Madden curse lives on in Mike Vick

dwilson

For nearly two decades now the folks at Electronic Arts have been putting out John Madden football video games. It was just recently, though, that they began putting the top NFL players on the covers of those games. Consequentially, the game's popularity and the anticipation of the game have soared.

The 2001 edition featured Eddie George on the cover. He missed some of the season with injuries and the Titans, who had hopes of returning to the Super Bowl, were ousted in the first round of the playoffs.

In 2002, Daunte Culpepper suffered the repercussions, missing six games and the Vikings went 5-11. Last year, Marshall Faulk was the poster boy and the Rams weren't safe either as they went 7-9.

Do you sense the correlation? Okay, then here's one more:

Mike Vick received the prestigious and coveted spot this year and now he's out for six weeks with a broken leg. Make no mistake, the Madden curse lives on.

Vick is the NFL's most marketable player, so naturally he should be selected for this year's cover. Plus, this was supposed to be the Falcons' year.

Vick has been training as hard as ever in the offseason to become more of a pure passer and the team added an offensive threat at wide receiver in the offseason to improve the NFL's 23rd-rated passing attack. This could be the year that the Falcons surprise the league and make it deep into the playoffs. With just a little luck...

Atlanta does have a capable backup in Doug Johnson, but he's only started three games in his career. So, the Falcons are hoping the defense can carry most of the load early for the youngster. And the Falcons are praying Vick doesn't have any complications in his recovery.

Of course, all of that involves a lot of chance and a little luck. Something that isn't on the Falcons' side.

I'm sure the Birds will be fine and Vick will be back ... but rest assured so will the curse.

The Falcons will make it without Vick for six weeks but you can't make it without your week ahead:

Today

If you don't have tickets yet, it's okay because it's only the preseason. Kurt Warner may play most, if not all, of the first half tonight against the Buccaneers. He says he wants to get into a rhythm against their defense -- let's just hope Warren Sapp doesn't get into one of his own and put Warner on his back.

Friday

You could sit on your couch tonight and feel guilty about finishing off two gallons of ice cream and the lack of exercise because there was nothing to do after the Rams game this week, or you could enter your stomach into a beauty contest. The River City Rascals are hosting the 2nd annual Beer Belly Contest when they host the Grizzlies at 7:05 p.m. Categories for competition include: The truffle shuffle, belly art, wide load contest, hot dog eating contest, root beer drinking contest, and a keg roll.

Saturday

Speaking of growing, you could measure your vertical growth with a free poster from Midwest Dairy. Scott Rolen is featured on a growth poster being given away at the Cardinals game against the Phillies at 12:20 p.m. All fans 15 and under will receive one.

Sunday

Southeast Missouri State's women's soccer team plays its final exhibition game at home. It prepares for the regular season against J.B. Marine at 7 p.m. at Houck Stadium.

David Wilson is a sportswriter for the Southeast Missourian and a student at Central High school. His column "The Week Ahead" appears every Monday.