The New Orleans Saints have long been one of the most talented and impressive teams in the NFL, but their season has ended in heartbreak the last two years.
In 2017 it was in the Divisonal Round against the Vikings, when an unlikely last-second touchdown, dubbed the “Minneapolis Miracle”, sent them home. Last season they were hosting the NFC Championship game and had a chance to seal the game with a first down. The referees missed an obvious defensive pass interference and the Rams ended up forcing overtime and eventually winning. That no-call was bad enough to force the NFL into a rule change.
After two years of misery the Saints window for success is closing. Star quarterback Drew Brees is now 40, making 2019 potentially his last. Can you take over in franchise mode and guide the Saints to their second Super Bowl triumph?
Team Rating
The Saints enter Madden 20 with a very strong 81 OVR. That puts them behind only the Eagles and Cowboys, and tied with the Rams, Patriots, and Bears.
The Saints’ strength is their 85 rated offense, powered by Drew Brees, Alvin Kamara, and Michael Thomas among others. Defensively the Saints are weaker, rated 79 but they too have their own set of stars that can make an impact.
READ MORE: NBA 2K20 Review – The best story mode around
Michael Thomas, Wide Receiver (93 OVR)
Age: 26
Development Trait: Superstar X-Factor
Contract: 6 years/$97.9 million
2019 Cap Hit: $6.13 million
Best Stats: Catching (98), Short Route (95), Catch In Traffic (95), Medium Route (94), Spectacular Catch (94), Acceleration (92), Release (92)
To say Michael Thomas is a monster would be an understatement. A second-round pick in 2016, Thomas has been a 1,000+ yard receiver in every season, reaching career marks in catches (125) and yards (1,405) last season as he made his first First Team All-Pro and earned a monster new contract.
In Madden 20 Thomas’ catching (98) is his best asset. He is a strong route runner (95 short, 94 medium, 89 deep) and he has good release (92) and jumping (90) that will help in the redzone.
Drew Brees, Quarterback (92 OVR)
Age: 40
Development Trait: Superstar X-Factor
Contract: 1 year/$22.7 million
2019 Cap Hit: $22.7 million
Best Stats: Short Accuracy (99), Awareness (97), Play Action (96), Medium Accuracy (95), Throw Under Pressure (93), Deep Accuracy (90)
Drew Brees was a second-round pick for the San Diego Chargers in 2001. He sat his rookie season and took over in 2002. He started for them for four years before a shoulder injury, along with the Chargers adding Phil Rivers, led to Brees leaving after the 2005 season. He arrived in New Orleans and immediately pushed them up towards the Super Bowl. They triumphed in the 2009 season, claiming the Saints first Lombardi Trophy. Brees in the all-time NFL leader in passing yards and should hit the top in passing touchdowns this year.
In Madden 20 Brees is an assassin in the pocket (99 short, 95 medium, 90 deep). His throw power (85) is no longer ideal, but with his quality on play action (96) and under pressure (93) means he is a superb all-round passer.
READ MORE: All the best playbooks in Madden 20
Cameron Jordan, Defensive End (91 OVR)
Age: 30
Development Trait: Superstar X-Factor
Contract: 5 years/$78.3 million
2019 Cap Hit: $9.54 million
Best Stats: Awareness (97), Play Recognition (97), Power Moves (92), Block Shed (92), Strength (91), Tackle (89), Pursuit (89)
The Saints drafted Cameron Jordan in the first-round of the 2011 draft and have been well rewarded for their investment. Jordan picked up 12.5 sacks in his 2013 season as he got his first Pro Bowl invitation. Over the last two years Jordan has made the First Team All-Pro once and racked up 25 total sacks and 49 QB hits.
Jordan is a terrifc end in Madden 20. With good strength (91) and elite awareness (97) and play recognition (97) he can sniff out the play and find the ball. He has amazing power moves (92) and his pursuit (89) and tackle (89) combine with his block shed (92) to make him a strong run defender as well as pass rusher.
Marshon Lattimore, Cornerback (87 OVR)
Age: 23
Development Trait: Superstar
Contract: 2 years/$9.08 million
2019 Cap Hit: $4.19 million
Best Stats: Acceleration (94), Speed (93), Jumping (91), Agility (91), Man Coverage (89), Press (86), Zone Coverage (84)
Marshon Lattimore was the 11th overall pick for the Saints in 2017 and made an immediate impact. As a rookie he racked up 5 interceptions and 18 deflections, earning himself a Pro Bowl invite. In 2018 quarterbacks started avoiding him but he still picked off 2 passes and forced 4 fumbles.
Lattimore is a physical athlete in Madden 20. He has good speed (93) and acceleration (94) to underpin his whole game, while his jumping (91) and agility (91) will help him in all situations. He is best in man coverage (89) and good in the press (86) but he can play zone too (84).
READ MORE: 7 tips to improve your offense
Want to share your opinion? Why not Write For Us?
