I’ve been recovering from a pretty intense regiment of vacation over the last month, but I’m finally back at home playing Madden 2001 in preparation for the AI Maddeness season kickoff this coming weekend.
This morning I decided to play the penultimate exhibition game from the 2001 season featuring the Jets vs. the Giants in the battle for New York. Deep into the first quarter the Jets struck first when wide receiver Dedric Ward returned a punt 72-yards for a touchdown. It was pretty wild. You can see the return in all its jukey awesomeness in the video embedded below.
Now I mention this because I’ve been playing Madden 2001 regularly for 6-8 months now, and this was my first punt return for a TD during that span. That might be because I suck, but it might also mean it’s hard to do. So, you can imagine my exhilaration when deep in the 4th quarter with the game knotted at 21, the Giants were forced to punt with just 41 seconds left in the game. The crowd was booing the call (though there was no real alternative) which gave Dedric Ward’s second punt return for 62-yards and a TD that much more of a punch. Like the first, it started up the middle and then broke out to the right sideline. A finish with authority! Even a 25 year-old game has its moments.
Two punt returns, two TDs and each of them for 60+ yards. While Madden ultimately gave Jets cornerback Marcus Coleman “Player of the Game” honors for his 3 interceptions, there’s no question in my mind the real king of NY today was Dedric Ward. Game winner on a punt return? How often does that happen?
Who knows, maybe the Giants just have particularly terrible special teams, but I’m beginning to believe the Jets are ready for the 2000-2001 AI Maddeness season—-this could finally be the year when no one can stop the creeping Gang Green.
