Honestly, any one who said that back in the day didn't have much credibility, IMO (especially if you ignored the Dreamcast).
Within 3 minutes after turning on Madden '01 on PS2 launch day, my jaw was officially attached to the freaking floor. The jump was unbelievable in terms of graphics and gameplay. Best football game ever at the time. My friend who was with me, who is way more casual than I am, was marking out at the between play cut scenes like you wouldn't believe.
Xbox / PS2 generation is / was the best gen thus far, IMO (in comparison to what was possible during the generation, technology wise).