3 laughable Packers player ratings in ‘Madden NFL 21’

3. Za’Darius Smith, EDGE – 88 overall

It’s hard to know what more Za’Darius Smith could’ve done last season to earn a player rating of at least 90 in this year’s game. Absolutely dominant in his debut season with the Packers, Smith made play after play and was named a Pro Bowler for the first time in his career. Smith led the Packers in sacks with 13.5 and led the league in quarterback hits with 37.

According to Pro Football Focus, Smith generated five-plus pressures in 67 percent of the games he played last season. Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine would move Smith around, and he dominated offensive linemen either rushing off the edge or from the inside.

Sure, an 88 overall rating isn’t bad for any player. But Smith still deserves more than that. Despite all of his success with the Packers last season, Smith’s “Madden” rating falls outside of the top 10 pass rushers in the game.

The Packers’ star edge rusher continues to be underrated. He wasn’t named an All-Pro last season and was only a Pro Bowl alternate before being added to the NFC team later on.

Smith was one of the best pass rushers in the NFL last season — just ask Kirk Cousins. There’s no doubt that his player rating in “Madden 21” is too low.