Then we'll agree to agree here. That makes more sense. Progressive improvements towards realism for both graphics and gameplay. But they need to be drastic, not incremental.
But do you know what's missing in most sports games? "Explosive."
I am looking and hoping that sports game developers could start implementing this one key aspect. This will absolutely have to tie into fatigue and stamina. When you're fresh, your "explosiveness" will be at 100%. As you tire, it decreases. Explosiveness is NOT the same as stamina.