Madden 10: Defensive Player Cover Thoughts

EA Sports likes to make a big secret out of who will be gracing the covers of its titles, and Madden is no exception. Yet, after Brett Favre changed teams (and ruined the cover of Madden 09, changed the course of history for the Miami Dolphins, the New York Jets, and the New England Patriots), hopefully EA can solidify a cover that won’t need a changing.

ESPN is reporting that EA Sports is considering having a defensive player as its cover, whereas, the only defensive player to grave the cover is Ray Lewis. Which got us thinking, if EA Sports did in fact go for a defensive player, who would our nominations go to?

We decided to ask around the gaming world, and below is what some of the staff members and guests think:

Devin Kofsky (360Sync):

1. Ed Reed: Being from Miami, my first choice has to go to Ed Reed of the Baltimore Ravens. A 5 time pro bowler, and 2004 defensive player of the year, also holds the NFL record for longest interception return – 108 yards – for a TD (which he did this year against the Eagles). However, the most notable reason that stands out was his 2 interception game against the Miami Dolphins, which pretty much handed the Ravens the game. Did I mention that he was also playing on an injured ankle?
   
2. Joey Porter: A 4 time pro bowler – Porter was able to get a career-high 17.5 sacks with the Miami Dolphins, and helped transition them from a 1 win team of 2008, to a 11-5 AFC East champion playoff contender (which lost to the Ravens in the 1st round). He had big shoes to fill with the departure of both Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas, and lived up to the hope and expectations of Dolfans.
3. Troy Polamalu: Of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are on their way to the Super Bowl, in part thanks to a clutch interception by Polamalu. He had 7 interceptions, and 73 tackles for the year. Seriously, 7 interceptions. He was also part of the Super Bowl winning Steelers team of 2006 and could very well be a deciding factor come February 1st.

Douglas Veney (StickSkills.com):

1. James Harrison: Why? James Harrison isn’t supposed to be a star in this league. He’s a six foot tall, 242 lb linebacker who was undrafted and signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers back in 2002. Harrison struck fear into the hearts of quarterbacks all throughout the league, amassing 16 sacks and over 100 tackles. Emerging this year as a co-leader with Troy Polamalu, Harrison has been a huge factor into why the Steelers had the number one ranked defense in the league.
2. DeMarcus Ware: The Cowboys are always in the media spotlight, and sometimes not the most desirable spotlight either. Regardless of how the media portrays the Cowboys, DeMarcus Ware had an absolutely monster season which was somewhat muffled thanks to the terrible chemistry in the locker room. Reaching the 20 sack milestone this season, Ware was an offensive coordinator’s nightmare throughout the year, falling just short of the record held by Strahan. Combining a ridiculous amount of strength and speed that most defensive ends could only dream about, it’s scary to think that Ware was only in his fourth season. Toss in the fact that Jerry Jones loves anything putting the Cowboys in the media, and DeMarcus Ware makes perfect sense for the cover of Madden NFL 10.

Bryan (PastaPadre.com):

1. Troy Polamalu: Appearing in the Super Bowl enhances Palomalu’s stock but he would’ve been at the top of the defensive players regardless. With one of the most prestigious franchises and hardcore fanbases in NFL history it would seem they are due for one of their players to make the cover. He was tied for second in the regular season with seven picks and the one he got and returned for TD in the AFC Championship helped seal the game.
2. Ed Reed: Few players turn in as many exciting plays as Ed Reed does. He led the league in interceptions this year with nine and helped lead the Ravens into the AFC Championship game. INTs returned for TDs are his specialties taking two back in the regular season and one in the playoffs. He has been one of the best safeties in the league throughout his seven year career. With Ray Lewis having been the only defensive player to make the Madden cover it might be too much to expect the next one be a Raven also.
3. DeMarcus Ware: Despite all the prestige and all the press coverage that the Dallas Cowboys receive they have never been represented by a player on the cover of Madden. That could change this year with the great season had by DeMarcus Ware. It is difficult for defensive players to shine in the way that offensive ones do, but the impact he had on the Cowboys defense was very notable. Threatening the season sack record, which included a streak of 10 games with a sack, got him the recognition that is necessary of a potential cover athlete. The collapse by the team and negative attention had by the abrasive personalities on it may hurt his chances however.

Alright sport fans, this is your chance to let us know what you think. Do you agree, or did we miss anyone? Let us know in the comments and special thanks for Douglas and Bryan for helping share some input!