I'm sorry, but I won't ever buy into a video game being even a partially accurate way of evaluating NFL talent. It's as much about the hype as it is about the performance on that stuff. And while this comment is NOT directed at your personally (I don't know you) but IMO, this is a huge reason why people get such an exaggerated opinion of players in this league and don't trust what they see for themselves. Be it with individual players, or how a team actually performs. Madden says they suck, so they MUST suck.
I do believe that there is a grain of truth to what you're saying. Certainly there are casual football fans out there who don't consume the media, watch the games (live in person or on TV) to the level of fans like you and I.
I religiously read your reports (thank you) and Hammer's reports on RamsTalk.
I work in the sports media industry and spent all of 2009-2013 working as the Sports Director of a local TV affiliate in Columbia, Missouri spending (most) every day covering/observing football practices with Mizzou.
I COMPLETELY understand that level of production on the field in games that count is not always an accurate indication of the talent a player possesses.
In the case of Brian Quick, I have long been seduced by his lithe, fluid movements. When you see that type of kinetic movement on a 6-foot-4, 220-pound frame you understand why Les and Jeff coveted this player. It's the common denominator that pops on the screen when you watch the best of the best in the NFL catch passes and produce at the position.
Right now that hasn't manifested itself on the field with Quick. Frankly, if it had by now it would be a minor miracle given his tremendously rudimentary football background prior to entering the NFL.
My Madden analogy -- which maybe I'm just not explaining well enough at the moment -- is meant to be 1) something fun to consider for those that play the game 2) an exercise to place a consider some sort of numerical value given to Quick's football abilities as they stand now vs. how those very same talents will be viewed by the NFL community (fans, players, coaches, etc.) when his 2014 season is over and done with.
Do we expect a large jump in that subjective ranking because he goes out on Sunday's and produces?
As you may surmise from my numbers, I do think Quick -- who has LONG been blessed with the physical talents necessary for NFL success -- will see a boost in his "rating" because he starts to apply those traits more consistently to making impact plays on a weekly basis.
Again, I appreciate your reports from camp. It's very helpful for a person in my business, for someone who constantly likes to evaluate personnel on the Rams and around the NFL, and -- of course -- for such a big Rams fan.