What will the next Madden be called? EA Sports says "Madden NFL 15"

(Photo courtesy: EA Sports)

From 2005 through 2012, EA Sports dubbed their annual Madden NFL video game the number of the following year (Madden NFL 06 through Madden NFL 13). Last year, EA commemorated the twenty-fifth edition of the game by calling it Madden NFL 25. Starting this August, EA will be returning to the yearly number.

The next installment of Madden, due to hit stores on August 26, will be called Madden NFL 15, EA Sports announced on Monday. This year's version of the game will be available on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3.

EA said in a press release that this year's game will feature "the most immersive defensive gameplay control in franchise history." EA also boasted of an improved broadcast presentation and coined this year's marketing campaign: "Madden Season."

Pushing their improved defensive gameplay, EA's first commercial for the game features Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly "transforming" into a Madden player.


This year's cover athlete will again be voted on by the fans, ESPN announced in a tweet Monday.

Last year's cover vote included current Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (who was eliminated in Round 2) and former Bronco running back Terrell Davis (who was eliminated in Round 1). More details on the Madden 15 cover vote will be announced on ESPN and NFL Network during the NFL Draft on Thursday, May 8.

Update: EA announced on Monday evening that cover voting will begin on the first night of the NFL draft (May 8).

Week 8 Notes: King Claimed by Panthers; Broncos Sign Chad Bumphis

(Tavarres King)

The Denver Broncos have signed rookie wide receiver Chad Bumphis to their practice squad unit, the team announced on Tuesday. Bumphis fills a practice squad spot that was formerly occupied by rookie receiver Tavarres King.

King has been on Denver's practice squad for the first six games of the season before the Green Bay Packers tried to sign him to their active roster. To prevent Green Bay from signing him, the Broncos activated King to their 53-man roster one week ago today.

Just days after activating King, however, the Broncos waived him to make room for Von Miller, who was returning from suspension, on the active roster.  King was then claimed off waivers by the Carolina Panthers.

It is unclear why the Broncos prevented King from signing with the Packers and then waived him—it may have been that the team was expecting King to clear waivers so they could re-sign him to their practice squad. He didn't clear waivers, so the Broncos went with Bumphis, who caught nine passes for 138 yards in preseason with the Miami Dolphins.

New Broncos practice squadder Chad Bumphis played 81 snaps in preseason (+2.0) with Dolphins. 97% of routes run from the slot.
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) October 22, 2013

On a different note, the Broncos have declared this week "Orange Sunday" and are encouraging fans to wear orange when Denver hosts the Washington Redskins at home on Sunday. This week's game will mark Mike Shanahan's first return to Denver since being fired as head coach in 2008. Shanahan's Redskins are 2-4.