Madden NFL 13 Cover Nominees: AFC East

EA continued to unveil the Madden NFL 13 Cover Vote candidates today, focusing on the AFC East.  As we've mentioned, the first round will consist of two players from the same team pitted against each other in a 64-man play-in round.  The winner will move on into the top 32 (1 player from each team), and so on.

Miami Dolphins

Beginning with the Miami Dolphins, running back Reggie Bush and wide receiver Brandon Marshall will compete in the round.

In 15 games last year, Bush posted 1,086 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns.  Brandon Marshall's numbers, by his standards, were relatively low last year.  Although they continued to decline, they are still pretty impressive.  He caught 81 receptions for 1,214 yards and 6 touchdowns.  Attitude issues continue to hinder Marshall's potential, but then again, so does the team's quarterback play.

Prediction: It'll be a close vote, but I predict Marshall moves on.

New York Jets

Cornerback Darrelle Revis and super model Mark Sanchez will represent the New York Jets this year.  Despite the Jets disappointing season last year, Darrelle Revis continued to punish QBs that decided to throw his way.

Quarterback Sanchez, who always seems to be under fire from the media, posted career highs in completions, yards, and touchdowns thanks to the Jets decision to become a pass heavy offense.  On the year he posted 3,474 yards and 26 touchdowns, though he did throw 18 interceptions.

Prediction: Close vote because I think everyone outside of New York Jets fans hates both of these players, but it should be Revis.

Buffalo

For the Buffalo Bills, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and WR Steve Johnson will compete.

Strong performances early in the season led to a contract extension for Fitzpatrick, but injuries to the Bills offense stalled his superb play.  Still, Fitzpatrick posted decent numbers passing for 3,832 yards and 24 touchdowns.  He did, however, throw 23 interceptions.  Steve Johnson was one of Fitzpatrick's most dependable targets last year amassing 1,004 yards on 76 receptions, while hauling in 7 touchdowns.

Prediction: This will be another close vote, but I'd go with Fitzpatrick.

New England Patriots

Last, but not least, WR Wes Welker and TE Rob Gronkowski were selected to represent the Super Bowl losers New England Patriots.  I'm honestly surprised Tom Brady isn't here, but when you think of the performances these two athletes displayed last year, it's understandable.  These two were monsters and either of them would be a great choice for the Madden NFL 13 cover.

Wes Welker posted a career high in receiving yards hauling in 1,569 yards on 122 receptions.  He also caught 9 touchdowns, including one for 99 yards.  Simply put, the guy is disgustingly good.  He shows up every week and works hard.  But he's facing some stiff competition from tight end Rob Gronkowski, who put up 1,327 receiving yards, but a ridiculous 17 touchdowns on 90 receptions.  Oh, this was only his second season, by the way.  For a tight end to rack up those stats is just nuts.

Prediction: Either one of these guys would be a great cover athlete for Madden NFL 13.  Personally, I'd love to see them split the cover.  Welker is a fan favorite, but I think Gronkowski's hot girlfriend will boost him into the next round. Then again, his dancing display after a Super Bowl loss might be a turn off for fans.  Never mind, let's go with Welker….yes, my pick is Wes Welker.