The Cover Stew: Matthew Stafford Believes in the Madden Curse
By DeCon
Nov 13, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Julius Peppers (90) forces Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) to fumble the ball in the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-US PRESSWIRE
As the Detroit Lions prepare for their trip to Chicago to face the Chicago Bears on Monday night, Lions QB Matthew Stafford was speaking to the Chicago media in his pre-game conference call with the media. The quarterback answered a number of questions about the slow start of his all-world WR Calvin Johnson.
“Well, Calvin is Calvin and he is a great receiver, but it’s really my fault that we haven’t been clicking so far this season,” said Stafford. “The truth is, I am a firm believer in the Madden Curse.”
According to Wikipedia, while appearing on the cover has become an honor akin to appearing on the Wheaties box, much like the Sports Illustrated Cover Jinx, certain players who appeared on Madden video game box art have experienced a decline in performance, usually due to an injury.
“There have been times this year when Calvin has been wide open, but that damn curse enters my mind and I might just put the ball out of reach or airmail it into the 3rd row,” continued Stafford. “I mean, I don’t want to get him hurt or anything.”
Johnson seems to appreciate his quarterback having his back, “My chances will come. We will be down enough this season, so there will be plenty of garbage time for me to get my numbers when the defenses play a little softer.”
In other news, it has been rumored that DT Ndamukong Suh is planning to drive himself from Detroit to Chicago for the game on Monday. As such, the Chicago Bears, in association with the Chicago Parks and Recreation Department and Chicago Police Department will be issuing a joint warning about parking near Soldier Field.
The Cover Stew is a satirical look at the Chicago Bears, Football and Life in General.