Josh Allen on Madden 24, and DeAndre Hopkins joining the Bills

USA TODAY Sports sits down with Bills QB Josh Allen to discuss being named the cover athlete for upcoming Madden 24 by EA Sports.

Josh Allen learned the game of football by playing Madden as a kid.  

Now, the 27-year-old, two-time Pro Bowl QB appears on the cover of the wildly popular video game.  

“To be able to grace the cover of Madden – I’m just happy to be able to be the first Bill to do it,” said Allen. “I’m blown away; words can’t do it justice.” 

Recently, the standout signal-caller spoke with USA TODAY Sports’ Mackenzie Salmon, and when asked about the possibility of Buffalo acquiring free agent receiver DeAndre Hopkins, Allen again referenced the game.  

“(It) would increase our Madden offensive rating probably quite a bit,” said Allen. “He’s a heck of a talent and a heck of a player. We’d love to have him.” 

With the start of the season three months away, Salmon also asked Allen about other key storylines which will play out this season, including Aaron Rodgers competing for the division rival New York Jets.  

Allen mentioned the similar backgrounds the two share, the fact they have a “good relationship” and heaped praise on the 39-year-old icon. 

“He was one of my favorite players growing up,” said Allen. “I think he’s the most talented football player to play the game, the most exciting thrower of the football to play the game.” 

The Bills QB was also candid when asked about what he’s looking to improve upon as they prepare for their first game of the season, ironically against Rodgers and the Jets on Sept. 11.  

Allen said he is looking to get smarter with the football – perhaps limit turnovers, because he “felt we left quite a bit on the field last year.” 

Hear Allen’s thoughts on Dalton Kincaid, what he took away from last year’s season-ending defeat to the Bengals, and more insight by watching the video above.  

Kayvon Thibodeaux’s first ever Madden rating is officially here

The Madden 2023 ratings are coming out position by position, and Oregon Ducks fans can finally see how rookie Kayvon Thibodeaux is rated.

The Madden 2023 ratings are being revealed position group by position group over at EA’s website, with wide receivers and edge rushers the first to arrive.

That means fans of the Oregon Ducks get their first glimpse at how rookie outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux – the fifth overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft by the New York Giants – is rated.

Thibodeaux received an overall rating of 75, a solid rating for a rookie who has yet to play a down in the NFL – although also a rating likely to go up if Thibodeaux has the kind of impactful rookie season many believe he is capable of.

A few highlights from Thibodeaux’s ratings: he was given an 86 overall for speed, a 90 overall on acceleration, and an 84 overall on pursuit – highlighting three of his biggest strengths while at Oregon.

His strength rating was 81 while his awareness was down at 73 – although that is often the case for rookies as the system knocks them down a bit for their overall lack of experience.

Thibodeaux battled injuries during OTAs this summer with New York, but if he is fully healthy heading into the regular season he should get a chance to start or at least play meaningful snaps throughout the year.

The full list of Madden ratings will be available by Friday, July 22.

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