Eli Manning makes his case for the Madden cover

by pastapadre
Posted February 3rd, 2008 at 9:07 pm

Right around mid-season I wrote how Adrian Peterson had positioned himself to be the leading contender for the cover of Madden 09. Along with him there is a decent sized list of players I could come up with who would also get consideration. A few however may have dropped off the list while another entered it after the Super Bowl today.

Eli Manning, as Super Bowl winner and MVP, becomes a definite possibility. Until the last game of the regular season no one would’ve given him any shot. But playing well through the playoffs and coming up big on the winning drive late in the Super Bowl propelled him to another level. Even prior to all this happening he had become more recognizable in a marketing sense with several commercial spots. Where brother Peyton has probably surpassed any desire to be on the cover (he makes too much money being in half the commercials out there) Eli is more on the rise and may be able to use that exposure to his advantage.

Patriots players such as Tom Brady, despite winning the MVP and having an absolutely incredible season, are likely not as appealing anymore. I doubt he would’ve been the guy either way due to a few different factors but it seems even less likely now. While EA has put players from the Super Bowl losing team on the cover the following year, this loss is especially crushing considering the undefeated season being wiped away. That is how players on this Patriots team will be remembered. Seeing him or another Patriots player on the cover would just conjure up memories of that.

I’ll be doing a cover candidate analysis in the coming weeks but right now the top names that come to my mind are Adrian Peterson, Eli Manning, Braylon Edwards, and Antonio Cromartie.

Tags:

http://ncaaStrategies.com/ cdj

The same thought crossed my mind as the game ended. IMO, it’s a two-horse race between AD and Eli.
http://ncaaStrategies.com cdj

The same thought crossed my mind as the game ended. IMO, it’s a two-horse race between AD and Eli.
tdoggy

I wouldn’t count out John Madden himself or an old player. At the Madden Bowl they were saying how they were doing a lot of historical stuff for the 20th anniversary game.
tdoggy

I wouldn’t count out John Madden himself or an old player. At the Madden Bowl they were saying how they were doing a lot of historical stuff for the 20th anniversary game.
AK

look at some stats please Tom brady (but he lost) and tony romo. So what if they lost

eli had a 73.9 passer rating in the regular season and 13 less tds than romo

I don’t want another garbage quaterback on the cover like vince young even if he won the superbowl. lets put an elite player on the cover this year
AK

look at some stats please Tom brady (but he lost) and tony romo. So what if they lost

eli had a 73.9 passer rating in the regular season and 13 less tds than romo

I don’t want another garbage quaterback on the cover like vince young even if he won the superbowl. lets put an elite player on the cover this year
Cowboys fan

^Tony Romo also has top jersey sales
Cowboys fan

^Tony Romo also has top jersey sales
Eski

A historical player would be sweet. Or, why not the first Madden cover????

In my opinions, I think Madden should show a photo of a team, or several key players from one team. The New England Patriots prided themselves on “team” in the current day of individualism.

The 2001 Pats were the first team to be announced as a team, not as individuals, in their win in SB XXXVI over the Rams (which, quite fittingly, strangely resembled SB XLII, with the Pats playing the role of favorite).

Since that time, every team that has participated in the Super Bowl has been announced as a team. EA should focus on the “team” concept. Although Manning was the MVP (and played extremely well), the Giants’ front four owned that game….

In regards to the Pats being remembered for losing after an 18-0 start, everyone should remember that the NFL is not a video game. Going 18-0 is unbelievably difficult and this team should be remembered in a positive light.

I am not a Pats fan but I feel that this team has changed the way the NFL is perceived. Regardless of “Spygate”, the Patriots did something many people thought would never happen since the inception of free agency and the salary cap — become a dynasty…Yes, the Pats are a dynasty….

Can’t wait until August…..
Eski

A historical player would be sweet. Or, why not the first Madden cover????

In my opinions, I think Madden should show a photo of a team, or several key players from one team. The New England Patriots prided themselves on “team” in the current day of individualism.

The 2001 Pats were the first team to be announced as a team, not as individuals, in their win in SB XXXVI over the Rams (which, quite fittingly, strangely resembled SB XLII, with the Pats playing the role of favorite).

Since that time, every team that has participated in the Super Bowl has been announced as a team. EA should focus on the “team” concept. Although Manning was the MVP (and played extremely well), the Giants’ front four owned that game….

In regards to the Pats being remembered for losing after an 18-0 start, everyone should remember that the NFL is not a video game. Going 18-0 is unbelievably difficult and this team should be remembered in a positive light.

I am not a Pats fan but I feel that this team has changed the way the NFL is perceived. Regardless of “Spygate”, the Patriots did something many people thought would never happen since the inception of free agency and the salary cap — become a dynasty…Yes, the Pats are a dynasty….

Can’t wait until August…..
lakeallen

[quote comment="11377"]look at some stats please Tom brady (but he lost) and tony romo. So what if they lost

eli had a 73.9 passer rating in the regular season and 13 less tds than romo

I don’t want another garbage quaterback on the cover like vince young even if he won the superbowl. lets put an elite player on the cover this year[/quote]

You’re kidding right? Tony Romo? What has he ever done but collapse late in the last two seasons and choke in the playoffs?

Is he a good player? Sure. Elite? Definitely hasn’t reached that level yet.

At least Vince Young had won rookie of the year (even if not deserved) and Manning the Super Bowl MVP.
lakeallen

[quote comment="11377"]look at some stats please Tom brady (but he lost) and tony romo. So what if they lost

eli had a 73.9 passer rating in the regular season and 13 less tds than romo

I don’t want another garbage quaterback on the cover like vince young even if he won the superbowl. lets put an elite player on the cover this year[/quote]

You’re kidding right? Tony Romo? What has he ever done but collapse late in the last two seasons and choke in the playoffs?

Is he a good player? Sure. Elite? Definitely hasn’t reached that level yet.

At least Vince Young had won rookie of the year (even if not deserved) and Manning the Super Bowl MVP.
Eski

You can put Romo on the cover as long as Jessica Simpson is with him — in a bikini….
Eski

You can put Romo on the cover as long as Jessica Simpson is with him — in a bikini….
Eski

Put Giants’ punter Jeff Feagles on the cover. He was in the NFL when the first Madden was released….Talk about classic…
Eski

Put Giants’ punter Jeff Feagles on the cover. He was in the NFL when the first Madden was released….Talk about classic…
Elmira Express

Romo played well in this years playoff game…wasn’t his fault they lost…they lost because of some bad calls by the refs and a some crucial drops by crayton…the giants were lucky to get by dallas…but strahan will retire and he is the heart of that team and the cowboys will make the superbowl next year….romo is better then eli .
Elmira Express

Romo played well in this years playoff game…wasn’t his fault they lost…they lost because of some bad calls by the refs and a some crucial drops by crayton…the giants were lucky to get by dallas…but strahan will retire and he is the heart of that team and the cowboys will make the superbowl next year….romo is better then eli .
Elmira Express

As far as the pats being a dynasty, they are but they are the worse 1. First off who knows if they win the 1st superbowl if they don’t tape the rams practice. But beyond that they won by 3 each game. They weren’t really dominant. The cowboys of the 90′s were dominant, also the 90s was the best era in football history.So thats why I think the cowboys of the 90′s is the best dynasty ever.
Elmira Express

As far as the pats being a dynasty, they are but they are the worse 1. First off who knows if they win the 1st superbowl if they don’t tape the rams practice. But beyond that they won by 3 each game. They weren’t really dominant. The cowboys of the 90′s were dominant, also the 90s was the best era in football history.So thats why I think the cowboys of the 90′s is the best dynasty ever.
Rico

everyone thought it would be peyton last year because of the super bowl and mvp. I think it will be Adrian Peterson, Tony Romo, Brett Favre, LT, Tom Brady. I think it should be Brett Favre or Tom Brady.
Rico

everyone thought it would be peyton last year because of the super bowl and mvp. I think it will be Adrian Peterson, Tony Romo, Brett Favre, LT, Tom Brady. I think it should be Brett Favre or Tom Brady.
Rupert Giles

That would be cool to see Eli on the cover but EA is most likely to put ‘All Day’ on the cover because he is already so popular.

IMO, I think we need a NEW WR feature and Moss should be on the cover.
Rupert Giles

That would be cool to see Eli on the cover but EA is most likely to put ‘All Day’ on the cover because he is already so popular.

IMO, I think we need a NEW WR feature and Moss should be on the cover.
Sammyboy

Tony Romo is also a born loser.
Sammyboy

Tony Romo is also a born loser.
Nick

[quote comment="11447"]That would be cool to see Eli on the cover but EA is most likely to put ‘All Day’ on the cover because he is already so popular.

IMO, I think we need a NEW WR feature and Moss should be on the cover.[/quote]
Another WR feature? Didn’t we get one last year? I think putting Cromartie on the cover and something to beef up/enhance pass defense would be great. Once you get away from the amazing psychic DB’s and crouching tiger hidden linebacker type stuff, that’s really the weak point in the game right now IMO. Then again, I mostly play offline.
Nick

[quote comment="11447"]That would be cool to see Eli on the cover but EA is most likely to put ‘All Day’ on the cover because he is already so popular.

IMO, I think we need a NEW WR feature and Moss should be on the cover.[/quote]
Another WR feature? Didn’t we get one last year? I think putting Cromartie on the cover and something to beef up/enhance pass defense would be great. Once you get away from the amazing psychic DB’s and crouching tiger hidden linebacker type stuff, that’s really the weak point in the game right now IMO. Then again, I mostly play offline.
Elmira Express

[quote comment="11467"]Tony Romo is also a born loser.[/quote]
Your a hater. People need to realize Eli Started off his playoff career 0-2 , Peyton had his early struggles, Romo will
win Dallas a superbowl.
Elmira Express

[quote comment="11467"]Tony Romo is also a born loser.[/quote]
Your a hater. People need to realize Eli Started off his playoff career 0-2 , Peyton had his early struggles, Romo will
win Dallas a superbowl.
Mark

Who cares about the cover? The game is still gonna be the same thing every year…. which is not that good!
Mark

Who cares about the cover? The game is still gonna be the same thing every year…. which is not that good!
Elmira Express

[quote comment="11489"]Who cares about the cover? The game is still gonna be the same thing every year…. which is not that good![/quote]
They really got to focus on the sideline animations. Its stupid when people get their toes down like 4 yards out of bounds. Also they need to make it so wide receivers jump for the ball every time or at least go for it. Half the time they don’t and it gets pick off.
Elmira Express

[quote comment="11489"]Who cares about the cover? The game is still gonna be the same thing every year…. which is not that good![/quote]
They really got to focus on the sideline animations. Its stupid when people get their toes down like 4 yards out of bounds. Also they need to make it so wide receivers jump for the ball every time or at least go for it. Half the time they don’t and it gets pick off.
Eski

Romo may be better than Eli but Eli has a ring….Also, the Cowboys teams of the 90s were hopped up on dope and rope….

The Patriots, although admittedly video taped the Jets, could tell the other team what they are running and they would still score. Stating that they video taped the Rams is mere speculation since there is zero proof.

And even if they did, I don’t feel that it would create that much of an advantage. These guys are pros and they are the best at what they do.

No disrespect to Dallas’ teams of the 90s, but the Steelers of the 70s are the best team dynasty of all time. Dallas will get to a Super Bowl but not because of Romo.

Not to mention, Dallas couldn’t beat New England on their home field.

In regards to the next Madden, I am not concerned with animations. Madden 08 was a solid game. We, as gamers, are spoiled. When I first started playing video games there were no teams, no player faces, no alternate jerseys (no jerseys for that matter). We had to pretend we were using Seattle or Dallas.
Eski

Romo may be better than Eli but Eli has a ring….Also, the Cowboys teams of the 90s were hopped up on dope and rope….

The Patriots, although admittedly video taped the Jets, could tell the other team what they are running and they would still score. Stating that they video taped the Rams is mere speculation since there is zero proof.

And even if they did, I don’t feel that it would create that much of an advantage. These guys are pros and they are the best at what they do.

No disrespect to Dallas’ teams of the 90s, but the Steelers of the 70s are the best team dynasty of all time. Dallas will get to a Super Bowl but not because of Romo.

Not to mention, Dallas couldn’t beat New England on their home field.

In regards to the next Madden, I am not concerned with animations. Madden 08 was a solid game. We, as gamers, are spoiled. When I first started playing video games there were no teams, no player faces, no alternate jerseys (no jerseys for that matter). We had to pretend we were using Seattle or Dallas.
Eski

I think a cool cover for the next Madden would be to use a player from all the versions of Madden. Have 20 squares, each with a graphic of a player from each iteration of every single Madden game created.

From the original sprite-based players on the Apple, to the players of the original Madden on the Sega Genesis to today’s current polygon players…And place John Madden in the middle…

Bring back classic….
Eski

I think a cool cover for the next Madden would be to use a player from all the versions of Madden. Have 20 squares, each with a graphic of a player from each iteration of every single Madden game created.

From the original sprite-based players on the Apple, to the players of the original Madden on the Sega Genesis to today’s current polygon players…And place John Madden in the middle…

Bring back classic….
Da Birthday Boy

Brian Westbrook. Done.
Da Birthday Boy

Brian Westbrook. Done.
http://gamersaloon.com/ Darren

[quote comment="11427"]As far as the pats being a dynasty, they are but they are the worse 1. First off who knows if they win the 1st superbowl if they don’t tape the rams practice. But beyond that they won by 3 each game. They weren’t really dominant. The cowboys of the 90′s were dominant, also the 90s was the best era in football history.So thats why I think the cowboys of the 90′s is the best dynasty ever.[/quote]

You sound like a die hard cowboys fan. Which is fine but your eyes might have cowboy blinders on though. But hey at least my vikings helped build your dynasty by giving you a whole pile of players for Herscal Walker.
http://gamersaloon.com/ Darren

As a viking fan I hope they put Favre on the cover
http://gamersaloon.com Darren

[quote comment="11427"]As far as the pats being a dynasty, they are but they are the worse 1. First off who knows if they win the 1st superbowl if they don’t tape the rams practice. But beyond that they won by 3 each game. They weren’t really dominant. The cowboys of the 90′s were dominant, also the 90s was the best era in football history.So thats why I think the cowboys of the 90′s is the best dynasty ever.[/quote]

You sound like a die hard cowboys fan. Which is fine but your eyes might have cowboy blinders on though. But hey at least my vikings helped build your dynasty by giving you a whole pile of players for Herscal Walker.
http://gamersaloon.com Darren

As a viking fan I hope they put Favre on the cover
Sean

Favre sounds the most likely with the aniversaty thing. However Eli was on the cover (alog with Chad Pennington) here in New York when I reserved it last year. O and who deserved the ROY more than VY last year
Sean

Favre sounds the most likely with the aniversaty thing. However Eli was on the cover (alog with Chad Pennington) here in New York when I reserved it last year. O and who deserved the ROY more than VY last year
Dillfav

Eli on the cover? one word, PUKE!
Dillfav

Eli on the cover? one word, PUKE!
BustyBuffet

[quote comment="11410"]Put Giants’ punter Jeff Feagles on the cover. He was in the NFL when the first Madden was released….Talk about classic…[/quote]

yeah lets put out 3 editions one with vinny testaverde and one with morten andersen as well
BustyBuffet

[quote comment="11410"]Put Giants’ punter Jeff Feagles on the cover. He was in the NFL when the first Madden was released….Talk about classic…[/quote]

yeah lets put out 3 editions one with vinny testaverde and one with morten andersen as well