Madden 13: Calvin Johnson Is Infinitely More Cover-Worthy Than Cam Newton

The 2013 Madden cover race is down to Calvin Johnson and Cam Newton, but only one player is truly deserving.

Newton put together a record-breaking rookie season, but Johnson has been dominating since his rookie season five years ago. He's had (relative) statistical lapses because of quarterback inconsistency, but he's arguably the most dominant receiver in the league right now.

Cam's a promising talent with unique skills and talents, but he's only just begun.

The Madden fans made the mistake of celebrating what could be last year when one-year wonder Peyton Hillis graced the cover, but making that mistake again would be foolish.

As much promise as Cam has, he isn't what Calvin currently is.

Both players are prototypical Madden stars. They both make outrageous plays with ease and they both carry their teams.

But where Cam falls short is his ultimate body of work, and that is not his fault, but his time will come.

Calvin himself is not only more deserving, but the Detroit Lions franchise, a franchise bereft of a true superstar since Barry Sanders retired, is beyond deserving.

The star wide receiver helped his franchise to the postseason last year for the first time since 1999. It was only the third winning season in Detroit in the last 15 years (they made the postseason in 1999 with a record of 8-8).

It goes without saying that the amount of success in Detroit is few and far between, Calvin is helping change that.

Cam is deserving, but his chance will come in due time—he's not ready yet.

Johnson and the Detroit Lions are beyond deserving, and Wednesday we'll find out if the fans agree.