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New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley returned to form in the 2022 season opener last Sunday, and he was rewarded with a boost to his Madden rating.
The popular video franchise announced its first ratings update of the year ahead of Week 2, and Barkley got a one-point boost to 87:
Madden NFL 23 @EAMaddenNFL
Revenge tour has started 😤 @saquon | #Madden23 pic.twitter.com/z0lB7tvxW6
Barkley led the Giants to a 21-20 win over the Tennessee Titans, totaling 194 scrimmage yards in the win. He rushed for 164 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries while adding six receptions for 30 yards.
The 25-year-old speedster looked like the player who was named 2018 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year on Sunday. Barkley’s career was hampered by multiple injuries after his rookie season, including a torn ACL in 2020, but he appears to be fully healthy this year. If he’s able to become the workaholic he once was, it won’t be the last time his Madden rating rises.
After facing off in Week 1, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick also both saw their Madden ratings increase.
Chase went from 87 to 88 and Fitzpatrick got a one-point upgrade to join the 90 club:
Madden NFL 23 @EAMaddenNFL
The first of a long series for @Real10jayy__ 📈 @Bengals | #Madden23 pic.twitter.com/zHI0m1I6dp
Madden NFL 23 @EAMaddenNFL
Nobody had a better defensive performance than @minkfitz_21 @steelers | #Madden23 pic.twitter.com/8p9BTr8TE3
Fitzpatrick and the Steelers emerged victorious on Sunday with a 23-20 victory in overtime. The 25-year-old was an absolute force to lead the Pittsburgh defense, totaling 14 tackles and returning an interception 31 yards for a touchdown.
Chase, the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, picked up where he left off and opened his sophomore season with another standout performance. The former LSU led Cincinnati with 10 receptions for 129 yards and a touchdown in the loss.
As division rivals, Chase and Fitzpatrick will face off once again this season. It’s clear they bring out the best in each other, so they could both be in for monster performances again when the Steelers and Bengals meet again in Week 11.
Jacksonville Jaguars rookie and 2022 No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker made a strong impression in his NFL debut, and that was enough to earn him a 77 rating:
Madden NFL 23 @EAMaddenNFL
Several firsts for @44Ytw
Tackle
sack
INT#Madden23 Grades update 📈 pic.twitter.com/nF0DiVustu
Walker finished with four tackles, a sack, a tackle for loss and an impressive interception in Jacksonville’s 28-22 loss to the Washington Commanders. If Sunday’s performance was any indication of his potential, it looks like the Jaguars have landed a gem by selecting Walker first overall. He will have the chance to impress once again in Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts.
