Increase, from 72 to 73OVR
Jerome Simpson WR CIN Increase, from 74 to 76OVR
Jordan Shipley WR CIN IR – torn ACL
Manny Lawson LB CIN Now wears #99
Robert Sands S CIN Now wears #31

Cleveland Browns
Artis Hicks OL CLE Decrease, from 74 to 73OVR
Buster Skrine CB CLE Increase, from 58 to 60OVR
Cleveland Browns TEAM CLE Increase, from 74 to 75OVR
Colt McCoy QB CLE Increase, from 77 to 78OVR
Jabaal Sheard DL CLE Changed position to LE (was RE)
Jabaal Sheard DL CLE Increase, from 74 to 75OVR
Jabaal Sheard DL CLE Moved to LE #1 on depth chart
Jayme Mitchell DL CLE Changed position to RE (was LE)
Jayme Mitchell DL CLE Moved to RE #1 on depth chart
Joe Haden CB CLE Increase, from 87 to 88OVR
Joe Thomas OL CLE Increase, from 95 to 96OVR
Oniel Cousins OL CLE Decrease, from 74 to 73OVR
Phil Taylor DL CLE Increase, from 74 to 76OVR
Will Ta’ufo’ou FB CLE Signs
Xavier Omon HB CLE Signs

Dallas Cowboys
Bryan McCann CB DAL Released
Dallas Cowboys TEAM DAL Increase, from 82 to 83OVR
DeMarco Murray HB DAL Moved to KR #1 on depth chart
DeMarcus Ware LB DAL Increase, from 98 to 99OVR
Dez Bryant WR DAL Moved to WR #1 on depth chart
Felix Jones HB DAL Decrease, from 81 to 80OVR
Jason Hatcher DL DAL Increase, from 63 to 69OVR
Jason Witten TE DAL New deal, 5yrs/37MIL/19M guaranteed
Jesse Holley WR DAL Increase, from 63 to 66OVR
Keith Brooking LB DAL Decrease, from 82 to 80OVR
Kevin Ogletree WR DAL Moved to WR #2 on depth chart
Laurent Robinson WR DAL Signs
Martin Rucker TE DAL Signs
Miles Austin WR DAL Increase, from 89 to 91OVR
Miles Austin WR DAL Moved to WR #5 on depth chart (injury)
Raymond Radway WR DAL IR
Robert Callaway DL DAL Signs
Sean Lee LB DAL Increase, from 77 to 79OVR

Denver Broncos
Britton Colquitt P DEN Increase, from 72 to 76OVR
Eric Decker WR DEN Increase, from 76 to 78OVR
Eric Decker WR DEN Moved to WR #2 on depth chart
Jeremiah Johnson HB DEN Released
John Nalbone TE DEN Signs
Quan Cosby WR DEN Signs
Von Miller LB DEN Increase, from 79 to 80OVR
Wesley Woodyard LB DEN Increase, from 66 to 68OVR

Detroit Lions
Chris Houston CB DET Increase, from 77 to 79OVR
Cornelius Ingram TE DET IR
Detroit Lions TEAM DET Increase, from 80 to 82OVR
Jahvid Best HB DET Increase, from 80 to 81OVR
John Wendling S DET Increase, from 66 to 69OVR
Justin Durant LB DET Increase, from 82 to 83OVR
Matthew Stafford QB DET Increase, from 82 to 85OVR
Nate Burleson WR DET Increase, from 78 to 79OVR
Nathan Overbay TE DET Signs
Stephen Tulloch LB DET Increase, from 88 to 89OVR
Willie Young DL DET Increase, from 62 to 67OVR

Green Bay Packers
B.J. Raji DT GB Increase, from 88 to 89OVR
Charlie Peprah S GB Changed position to FS (was SS)
Charlie Peprah S GB Moved to FS #1 on depth chart
Desmond Bishop LB GB Increase, from 82 to 83OVR
Jarius Wynn DL GB Increase, from 70 to 71OVR
Jarius Wynn DL GB Moved to RE #1 on depth chart
Mike Neal DL GB Moved to RE #2 on depth chart
Nick Collins S GB IR

Houston Texans
Andre Johnson WR HOU Increase, from 97 to 98OVR
Arian Foster HB HOU Decrease, from 92 to 91OVR
Ben Tate HB HOU Increase, from 73 to 76OVR
Ben Tate HB HOU Now wears #44
Brice McCain CB HOU Increase, from 69 to 72OVR
David Anderson WR HOU Now wears #17
Steve Maneri OL HOU Now wears #68
Tim Dobbins LB HOU Now wears #52

Indianapolis Colts
Austin Collie WR IND Decrease, from 79 to 77OVR
Caleb Campbell DB IND Signs
Darren Evans HB IND Released
Delone Carter HB IND Increase, from 68 to 70OVR
Delone Carter HB IND Moved to HB #2 on depth chart
Donald Brown HB IND Moved to HB #3 on depth chart
Indianapolis Colts TEAM IND Decrease, from 81 to 78OVR
Jamaal Anderson DL IND Increase, from 75 to 76OVR
Jeff Saturday OL IND Decrease, from 95 to 93OVR
Kerry Collins QB IND Decrease, from 75 to 74OVR
Melvin Bullitt S IND Decrease, from 79 to 78OVR
Pat McAfee P IND Increase, from 73 to 74OVR
Pierre Garcon WR IND Decrease, from 80 to 79OVR
Reggie Wayne WR IND Decrease, from 95 to 94OVR
Robert Mathis DL IND Increase, from 93 to 94OVR

Jacksonville Jaguars
Aaron Kampman DL JAX Moved to LE #1 on depth chart
Blaine Gabbert QB JAX Moved to QB #1 on depth chart
Brock Bolen FB JAX Moved to FB #2 on depth chart
Chastin West WR JAX Signs
Eugene Monroe OL JAX Increase, from 81 to 82OVR
Jamar Newsome WR JAX Released
Jeremy Mincey DL JAX Moved to RE #1 on depth chart
Luke McCown QB JAX Decrease, from 72 to 70OVR
Luke McCown QB JAX Moved to QB #2 on depth chart
Montell Owens HB JAX Changed position to HB (was FB)
Montell Owens HB JAX Moved to HB #3 on depth chart
Paul Posluszny LB JAX Increase, from 87 to 88OVR
Rashad Jennings HB JAX IR
William Middleton CB JAX Increase, from 67 to 68OVR

Kansas City Chiefs
Andy Studebaker LB KC Decrease, from 75 to 74OVR
Andy Studebaker LB KC Moved to LOLB #2 on depth chart
Anthony Becht TE KC Signs
Dexter McCluster HB KC Moved to HB #2 on depth chart
Jake O’Connell TE KC Released
Jamaal Charles HB KC IR – torn ACL
Jerheme Urban WR KC Moved to WR #3 on depth chart
Jon Asamoah OL KC Increase, from 75 to 80OVR
Jon McGraw S KC Changed position to SS (was FS)
Jon McGraw S KC Decrease, from 78 to 75OVR
Jon McGraw S KC Moved to SS #1 on depth chart
Justin Houston LB KC Increase, from 65 to 70OVR
Justin Houston LB KC Moved to LOLB #1 on depth chart
Kansas City Chiefs TEAM KC Decrease, from 82 to 78OVR
LeRon McClain FB KC Decrease, from 90 to 88OVR
Matt Cassel QB KC Decrease, from 85 to 83OVR
Ryan Lilja OL KC Decrease, from 87 to 85OVR
Sabby Piscitelli S KC Changed position to FS (was SS)
Sabby Piscitelli S KC Moved to FS #2 on depth chart
Steve Breaston WR KC Moved to WR #2 on depth chart
Thomas Jones HB KC Moved to HB #1 on depth chart

Miami Dolphins
Charles Clay FB MIA Updated Height, now 6’3
Dan Carpenter K MIA Decrease, from 79 to 78OVR
Daniel Thomas HB MIA Increase, from 72 to 74OVR
Dante Rosario TE MIA Released
Igor Olshansky DL MIA Signs
Larry Johnson HB MIA Released
Lax Hilliard HB MIA Increase, from 60 to 64OVR
Nathan Jones CB MIA Signs

Minnesota Vikings
Adrian Awasom DL MIN Released
Adrian Peterson HB MIN Increase, from 97 to 98OVR
Antoine Winfield CB MIN Increase, from 90 to 91OVR
Bernard Berrian WR MIN Decrease, from 74 to 72OVR
Devin Aromashodu WR MIN Decrease, from 72 to 70OVR
Husain Abdullah S MIN Increase, from 77 to 78OVR
Jamarca Sanford S MIN Increase, from 75 to 78OVR
Kevin Williams DL MIN Moved to DT #1 on depth chart
Toby Gerhart HB MIN Increase, from 72 to 73OVR
Tyrell Johnson S MIN Decrease, from 76 to 73OVR

New England Patriots
Aaron Hernandez TE NE Increase, from 84 to 85OVR
Aaron Hernandez TE NE Moved to TE #3 on depth chart
Deion Branch WR NE Increase, from 77 to 79OVR
Devin McCourty CB NE Decrease, from 86 to 85OVR
Josh Barrett S NE Moved to FS #1 on depth chart
New England Patriots TEAM NE Increase, from 91 to 92OVR
Nick McDonald OL NE Signs
Pat Chung S NE Increase, from 85 to 88OVR
Pat Chung S NE Moved to SS #1 on depth chart
Rob Gronkowski TE NE Increase, from 85 to 86OVR
Sergio Brown DB NE Increase, from 69 to 71OVR
Thomas Welch OL NE Signs
Vince Wilfork DL NE CTH Inc from 25 to 55 Ball Carrier Vision Inc from 10 to 50

New Orleans Saints
Devery Henderson WR NO Increase, from 78 to 80OVR
Jimmy Graham TE NO Increase, from 77 to 79OVR
JoLonn Dunbar LB NO Increase, from 69 to 71OVR
Turk McBride DL NO Increase, from 69 to 73OVR
Will Smith DL NO Moved to RE #1 on depth chart

New York Giants
Aaron Ross CB NYG Decrease, from 79 to 77OVR
Aaron Ross PR NYG Moved to PR #1 on depth chart
Brandon Stokley WR NYG Signs
Brian Williams CB NYG Now wears #29
Corey Webster CB NYG Decrease, from 90 to 89OVR
Domenik Hixon WR NYG Spectacular Catch increase, from 83 to 88SPEC
Domenik Hixon WR NYG IR – torn ACL
Greg Jones LB NYG Increase, from 65 to 67OVR
Jacquian Williams LB NYG Increase, from 56 to 61OVR
Kenny Phillips S NYG Increase, from 81 to 83OVR
Linval Joseph DL NYG Increase, from 69 to 72OVR
Michael Coe CB NYG Increase, from 55 to 61OVR
New York Giants TEAM NYG Increase, from 83 to 84OVR
Rocky Bernard DL NYG Increase, from 73 to 75OVR
Steve Weatherford P NYG Increase, from 66 to 67OVR
Victor Cruz WR NYG Increase, from 61 to 64OVR
William Beatty OL NYG Increase, from 73 to 76OVR

New York Jets
Andrew Sendejo S NYJ Signs
Antonio Cromartie CB NYJ Increase, from 85 to 86OVR
Nick Mangold OL NYJ Removed from depth chart (injury)
Robert Turner OL NYJ Changed position to C (was RG)
Robert Turner OL NYJ Moved to C #1 on depth chart
Scotty McKnight WR NYJ Signs
Trevor Canfield OL NYJ Released

Oakland Raiders
Chris Johnson CB OAK Decrease, from 76 to 75OVR
Darren McFadden HB OAK Increase, from 88 to 90OVR
Darrius Heyward-Bey WR OAK Decrease, from 72 to 71OVR
Denarius Moore WR OAK Increase, from 64 to 73OVR
Derek Hagan WR OAK Increase, from 64 to 70OVR
Jason Campbell QB OAK Increase, from 81 to 82OVR
Kamerion Wimbley LB OAK Increase, from 87 to 88OVR
Louis Murphy WR OAK Decrease, from 75 to 74OVR
Matt Giordano S OAK Decrease, from 74 to 72OVR
Samson Satele OL OAK Increase, from 72 to 74OVR
Stefan Wisinewski OL OAK Decrease, from 77 to 75OVR
Tyvon Branch S OAK Decrease, from 87 to 86OVR

Philadelphia Eeagles
Cullen Jenkins DL PHI Increase, from 91 to 92OVR
Jarrad Page S PHI Decrease, from 79 to 77OVR
Jason Kelce OL PHI Increase, from 68 to 73OVR
Jeremy Maclin WR PHI Increase, from 86 to 87OVR
Mike Patterson DL PHI Decrease, from 86 to 85OVR
Phillip Hunt DL PHI Increase, from 62 to 63OVR
Trent Cole DL PHI Increase, from 93 to 94OVR

Pittsburgh Steelers
Heath Miller TE PIT Decrease, from 84 to 83OVR
Mike Wallace WR PIT Increase, from 87 to 88OVR

San Diego Chargers
Antonio Gates TE SD Decrease, from 99 to 98OVR
Vincent Jackson WR SD Increase, from 87 to 89OVR

Seattle Seahawks
Alan Branch DL SEA Increase, from 78 to 79OVR
Atari Bigby S SEA Changed position to FS (was SS)
Atari Bigby S SEA Moved to FS #2 on depth chart
Brandon Browner CB SEA Decrease, from 70 to 69OVR
Breno Giacomini OL SEA Decrease, from 67 to 66OVR
Earl Thomas S SEA Increase, from 82 to 84OVR
James Carpenter OL SEA Decrease, from 76 to 74OVR
Jeron Johnson S SEA Moved to SS #2 on depth chart
Justin Forsett HB SEA Decrease, from 77 to 76OVR
K.J. Wright LB SEA Increase, from 62 to 64OVR
Kennard Cox WR SEA Signs
Leon Washington HB SEA Decrease, from 75 to 73OVR
Seattle Seahawks TEAM SEA Decrease, from 76 to 75OVR

San Francisco 49ers
Carlos Rogers CB SF Increase, from 80 to 82OVR
Donte Whitner S SF Decrease, from 85 to 84OVR
Ian Williams DL SF Now wears #93
Madieu Williams S SF Decrease, from 71 to 70OVR
Mike Iupati OL SF Decrease, from 88 to 87OVR
Navorro Bowman LB SF Increase, from 73 to 75OVR
Reggie Smith S SF Decrease, from 78 to 76OVR

St. Louis Rams
Danario Alexander WR STL Increase, from 69 to 71OVR
Greg Salas WR STL Added Drop Open Passes trait
Greg Salas WR STL Decrease, from 66 to 65OVR
James Laurinaitis LB STL Increase, from 87 to 88OVR
Lance Kendricks TE STL Added Drop Open Passes trait
Lance Kendricks TE STL Decrease, from 72 to 71OVR
Quinn Porter HB STL Now wears #35
Quinn Porter HB STL Signs
Roger Saffold OL STL Decrease, from 83 to 80OVR
Steven Jackson HB STL Decrease, from 94 to 93OVR
Tim Atchison S STL Signs
Tim Atchison S STL IR

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Adam Hayward LB TB Moved to MLB #2 on depth chart
Dekoda Watson LB TB Increase, from 61 to 66OVR
Earnest Graham FB TB Increase, from 78 to 79OVR
LeGarrette Blount HB TB Increase, from 80 to 81OVR
Mason Foster LB TB Increase, from 67 to 70OVR
Micheal Spurlock WR TB Decrease, from 67 to 66OVR
Preston Parker WR TB Increase, from 63 to 68OVR
Zac Diles LB TB Moved to ROLB #2 on depth chart

Tennessee Titans
Dave Ball DL TEN Decrease, from 81 to 78OVR
Jason McCourty CB TEN Increase, from 76 to 77OVR
Karl Klug DL TEN Increase, from 67 to 70OVR
Kenny Britt WR TEN Increase, from 87 to 90OVR
Tennessee Titans TEAM TEN Increase, from 75 to 76OVR
Troy Kropog OL TEN Signs
Yamon Figurs WR TEN Released

Washington Redskins
Brandon Banks KR WAS Increase, from 61 to 63OVR
Chris Chester OL WAS Decrease, from 79 to 78OVR
Chris Cooley TE WAS Decrease, from 85 to 84OVR
Darel Young FB WAS Increase, from 70 to 75OVR
Fred Davis TE WAS Increase, from 82 to 83OVR
Jammal Brown OL WAS Decrease, from 84 to 83OVR
Kory Lichtensteiger OL WAS Increase, from 75 to 78OVR
Mike Sellers FB WAS Decrease, from 80 to 74OVR
Reed Doughty S WAS Decrease, from 79 to 77OVR
Rex Grossman QB WAS Increase, from 76 to 77OVR
Roy Helu HB WAS Increase, from 69 to 72OVR
Washington Redskins TEAM WAS Increase, from 76 to 77OVR
Will Montgomery OL WAS Increase, from 72 to 74OVR

Other notable changes: Antonio Gates dropped from 99 to 98 after shockingly being held catchless vs. the Patriots. Both Matthew Stafford and Cam Newton continue to climb the Madden ladder. Adrian Peterson and Andre Johnson are both on the verge of reaching 99 overall. And perhaps the best change, Vince Wilfork jumps up to 55 catching and 50 ball carrier vision after this gem.

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Week 1 in the NFL was even more exciting than usual, with a record 14 quarterbacks throwing the ball for over 300 yards. One of those men was Aaron Rodgers, who ascends into the 99 overall club in the NFL week 2 Madden 12 roster update.

Many experts and informed fans alike predicted players would show signs of rust after a long lockout halted most football activities, but that wasn’t the case in week 1. In the season opener, superstars Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees set the tone for a weekend which produced airshows all over the country. Although Brees ended up with more yards in his frantic comeback effort, it was Rodgers’ unmatched efficiency and ball placement that now has him, along with Tom Brady, the highest rated QB in Madden 12. Here are the rest of the notes for the NFL week 2 Madden 12 roster update:

Arizona Cardinals
Richard Marshall CB ARZ Decrease, from 81 to 79OVR
Adrian Wilson S ARZ Decrease, from 92 to 91OVR
Jeff King TE ARZ Increase, from 69 to 72OVR
Early Doucet WR ARZ Increase, from 72 to 73OVR
Beanie Wells HB ARZ Increase, from 75 to 76OVR
Daryl Washington LB ARZ Increase, from from 74 to 75OVR
Paris Lenon LB ARZ Increase, from from 78 to 80OVR
Arizona Cardinals TEAM ARZ Increase, from 73 to 74OVR
Max Hall QB ARZ IR
Crezdon Butler CB ARZ Now wears #22
Korey Lindsey CB ARZ Now wears #32
Isaiah Williams WR ARZ Signs
Marshay Green CB ARZ Signs
Quan Sturdivant LB ARZ Signs

Atlanta Falcons
Tony Gonzalez TE ATL Decrease, from 92 to 91OVR
Tyson Clabo OL ATL Decrease, from 93 to 92OVR
Dunta Robinson CB ATL Decrease, from 89 to 87OVR
Joe Hawley OL ATL Increase, from 68 to 73OVR
Kroy Biermann DL ATL Increase, from 77 to 79OVR
John Abraham DL ATL Increase, from 93 to 94OVR
Joe Hawley OL ATL Moved to C #1 on depth chart
Corey Peters DL ATL Moved to DT #1 on depth chart
Peria Jerry DL ATL Moved to DT #2 on depth chart
Carlton Powell DL ATL Now wears #97
Rob Bruggeman OL ATL Released
Todd McClure OL ATL Removed from depth chart (injury)
Jonathan Babineaux DL ATL Removed from depth chart (injury)
Brett Romberg OL ATL Signs
Robert James LB ATL Signs
Rafael Bush S ATL Signs
Marquez Branson TE ATL Signs

Baltimore Ravens
Albert McClellan LB BAL Added to game
Michael McAdoo LB BAL Changed position to ROLB (was LE)
Baltimore Ravens TEAM BAL Increase, from 85 to 87OVR
Tyrod Taylor QB BAL Increase, from 62 to 64OVR
Dennis Pitta TE BAL Increase, from 65 to 68OVR
Ed Dickson TE BAL Increase, from 72 to 74OVR
Lardarius Webb CB BAL Increase, from 75 to 77OVR
Joe Flacco QB BAL Increase, from 88 to 89OVR
Ray Rice HB BAL Increase, from 92 to 93OVR
Terrell Suggs LB BAL Increase, from 94 to 95OVR
Michael McAdoo LB BAL Now wears #54
Damien Berry HB BAL Signs

Buffalo Bills
Alex Carrington LB BUF Changed position to LOLB (was LE)
Scott Chandler TE BUF Increase, from 63 to 73OVR
Fred Jackson HB BUF Increase, from 80 to 81OVR
Ryan Fitzpatrick QB BUF Increase, from 81 to 83OVR
Steve Johnson WR BUF Increase, from 86 to 87OVR
Buffalo Bills TEAM BUF Increase, from 73 to 75OVR
Kraig Urbik OL BUF Increase, from 69 to 73OVR
Bryan Scott S BUF Increase, from 79 to 81OVR
Ed Wang OL BUF IR
Marcus Easley WR BUF IR
Felton Huggins WR BUF IR
Jon Corto S BUF IR
Robert Eddins LB BUF IR
Kellen Heard DL BUF Moved to LE #2 on depth chart
Alex Carrington LB BUF Moved to LOLB #2 on depth chart
Scott Chandler TE BUF Moved to TE #1 on depth chart
Sam Young OL BUF Now wears #71
Ruvell Martin WR BUF Released
Cordaro Howard OL BUF Released
Levi Brown QB BUF Released
Sam Young OL BUF Signs
Ruvell Martin WR BUF Signs
Naaman Roosevelt WR BUF Signs
Lionel Dotson DL BUF Signs
Reggie Corner CB BUF Signs

Carolina Panthers
Richie Brockel FB CAR Added to game
DeAngelo Williams HB CAR Decrease, from 89 to 88OVR
Brandon LaFell WR CAR Increase, from 71 to 73OVR
Cam Newton QB CAR Increase, from 77 to 81OVR
Chris Gamble CB CAR Increase, from 86 to 87OVR
Steve Smith WR CAR Increase, from 89 to 91OVR
Duke Robinson OL CAR IR
Cletis Gordon CB CAR IR
David Gettis WR CAR IR
Jon Beason LB CAR IR – torn achilles
Richie Brockel FB CAR Moved to FB #2 on depth chart
Charles Godfrey S CAR New deal, 6yrs/28.7MIL/12.4M guaranteed
Josh Thomas CB CAR Now wears #22
George Selvie DL CAR Now wears #90
C.J. Davis OL CAR Released
Stevie Brown S CAR Released
Jon Beason LB CAR Removed from depth chart (injury)
Geoff Hangartner OL CAR Signs
Darius Butler CB CAR Signs
Josh Vaughan HB CAR Signs
Kendric Burney CB CAR Signs
Darvin Adams WR CAR Signs
Ronald Fields DL CAR Signs
Reggie Wells OL CAR Signs

Chicago Bears
Winston Venable S CHI Added to game
Kyle Adams FB CHI Changed position to FB (was TE)
Kellen Davis TE CHI Increase, from 66 to 73OVR
Matt Spaeth TE CHI Increase, from 67 to 68OVR
Henry Melton DL CHI Increase, from 67 to 73OVR
Jay Cutler QB CHI Increase, from 85 to 86OVR
Matt Forte HB CHI Increase, from 89 to 90OVR
Brian Urlacher LB CHI Increase, from 94 to 95OVR
Chicago Bears TEAM CHI Increase, from 84 to 85OVR
Kyle Adams FB CHI Moved to FB #1 on depth chart
Tyler Clutts FB CHI Moved to FB #2 on depth chart
Kellen Davis TE CHI Moved to TE #1 on depth chart
Matt Spaeth TE CHI Moved to TE #2 on depth chart
Joshua Moore CB CHI Released
Will Ta’ufo’ou FB CHI Released
Henry Melton DL CHI Updated Weight, now 295 lbs

Cincinnati Bengals
Gibril Wilson S CIN Changed position to FS (was SS)
Kevin Huber P CIN Increase, from 74 to 77OVR
Reggie Nelson S CIN Increase, from 76 to 78OVR
Cedric Benson HB CIN Increase, from 81 to 82OVR
Andy Dalton QB CIN Increase, from 71 to 72OVR
Cincinnati Bengals TEAM CIN Increase, from 71 to 72OVR
Gibril Wilson S CIN Moved to FS #2 on depth chart
Robert Sands S CIN Moved to FS #3 on depth chart
Taylor Mays S CIN Moved to SS #2 on depth chart
Jeromy Miles S CIN Moved to SS #3 on depth chart
Taylor Mays S CIN Now wears #26
Dan LeFevour QB CIN Released
Rico Murray CB CIN Released
Rico Murray CB CIN Signs
Zac Robinson QB CIN Signs
Chase Coffman TE CIN Signs
Donald Lee TE CIN Signs

Cleveland Browns
Jabaal Sheard DL CLE Increase, from 72 to 74OVR
D’Qwell Jackson LB CLE Increase, from 83 to 85OVR
Joe Haden CB CLE Increase, from 86 to 87OVR
Richmond McGee P CLE IR
Ahtyba Rbuin DL CLE New deal, 4yrs/28MIL/18M guaranteed
Jayme Mitchell DL CLE Now wears #92
Artis Hicks OL CLE Signs
Eddie Williams FB CLE Signs
Brad Maynard P CLE Signs

Dallas Cowboys
Dan Bailey K DAL Increase, from 62 to 66OVR
Danny McCray S DAL Increase, from 63 to 67OVR
Kevin Ogletree WR DAL Increase, from 65 to 68OVR
Bill Nagy OL DAL Increase, from 66 to 71OVR
John Phillips TE DAL Increase, from 69 to 74OVR
Sean Lee LB DAL Increase, from 73 to 77OVR
Dez Bryant WR DAL Increase, from 83 to 84OVR
Jason Witten TE DAL Increase, from 96 to 97OVR
Dan Bailey K DAL Moved to K #1 on depth chart
Martellus Bennett TE DAL Moved to TE #2 on depth chart
Jay Ratliff DL DAL New deal, 5yrs/40MIL/18M guaranteed
Clifton Geathers DL DAL Now wears #96
Marcus Spears DL DAL Now wears #98
Martin Rucker TE DAL Released
Tony Fiammetta FB DAL Released
Laurent Robinson WR DAL Released
Frank Walker CB DAL Signs
Tony Fiammetta FB DAL Signs

Denver Broncos
Knoshown Moreno HB DEN Decrease, from 85 to 83OVR
Orlando Franklin OL DEN Increase, from 67 to 71OVR
Eric Decker WR DEN Increase, from 72 to 76OVR
Wesley Woodyard LB DEN Now wears #52
Jason Hunter DL DEN Now wears #90
Herb Taylor OL DEN Released
Tony Hills OL DEN Signs
Eron Riley WR DEN Signs

Detroit Lions
Lawrence Jackson DL DET Decrease, from 77 to 75OVR
Chris Houston CB DET Decrease, from 78 to 77OVR
Eric Wright CB DET Decrease, from 81 to 78OVR
Cliff Avril DL DET Decrease, from 85 to 84OVR
Detroit Lions TEAM DET Increase, from 79 to 80OVR
Ryan Donahue P DET Increase, from 44 to 51OVR
Aaron Berry CB DET Increase, from 54 to 60OVR
Matthew Stafford QB DET Increase, from 80 to 82OVR
Rob Sims OL DET Increase, from 84 to 85OVR
Calvin Johnson WR DET Increase, from 93 to 94OVR
Stephen Tulloch LB DET Moved to MLB #1 on depth chart
DeAndre Levy LB DET Moved to ROLB #1 on depth chart
Cornelius Ingram TE DET Now wears #47
Cornelius Ingram TE DET Signs
Corvey Irvin DL DET Signs

Green Bay Packers
Jamari Lattimore LB GB Added to game
Ryan Grant HB GB Decrease, from 82 to 81OVR
Jarius Wynn DL GB Increase, from 67 to 70OVR
Randall Cobb WR GB Increase, from 70 to 74OVR
Erik Walden LB GB Increase, from 71 to 73OVR
Sam Shields CB GB Increase, from 75 to 77OVR
James Starks HB GB Increase, from 77 to 79OVR
Morgan Burnett S GB Increase, from 77 to 80OVR
Jordy Nelson WR GB Increase, from 79 to 80OVR
Bryan Buluga OL GB Increase, from 82 to 83OVR
Ryan Pickett DL GB Increase, from 83 to 84OVR
Josh Sitton OL GB Increase, from 84 to 85OVR
Scott Wells OL GB Increase, from 92 to 93OVR
Aaron Rodgers QB GB Increase, from 98 to 99OVR
Green Bay Packers TEAM GB Increase, from 92 to 93OVR

Houston Texans
Rashad Butler OL HOU Changed position to RT (was LT)
Brett Hartmann P HOU Increase, from 40 to 45OVR
Ben Tate HB HOU Increase, from 69 to 73OVR
Chris Myers OL HOU Increase, from 79 to 82OVR
Mario Williams LB HOU Increase, from 89 to 90OVR
Houston Texans TEAM HOU Increase, from 81 to 82OVR
Lestar Jean WR HOU IR
Derek Newton OL HOU Moved to LT #2 on depth chart
Rashad Butler OL HOU Moved to RT #2 on depth chart
Jacoby Jones WR HOU Moved to WR #2 on depth chart
Tim Bulman DL HOU Released
Kevin Walter WR HOU Removed from depth chart (injury)
Jesse Nading LB HOU Signs
David Anderson WR HOU Signs

Indianapolis Colts
Terrence Johnson CB IND Added to game
Mike Pollak OL IND Changed position to C (was RG)
Jacob Tamme FB IND Changed position to FB (was TE)
Brody Eldridge TE IND Changed position to TE (was FB)
Ernie Sims LB IND Decrease, from 75 to 73OVR
Kerry Collins QB IND Decrease, from 77 to 75OVR
Pierre Garcon WR IND Decrease, from 82 to 80OVR
Joseph Addai HB IND Decrease, from 82 to 81OVR
Indianapolis Colts TEAM IND Decrease, from 85 to 81OVR
Antoine Bethea S IND Decrease, from 93 to 92OVR
Dallas Clark TE IND Decrease, from 96 to 95OVR
Joe Reitz OL IND Increase, from 64 to 72OVR
Jeff Linkenbach OL IND Increase, from 65 to 73OVR
Kavell Conner LB IND Increase, from 67 to 70OVR
Pat Angerer LB IND Increase, from 75 to 78OVR
Peyton Manning QB IND Injury decreased, from 99 to 87INJ
Mike Pollak OL IND Moved to C #2 on depth chart
Jacob Tamme FB IND Moved to FB #1 on depth chart
Tyler Brayton DL IND Moved to RE #2 on depth chart
Jerry Hughes DL IND Moved to RE #3 on depth chart
Brody Eldridge TE IND Moved to TE #2 on depth chart
Jamey Richard OL IND Released
Mike McNeill TE IND Released
Chris Brooks WR IND Released
Seth Olsen OL IND Signs

Jacksonville Jaguars
Kevin Rutland CB JAX Added to game
Dawan Landry S JAX Increase, from 81 to 83OVR
David Jones CB JAX Released
John Chick DL JAX Signs

Kansas City Chiefs
Quentin Lawrence CB KC Changed position to CB (was WR)
Kelly Gregg DL KC Decrease, from 83 to 80OVR
Thomas Jones HB KC Decrease, from 83 to 81OVR
Matt Cassel QB KC Decrease, from 86 to 85OVR
Dwayne Bowe WR KC Decrease, from 91 to 89OVR
Brendan Albert OL KC Increase, from 86 to 87OVR
Kansas City Chiefs TEAM KC Decrease, from 84 to 82OVR
Eric Berry S KC IR – torn ACL
Jared Gaither OL KC Moved to LT #2 on depth chart
Steve Maneri OL KC Moved to RT #2 on depth chart
Sabby Piscitelli S KC Moved to SS #1 on depth chart
Donald Washington S KC Moved to SS #2 on depth chart
Quentin Lawrence CB KC Now wears #31
Justin Cole LB KC Signs
Reshard Langford S KC Signs

Miami Dolphins
Will Yeatman TE MIA Added to game
Nolan Carroll CB MIA Decrease, from 64 to 62OVR
Anthony Fasano TE MIA Increase, from 75 to 77OVR
Chad Henne QB MIA Increase, from 77 to 79OVR
Kevin Burnett LB MIA Now wears #56
Rey Feinga OL MIA Released
Allen Barbre OL MIA Released
Benny Sapp CB MIA Released
Larry Johnson HB MIA Signs
Anderson Russell S MIA Signs
Will Allen CB MIA Signs

Minnesota Vikings
Allen Reisner TE MIN Added to game
Charlie Johnson OL MIN Decrease, from 80 to 77OVR
Donovan McNabb QB MIN Decrease, from 82 to 79OVR
Visanthe Shiancoe TE MIN Decrease, from 84 to 82OVR
Steve Hutchinson OL MIN Decrease, from 92 to 90OVR
Erin Henderson LB MIN Increase, from 69 to 72OVR
Brian Robison DL MIN Increase, from 74 to 78OVR
Minnesota Vikings TEAM MIN Decrease, from 73 to 72OVR
Adrian Awasom DL MIN Moved to LE #2 on depth chart
Kyle Rudolph TE MIN Moved to TE #2 on depth chart
Chad Greenway LB MIN New deal, 5yrs/41MIL/20M guaranteed
Adrian Peterson HB MIN New deal, 7yrs/96MIL/36M guaranteed
Charlie Johnson OL MIN Now wears #74
Jon Cooper OL MIN Released
Joe Berger OL MIN Signs
D.J. Johnson CB MIN Signs
Tyrone McKenzie LB MIN Signs

New England Patriots
Dan Connolly OL NE Changed position to C (was RG)
Nate Solder OL NE Changed position to RT (was LT)
Chad Ochocinco WR NE Decrease, from 84 to 83OVR
Devin McCourty CB NE Decrease, from 87 to 86OVR
Sergio Brown S NE Increase, from 62 to 69OVR
Matthew Slater WR NE Increase, from 63 to 66OVR
Myron Pryor DL NE Increase, from 69 to 71OVR
Nate Solder OL NE Increase, from 77 to 82OVR
Aaron Hernandez TE NE Increase, from 82 to 84OVR
Albert Haynesworth DL NE Increase, from 83 to 85OVR
Rob Gronkowski TE NE Increase, from 84 to 85OVR
Brian Waters OL NE Increase, from 87 to 88OVR
New England Patriots TEAM NE Increase, from 90 to 91OVR
Bret Lockett S NE IR
Dan Connolly OL NE Moved to C #1 on depth chart
Myron Pryor DL NE Moved to DT #4 on depth chart
Thomas Welch OL NE Moved to LT #2 on depth chart
A.J. Edds LB NE Moved to MLB #3 on depth chart
Brian Waters OL NE Moved to RG #1 on depth chart
Nate Solder OL NE Moved to RT #1 on depth chart
Kyle Arrington CB NE Now wears #24
Antwaun Molden CB NE Now wears #27
Sergio Brown S NE Now wears #31
Shane Vereen HB NE Now wears #34
James Ihedigbo S NE Now wears #44
A.J. Edds LB NE Now wears #90
Gerard Warren DL NE Released
Darius Butler CB NE Released
Thomas Welch OL NE Released
Dan Koppen OL NE Removed from depth chart (injury)
Dan Gronkowski TE NE Signs
A.J. Edds LB NE Signs
Matt Kopa OL NE Signs
Thomas Welch OL NE Signs
Donald Thomas OL NE Signs
Garrett Mills TE NE Signs

New Orleans Saints
Patrick Robinson CB NO Decrease, from 73 to 71OVR
Shaun Rogers DL NO Decrease, from 86 to 83OVR
Sedrick Ellis DL NO Decrease, from 86 to 85OVR
Aubrayo Franklin DL NO Decrease, from 88 to 86OVR
Junior Galette DL NO Increase, from 55 to 61OVR
Jonathan Casillas LB NO Increase, from 63 to 66OVR
Will Herring LB NO Increase, from 69 to 72OVR
Devery Henderson WR NO Increase, from 76 to 78OVR
Pierre Thomas HB NO Increase, from 78 to 79OVR
Darren Sproles HB NO Increase, from 79 to 81OVR
Drew Brees QB NO Increase, from 96 to 97OVR
Marques Colston WR NO Injury decreased, from 94 to 78INJ
Devery Henderson WR NO Moved to WR #1 on depth chart
Robert Meachem WR NO Moved to WR #2 on depth chart
Patrick Cobbs HB NO Released
Marques Colston WR NO Removed from depth chart (injury)

New York Giants
Osi Umenyiora DL NYG Decrease, from 89 to 88OVR
New York Giants TEAM NYG Decrease, from 84 to 83OVR
Eli Manning QB NYG Decrease, from 88 to 87OVR
Jake Ballard TE NYG Increase, from 65 to 70OVR
Jason Pierre-Paul DL NYG Increase, from 76 to 81OVR
Da’Rel Scott HB NYG Now wears #33
Jake Ballard TE NYG Now wears #85
Eli Manning QB NYG Removed Clutch trait
Adrian Tracy LB NYG Signs

New York Jets
Isaiah Trufant CB NYJ Added to game
Wayne Hunter OL NYJ Decrease, from 77 to 74OVR
Derrick Mason WR NYJ Decrease, from 86 to 85OVR
Antonio Cromartie CB NYJ Decrease, from 86 to 85OVR
Joe McKnight HB NYJ Increase, from 62 to 64OVR
Muhammad Wilkerson DL NYJ Increase, from 70 to 73OVR
Plaxico Burress WR NYJ Increase, from 83 to 84OVR
Mardy Gilyard WR NYJ Released
Andrew Sendejo S NYJ Released

Oakland Raiders
Matt Giordano S OAK Increase, from 69 to 74OVR
Sebastian Janikowski K OAK Increase, from 86 to 90OVR
Darren McFadden HB OAK Increase, from 87 to 88OVR
Richard Seymour DL OAK Increase, from 93 to 95OVR
Oakland Raiders TEAM OAK Increase, from 74 to 75OVR
Jerome Boyd S OAK Now wears #30

Philadelphia Eeagles
Phillip Hunt DL PHI Added to game
Jamaal Jackson OL PHI Decrease, from 78 to 72OVR
Jason Kelce OL PHI Increase, from 65 to 68OVR
LeSean McCoy HB PHI Increase, from 88 to 90OVR
Jason Kelce OL PHI Moved to C #1 on depth chart
Jamaal Jackson OL PHI Moved to C #2 on depth chart
Ronnie Brown HB PHI Now wears #34
Trevard Lindley CB PHI Released
Joselio Hanson CB PHI Signs
Anthony Hill TE PHI Signs

Pittsburgh Steelers
Marcus Gilbert OL PIT Changed position to RT (was LT)
Pittsburgh Steelers TEAM PIT Decrease, from 90 to 89OVR
Jonathan Scott OL PIT Decrease, from 73 to 70OVR
Heath Miller TE PIT Decrease, from 85 to 84OVR
Hines Ward WR PIT Decrease, from 86 to 85OVR
Aaron Smith DL PIT Decrease, from 91 to 89OVR
Ben Roethlisberger QB PIT Decrease, from 94 to 93OVR
Troy Polamalu S PIT Decrease, from 99 to 98OVR
Willie Colon OL PIT IR
Jamon Meredith OL PIT Moved to LT #2 on depth chart
Marcus Gilbert OL PIT Moved to RT #1 on depth chart
Troy Polamalu S PIT New deal, 4yrs/36MIL/10M guaranteed
Jamon Meredith OL PIT Signs

San Diego Chargers
Stephen Cooper LB SD Decrease, from 83 to 80OVR
Andrew Gachkar LB SD Increase, from 58 to 61OVR
Donald Butler LB SD Increase, from 72 to 74OVR
Mike Tolbert HB SD Increase, from 77 to 79OVR
Antonio Garay DL SD Increase, from 81 to 82OVR
Mike Scifres P SD Increase, from 83 to 87OVR
Nate Kaeding K SD IR – torn ACL
Corey Liuget DL SD Moved to LE #1 on depth chart
Ogemdi Nwagbuo DL SD Moved to LE #2 on depth chart
Jacques Cesaire DL SD Moved to RE #1 on depth chart
Mike Scifres P SD New deal, 6yrs/20MIL/9M guaranteed
Luis Castillo DL SD Removed from depth chart (injury)
Na’il Diggs LB SD Signs
Nick Novak K SD Signs
Drew Willy QB SD Signs
Traye Simmons CB SD Signs
Curtis Brinkley HB SD Signs
Ogemdi Nwagbuo DL SD Signs

Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks TEAM SEA Decrease, from 78 to 76OVR
James Carpenter OL SEA Changed position to LG (was RT)
Marshawn Lynch HB SEA Decrease, from 81 to 80OVR
Mike Williams WR SEA Decrease, from 83 to 82OVR
Zach Miller TE SEA Decrease, from 89 to 88OVR
Doug Baldwin WR SEA Increase, from 48 to 54OVR
Tarvaris Jackson QB SEA Increase, from 72 to 73OVR
Kam Chancellor S SEA Increase, from 75 to 77OVR
James Carpenter OL SEA Moved to LG #1 on depth chart
Breno Giacomini OL SEA Moved to RT #1 on depth chart
Kris Durham WR SEA Now wears #16
Josh Portis QB SEA Now wears #2
Landon Cohen DL SEA Released
Dominique Byrd TE SEA Released
Robert Gallery OL SEA Removed from depth chart (injury)
Tony Hargrove DL SEA Signs
Fendi Onobun TE SEA Signs
Eddie Williams FB SEA Signs

San Francisco 49ers
Braylon Edwards WR SF Decrease, from 84 to 83OVR
Blake Costanzo LB SF Increase, from 56 to
Ted Ginn WR SF Increase, from 74 to 75OVR
Ray McDonald DL SF Increase, from 77 to 81OVR
Parys Haralson LB SF Increase, from 78 to 79OVR
Justin Smith DL SF Increase, from 92 to 95OVR
Scott Tolzien QB SF Moved to QB #3 on depth chart
Vernon Davis TE SF New deal, 6yrs/42MIL/18M guaranteed
Xavier Omon HB SF Released
Colin Jones S SF Released
Ian Johnson HB SF Signs
Justin Peelle TE SF Signs

St. Louis Rams
Cadillac Williams HB STL Changed first name to Cadillac (was Carnell)
Jermale Hines S STL Changed position to FS (was SS)
Mike Sims-Walker WR STL Decrease, from 80 to 79OVR
Al Harris CB STL Decrease, from 81 to 79OVR
Justin King CB STL Increase, from 68 to 70OVR
Bradley Fletcher CB STL Increase, from 76 to 77OVR
Cadillac Williams HB STL Increase, from 76 to 78OVR
St. Louis Rams TEAM STL Decreae, from 80 to 79OVR
Ronald Bartell CB STL IR
Drew Miller OL STL IR
Bradley Fletcher CB STL Moved to CB #1 on depth chart
Justin King CB STL Moved to CB #2 on depth chart
Al Harris CB STL Moved to CB #3 on depth chart
Quintin Mikell S STL Moved to FS #1 on depth chart
James Butler S STL Moved to FS #2 on depth chart
C.J. Ah You DL STL Moved to LE #2 on depth chart
James Hall DL STL Moved to RE #1 on depth chart
Eugene Sims DL STL Moved to RE #2 on depth chart
Craig Dahl S STL Moved to SS #1 on depth chart
Darian Stewart S STL Moved to SS #2 on depth chart
Justin King CB STL Now wears #21
Jonathan Nelson S STL Released
Danny Amendola WR STL Removed from depth chart (injury)
Robert Quinn DL STL Removed from depth chart (injury)
Stephen Spach TE STL Signs
Scott Lutrus LB STL Signs
Tom Brandstater QB STL Signs
Tim Barnes OL STL Signs

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Devin Holland S TB Added to game
Christian Yount LS TB Added to game
Arrelious Benn WR TB Decrease, from 76 to 75OVR
LeGarrette Blount HB TB Decrease, from 81 to 80OVR
Preston Parker WR TB Increase, from 55 to 63OVR
Michael Bennett DL TB Increase, from 73 to 74OVR
Sean Jones S TB Increase, from 81 to 82OVR
E.J. Wilson DL TB IR
Christian Yount LS TB Moved to LS #1 on depth chart
Devin Holland S TB Moved to SS #3 on depth chart
Allen Bradford HB TB Now wears #21
Anthony Gaitor CB TB Now wears #24
Luke Stocker TE TB Now wears #88
Ross Homan LB TB Signs

Tennessee Titans
Chris Johnson HB TEN Decrease, from 96 to 95OVR
Kenny Britt WR TEN Increase, from 86 to 87OVR
Yamon Figurs WR TEN IR
Troy Kropog OL TEN Released

Washington Redskins
Chris Cooley TE WAS Decrease, from 87 to 85OVR
Chris Neild DL WAS Increase, from 62 to 67OVR
Jabar Gaffney WR WAS Increase, from 73 to 74OVR
Rex Grossman QB WAS Increase, from 74 to 76OVR
Ryan Kerrigan LB WAS Increase, from 74 to 76OVR
Reed Doughty S WAS Increase, from 78 to 79OVR
Tim Hightower HB WAS Increase, from 78 to 81OVR
Fred Davis TE WAS Increase, from 79 to 82OVR
Trent Williams OL WAS Increase, from 80 to 82OVR
Washington Redskins TEAM WAS Increase, from 74 to 76OVR
Oshiomogho Atogwe S WAS Moved to FS #1 on depth chart
DeJon Gomes S WAS Moved to FS #2 on depth chart
LaRon Landry S WAS Moved to SS #1 on depth chart
Reed Doughty S WAS Moved to SS #2 on depth chart
Tim Hightower HB WAS Now wears #25
Roy Helu HB WAS Now wears #29
Markus White LB WAS Now wears #55
Sean Locklear OL WAS Now wears #75
Chris Baker DL WAS Now wears #92
Chris Neild DL WAS Now wears #95

Among other notable changes, Troy Polamalu falls from 99 after his secondary was lit up by Baltimore. After a shocking 400+ yard rookie debut, Cam Newton jumped from 77 to 81 overall. To put that into perspective, Matthew Stafford is 82 overall and Ryan Fitzpatrick is 83 overall. Enjoy the football games this weekend, and check back here next week for the week 3 Madden 12 roster update.

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Because really big games deserve really long walls of text.

It’s almost football season, and that can only mean one thing — it’s time to wrap our hands and minds around the latest copy of Madden NFL. We originally planned this out to be a dual review to give you guys a greater perspective, unfortunately the hurricane on the east coast has put my co-author out of commission. I assure you however, that I’ve played enough Madden 12 for the both of us, so sit back and relax (or panic, if that’s your thing) and get a sneak peek inside GoMadden’s views on Madden NFL 12, and why we think it’s by far both the best and worst Madden we’ve ever played.

Gameplay Has Never Been Better

“…I have to say there’s no question this is the best football game I’ve ever played in terms of gameplay.”

For the second straight year, EA Sports has downplayed the gameplay enhancements they’ve made in Madden. Last season, the flagship additions were marketed as Gameflow and Online Team Play, and this year Franchise has gone front and center as the reason-to-buy. I think EA has been doing themselves a disservice, because both this season and last, I think gameplay has grown leaps and bounds with not nearly the acclaim it should be receiving.

In Madden 12, a brand-new collision system and consecutive hit tackling completely changes the way the game feels, and it’s never felt better. I guess because you have to actually play the game to understand, I can see why EA has been so modest about its mechanical improvements from an advertising perspective, but they’re certainly impressive. As someone who spends all year round writing about Madden, playing Madden and teaching others how to play Madden, I have to say there’s no question this is the best football game I’ve ever played in terms of gameplay.

In the past, it wouldn’t be difficult to frustrate me whenever a receiver dropped a pass after getting hit — for whatever reason it just didn’t feel fair. This year, there are more passes dropped as the result of collisions than ever, and yet, I couldn’t be happier about it. The way the game flows just feels right, it actually feels like you shouldn’t have caught that pass sometimes, and on defense there’s a great deal of enjoyment in knowing you can actually separate receivers from the ball if your timing is good.

Defense, too is something that received a significant overhaul. The zone coverage in Madden 12 is impressively good, which says a lot considering one of the primary gameplay complaints from Madden 11 was that it’s too easy to pass and score. Now, zone defenders will not only get proper depth in their responsibilities, but they will even float over to defend against nearby receivers if they don’t have an immediate threat, as opposed to just sitting two feet away while a receiver stands wide open on a curl for an hour.

I briefly mentioned consecutive hit tackling earlier, but I think I should clarify its significance. In past Madden seasons, there has always been something notoriously known as Tumbleweed tackles, which crippled gameplay. For a long time, only one defender could truly tackle a player, which caused situations where sometimes an entire team of defenders would whiff on a tackle if the offensive player was already in a struggle with just one defender. This has been a gameplay concern for a long time, and could very often decide outcomes of games. Without a doubt, it was also the cause of many huge offensive plays in Madden 11. Now, the days of the tumbleweed are almost entirely gone, as more than one defender can hit the ball carrier, making defense prominent once again after a short hiatus.

A Franchise With A Dangerously Bad Scouting Department

“…As a core concept different scouting events are great, but as executed it feels cheap, tedious and without any real intelligent way to track, mark favorites or keep notes on scouted players inside the game, it quickly becomes bothersome.”

When Madden 11 was released, it received no updates to franchise mode, and we were told to be patient and expect a complete overhaul for the mode in the future. I was one of the many players who were more than willing to take a year off of franchise to give EA the time to get it right, as to me it’s by far the most enjoyable part of Madden every year (even with its problems). With so many changes made to franchise mode this season it’s hard to really get into all of them, but I think I’m being very fair (albeit contrarian compared to other reviews) when I say EA dropped the ball with franchise mode.

I’ve seen some early reviews praising franchise mode endlessly, and as much as I want to agree, I can’t imagine what they were thinking when they didn’t apply enough significance to some pressing problems. For franchise to work, I’ve always said it has to be all about the draft, all about scouting and developing talent. In my opinion, after several playthroughs, this is the area EA fell short in, and it’s absolutely crippling to the mode. Ostensibly, this wouldn’t seem like the case, as there’s now several events to scout players for, more strategy involved in making roster cuts and dynamic player performance to keep you busy. Unfortunately, that’s just the outside, and there’s much to be desired once you go in.

On the inside, scouting is really just the same thing lethargically repeated several times over, with a splash screen and number of players allowed to scout being the only thing that really differentiates the scouting events. As a core concept different scouting events are great, but as executed it feels cheap, tedious and without any real intelligent way to track and keep notes on scouted players inside the game, it quickly becomes bothersome. Please, I beg you EA, give us a form of Scouting 2.0, because I don’t think scouting is really getting the emphasis it deserves in franchise these days.

It’s not just that the current scouting system seems unfulfilling, it’s that we’ve actually gone backward and lost key elements of scouting from the past. No longer can you see important details about a player like his 40 time, bench press, long jump or cone drill. The very smart and useful bubble-graph to see the skillset of a player is also gone. The big problem with the loss of these two features, is that since player names are randomized to prospects, you now have absolutely no way to make an intelligent draft selection of anyone you didn’t personally select to have scouted.

This is nothing like the NFL, even though at first thought it sounds like it.

Sure, if you send out scouts to watch a player personally you should have more information about them, but it shouldn’t completely shut you out from players you don’t scout. In the NFL, coaches still have season statistics to go by, physical trials recorded by outlets other than themselves and plenty of ways to make smart decisions on players that they may not have been able to watch themselves (BLESTO scouting comes to mind). The problem this creates in the game world is obvious: Because you’re only allowed to scout so many players, and because many of those players you scout will be gone relatively quickly, you’re often left with the majority of your draft looking at names, height and weight… and that’s what you’re expected to go by.

At first you would think this is just a strategical challenge, and that you should try to spread your scouts out to only a few players in each round, so that you’ll have reports to match players in every round and not be left so much in the dark. This still isn’t a good solution however, since there are 32 picks in each round, and at best with this strategy you could scout only a handful projected players for each round and get an effective report on even fewer. Are you telling me NFL teams only scout six or seven players projected for the first round? I can’t do much more than that, or else I’m in the dark for the rest of the draft. And when I say in the dark, I mean I have absolutely no information about the other players, which means when I hit on someone I feel lucky and unfulfilled since there was no skill or significant decision making involved, and when I miss on someone I feel cheated by the system.

The franchise scouting system could be very good if they simply brought back the bubble-graph that makes the drafting experience more enjoyable, as well as basic trial numbers such as 40 yard dash. These things have never given away precise ratings of players, and sometimes were even wrong, so they were never negative aspects of franchise. Until this is resolved, it’s really not worth getting into all what else is good about franchise, because without the draft there’s little reason to play it. It’s a shame, really, because there’s a lot to like in the rest of the mode, such as dynamic player performance, future draft pick trading and other important changes.

This current scouting system is such a problem, that I’ve actually found online franchise to be more enjoyable, which is saying a lot considering online franchise has hardly been touched since its inception (and you must wait 30 minutes for each week to advance). In online franchise you are shown the full ratings for rookies during the draft (and oddly enough, it still has the bubble-graph) but I actually believe it takes more drafting skill and is a more fulfilling experience than the crapshoot that EA has set up for the offline mode this year.

There’s also what appears to me to be a crtical bug in the supersim mode within franchise. I’m past the point in my Madden career where playing the actual team in my franchise is fun, since I could win any game with just about any team. Instead, for veterans like me it’s all about drafting and developing talent, and then simming the season to see my progress. The most enjoyable way to do this is to start up the game for that week, and watch the play-by-play in supersim. For whatever reason however, simming outside the game and supersimming within the game are entirely different. When I sim inside the game — and this has been tested adnauseum for accuracy — the running game seems to be almost entirely predicated on dice rolls of break tackle abilities. That is to say, if you have an awful running back with very high elusiveness and feed him the ball 20 times a game, he’s guaranteed to have nearly 200 yards or even more because the game seems to just gauge his chances of breaking a tackle and scoring.

At first this might sound kind of fun, but then the reality sets in that the same thing happens for the computer, and huge running plays for touchdowns become all too common. As a side effect, this also means that your defense won’t have a whole lot of tackles, since a ton of running plays will go all the way for a touchdown. I’ve supersimmed every game in a season in franchise mode from within the game a few times now, and the result was often that my leading tackler had 30-40 tackles. I don’t think I have to explain how badly this impacts the progression of defensive rookies if given enough time.

It’s not just the tackling/elusiveness part of supersim that seems broken, either. Injuries are also drastically more prevalent in a season of full supersims at 10 minute quarters. I’m almost positive at this point that at least within supersim, injury ratings are not relative to the time. In a perfect world, a 95 injury rating with 10 minute quarters would produce the same amount of injuries as a 95 injury rating in 5 minute quarters, but that doesn’t seem to be the case in supersim, and it’s absolutely crippling.

And yet, amidst all the turmoil in the scouting, drafting and simming process there is a genuinely good new way to take part in Free Agency. Whereas before free agency had a lackluster feel of throwing money at someone, this season there’s an actual bidding system that is both fun, and challenging. I do wish we had a list of free agents in advance to make preparation a more important part, and it would be nice if there was more of a visual cue for players you are currently bidding on, but it’s still a great step forward that is worth mentioning, and even worth looking forward to every offseason.

Overall, franchise makes me feel as if testers never even touched supersim, and feedback groups never even brought up the problem with the scouting system. Luckily, everything mentioned seems very fixable in a title update, so my fingers are crossed that I’ll be able to enjoy a very good franchise mode this year, as I had been looking forward to all offseason.

An Online Arena For Today’s Social Scene

“…One of my favorite parts of MUT this year is the addition of Legendary Packs, which add in a level of uncertainty that is so important in card pack buying.”

In today’s world, staying connected with others you know is a critical part of online activity, and Madden NFL 12 manages to accomodate that fact beautifully. With the all-new Online Communities, players can create or join communities that play the way you want to play the game, complete with local leaderboards and customized settings. That means you can join a community with all your forum buddies and play and win games in an environment that actually matters to you. As a side effect, communities also encourage people to quit and cheat in games less, since there’s the inherent feeling of accountability. I do wish you could have private communities that worked by invites instead of just passwords, however that’s just me.

A year ago we wrote in our Madden 11 review that the online mode was hampered early on by a lack of foresight in balancing that caused players to leave games before half time and never receive a loss. This made the game nearly unplayable online, and in my case I went through 20 games in a row before someone stayed the whole game, and in true rage fashion, I lost from a field goal, leaving me 0-1 as opposed to 20-1. Ouch.

Now, if you leave a game at any point you receive a loss, and your opponent receives a win. EA rightfully had some concerns that this would encourage people to find and expoit glitches that cause their opponents to drop out of the game, however I think that’s a lot less exploitable than someone merely leaving when they’re losing, so to me it’s the right choice.

Even Madden Ultimate Team (the online card game) is connecting players together better. Now, if you have a card your friend wants you can work a trade with them so you both end up happy. Don’t have a friend to trade with? That’s not a problem either, because now there’s a trade block you can place cards on, and even let people know in advance the type of value you are looking for in return. Although currently cards can only be traded one-for-one, the talk from the team on Twitter has been that there may be a possibility of adding more flexibility to trades in the future. For now, trading of any sort is good enough for me, and it makes the mode feel more at home in the card collecting universe.

One of my favorite parts of MUT this year is the addition of Legendary Packs, which add in a level of uncertainty that is so important in card pack buying. With Legendary Packs, players will receive a healthy mix of players from the previous tiered card pack, however there is also a chance of getting a Legendary player card in the process. The odds of getting one of those players seems to be in favor of the house, however it’s enough of a chance that you’ll want to keep trying in hopes of getting your very own Jerry Rice, Dan Marino or many other cards of historic players.

If I had any real complaints about online play — and this might be griping a bit — it would be that quick matches in normal games are just a bit slower now since it takes time to not only check if you need a roster update, but also if you need a tuner update (tuners being EA’s way to make improvements to the game a lot quicker than before). Considering the significance of the tuner system, we’re willing to deal with this.

Speaking of quick matches, there are two unheralded adjustments EA made to its match making system that really shine. The first is a distinction made between skill and level. Players now gain levels and skill separately when they play, making for a much better matchmaking system. The second is the removal of a player’s win/loss record from the matchmaking screen. While some may not like this kind of information removed, to me it’s a huge improvement to the system, because as someone who usually boasts a quality record I would often find myself in the “quick match” screen for several minutes, as I watch people join and dodge over and over again. This also means there are a lot less players out there climbing up the leaderboards by hand-picking opponents in the quickmatch screen.

Despite Franchise Woes, It’s Worth Every Penny

“…if you just want to enjoy the best-playing football game ever made, then you absolutely cannot go wrong with Madden NFL 12″

Despite the serious concerns we have about scouting and the draft in franchise mode, this is still the best Madden we’ve ever played. The tackles in the game are beautiful, the gameplay is stellar and fans will get a great kick out of the online communities feature. If you were hoping to buy Madden just for its improved franchise mode, then we would recommend holding off until it’s more clear what changes might be made in a title update, but if you just want to enjoy the best-playing football game ever made, then you absolutely cannot go wrong with Madden NFL 12, and will spend a great deal of time just checking out all the improvements made on and off the field.

We don’t give out stars or letter grades around here, but suffice it to say we’re excited to finish this review, and get right back into the game.

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Now that we have the Madden 12 Buccaneers ratings right here, all 32 teams have had their Madden 12 ratings revealed on GoMadden.com!

On the back of enormous improvement from QB Josh Freeman and some unlikely offensive stars, the Bucs improved a full 7 wins in 2010. In a very competitive NFC South, the team is narrowly third at an 84 overall team rating. The Bucs’ best players in Madden are on offense, with TE Kellen Winslow (89 overall), RG Davin Joseph (88 overall), and of course Freeman (87 overall).

The Bucs’ young offensive nucleus is pictured below. As always, full ratings can be found through the link. If you’re a Bucs fan, go ahead and leave a comment with your thoughts on these ratings.

Madden 12 Bucs Ratings (View All)

Note: Most transactions after the lockout ended will not be applied to Madden rosters until after the first roster patch upon release.

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Madden 12 will hit shelves exactly a week from now, and we’re just finishing up the game’s player ratings. Today we have a look at the full Madden 12 Saints ratings.

Last year, New Orleans hoped to do what few teams have done by winning back-to-back Super Bowls. Even though the team took a painful playoff dive in Seattle, the Saints are still regarded as one of the top teams as evident by their 85 overall team rating in Madden 12. QB Drew Brees (96 overall) is a top 5 QB in the game, and his usual cast of speedy receivers return.

New Orleans has a new rookie running back in town. Him, Brees, and a couple other Saints are shown below but the full roster is beyond the link. Tell us what you like or don’t like about the Saints ratings in Madden 12.

Madden 12 Saints Ratings (View All)

Note: Most transactions after the lockout ended will not be applied to Madden rosters until after the first roster patch upon release.

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Carolina didn’t have to wait very long in the NFL draft, but they are the 30th team to have their ratings released. Here are the Madden 12 Panthers ratings.

Just a few years ago the Panthers won the NFC South on the back of a dominant offense. In 2010, it was the Panthers’ offensive ineptitude that earned them a league-worst 2-14 record and a 72 overall team rating in Madden 12. Carolina is talented individually in Madden though. MLB Jon Beason is a beast at 97 overall, 85 speed, and 93 acceleration. HB DeAngelo Williams (89 overall) can still get it done on offense, especially when four of five offensive line starters are over 85 overall.

Cam Newton’s face may not have been included, but watch out for him in Madden. He’s not Vick, but 83 speed, 94 acceleration, and 79 trucking could make him a threat in the future. Him and three other top rated Carolina players are below and the rest are through the link.

Madden 12 Panthers Ratings (View All)

Note: Most transactions after the lockout ended will not be applied to Madden rosters until after the first roster patch upon release.

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The last division to be unveiled for Madden 12 is one of the best in football, the NFC South. First up is its 2010 champions with the Madden 12 Falcons ratings.

The Falcons were a force in the regular season last year, amassing an NFC-best 13 wins. Though the Falcons fell in the first round of the playoffs, they were still rewarded with an 87 overall team rating in Madden 12. WR Roddy White (96 overall) is the team’s best player in Madden, and fellow receiver Julio Jones enters the fray as a rookie at 78 overall and many similar individual ratings to Roddy himself.

The Falcons looking to become more explosive on offense translates to good things in Madden. Ratings for some of Atlanta’s top offensive weapons are below and the full team ratings are just past the link. Falcons fans, go ahead and let us know what you think about these ratings.

Madden 12 Falcons Ratings (View All)

Note: Most transactions after the lockout ended will not be applied to Madden rosters until after the first roster patch upon release.

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We’ve already shown you Madden ratings for the other three NFC North teams, now it’s time for the defending division and Super Bowl champs with the Madden 12 Packers ratings.

The Packers sneaked into the playoffs last year and then made everyone pay for it by bringing home the Lombardi trophy. To no surprise, the Packers’ 92 overall team rating is the best team rating in Madden 12. Green Bay will be a solid team in Madden with an explosive offense headed by QB Aaron Rodgers (98 overall) and WR Greg Jennings (93 overall), plus the defense won’t slouch either with LOLB Clay Matthews (95 overall).

Mr. Rodgers and some of his favorite toys are shown below. If that’s not enticing enough, just click the provided link to see the full roster. If you’re feeling happy or outraged about these, feel free to tell us in the comments.

Madden 12 Packers Ratings (View All)

Note: Most transactions after the lockout ended will not be applied to Madden rosters until after the first roster patch upon release.

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As usual, this time of year something special arrives for Minnesota football fans. No, not Brett Favre again, it’s the Madden 12 Vikings ratings!

A team that was a play away from the Super Bowl just two years ago, the Vikings have fallen far since then. Now with gaping holes at many positions, the Vikings’ 74 overall team rating has even been surpassed by the Lions. All is not so bad for the Vikes though, as they still have the monster known as Adrian Peterson at RB (97 overall, 97 speed) and dynamic WR Percy Harvin (85 overall, 96 speed).

We’re not sure why QB Christian Ponder has no face here, but ratings for him and some of his supporting cast are down below. Ratings for the full roster can then be found by clicking the link. Voice your thoughts in the comments.

Madden 12 Vikings Ratings (View All)

Note: Most transactions after the lockout ended will not be applied to Madden rosters until after the first roster patch upon release.

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Madden strategy sites may have to work on a different kind of defense this year.

Madden Sites Shutting Down

Whenever football fans think of Madden strategy guides, they’re hardly thinking about how legal they are. In fact, many players that are looking for guides are explicitly seeking to find cheats and exploits, so at least in some regard it’s clear they don’t really care what’s legitimate. But what about the people making those guides, does it concern them what’s legal? It should, because those very same sites teaching you the X’s and O’s of Madden, may soon be out of the game entirely.

The story of this past NFL offseason was about one thing, and one thing only – the lockout. It was only a few months, but it might as well have been ages as players were locked out of their jobs by NFL owners, and fans got a taste of what it’s like without their precious football. When Jeff Saturday and Robert Kraft shared a hug just a month ago, we thought the lockout was all done, but for well-known Madden strategy sites a lockout of its own sort is only just beginning.

While it may not be immediately obvious to consumers, anything sold containing content from a video game – even strategies teaching you how to play that game – are often considered infringing upon intellectual properties. Just this week, Electronic Arts has made it a point to highlight this purported fact, by sending takedown notices to a few of the oldest, and most popular Madden sites online. As was recently reported, some sites were told to remove their strategy guides, while others were expected to shut down their websites entirely.

Many of the sites impacted by notices – and those likely still to come – have been doing the same thing for years, however it’s only recently EA has been so aggressive in defending its properties on the strategy front. Some have drawn a connection to the fact that Prima Games is making a bold transition from the retail space, to the digital world, and as the “Official Strategy Guide” of Madden NFL, they are perhaps putting pressure on EA to help them corner the market.

“We are all at the mercy of EA and their wishes,” said one forum goer in discussion about the subject and no doubt summing up the collective minds of many webmasters, guide authors and fans.

The owner of one of the more reputable sites that received a notice even sent out a heartfelt good-bye to their readers, as it appeared to them there was nothing they could do about it. They conceded their immobility on the matter, and decided it was time move on from a successful community that was years in the making. If that doesn’t sound like it’s right to you, it may be because there’s good reason to believe it isn’t.

What We Learned From Brian Kopp

When Vivendi Entertainment/Blizzard discovered author Brian Kopp’s World of Warcraft strategy book on eBay in 2006, they were swift to file DMCA notices against Kopp for infringing on their intellectual property. Kopp did use some images from the game within the context of his strategy guide, however he was confident his usage fell under Fair Use laws and that he was legally in the clear. When Vivendi didn’t stop filing takedown notices that temporarily would make his product unavailable, and when his counter-notices were repeatedly ignored, Kopp decided to sue Vivendi for damages accrued.

Not only did Brian Kopp stand up to Vivendi’s claims, but in a very real sense made his case known. Vivendi backed down following the suit, and settled with Kopp, agreeing to no longer bother him as part of the settlement. Paul Levy of the civil liberties advocacy group Public Citizen described the issue rather simply, stating that the impact of such products being illegal would mean that “selling a how-to book about Microsoft Word would infringe Microsoft’s copyright, especially if the book contained one or more screenshots of Word’s user interface.” In the context of criticism or teaching someone how to do something, Fair Use is known to bend quite far to accomodate original and useful works.

Tutorials For Software Are All Around Us

For anyone in the web and digital media industry, it’s almost impossible to turn around without finding expensive video and written tutorials on how to use specific programs like Photoshop, Dreamweaver or Sony Vegas. While there are certainly a great deal of free guides available for these programs, few people question the legal integrity of full-length DVD tutorials that can routinely be found to help educate people in how to create different effects with these kinds of software, so why is some of the Madden community rolling over so easily for what is essentially the same thing?

There is no question that a strong case could be made by EA that any strategy content sold that contains glitches or exploits can be damaging to their online multiplayer products, and for that reason one might expect those instances would be excluded from protection by Fair Use; however for other strategy guides and sites that focus predominantly on teaching good-faith tips, it’s very possible fan autors have more legal footing than they might think.

Much like other software, people purchase Madden to play it, not to watch it. It’s for that reason a great deal more leeway may be involved in using footage and images from the game, than of movies or television shows. Past conflicts with the ACLU involving Viacom and YouTubers has reminded all of us over the years that even footage from TV shows can be protected under Fair Use in the right context, and a much better case can be made to no avail against that medium than it can be made against hands-on software like Madden NFL.

A great deal of precedence has been set that would lead one to believe that Madden guides have at least some legal footing to dig into, but what about that official deal Prima Games has with Madden NFL? What if it was exclusive? Wouldn’t that make this whole thing different? Well, not exactly. If EA could circumvent Fair Use laws utilized by others simply by saying only one party is allowed to produce strategy guides regarding their content, then couldn’t they just as easily say only one party is allowed to write a review of their game? That kind of thinking wouldn’t fly for more than a second before the obvious ramifications of it reared its ugly head. And before you think the idea of guides being paid for and reviews being free has anything to do with it, consider for a second how much you paid for the game magazine that Madden review would likely be featured in.

Copyright laws are intended to protect creative works, not squash them.

Madden Sites Can Make It Easier On Themselves

Of course, none of this is to say that the Madden tips community doesn’t have some cleaning up to do. There are plenty of good-faith practices that can and should be employed by Madden fan sites when it comes to game guides. For starters, removing NFL players, stadiums and trademarks and replacing them with custom alternatives would be a step forward. Another important step toward Fair Use would be for sites to stop selling guides with several minutes or hours of game footage without sufficiently narrating, and explaining concepts being demonstrated as they happen. Videos have to be more than just something tossed into a guide to make it look pretty, they need to be a core part of the educational process if they’re going to be used.

I can’t say I’m exactly impartial on the subject of Madden guides. As the founder of GoMadden.com, I’ve spent a better part of the past year creating and planning guide content to provide readers to help offset the extreme time, effort and sometimes money required to operate a sanctuary for Madden fans. Without revenue from strategy content, my site and all the hard work put into it would likely go under within a year, as would many other fan resources that have helped enact positive change in the development of the Madden franchise.

Some sites are trying to lay low and keep quiet by removing discussion on their forums about this issue, and hoping they get ignored or passed by as the conflict rages on. In confidence, one fellow webmaster even told me they might not produce any guides this season at all, just to be safe. With that in mind, it should be clear the obvious risk I’m taking just by writing this article, and how important I think this must be to write it anyway.

One could easily understand where desires might lie for Prima Games from a business stand point, and I certainly respect EA’s persistence in ensuring their partnership is one that is both long and mutually beneficial. There is plenty of value involved in paying to be the official strategy partner of Madden NFL, but the core of that value can’t be that other authors are locked out of their own civil liberties.

We’ve already had enough lockouts for one year. Madden fans don’t need another.

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Everyone in the Madden community is talking about the Eagles, but another popular team actually could be Detroit. Find out why with the Madden 12 Lions ratings.

If the Lions build on their 6-10 2010 finish they may make the playoffs for the first time in ages this year. With Detroit adding loads of talent these days, they’re now up to a 76 overall team rating. The team rating isn’t terribly good, but the offensive pieces make Detroit an underrated Madden team. 6’5″ WR Calvin Johnson (93 overall, 95 speed, 99 jumping) is the obvious, but RB Jahvid Best (80 overall, 96 speed) was a key recent addition. DT Ndamukong Suh (89 overall) leads a much-improved defense.

A few of Detroit’s young guns are down below but the whole roster is just after the link. Lions fans speak up: Will this team be good enough for you to play in Madden this year?

Madden 12 Lions Ratings (View All)

Note: Most transactions after the lockout ended will not be applied to Madden rosters until after the first roster patch upon release.

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