Madden 2013: Cam Newton and Last Year's Breakout Stars We Can't Wait to Use

Oh man, I can't wait to play Madden 13.

I can't wait to blitz like crazy. I can't wait to use play action to a fault. I can't wait for the first time I use a perfectly timed spin move to make a defender miss and waltz into the end zone, mocking my opponent with a touchdown dance.

And I can't wait to play with some of the breakout stars from the 2011-12 season.

From the remarkable seasons of two tight ends to a quarterback who took the world by storm, there are some truly intriguing players to roll with next season. Let's take a look at the highlights.

Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham, TE, New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints

If you're like me, you love to incorporate the tight end in the passing game. I like to hit them down the seam or sneak them into the flat and pick up a few tough yards after the catch.

One of the sneakiest ways to become a solid player in Madden is to become a ball-control player, avoiding unpredictable shootouts by keeping the ball away from your opponent. Using your tight end is a staple aspect of that strategy.

And what tight ends were better in 2011-12—or in the case of Gronk, in football history—than these two?

That reflects in the Madden rankings for each. Gronk comes in at a cool 97, while Graham isn't far behind at 95. You'll get more toughness with Gronk, but if you're looking for pure leaping ability and speed, Graham should be your man.

A.J. Green, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

I'm not sure what Green's Madden rankings are yet, since he wasn't in the top 10 that was recently released. But I do know he is an exciting your receiver and my favorite type to use in the game: the deep threat. 

With plus speed, excellent hops, awesome hands, great balance and the ability to make the circus catch, Green should be a solid receiver for all those times you say "screw it" and heave the ball deep. If you like to build up a team slowly by doing a franchise mode with a fantasy draft, Green is a must-have.

Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers

I'll admit it—I love to rely on a scrambling quarterback in Madden. 

I love the strain it puts on opponents, knowing they need to dedicate a spy and taking a defender out of coverage. I enjoy the luxury it gives me of escaping pressure in the pocket. And I really like using play action, so having a quarterback that quickly rolls out and can throw on the run is a huge plus.

So you can imagine how excited I am to utilize Cam Newton in this game. Take a look at some of these sweet, sweet rankings:

85 speed, 94 acceleration, 80 strength, 81 carrying, 92 agility, 97 throw power, 96 injury, 86 throw accuracy, 90 spin move, 88 juke move, 95 throw on run.

Hallelujah!

When I do my classic "franchise mode with a fantasy draft," Newton will be on my team. I can't wait.

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