AFC West

-Broncos (6-1) [5 game win streak]
-Chargers (6-1) [4 game win streak]
-Chiefs (5-2) [4 game win streak]
-Raiders (2-3) [2 game win streak]
==========================
Total: (19-7) / 73%

Who's bringing the marshmallows for that fire in the west?

NFC East

-Eagles (7-0) [7 game win streak]
-Cowboys (5-1) [5 game win streak]
-Giants (4-3) [1 game losing streak]
-Redskins (3-3) [2 game losing streak]
===========================
Total: (19-7) / 73%

Ok, ok. Same records... But what I'm specifically pointing out is the fact that the AFC West is on a 15 game win streak. Thanks to IXRL's revival, the AFC West should have some of the nastiest dogfights ever. This is just my typical "Las Vegas" luck against me again, because in Season I, I was pitted in the NFC West with both Clowd and Dajo. Keep your eyes open down the stretch when the AFC West schedule starts pairing the contenders together, expect serious drama, heartbreak, and possible suicides.

Now, lets get to the article. I'm sure by the "poll"you can already take a guess on what this write-up will encompass. I've selected pretty predictable candidates, so just put in your input. Lets run through the candidates though for those few who always thought Madden consisted of fictional players, juiced up on steroids and crack.

Michael Vick - Running back or quarterback? We've seen a guy like this before, his name is Kordell Stewart. Problem with Kordell is that he never got the "quarterback" part down. The scary thing here is that Vick excells at both positions. Perhaps the most exciting player in the NFL, he gives defensive coordinators migraines, and in many cases is virtually unstoppable. Led the Falcons into the playoffs this year, something that hasn't happened since the glory days of Jamal Anderson (Remember him?) and the "dirty bird".

Rich Gannon - Sure he's old, but he was last season's MVP. I personally don't think Rich is very talented. I mean, anyone can be an MVP if your wide recievers are Jerry Rice and Tim Brown. His MVP award was built right in front of him. However, he still has some skills in that old sling. Forces alot of his passes, but makes solid decisions in the clutch. Oh yeah, he's old.

Ricky Williams - I love this guy in a Fins uniform. Definately one of the most intimidating backs out there; maybe it's the visor? Ricky is a powerhouse, he breaks tackles at the line of scrimmage, and then keeps driving forward. Definately the Fins best asset, it's a shame Fiedler sucks tuna balls. Mmmm... tuna.

Priest Holmes - The only back that is, yes, mark my words, better than Marshall Faulk. Marshall is probably a better reciever, but when it comes to a well-rounded back, Holmes runs away with the trophy. Just watch any highlight reel of this guy and it will probably show him dancing a bit behind the line, and then, BAM! All it takes is one hole for this guy to get off.... Read the previous sentence again.

Terrell Owens - Madden has yet to show love for a reciever. Maybe this is the turning point. Owens is the most exciting and talented reciever in the game. Built almost like a running back, he's lethal in the open field. A combination of both power and speed, he turns a 3 yard catch into a 95 yard touchdown reception. Without question a great and true playmaker.

Derrick Brooks - This guy, rules. If you can not only force turnovers, but turn them into points, then you have yourself an extremely valuable piece on your defense. I think the entire Bucs defense rode upon him, and his ability to make offenses hurt. Madden has yet to show a defensive player as well, therefore this would be the perfect place to start.

Chad Pennington - Hey, why not? He had a great season, and lead NFL quarterback's in pass accuracy. He even lead the Jets into the big games, and revived a team that lingered on the futile fingertips of Vinny Testaverde. Pennington is the real deal, and displayed his precense as a young NFL quarterback that will be around for many years to come.

LaDainian Tomlinson - His name is cool enough. But his running game is just as good. He sparked the Chargers entire turnaround, and with Brees taking snaps, it opens up the run game for Tomlinson. A very fast back with good hands, Tomlinson would be a pretty picture on the cover of Madden.

Steve McNair - A definate sleeper canidate. Probably wouldn't sell many copies with him on the front, but those who truly watch the game know that this guy has skill. An aged Michael Vick, Mcnair takes the ball down and runs with it quite well for his countless surgeries and dirty laundry list of injuries in his past. But who just buys a game by its cover?

Jeff Garcia - WHY NOT?!!

So you probably have a personal favorite canidate right? Well you don't want one! Did you kiddies know the curse of the cover? Well look here:

2001: Eddie George - Injured

2002: Daunte Culpepper - Worst season of career

2003: Marshall Faulk - Injured

It's there... the curse of the cover... Whoever gets it, may God have mercy on their soul... Pray for their families, pray for your families, but most importantly, pray for me.

More crazy-cover antics: On Madden 2003, flip the box over and you'll see Marshall giving Urlacher a big stiff arm and knocking him on his butt. On 2k3, flip the box over and you'll see Urlacher tackling Faulk!!! Obviously, these pictures are competition between the two companies, and is funny to say the least.

Now back to watching day-time talk shows and eating Pringles.

Stay healthy.

-Vapor Snake

If you missed last weeks article click here