[rymflaherty]

I can't really disagree with you....to disagree would mean that I have some other or better solution, and that is not the case.

Though as others pointed out - better defensive A.I. could potentially limit the effectiveness of user "speed" on offense.
To me it's another are where player skill is going to outweigh ratings and simulation gameplay. I could have a horrible LB with great speed and if I'm controlling him, he could be a beast. As you were getting at, in the NFL a player like that may not be a great player because he doesn't read the play well. He may have poor footwork, take poor angles, not properly take on the blocker, etc. All these things which aren't properly attributed in the game....or can be negated with user-control.