"The Madden Curse, also known as the Madden Cover Jinx, is a myth involving the video game series Madden NFL, stating that during or after the season, if a player appears on the cover solo, that player will be cursed with either an injury or poor performance"

Whether you believe in it or not, the Madden Curse or the Madden Cover Jinx has struck consistently over the past 7 years to great players such as: Marshall Faulk, Ray Lewis and Donovan McNabb.

Famously, for Eagles fans, McNabb graced the cover for Madden 06, but in the year he was featured he suffered a, season ending, sports hernia injury and lost his primary receiving threat (T.O for those who have been living under a rock).

The curse was then strengthened the year after (Madden 07) when Shaun Alexander appeared on the cover. (Need I go any further with this one)

But now, possibly in hope of breaking the curse, EA Sports have put Brett Favre on the cover of Madden 09. Of course most fans of the NFL game in love the choice, but I worry. In light of recent speculation that Favre could return to the NFL could the fact that he's on the cover of Madden 09 spell disaster?

Or could it be even worse.............. Now that Favre is out of the game can the Madden Jinx reach him?

Please leave a comment speculating as to what could happen to Favre if he

A) - Comes back and plays (with the Madden curse)

B)- Stays out of the game (and the Madden curse gets to him)

Just to let you know, I don't particularly believe in the Madden Cover Jinx but you have to admit that it's kinda freaky!

As we all know Donovan McNabb has served the Philadelphia Eagles remarkably over the past decade. He has amassed over 25,000 passing yards and over 170 touchdowns and all this with only 2 receivers, ever, reaching the 1,000 yard mark in a season.

But despite all this he still has people who want him out. The very same people who, when he does leave, will be crying for his return when Kevin Kolb isn't performing.

Last season was never going to be "outstanding" for D-Mac but given the circumstances I think he did remarkably well, but that still wasn't good enough for some fans, despite an unbelievable ending to the year which saw McNabb put up magnificent numbers:

LAST 4 GAMES AVERAGES:

Passer Rating - 96.2

Pass Yards - 248

Pass PCT - 65.5%

He had 6 touchdowns and only 1 interception in his last 4 games.

If you spread those numbers out over a season you get this:

TDs - 24

INTs - 4

Thats incredible numbers.

So, to answer my question: Is This McNabb's Last Season In Philly?

No

It wont be if he performs like he did in the latter part of last season on a regular basis.

McNabb is a GREAT quarterback, and until people start to see it that way, he's never going to feel like he's been accepted as one.

I believe that this Eagles offense can do great things this year.

And here's why:

I am expecting (finally) a break out year from Reggie Brown because after 3 ordinary season's for this team he (should) realise that his job is on the line. He (should) realise that there is more expected of him and he must realise that the fans are becoming impatient with his lack of a productivity to date.

The addition of DeSean Jackson intrigues me. On one hand you have a noted collegiate return man and receiver who delivered consistantly in college but is an unknown at NFL level. This addition will, no doubt, help the special teams, but will it affect the offense? Well he has the speed, he has the hands; the only question is his weight, will he be able to get off the line and have the ability to get deep at this level, only time will tell, but I have a good feeling about this guy.

Adding Lorenzo Booker to this offense excites me. He's a fast, dynamic running back who has speed both coming out of the backfield and receiving the ball. The thought of the miss-matches he and Westbrook can create for this offense scares me but, like Jackson he is a relatively unknown comodity despite a promising first year at Miami. Lets wait and see.

A healthy L.J Smith also provides a headache for opposing defensive co-ordinators due to his effectiveness in the Red Zone. I also expect to see alot more of Brent Celek this year after a very good rookier season. I see the addition of Kris Wilson as more of an effort to help the offensive line but he is capable in the receiving game aswell. This tight end group coupled with the running back personnel should remedy alot of the Red Zone problems faced last year.

The offensive line is also looking sturdy despite a rollercoaster year in 2007. The addition of King Dunlap and the re-signing of Kimo Von Oeloffen (hopefully not mis-spelled) should stabalize this offensive line with veterans like Runyan, Thomas and Andrews proving as solid as ever.

So to summarize- I believe the Eagles offense this year is better than last years and I believe that this offense coupled with an even stronger defence can guide the Eagles to the playoffs and possibly even further