Madden NFL 23 may have undervalued LA Rams ILB Bobby Wagner

The LA Rams are more We than Me, and that’s how the coaching staff of head coach Sean McVay wants it to remain. It’s worked rather well so far, as the team has enjoyed unparalleled success, and has done so with a rapidly changing roster, a revolving cast of coaches, and without the benefit of first-round draft picks and, at times, shouldering a tremendous amount of dead cap space.

Newcomer inside linebacker Bobby Wagner may be new to the LA Rams roster, but his willingness to fill a supporting role on defense is nothing new. Wagner is competitive, yes,  but he has been exemplary in the way he sets up his teammates to succeed. Now, Karma appears to be returning the favor, as he appears to be positioned to have a dominating season as an inside linebacker for the LA Rams defense.

But is that reflected in his EA Sports Madden NFL 23 rating? I’m not convinced. After all, the guy was the third-highest tackler in 2021, despite missing a game. He put up a quarterback sack, three tackles for a loss, broke up five passes, hauled in one interception, and forced a fumble.

Now, he will be lining up behind LA Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald. But he ranks fourth at the position?

Yes, it’s just a game with subjective ratings applied to various skill sets to replicate real NFL experience.

I suppose it’s okay that Madden NFL 23 is sleeping a bit on Wagner’s fit on this LA Rams defense. After all, I’d much rather that he exceed everyone’s expectations than be touted by Skip Bayless as the next best NFL thing.

But I have to say I really expect Bobby Wagner’s season to reflect an almost fountain of youth effect on the guy. Not only will this be a new team with a new opportunity, but I really love his fit with defensive coordinator Raheem Morris. I think that Wagner will be just as effective on defense as veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford is on the LA Rams offense.

Will he top the NFL at the position? Madden doesn’t think so. As for me? I think that Madden 23 may have undervalued LA Rams ILB Bobby Wagner this year.