As the 2025 NFL season approaches, EA Sports has released its latest Madden NFL edition featuring updated player ratings that assess the league’s top performers. Among the many evaluations, Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor’s overall rating of 88 has ignited debate, with many questioning whether this number accurately reflects his true value on the field. This Jonathan Taylor Madden rating controversy centers on the belief that the veteran running back deserves a higher score given his consistent production and impact.

What the Numbers Say About Taylor’s Performance

Jonathan Taylor has been a vital piece of the Colts’ offense since being drafted in 2020. Despite setbacks from injuries during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Taylor made a strong comeback in 2024. He rushed for over 1,400 yards and scored 11 touchdowns even while playing behind an inconsistent and often underperforming quarterback. Taylor has maintained a remarkable level of consistency throughout his career, with a career average of at least four yards per carry every season.

Damian Parson of Bleacher Report highlighted Taylor’s role, stating,

“Jonathan Taylor has been the heartbeat of the Indianapolis Colts’ offense since being drafted in 2020,”

and added,

“Taylor hit a rough patch with injuries during both the 2022 and 2023 seasons. After that, he returned in 2024 and put up dominant numbers with a revolving door at quarterback and less-than-stellar quarterback play. Taylor rushed for over 1,400 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2024. When healthy, he is a model of consistency as a runner.”

Why the Madden Rating of 88 Feels Too Low

The 88 rating positions Taylor tied for the ninth-best running back in the NFL alongside Seattle Seahawks’ Kenneth Walker. While being in the top ten is respectable, many analysts and fans find this standing insufficient, especially after Taylor’s 2024 campaign which could be considered one of his best since earning All-Pro honors in 2021.

Parson emphasized the disconnect between Taylor’s rating and his performance, noting,

“Taylor carried the Colts’ offense on his shoulders last season and still had a highly productive season, which makes seeing his 88 overall on Madden 26 head-scratching. He should not be lower than a 90, and the Houston Texans’ starting RB, Joe Mixon, somehow ended up with a higher rating than Taylor,”

continuing,

“Despite being less productive and impactful. Taylor was the best running back in the AFC South last season, and it wasn’t close. He is on upgrade watch as the season progresses and if he replicates last year’s success, that 88 should increase gradually.”

Adding to the controversy is the fact that Joe Mixon, a fellow running back in the AFC South, received a higher Madden rating despite having a less effective season. This discrepancy has drawn criticism from those who follow the league closely and expect player ratings to more closely align with recent on-field achievements.

Looking Ahead: Can Taylor’s Rating Improve?

Jonathan Taylor’s current Madden rating sets a benchmark early in the season, but with a full slate of 17 games ahead, he has ample opportunity to prove his value and potentially earn an upgrade. His health and continued performance will be crucial factors in swaying Madden’s future updates and solidifying his standing among the league’s elite running backs.

For the Colts, Taylor remains a cornerstone of their offense, and his ability to replicate or exceed his 2024 output will be a major storyline throughout the upcoming season. Since Madden ratings are often adjusted as seasons unfold, his determination and consistency on the field could result in a deserved rating boost, aligning more accurately with his impact in the game.