How important is play rec/awareness

EightyOne said:

Isn't it amazing that this game has been going nearly 30 years and no one has the first clue what any of the stats mean?

I've always wondered about SPD. Is 99 SPD the same on every player? Because my 99 SPD LB's often cant keep up with 99 SPD TE's?

And what about STR on Lineman? Is an OL with 99RBK but 90STR better or worse than a player with 90RBK but 99STR? No one knows for sure and you have to wonder why EA don't tell anyone.

Ya I wondered that also. I know the size of the player matters with speed but not about the strength. I just try to get the most opinions as possible to try and form my own.