If you’ve spent any time scrolling through Eagles Twitter or browsing Madden subreddits, you’ve probably seen the debate. It’s the same one that happens every August when the new ratings drop. Is Josh Sweat a top-tier edge rusher, or is he just a "high-upside" guy who disappears for stretches?
In Madden 25, the developers at EA Sports finally seemed to pick a side. Mostly.
The Josh Sweat Madden rating currently sits at an 84 Overall. For a guy who has been the most consistent pass-rushing threat in Philadelphia for years, that number feels... okay. Not great. Just okay. But if you look under the hood at the specific attributes, you’ll see why he’s actually much better in the game than that 84 suggests.
The Breakdown: More Than Just an 84
Most casual players just look at the OVR. They see an 84 and think "rotational piece." They’re wrong.
Sweat is a physical freak. We’re talking about a 6’5”, 265-pound monster who runs like a linebacker. In Madden 25, his 85 Speed and 89 Acceleration are the stats that actually define how he plays on your screen. In a game where "speed is king," having an edge rusher who can chase down mobile QBs like Jayden Daniels or Lamar Jackson is a massive luxury.
Honestly, it’s his 85 Finesse Moves that makes him a headache for offensive tackles.
If you’re playing against a tackle with low agility, Sweat’s speed-to-power transition is basically a cheat code. He doesn’t just sit there and hand-fight. He wins around the edge fast. However, there is a glaring weakness in his digital profile: his 77 Power Moves. If you try to just bull-rush every play, you’re going to get stonewalled.
Key Attributes at a Glance
- Speed: 85 (Elite for his size)
- Acceleration: 89 (The reason he "teleports" off the line)
- Finesse Moves: 85
- Block Shedding: 81
- Strength: 81
- Awareness: 85
EA Sports clearly views him as a "Speed Rusher" archetype. This means he’s built for those who like to control the defensive end and manually time the snap. If you get a "Perfect" jump on the snap with Sweat, that 89 Acceleration kicks in and he’s in the backfield before the right tackle has even finished his first step.
The Disrespect Factor: Is 84 Too Low?
Last year, Sweat was an 82. The year before, he was higher. The volatility of the Josh Sweat Madden rating reflects his real-life production.
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In 2025, he put up 12 sacks. That’s top-10 production in the NFL. Yet, he’s still ranked behind guys who have more "name value" but less consistent tape. This is a classic Madden trope. They reward the "Superstars" with the big marketing deals and often make the lunch-pail guys like Sweat wait for the mid-season updates to get their flowers.
You’ve gotta remember that Madden ratings aren't just about stats; they're about "traits."
Sweat has the High Motor trait. In a long game, especially in Franchise Mode or a sweaty Ultimate Team match, this matters. While other defensive ends start gassing out in the 4th quarter—making their pass rush moves sluggish—Sweat keeps coming. He doesn't quit on the play. That's the difference between a QB hit and a game-ending sack.
How to Actually Use Josh Sweat in Madden 25
If you're just plugging him in at RE and letting the CPU do the work, you’re wasting him. To get the most out of his rating, you need to be intentional.
- Shift the Line: Always slide your defensive line toward Sweat’s side. This forces the tackle into a 1-on-1 situation.
- The "B.O.G.O." Perk: In some versions of the game (especially MUT), Sweat has access to the B.O.G.O. Superstar ability. This gives him a free pass rush move after he spends stamina. It's essentially a free "re-roll" on a block.
- Contain is Your Friend: Because of his 85 speed, he is the perfect "spy" or "contain" player. If you're facing a guy who loves to roll out to the right, Sweat is one of the few DEs who can actually catch them before they reach the sideline.
The 81 Block Shedding is a bit of a bummer, though. Sorta makes him a liability against heavy run schemes. If your opponent is spamming Inside Zone or Stretch plays, you might find Sweat getting washed out of the play more than you'd like. He's a specialist. Use him like one.
The Future of the Rating
Madden ratings are fluid. They change every week based on what happens on Sunday.
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If Sweat continues to rack up pressures—he had 47 pressures in the 2025 season—that 84 is going to climb. He’s already been featured in "Team of the Week" (TOTW) programs with 91 OVR cards and even a 98 OVR Free Agency card in the later stages of the season.
But for the base roster? He remains one of the most underrated "budget beasts" in the game.
Whether you’re rebuilding the Eagles in Franchise or looking for a fast edge in MUT, Sweat is the guy. Don't let the 84 fool you. He plays like an 88. Just stay away from the bull rush and keep him moving.
Next Steps for Your Roster:
- Check the weekly roster updates every Thursday to see if Sweat's Finesse Moves have been buffed after a multi-sack game.
- If playing Franchise, focus your Weekly Strategy on "Defensive Line - Pass Rush" to give him a temporary +5 boost to his power and finesse attributes.
- In Ultimate Team, look for the Playoffs or TOTW versions of his card to bypass the limitations of his base 84 gold rating.