Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Let Madden Feel His Own Curse

Seattle RB Shaun Alexander, last season's MVP and the leader in practically all statistical categories for running backs since 2003 (total yards, total TDs, etc.), is the latest victim of the "Madden Curse." Alexander is out indefinitely with a broken bone in his foot. Since 2000, when the popular NFL videogames began featuring players on its cover instead of coach-turned-announcer-turned-senile John Madden, the curse has plagued or ended the seasons of each coverboy.

Beginning in 2001, each coverboy has either suffered injury or an alarming decline in their statistics. For example, a year after dominating NFL defenses, ex-Titans' RB Eddie George averaged just 3.0 yards per carry. Coincidence? Or curse?

(Interesting note- EA officials point to George's season as "successful." They also believe Baltimore's Ray Lewis had a successful season. The real story is that Lewis failed to record an INT for the first time in his career after a career-high 6 the previous season. Oh yeah, and his team couldn't make the playoffs, as Lewis sat out the final game of the season with an injury. Successful, alright.)

QB's fall victim to the curse as well. Michael Vick suffered a broken fibula the DAY after Madden 2004 was released with his photo on the cover. Daunte Culpepper (2002) and Donovan McNabb (2006) each fell victim to the curse with season-ending knee and groin injuries, respectively.

So to avoid future injuries to marquee players like Alexander, here are two possible solutions-
(1) Put T.O. on every Madden game cover until he retires. Pray he suffers mouth injuries which prevent him from uttering any verbal form of communication. It'll be doing San Francisco, Philadelphia and (eventually) Dallas fans a great favor.
(2) Put the senile Madden himself back on the cover each year. Pray he suffers mouth injuries which prevent him from uttering any verbal form of communcation (as incoherent as his statements are now to begin with). You're welcome, Al Michaels.

1 Comments:

At 11:45 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

You're mean. I like listening to Madden; he makes football...funny?

 

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