Quadruple NRTs this afternoon because I was lazy last week (TOTW Release #6, Season 2, Most Feared Release #1, and Legends Release #9; the NRT for today's AKA release will come out at a later time either today or tomorrow). (For NRTs 18 and 19 I finished them but then got super sick so I had to go to the ER but all is fine now and I'll post them now; NRTs 16 and 17 were already posted)

My thoughts on every new player release. From my brain, straight to the MUT.GG forums.

LTD:

CB Stephon Gilmore

One of the best cornerbacks in the game obviously. Nice to see him get a top tier card. Card art for him (and all the other Most Feared players) is some of the best EVER. 92 speed, 91 accel, 91 change of direction, 90 awareness, 92 jump, 92 man coverage, 91 zone, 92 press are all some of the best stats in the game (obviously not as crazy good as Deion Sander's stats but still great). Tip Drill for 0 AP, Pick Artist for 1 AP,  ad Mid Zone KO for 2 AP are some great abilities as well.

Champions:

WR Harold Carmichael

Arguably the best wide receiver in the game now (Megatron is still on the same level in my opinion even though he is 3 inches shorter). Red Zone Threat, Mid In Elite, and Deep Out Elite for 1 AP apiece is very, very nice! 90 speed and accel, 91 awareness, 92 jump, 89 catching, 91 catch in traffic, 91 short route running, 88 medium, 89 deep, 89 ball carrier vision, and 89 change of direction. Very good for a 6'8", 225lb behemoth!

HB Derrick Henry

The flashbacks from last year, oh my. 1 AP Tank and Bruiser is still great. 90 speed, 88 accel, 90 awareness, 91 carry, 92 trucking and stiff arm, 91 break tackle are all incredible stats. Although I hope he is as good as last year, I don't think EA would make the same player THAT good two years in a row.

LE Julius Peppers

Julius Peppers also makes his Madden 23 debut! 1 AP Lurker and Demoralizer and 2 AP Mid Zone KO are a great set of abilities. 88 speed, 89 accel, 89 awareness, 90 strength, 91 finesse move, 88 power move, 89 tackle, 90 hit power, 89 pursuit, 92 block shed, 89 impact block. The fact that he a 92 OVR at both defensive end positions AND at both outside linebacker positions is amazing.

SS Derwin James Jr.

Didn't expect this card, but I'll take it! 0 AP Crusher and 1 AP Pick Artist and Enforcer just ensures that you'll see him get a good amount of picks AND forced fumbles. 91 speed and accel, 90 agility and change of direction, 89 man coverage, 91 zone, 90 hit power, 92 pursuit. FInally someone worthy enough to replace Kam.

Heroes:

LT Garett Bolles; TE Mike Gesicki; CB Shaquill Griffin; RE Aidan Hutchinson; WR Deebo Samuel; MLB Roquan Smith

All of these heroes are great and will be starters for many players. What's funny is that Garett Bolles is now the highest OVR left tackle in the game and Roquan Smith is arguably the best middle/inside linebacker in the game. After comparing Smith with Derrick Johnson, Ray Nitschke, and Bobby Wagner I'll see who I'll keep and who I'll sell.

Monster Makers:

WR Chase Claypool; CB Rasul Douglas; HB Ezekiel Elliott; MLB Devin White

This Monster Makers concept is pretty damn nice. The first non-power up level up players so far in Madden 23. The thing I'm most excited about is the possibility of Alter Egos like those we saw in the Gridiron Guardians program, which could lead to a few of this year's Golden Tickets.

Elites And Golds:

Set parts and more coins. Yay. AJ Brown, James Robinson, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, are great choices. AND THE MADDEN MOBILE GOAT ANDREW VAN GINKEL GETS AN UPGRADE LET'S GOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!