Every year, EA hypes its latest version of Madden NFL by kicking back and letting the computer play through an entire season. It’s a novel way of generating publicity, but shouldn’t necessarily be scoffed at.
Last season, for instance, the game came eerily close to getting the Super Bowl spot-on, predicting a 28-24 Steelers victory over the Cardinals. The real thing finished 27-23 . Whew.
This year, EA left Madden NFL 10 to its own devices, resulting in a New England Patriots victory in Super Bowl XLIV, following a 14-2 season. Other division champs will supposedly include the Steelers, Titans, Chargers, Eagles, Falcons, Cardinals and Bears, while the Giants will pick up a wild card, along with the Colts, Ravens and Panthers. I’m off to the bookies, having now remortgaged the house.
The predictions in full:
NFL 2009 Season Awards (as simulated by Madden NFL 10 )
NFL MVP – Tom Brady, New England Patriots Offensive Player of the Year – Tom Brady, New England Patriots Defensive Player of the Year – Patrick Willis, San Francisco 49ers Offensive Rookie of the Year – Mark Sanchez, New York Jets Defensive Rookie of the Year – Brian Orakpo, Washington Redskins Coach of the Year – Andy Reid, Philadelphia Eagles.
NFL 2009 All-Pro Team
Quarterback – Tom Brady (New England Patriots) Running Back – Michael Turner (Atlanta Falcons); Brandon Jacobs (New York Giants) Wide Receiver – Randy Moss (New England Patriots); Andre Johnson (Houston Texans) Tight End – Jason Witten (Dallas Cowboys) Offensive Line – Matt Light (New England Patriots); Shawn Andrews (Philadelphia Eagles); Chris Snee (New York Giants); Logan Mankins (New England Patriots); Michael Roos (Tennessee Titans) Defensive Line – Trevor Pryce (Baltimore Ravens); Haloti Ngata (Baltimore Ravens); Kris Jenkins (New York Jets); Osi Umenyiora (New York Giants) Linebacker – Patrick Willis (San Francisco 49ers); Channing Crowder (Miami Dolphins); James Farrior (Pittsburgh Steelers) Defense Back – Brandon Meriweather (New England Patriots); Nnamdi Asomugha (Oakland Raiders); Ed Reed (Baltimore Ravens); Donte Whitner (Buffalo Bills) Kicker – Josh Scobee (Jacksonville Jaguars) Punter – Brad Maynard (Chicago Bears) Kick Returner – Devin Hester (Chicago Bears) Punt Returner – Josh Cribbs (Cleveland Browns)
[Via press release]
