07/05/2023
MMGL23 OPENING DAY STORYLINES
32) Minnesota Vikings - Andrew Nelson
Andrew Nelson had a rough welcoming to the MMGL last year in a 1-16 season. This year, it won’t be easier especially with the departure of Adam Thielen, Eric Kendricks, and worse of all, Dalvin Cook. For a team that was second worst in offense and second worst in defense, they have nowhere else to go but up at this point.
31) Chicago Bears - Caleb VanderHeyden
Caleb has been trying to find a groove for quite some time now in the MMGL. The only reason he ranks higher is because of his 2-15 record and a lot of improvement to the Bears roster which could help him improve. For a team that was last in offense and last in defense, they are in a similar situation as the team below them.
30) Philadelphia Eagles - Isaiah Donaldson Jr.
Coach Isiah Donaldson returns to the MMGL after a brief hiatus. He will be inheriting one of the best rosters in the MMGL, which the Philadelphia Eagles. If we’re going off the past, don’t expect this team to make any noise, but if we’re looking into the future, Isiah has all the pieces to make a splash in the MMGL.
29) Seattle Seahawks - Matthew Escobar
One bright spot for Coach Matthew was his passing attack. He finished 13th in that category, but now will have work on his defense which was not good last season. If he can fix it, he could improve upon his 6-11 record last season.
28) Washington Commanders - Anthony Steel Thomas
The story remains on what Rookie Coach Anthony Thomas can do. He’ll have a decision to make with Brissett or Howell as his starting quarterback. The main focus will be on his front defensive line which is one of the best in the MMGL.
27) New York Giants - Domenick Panfile
Coach Domenick Panfile returns to the gridiron in the MMGL after Teddy Gould switched to the Las Vegas Raiders! He will look to be solid in the run game with Saquon Barkley and focusing on defensive tactics to make it to the postseason. This team could go in the right direction if Panfile takes his time and is able to read defensive coverages and not get flustered under pressure.
26) Baltimore Ravens - Josh Gugliuzza
Rookie Coach Josh Gugliuzza will inherit a Ravens team with a lot of speed and lots of pick artists. The Lamar Jackson-Odell Beckham combination will be vital on offense. And what a way for Josh to start off his MMGL life by playing his friend Nicholas Perone and the New York Jets in WEEK1.
25) New York Jets - Nicholas Perone
Coach Nicholas Perone has fallen short ONE game of the postseason several times. But with his team of Matt Belichick’s Packers, including the long-time MVP and best player in the MMGL, Aaron Rodgers as his quarterback, could possibly push him into the postseason. Can this team play like Matt Belichick’s Packers as it will be a tall order with Brandon Dempsey, Daniel Saldana, and Mike Frazier (3 MMGL22 Playoff Teams)
in his division?
24) Houston Texans - Jp Hood
Under Coach JP Hood, this team was in the middle of the road defensively. The issue was giving up long drives that led to points. This offense could move the ball but turned it over far too much which led to empty drives. With a revamped roster and much improved offensive line, this team could make huge improvements off of a 4-13 record last season.
23) Los Angeles Rams - Willie Dyson
Coach Willie Dyson was 13th in rushing last season, but at some point, a good rushing has to be complemented by a better defense and more stellar passing game. Nobody lost more pieces than this team. Can the running game carry them past a 7-10 finish last season?
22) Las Vegas Raiders - Teddy Gould
In his MMGL tenure, Coach Teddy Gould will be on a new team this season and is the only veteran in the AFC West which is a huge advantage. Teddy had the 5th best pass defense in the league last season. Can that impressive coverage scheme transfer to Vegas with a lesser secondary that what he had in New York?
21) Tennessee Titans - Parker McCubbin
Derrick Henry carried the Titans last season with the 9th best running attack. But improvement needs to be made in the passing game with a lesser receiving core compared to the other teams in the MMGL. If these improvements are made, this team could be a dark horse within the AFC. It also doesn’t help to have Mark Hinkle Jr.s’ Jaguars in your division though!
20) Cincinnati Bengals - Troy Spitzmueller
Coach Troy Spitzmueller missed the playoffs last year after making it in his rookie season. Last year was a big disappointment with a 6-11 record. Two things that must be done if their going to go back to the postseason is they have to have a vertical passing attack and even more so improve the abysmal running offense which finished dead last. Something that can’t happen when you have Joe Burrow at Quarterback and Joe Mixon at Running Back. A bright spot for the Bengals was their 11th rated run defense in the MMGL. Find a way to fix these things above, and this team could be back in the postseason.
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Daniel Warrick Warrick Daniel
After a few bad seasons, Coach Daniel Warrick is on a new franchise in the MMGL once again. For him he’s looking to make it back in the postseason like in his early MMGL years where he would consistently make it year in and year out. After seasons coaching with the Vikings, Eagles, Seahawks, Texans, and Patriots, Warrick will now be on his sixth team in the MMGL which ties him with the most coached teams by any coach in MMGL History.
18) Los Angeles Chargers - Garett Morley
Rookie Coach Garett Morley joins a very winnable division but the story remains to be seen with a talented Chargers team that has rocket arm Quarterback Justin Herbert, a defense full of pick artists and potentially the most underrated running back in Austin Ekeler.
17) Denver Broncos - Jano Davis
Word has been said that Coach Jano Davis has a very good defensive scheme. He certainly has the roster to potentially back that up. On offense, we will see what he can do with one of the best quarterbacks to play the game in Russell Wilson. With a lot of weapons, can this team win the AFC WEST in his rookie campaign? Don’t count him out.
16) Kansas City Chiefs - Jayden Swensen
A friend of Matt Belichick who also played professional quarterback just like Matt, means one thing…BRAINS! Matt even raved about Jay’s mind as it could be one the top football minds within the MMGL. Pair that with Patrick Mahomes and this could be your AFC West winner! The question remains what will the defense do? Don’t expect him to come in and win like Matt Belichick in a rookie season but definitely expect him to throw some nice dimers around the field the way we know Matt does.
15) Arizona Cardinals - Joshua High
Brother of MMGL 22’s top Rookie Chris Lawson, this is a very interesting team that has a lot of speed offensively. The question remains can this team fill the void for DeAndre Hopkins. On the defensive side of the ball, this is JJ Watt’s final season and they will look to get much productivity out of him. We will see if Josh can be anything like his brother Chris. Don’t get your hopes up just yet, but if he does, look out!
14) Indianapolis Colts - Corey Williams
Matt Belichick said all offseason that he feels Corey will be the best rookie of the MMGL23 campaign and that he has the potential to bring competition to Mark Hinkle Jr. and the Jaguars. Matt also said he knows talented players when he meets them and said the way Corey carries himself you just know there’s something special behind his madden ability. For Corey getting those compliments from the goat of the MMGL outta make you run through a wall in WEEK1 ready to prove him right. The question is can he?
13) Cleveland Browns - Mark Jones
The second longest tenured coach in MMGL History he’s been here since it started in MMGL11. At 51 years old he’s the oldest coach here but don’t let that fool you. He’s been a very consistent player in his MMGL career with schemes that will drive people nuts. Going 10-7 and making the Playoffs in MMGL22. But the two things he does well are football 101… Run the ball controlling clock, and playing tough defense. He was 2nd in rushing last season offensively and had a top 3 defense as well. A state champion defensive coordinator in real life he’s right up there with Matt Belichick for one of the best football minds in the history of the MMGL.
12) Buffalo Bills - Mike Larkins
Coach Mike Frazier was probably the greatest story of the MMGL22 season! Started 2-6 in but battled back and made the playoffs at 9-8. Including upsets along the way over some of the MMGL’s best. One being top ten and 2 of them top 5 in the Daniel Saldana and Panthers(Vince Hrabe) both in the championship final 4 games and then Saints(David Dose).
Not only did he make the playoffs he nearly upset a top 3-5 player in JAGUARS(Mark Hinkle Jr.) in the final minute of the WILDCARD but barely lost. And this after being blown out by the Jags 77-17 in WEEK9
Will Mike build on this in MMGL23? If he’s going to he has to fix the defense. Scoring that was not the problem as he was 8th in all of the MMGL and 8th in passing. But 29th in rushing needs to improve to complete the offense. The biggest issue is defense which ranked 29th in total defense and dead last in pass defense. That is not going to get it done. The ranking seems very ironic for one of the best secondaries in the MMGL which is full of pick artists. An absolute must fix for Mike to take the next step in his MMGL career.
11) Dallas Cowboys - Nick Paulson
Winner of the NFC EAST in MMGL22 Nick made a big splash as a near top 10 player. Middle of the pack offensively he’s not going to make the big plays down the field but he’s going to make the smart plays and control the ball. Defensively he was a top 10 team and that’s what carried him into the postseason last season. For Nick the question remains can he beat the good to great teams? Blown out in the regular season by Saints(David Dose) and
Falcons (Andre Orr) but something to talk about that needs to be mentioned. He barely lost to rookie sensation of last year Chris Lawson, and even more impressive barely lost in the final minute to back to back NFC RUNNER UP Panthers(Vince Hrabe) Nick also pushed Andre the second time they met in the postseason and nearly pulled off the upset in the final minute. Nick has shown he can compete with some of the best in the MMGL. But can he beat them?
10) New Orleans Saints - David Dose
One of the most consistent teams currently in the MMGL. For David he’s yet to miss the playoffs in his MMGL career. He doesn’t do the flashy things but what he does have is one key thing… GRIT! And he showed it last season starting 0-3, 1-4, then going to 6-4 before finishing 9-8 in the toughest division in the MMGL in the NFC SOUTH. David however can score with the best of them. And many times he’s split games with two of the MMGL’s best legends in Panthers(Vince Hrabe) and Falcons(Andre Orr). The potential is certainly there to appear in an NFC CHAMPIONSHIP game just like the names he’s beaten have. But for David if he can find some flash especially defensively and mix that with the grit he has, this team can go on a run.
9) Detroit Lions - Scott Thomas
There’s probably nobody in the MMGL that has quietly improved themselves overtime than Scott and his Lions. A guy that consistently sat in the 20-32 range for several years has been making the postseason in the last few MMGL seasons. And not just making it but beating impressive teams along the journey there. Everyone saw the growth last season in WEEK1 of the MMGL22 season when he smacked NFC WEST champ 49ers(Steven Yoshinaga) 52-34. Yes Steven got him back in round 1 of the postseason. But Scott was very impressive in that playoff game and could have won it. He’s very much like the Saints(David Dose). He won’t do the flashy things but he has grit and just finds a way to be in games. It’s the little things he does so well that make him a tough opponent to beat. Can Scott take the next step? As far as winning the NFC NORTH no, but making a playoff run? Yes he has the run game and defense for it. If Scott is going to do it this is the year. He’s got the best roster he’s ever had going into a season.
8 ) Atlanta Falcons - Andre Orr
One of the MMGL’s biggest legends in history. A man that plays tough defense and offensively pounds the rock. He’s competed with the best of them. He’s appeared in 3 NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES vs the Goat Packers(Matthew Belichick) and everyone of course remembers the MMGL19 NFC CHAMPIONSHIP where he took the GOAT to the final minute and nearly pulled it off in a snowy Lambeau night instant classic. Yes since that game Matt has blown him out in 5 meetings since. But for Andre he can sit proudly and say he’s the only one that took the GOAT on the brink of major upset in the last 5 seasons. Not even the #2 player all time in RETIRED TREVOR SZEGDA can say that. Andre missed the playoffs in MMGL21 which shocked everyone because that was the only time he’s ever missed it in his career. But he made it back in MMGL22 and now in MMGL23 has a defense once again full of talent everywhere that could find him once again in the NFC CHAMPIONSHIP. The question remains for a man who has been here since MMGL17 can he finish the upset if given the chance this time around? Everyone knows you better bring your A game when Andre is on the schedule.
7) Jacksonville Jaguars - Mark Anthony Hinkle Jr.
Regarded as a top 3-5 player within the MMGL. His explosive offense has been an issue for nearly everyone. The only AFC kryptonite standing in his way has been #2 DOLPHINS(Brandon Dempsey) until Mark was surprisingly upset by Daniel Saldana in the MMGL22 divisional round. Nobody is out for blood more than this one. He feels Saldana snuck up on him and he will deal with it eventually But he wants nobody more than Brandon Dempsey who he is 0-3 against. MMGL21 losing by a touchdown in the regular season then being blown out in the AFC CHAMPIONSHIP. But everyone remembers one of the best games of all time which was in WEEK6 in the MMGL22 season where Mark scored with 25 seconds left in the game. He elected to go for two to win the game but Dempsey’s defensive line stopped Mark at the line and ended up winning the game 34-33. For Mark nothing else matters than eliminating Dempsey once and for all and playing in his first MMGL Super Bowl.
6) San Francisco 49ers - Steven Yoshinaga
YOSH has been one of the most consistent players in the league however the knack on him was he’d make the playoffs only to go one and done. Last year he finally got his first W in his MMGL postseason career. And nearly made an NFC CHAMPIONSHIP appearance but lost to Panthers(Vince Hrabe). For Steven he has one of the best offenses in the league and consistently looks for the big play. Defensively he has to not give up the big play. Funny how ironic that is. The biggest question going into this season is will he bench Trey Lance who he’s used for awhile for Brock Purdy? I think he should. However Lance in some red zone package would be a nice touch. We still await Steven’s decision on his MMGL23 starting quarterback.
5) New England Patriots - Daniel Saldana
LOOKOUT DOLPHINS(Brandon Dempsey) DANIEL SALDANA HAS JOINED YOUR DIVISION!
The AFC Runner up has left his longtime Steelers era to finally bring competition to Demps in the AFC EAST. His mission? Beat Miami and don't let the JAGUARS who he beat in the divisional round or his FORMER FRANCHISE in the STEELERS sneak up on him. Regarded as having one of the best defensive schemes in the MMGL which has been in the top 3 consistently. The question is can Saldana transition his greatness to a stacked Patriots roster and take down Dempsey? Well WEEK1 they meet tonight! BUCKLE UP!
4) Pittsburgh Steelers - Christopher Lawson
No rookie was more impressive in MMGL22 than this guy right here. The youngest player in the league who is just a senior in high school made a name for himself as one of the best in the MMGL already. This year he looks to take the next step as he’s left the Kansas City Chiefs franchise to be the man running the show for his favorite team the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was 13-4 last year and 3 of those 4 losses two came within a field goal and the other was only a 6 point loss. His 4th loss was a blowout to Matt Belichick’s Packers. However Chris put up 28pts in that game. Something nobody does against Matt and Infact it was the most Matt gave up all season including the playoffs. Chris was impressive every game he played. He beat Dallas, blew out Buffalo, blew out Daniel Saldana, and even hung with Dempsey’s Dolphins in the playoffs until Demps pulled away. Chris has all the makings to be in the MMGL’s biggest games. Is this the year? We’ll see what the youngster can do.
3) Carolina Panthers - Vince Hrabe
He’s appeared in two straight NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES. Started 11-0 in MMGL22 before losing barely to Dolphins(Brandon Dempsey) in a 11-0 vs 11-0 battle. For Vince Hrabe he has a top 5 offense and a top 5-10 defense. He’s battled through the toughest division in the NFC SOUTH going back and forth with Falcons(Andre Orr) and Saints(David Dose) but the next step is finding a way to knock off the GOAT Packers(Matthew Belichick) and making the SUPER BOWL. If he’s going to do it this is his best opportunity with a new era of Packers football in Titletown.
2) Miami Dolphins - Brandon Dempsey
THE GOAT OF THE AFC and EASILY TOP 3 PLAYER IN MMGL HISTORY! In just 4 seasons DEMPS has proved he's worthy of being top 3 EVER!
8-8 MMGL19
14-3 MMGL20
18-1 MMGL21
19-1 MMGL22
TOTAL 59-13 Including Postseason
He’s had the 2nd best offense in the MMGL for quite some time and statistically a top 3 defense. However his defense gives up major big plays and has massive holes sometimes. But Dempsey’s user which is probably 3rd best all time is what dominates offenses and makes his defense rank where it does overall. Hardly fooled by anything Dempsey’s user is something a lot of people have had problems with for a long time. DOLPHINS(Brandon Dempsey) has been an absolute nightmare for everyone he's faced except for 2 guys
1 Retired #2 all time TREVOR SZEGDA (CHI, CAR, SEA, BAL, NE, KC) And of course the #1 of all time in a league of his own PACKERS(Matthew Belichick)
For Brandon Dempsey he’s 37-2 in the last 2 seasons with undefeated regular seasons & his only losses being in back2back blowout super bowls against his biggest Kryptonite and Shadow
PACKERS(Matthew Belichick).
If Dempsey is going to find a way out of his #2 spot he’s been in for awhile…he has to go do it this season. Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Belichick have him fits for years. But now with a new era in Green Bay it’s
SUPER BOWL TITLE or BUST for Dempsey’s Dolphins. If he doesn’t do it this season he may never do it at all.
1) Green Bay Packers - Matt Icepackergb Matthew Belichick He’s been the goat forever and it will never change. He’s been the impossible boss you can’t figure out on the last level of your favorite video game. He’s the reason everyone in the MMGL Nicknamed him Matthew BELICHICK. Year in and year out Matt has put people in Madden purgatory and with no mercy either. Many times we’ve seen him put up 100 points in one game. Even up to 170 in one game. It’s been a walking cheat code to play against.
In MMGL22 he outscored opponents by an average score of 95-8. Meaning he averaged 95pts offensively and only gave up 8pts a game. He averaged 796yards of total offense a game. ALMOST 800 yards a game! He and his Packer bunch were literally #1 in every statistical category you can think of. Every award that could be won by a player was one by someone of Matt Belichick’s Packers. And this is the story in not just MMGL22 but in MMGL21, MMGL20, MMGL19 MMGL18 and ya you get the point.
For many years the minds of He and Aaron Rodgers was the deadliest combination in the MMGL. But transition and a new dawn has risen within TITLETOWN. To the point where conversations about Matthew Belichick retiring from playing and just being the commissioner of the league only had come up. He definitely considered it and it would have been understood from the MMGL as there’s really nothing left to prove for Matthew Belichick. However HE CAME BACK! His love of the camaraderie in the MMGL and of course the competition bug has not left him. He’s the Tom Brady, Brett Favre, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant personality that won’t hang it up because even when everyone thinks there’s nothing left to prove in the minds of the greats there’s always something to prove.
Now Matthew Belichick looks to start a new era of Packers dominance with Jordan Love at the helm. And many times the MMGL saw Matt put Love in the game and it looked just like Rodgers. Imagine how sickening it would be with all the players Matt has lost if he still picked up right where he left off? He does have the best defensive roster in the MMGL though. And the best offensive and defensive schemes in the league as nobody can seem to figure him out.
People definitely understand if Matt doesn’t win the SUPER BOWL this season with a young QB and Receiving group trying to grow. But Matthew Belichick isn’t thinking that way at all. For him it’s SUPER BOWL or BUST and the goal is win and win convincingly all the way to the top again. If he does it with Love it will be his greatest title yet and one that we will be sick watching. If he doesn’t do it he’s still the goat but one thing is for sure his name will be right there at the end of the season as we all sit back and watch the greatest mind of the MMGL put on a clinic. As we always say he’s always 2-3 chess moves ahead of everyone and thinks of things nobody else does. If anyone can win with a new group it’s the forever goat Matthew Belichick.
