it's the gameplay that makes it the best-- not the sim stats or box score
heck, i could just watch the games on TV & see "realistic stats" & as far as gameplay & control go, madden is the equivalent to passively watching football... however, since I get realistic presentation & no mario running or suction blocking when watching the real NFL & it doesnt cost my 60+ dollars per year, i'll pass on Madden altogether
oh wait madden doesnt have realistic stats either (hum v cpu tkls, way too many pass def, yards/att out of whack). since both games are flawed w/ stats, does it really matter WHICH stats are wrong? i'll go w/ the game that has decent gameplay & is fun to play & wins in a multitude of other categories (animations, control, presentation, price point, better more accurate roster ratings etc)