Madden 2013 Cover: What Cover Winner Must Do To Break Dreaded Curse

There is a faction of diehard fans in North Carolina and Detroit that aren't rooting for Calvin Johnson or Cam Newton to win the Madden cover vote.

They believe in the curse.

In case you aren't aware: the Madden curse supposedly dooms the athlete that appears on the cover to some level of misfortune throughout the upcoming season.

It has befallen players like Mike Vick, Eddie George and most recently, Peyton Hillis. 

My problem with those that believe in the curse, is that there is no clear definition of what constitutes curse-worthy misfortune. 

I mean, something bad happens to every human being over the course of a eight to 10-month stretch. That is the time period from when Newton or Johnson will honored by EA Sports and the end of the season.

What level of mishap must they avoid to buck the curse?

I took the liberties of drawing up specifics for both Madden cover finalists. In my opinion, if the winner attains the following individual, team and personal accomplishments, they have beaten the curse:

Prerequisites For Both

Stay Free and Void of Scandal

As long as Megatron nor Cam is incarcerated or involved in any major scandal—they pass this test. I wouldn't worry about that with these guys. They have never shown the world any actions that would make us think otherwise.

Please no one bring up anything from Newton's collegiate career, we are so passed that.

Stay off the Trainer's Table and off IR

The easiest way to earn the Madden curse tag is to suffer a significant injury. It's football, there really isn't a lot either of the men can do about this. Newton can be a little more careful while scrambling, but injuries can and will happen.

As long as the injury doesn't cost either player more than three games, they should be fine. Any trip to IR automatically confirms the curse.

Also, those three games can't come in Weeks 15-17, or in the playoffs. It could be the only games missed all year, but if it comes at crunch time, conspiracy theorist will scream "CURSE"!!!

Now for the player-specific benchmarks...

Calvin Johnson

Individual Accomplishments

Megatron led the NFL in receiving yards with 1691, he had 96 receptions and 16 TD as well in 2011. He does not have to equal or better those numbers in 2012.

However, the following is required to avoid the curse talk:

1400 REC YDS, 85 REC and 12 TD

Those are still lofty numbers, but Megatron is that type of player. If he doesn't get hurt, he'll get those numbers easily. If he doesn't reach these numbers, the believers will call him cursed.

Team Accomplishments

The Lions made the postseason in 2011 with a 10-6 record. Since the playoffs are not common place for the Lions, it isn't necessary that they return. That said—they must at least be 9-7. If the team regresses to a losing record, the curse will be blamed.

Cam Newton

Individual Accomplishments

Newton threw for 4051 yards, 25 TD and 17 INT in his rookie season. He also rushed for 706 yards with 14 TD. He says he has improved, and he'll need to show it in 2012.

If he produces the following stat line, or better, he will be curse free:

Passing Stats: 

3500 YDS, 25 TD and 12 INT

Rushing Yards:

550 YDS, 10 TD

Team Accomplishments

The Panthers were 6-10 last season, they must at least win seven games for Newton to avoid talks of a curse. As the QB, he will be judged by wins and losses more than anything.

For Newton, less is more. If his running game and defense step up, he won't have to do as much. But the team will still be successful.

The announcement is today, so stay tuned for more information and coverage as we find out who will represent on the cover this season.

No whammies, no whammies...STOP!!!

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