August 9, 2005. A day that will be remembered. Well, not really, but it marks the day of the release of the next game in the EA Sports dynasty, Madden 2006. Madden, the longest series of football games, has always been crowned the cream of the crop since 1989 with their release of John Madden Football for the PC. Sixteen years later, they give us Madden 06. Scoring a mere 8.8 from IGN, it was said to be "great but unable to outdo itself." I personally haven't been able to play it yet; I haven't found a copy on the internet to download yet, but I'm sure it's the same Madden greatness.

This year, the cover dons Donovan McNabb, one of the greatest quarterbacks in the league (Screw all of you that are gonna say Tom Brady is better). But being on the cover of a Madden game seems to be curse rather than a gift. It all started 5 years ago...



Madden 2001 cover: Eddie George, Titans RB

Before the cover: Eddie George and the Titans reached the Superbowl in 2000. Eddie George had three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances.

After the cover: Eddie George averaged 3.2 yards per carry in 2001 and 2002.


Madden 2002 cover: Daunte Culpepper, Vikings QB

Before the cover: Culpepper and the Vikings reached the NFC Championship and he threw 33 TDs in the 2001 season.

After the cover: Culpepper threw a league high 23 interceptions in the 2002 season.


Madden 2003 cover: Marshall Faulk, Rams RB

Before the cover: The Rams made three straight playoff appearances prior to 2003. Faulk averaged 1000+ rushing yards a year.

After the cover: Ankle injury in the 2002. Out for the majority of the season causing the Rams to have their first losing season in 5 years.


Madden 2004 cover: Michael Vick, Falcons QB

Before the cover: Rated to be one of the greatest QBs of all time. In the 2003 season, Vick passed for almost 3000 yards and rushed for 777 yards.

After the cover: Vick broke his fibula in PRESEASON (8/16/2003) against the Baltimore Ravens causing him to miss 11 games of the season.


Madden 2005 cover: Ray Lewis, Ravens LB

Before the cover: Lewis averaged 1.5 sacks a game, had 6 interceptions, 99 yards, and 1 touchdown.

After the cover: Ravens go 9-7 barely missing the Wildcard position in the AFC playoffs.


Madden 2006 cover: Donovan McNabb, QB

Before the cover: Superbowl appearance in 2005. In the 2004-2005 season, McNabb makes 300 completions for almost 4000 yards and 31 TDs. Rushes for 220 yards.

After the cover: ?????

Is it a curse or do these players just suck after a couple of good years? Let's hope the curse ends this year and we see McNabb, Owens, and the Eagles go to the Superbowl for a win. Watch Game 1, Falcons vs. Eagles Monday night 9/12/2005. I got my money on the Eagles. GO BUY (or pirate, I don't really care) MADDEN 2006!!!!