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Big Ben68 said 07/02, 06:36 PM
The best Madden cover man HAS to be Ray Lewis. He is the only defensive player EVER selected to be on the cover thus far. He has been the leader of the Baltimore defense pretty much since he entered the league. He has racked up 1,399 tackles, 80.5 tackles for a loss, 28 sacks, 8 FF, 23 INTs, and a defensive TD in 11 years. He has been an eight time Pro Bowl selection and was selected as defensive player of the year in both 2000 and 2003. He has led the NFL in tackles five times (1997, 1999, 2001, 2003, and 2004) and in 2003 tied an NFL record for INTs for a linebacker with six. None of the other cover boys even come close to Ray Lewis. Culpepper has had two good seasons, Eddie George was decent throughout his career, but not even close to the level of Lewis; Vick has NEVER been consistent, Vince Young will probably be like Vick in his consistency especially since the Titans practically told him he is the offense. Donovan McNabb has been pretty good during his career, but has been injured alot as of late, but he just hasn't been the kind of guy for his team. He is currently on the hot seat in Philly, which could mean the end for him especially with that injury history.

Big Ben68 said 07/03, 01:24 PM
You can't use Ray Lewis supporting cast against him without mentioning the fact that Marshall Faulk, during his best years with the
Rams, had two Hall of Fame receivers (Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce) along with what looked to be a Hall of Fame QB (Kurt Warner). Ray Lewis has played with countless stars (Ed Reed, Adalius Thomas, Cris McAlister,etc), but they haven't made him better. Think about the beginning of his career in Baltimore (1996): he was, to my knowledge, really the only big playmaker or playmaker for that matter on that Ravens defense. They gained playmakers over that four year period to COMPLEMENT the amazing middle linebacker they had drafted in 1996. His tenacity, intimidation factor, and spirit on the field are unmatched by any player and that definitely includes Marshall Faulk. Faulk also lost his job and never crossed 1,000 yards after his cover appearance. Ray Lewis may not be at the top of his game anymore, but he most definitely is still a productive player as shown by his choice as a Pro Bowler last year.

Big Ben68 said 07/04, 02:06 PM
I never said you used that, but I hit it before you did. Rice never really lost his job anywhere he played. San Fran: #1, Oakland: #1; with the Broncos and 'Hawks he was signed more as a guy that could be a slot or 4th WR not the #1 or #2 guy. Faulk was a great guy, but you never saw him getting his teammates riled up or psyched for a game the way Lewis does it. He never again crossed 1,000 rushing yards, which is the milestone for every running back during the season. Rushing for 1,000 yards is like the barometer of an NFL running back. If he can???t hit that thousand yard mark he is seen as a less than stellar back and means he needs to stop. That was shown with the drafting and eventual installation of Stephen Jackson. His statistical accomplishments are great, but will he be a first ballot Hall of Famer? I think not. Maybe on his second try, but Ray Lewis is most definitely in the HOF on his first attempt. But what REALLY makes him the best Madden Cover Athlete is because he is the ONLY defensive player to have been selected to the cover thus far. The only other guy that have a real shot are Champ Bailey and a few other scattered stars. Ray Lewis is the greatest Madden Cover.