Former BYU football LB Kyle Van Noy has gripe over Madden ratings

One of BYU football’s best linebackers ever and current New England Patriots player Kyle Van Noy has a bone to pick with EA over some Madden ratings.

Kyle Van Noy was one of the better players to ever suit up for BYU football. Because KVN was on campus when EA Sports was still releasing its annual NCAA Football video game series, Cougar faithful could play a digital version of the linebacker whenever they wanted.

He was usually rated as one of the best players on the team. Seems fitting, all things considered.

But the current New England Patriots linebacker hasn’t had the same career in the pros. Drafted by Detroit, Van Noy floundered with the Lions in a role he wasn’t comfortable in.

Then Bill Belichick calls. And he’s on a plane to Massachusetts. Before he knows it, he’s picking up a sack in the biggest comeback in Super Bowl history. Now, KVN is playing in 96 percent of the Patriots’ defensive snaps – third highest on the roster.

He jokingly said in a conference call with writers this week that his Madden ratings are too low. In fact, KVN thinks the entire roster needs a boost from the development team.

A reporter asked what he’s personally learned about “situational football” in the year and a half he’s been in New England.

“When you come here, your awareness goes up a lot,” Van Noy said. “I think on Madden everyone should have a pretty good awareness level from the team. I’ve been in so many situations since I’ve been here.”

Van Noy’s awareness rating in Madden right now? A 75. Not too shabby, but certainly could stand to bump up a bit.

After all, KVN’s 51 tackles this season are 16 more than his three years with the Lions combined.

It’s great to see Van Noy flourish in the NFL. Watching him with BYU football, he seemed destined to make an impact somewhere. Doesn’t hurt that the best coach in NFL took a liking to him.

Moving ahead, KVN is being groomed as a key player in New England’s defense for years to come.