I popped in Madden 09 (ps2) yesterday and then got to thinking of this thread. It inspired me to make a video a 10 great features that the current games don't have...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_9GMW-J-9A
These features along with the deeper franchise mode are the reason I believe whole heartedly that PS2 madden is still the better game.
To save people from having to watch the vid to see my list here it is...
#10 In game saves
#9 Individual press coverage
#8 Fantasy challange mode
#7 User controlled celebrations
#6 Madden Challenges/ Madden Cards
#5 Mini game upgrades
#4 Historic Teams
#3 Tournamnet mode
#2 Formation packages
#1 The Play Editor