Philadelphia Eagles Will Surely Be Gamers' Team of Choice in Madden '12

A year after taking home the title of "Most Played Team Online" for Madden 2011, the Philadelphia Eagles are almost certain to repeat that feat in Madden '12 with their self-dubbed "Dream Team" that they've assembled over this offseason.

The pre-updated rosters have the Eagles as 86 overall—tops in the NFC East—and that doesn't even include their big-name acquisitions. 

An updated roster will see the Eagles add Nnamdi Asomugha (98 overall), Jason Babin (90 overall), Steve Smith (84 overall), Cullen Jenkins (rating N/A), Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie (85 overall, 98 speed), Ronnie Brown (84 overall), Vince Young (77 overall, 85 speed) and Ryan Harris (85 overall). 

That should easily put the Eagles into the upper echelon of teams rating-wise on the game. But the players who were already on the team are just as important for Madden players. 

Quarterback Michael Vick has always been a big draw for fans of the franchise, and that shouldn't change as he heads into year two as the starter in Philadelphia.

Vick is 93 overall, with 91 speed and 95 acceleration, so he should be as dangerous as ever in Madden '12. Overall, he's one of the most dominant virtual athletes of the Madden era.

Sharing the backfield with Vick is LeSean McCoy, whose 93 speed, 96 acceleration and 84 catch will make him dangerous both running and catching the football. Backing up McCoy is Brown, who could also bring the wildcat option with him from Miami to Philly. Brown, McCoy and Vick in that formation? 

Vick also has a pair of blazing fast receivers to throw to in DeSean Jackson (99 speed, 98 acceleration) and Jeremy Maclin (95 speed, 93 acceleration). That kind of speed on a video game isn't even fair. 

Brent Celek (83 overall) is also a solid tight end option. 

On defense, the Eagles should have a disrupting pass rush—a killer in virtual football—with Trent Cole (93 overall), Mike Patterson (86 overall), Jenkins and Babin. As any veteran of the franchise knows, pressuring the quarterback is the best way to stop offenses. Any average quarterback can kill you with time in the pocket.

Even if a player can get a throw off, the secondary might be impossible to complete a pass against, too. The Eagles trot out three above-85 overall cornerbacks in Asante Samuel (94 overall), Asomugha (98 overall) and Rodgers-Cromartie (85 overall). Philadelphia's going to be interception city this year. 

On special teams, Jackson (99 elusiveness, 98 juke move) can be both your kick and punt returner. There are touchdowns waiting to happen in all phases for the Eagles.

But overall, the love affair with this team on Madden comes down to Vick and his ability to run. There's nothing quite like seeing man coverage downfield and taking off with Vick on a dead sprint. It's like stealing candy from a baby, really. 

And now, with Vince Young as the backup (85 speed), the Eagles even have a backup plan if Vick goes down (79 injury).

The Eagles might not win the Super Bowl this season, but I'm here to make a not-so-bold prediction regarding their appearance in Madden '12.

They will be the most played team online for the second year in a row, and the second place team won't even be close—even if I try my hardest to get the Green Bay Packers in the top spot.

You can check out rosters and ratings for Madden '12 here.