Because preseason is a minimal indicator of true performance, the games of the actual football season improve or lower ratings because they represent how a football player might play on a more consistent basis.
2
Madden 09 uses the preseason as a gauge to increase or decrease ratings based on performances.
3
Many specialty stores offer preseason sales or hold special promotional events like Boys' Nights or Gentleman's sales.
4
So, any changes made after training camps and preseason games are only available through downloads.