Madden '13: Why Cam Newton, Not Calvin Johnson, Is Logical Cover Boy

Cam Newton is the best man to represent Madden 13, not Calvin Johnson.

Madden football games strive to stay in touch with the latest trends and shifts that occur naturally from year to year and decade to decade.

While both Newton and Johnson are strong representatives of the current "air it out" trend, Newton truly embodies the way the game will be played for the next five to 10 years.

There is no doubt that "Megatron" is the best wide receiver in the NFL, and furthermore, there's no doubt that Matthew Stafford wouldn't be nearly as good without him.

That being said, there are receivers coming out of college every year with the same kind of athletic abilities and potential that Johnson possesses.

Conversely, Newton is the first player to ever come into the NFL with the unique set of skills and athletic prowess he brings to the league.

Robert Griffin III comes close, but he's nowhere near as big as Newton and isn't as prolific a scorer in the red zone. 

I don't see him coming close to scoring as many touchdowns in his rookie year for the Washington Redskins as Newton did last year for the Carolina Panthers—never mind that the Redskins will field a much better team in 2012 than the Panthers did last year for Newton.

Newton represents the next step in the evolution of the NFL. 

Not only is he blessed with a cannon for an arm—one of the strongest in the NFL—but Newton is also accurate, makes excellent decisions, doesn't get rattled under pressure, can run as well as a wide receiver, sees the field as well as a running back, loves the spotlight and has a desire and attitude to be a leader for his franchise.

Megatron can't compete with Newton when it comes to how they impact the game on a global level.

Additionally, Newton possesses an added element that Johnson lacks—he is undeniably charismatic and will represent the Madden brand with flair.

There isn't a player in the NFL that represents the future of the NFL as well as Newton, and he should easily win the honor of gracing the cover of Madden '13 over Johnson.

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