In a new feature, GotFrag Madden will be breaking down all 32 NFL franchises and analyzing what will push that team over the top for Madden NFL 09. There are some teams that get a lot of play, such as New England and San Diego, while others are rarely used like the Chiefs and Texans. While we know not every team will be competitive in Madden NFL 09, we look at what potential offseason changes will help improve each team.



Madden NFL 08 Overall Score: 90
2007 NFL Record: 5-11

The Baltimore Ravens were supposed to be a playoff bound team in 2007. The team was full of veterans and entered the year coming off a 13-win year in 2006. Steve McNair should have been more solid in the quarterback position and Willis McGahee would give the necessary spark to a sluggish rushing attack following the departure of Jamal Lewis. While the loss of Adalius Thomas would leave a small void in the linebacker corp, few were concerned about Baltimore coming into the season.

While things looked good in August, a December loss to Miami solidified an embarassing season for the Ravens. From the standpoint of Madden fans, where will this leave a team many play with for a reliable defense and conservative offense? More importantly, what can the franchise do this offseason to avoid going from the top ten to the bottom ten in popularity among competitive Madden teams?

Trade for Donovan McNabb
For some reason many people in Philadelphia have moved on from Donovan McNabb and are ready to cast the veteran aside. While some in Baltimore may argue that McNabb is washed up and past his prime (a la Steve McNair), McNabb is only 31 and has been one of the strongest QBs in the NFL & Madden in the past. McNabb was the coverchild of the Madden NFL 06 and is the main reason competitive gamers on the east coast often used the Eagles in past editions. While McNabb isn't quite as flashy as he once was, what his presence will do is rejuvinate a dead offense carried by an overworked Willis McGahee. While the Ravens have an early first round pick, the thought in some camps is to draft for the future, but with all of the veterans on both sides of the ball, the future is now in Baltimore, and a new head coach will drive results early and often. The Ravens may not be strong in Madden 2012, but for 09 a veteran QB like McNabb could give the team enough life to stay competitive.