Members of the community and Operation Sports staffers tackle this week's roundtable question ... Who should be on the cover of Madden 09?

TJ Cutini - Can I put the homer hat on and suggest Marshawn Lynch? No? Okay, fine!

I guess I'll go with that OTHER rookie running back from last season, the Minnesota Vikings' Adrian Peterson. He's a big name. People who follow the NFL know him from the outstanding rookie campaign of last season. People who know the college game remember him from Oklahoma.

When you're talking game covers, it's not just about the best, it's also about the most recognizable player and with Peterson, you could make an argument that you have both.

Patrick Williams - I hate this topic. Every year people cry about it.

Usually EA goes with a hot player that everyone loved about 2 years before - making the cover the last exclaimation point in their career. For that reason I hope Ben Roethlisberger isn't on it.

However, I can see Peterson getting it, or LDT (he wouldn't do it last year because of money). Perhaps it is time for a Manning? Eli winning the Superbowl I guess gives that family a good reason to sell out some more.

Regardless of who is on the cover, what is on the disc better be far improved. And if I had to make a prediction: EA sometimes goes with a player that accents new features in the game. My guess would be John Madden himself, boom!

Eric Westfall - I'll say Adrian Peterson just so the curse can get him and the Lions actually have a shot at the playoffs. Ah! Who am I kidding - we're never gonna make the playoffs.

All kidding aside, I gotta say Justin Tuck. Before you start flipping out calling me nuts, consider for a second. Based on his performance in the Super Bowl alone he deserves it. He was more deserving of the MVP in that game than Eli with how well he kept the Patriots' line off balance all game. Top that off with a solid performance all season and I gotta go with the dark horse in Tuck.

Dave Branda - Haven't the poor Viking's fans been through enough? Last time one of their players graced the cover of Madden he had an incredibly bad season before blowing out his knee.

Personally, I'd like to see EA shake things up and put either an offensive or defensive lineman on the cover. Perhaps the cover can be the first to feature a few players with Tuck, Strahan and Umineyora all gracing the cover?

Garrett Hardesty (Garrett67) - I only need to say two words, "Tom Brady".

We all know that the Patriots finished the season 18-1 and that may be a record that stands out more than than the Dolphins undefeated season, simply because of the hype brought forth by the media.

Before I continue, I would like to take this time to point out that I am not a New England Patriots fan. Although I have lived in Michigan and have been a Michigan football fan for the entire 40 years of my life, you might think I'm a Brady fan. I am not and perhaps that stems from the fact that he plays professional football, makes tons of money and dates Super Models.

Am I jealous? Perhaps, but there is no denying how great of a player he is.

Just look at some of his stats and achievements over the years. In 2007 he set an NFL record with 50 TD passes with only 8 interceptions, threw for 4,806 yards passing, he was the first QB to finish the regular season with a 16-0 record. He also has 3 Super Bowl rings, 2 Super Bowl MVP awards, 1 NFL MVP award ... and did I mention he dates Super Models?

Over the years, Tom Brady has shown time and time again that he is a winner, a role model and a born leader. When you add all of those up, you get Tom Brady on the cover of Madden 09.

Z. Swarts (Aka Wesley) - I think that this years cover should pay Homage to Brett. The guy has five NFL records and is a future Hall of Famer no questions asked.

I think that it would be something great for hime to leave with.

Ryan P. (Killgod) - I think Madden is due to place a wide receiver on the cover of their annual title. One of the feel good story of last season was the resurgence of the cellar dwelling Cleveland Browns, with Braylon Edwards being a vital part to the team's success. He is also one the league's brightest young stars.

When you look at the cover of a video game title, you want something to catch you attention and get you excited to play. Edwards without question was one of the most exciting players to watch this season and that should continue for years to come.

Mark A. (Nature Boy) - Even though I'm not a New England or Tom Brady fan, you can't ignore the record breaking season The Pats had last season.

With that being said, I think Tom Brady would make a great coverman for Madden NFL Football 09. He and WR Randy Moss made last year a season that NFL fans will never forget

Matt S. (RyanLeaf16) - When selecting the cover athlete for this season there are some questions that must be posed:

1. What direction will we be taking the game in this season? Simulation/Arcade?
2. Will there be a learning curve?
3. What is our customer-base? Hardcore or casual?

New EA head Peter Moore has said in interviews that he doesn’t see the need for changes to the Madden brand and that he would like to see the product simplified to attract new gamers. Thus, our three questions have been answered. 1. Arcade; 2. No real learning curve - people can pick-up the game and play; 3. Casual.

What cover athlete would not only be recognizable to casual fans, but, stick to the wide-open gameplay that we have become accustomed to?

ADP – Adrian Peterson.

Not only was he, arguably, the best running back in the league, his popularity is sky-high and he is sure to be the beneficiary of a sharp ratings boost which will increase his popularity even more and the Vikings’ in Madden tournaments around the country. He is a gentleman on and off the field, has stayed away from trouble/controversy and would be a excellent face for the brand.


Want to have your voice heard in the next OS Round Table? Contact Dave Branda (aka BlyGilmore) either via forum PM or email at [email protected].