Middle linebackers are often thought to be the anchors of NFL defenses.
To have a middle linebacker with a relentless motor and high acumen for reading offenses is an absolute advantage in football. It's also an advantage as a gamer for the upcoming Madden NFL 16 title.
EA Sports has revealed its top-rated middle linebackers for the video game and just like on the field in the NFL...they shouldn't disappoint during gameplay, either.
Here's their Top 5.
1. Luke Kuechly, Carolina Panthers
Seek and destroy. The minds behind Madden NFL 16 believe that Luke Kuechly chases down running backs, wide receivers, tight ends and quarterbacks better than anyone else. That's why they gave him a 99 rating in pursuit and 98 in tackle. He also received a 98 in play recognition and a 96 overall rating. Enough said.
2. Navorro Bowman, San Francisco 49ers
Right behind Kuechly is hard-hitting 49ers middle linebacker Navorro Bowman. With so many changes to San Fran's defense, Bowman remains its featured performer. EA gave him high ratings, including a 97 in tackle and 96 pursuit.
3. Bobby Wagner, Seattle Seahawks
Much is made of the Seattle Seahawks' secondary, which includes stars like Richard Sherman and Kam Chancellor, but don't forget about their D-line or linebacker corps. Bobby Wagner has been one of the better NFL middle linebackers the past few years with his 104 combined tackles last season only driving that point home. A 97 rating in tackle, 96 pursuit and 90 play recognition are spot on for Wagner.
4. Clay Matthews, Green Bay Packers
At 29 and his fourth year starting, Clay Matthews has a lot of MLB miles on him...but remains one of the best linebackers in the entire NFL. Moving from the outside to the inside last year, Matthews still racked up 11 sacks, and that's why EA gave him a 96 in pursuit, 90 in tackle, and 88 play recognition.
5. Daryl Smith, Baltimore Ravens
Rounding out the Top 5 is Baltimore Ravens' stud Daryl Smith, who EA gave a 95 in play recognition and 92 apiece for tackle and pursuit.
EA Sports will likely be revealing its top-rated players for a different position daily.
Be sure to follow T-Lounge on Twitter and visit our Facebook page.
