Bleacher Report - Articles by Matt Madrid

Face it now Browns fans, they are going to stink again this year.

Matt Madrid — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 03:00:30 -0400

After a great 2007 season, high hopes are streaming around Lake Erie.

The Browns are returning everyone that played a key role in last year's 10-6 run that just missed the playoffs. Plus, they added some big names that are supposed to push them over the edge to greatness.

It breaks my heart to inform everyone that the Browns are going to suck yet again and there is plenty of reasoning to back that up.

1) Defense (or lack there of)
The defense is a joke. They were 10-6 last year, even though the defense was 30th in the league. They gave up 360 yards per game!

They brought in Corey Williams and Shaun Rogers to try and solidify the line, which gave up 4.5 yards every time the opposing team carried the ball. Even if they can stop the run, the secondary gave up 29 touchdowns last year.

As much as I love Sean Jones, he can't cover anyone. He just comes up and makes hits and big plays. Second-year corner Eric Wright is supposed to be a shut down corner in the future, but right now he couldn't cover his bed.

Last night's pass interference on the Giant's second possession made me almost throw my dinner plate at the television. It would take an act of God for this defense to help the Browns get to the playoffs this year.

2) Derek Anderson
Oh yes, he made it to the Pro Bowl last year. But take a close look at what he did in tight situations.

The Cincinnati game at their place last year was an on-going joke with interceptions being the punch line. The Bengals literally tried to give us that game and let us go on to the playoffs, but Anderson was throwing to the orange and black jerseys instead of orange and brown. I actually remember turning the channel in the third quarter to watch Cash Cab, the best game show on T.V., because I knew they wouldn't win the game.

Yes, he threw 29 touchdowns, but that goes along with the 19 interceptions and the 56.5 completion percentage (28th). He should thank Jamal Lewis for revamping his career and allowing Derek to throw the ball down field because teams had to respect the run. His biggest flaw is when he wants a receiver, he stares him down. It's obvious. It's sickening. Bra-dy, Bra-dy!

3) Penalties
This team has no discipline. They showed it last night in a preseason game that they couldn't stay away from commiting penalties that cost them big time.

These weren't just five-yard false start penalties either. They had 10 penalties for 128 yards! No one respects Romeo Crennel, and because of that they will continue to shoot themselves in the foot due with dumb penalties.

4) History
Every year they do well, they follow it up by totally sucking.

In 2002, they backed their way into the playoffs only to blow a lead (22 points in the fourth quarter to win by three) to the hated Steelers and be knocked out in the first round.

I was on a plane on our way back from Tempe and still celebrating a Buckeye National Championship over Miami and thought, "It's alright because Ohio State won and the Browns will be back next year."

Kelly Holcomb threw for 429 yards, and it looked as if he was the answer and Tim Couch was a name of the past. So what went down in 2003? 5-11. Second worst record in the league. 2004? 4-12.

I didn't think a preseason football game could make anyone mad. It means nothing, the backups usually play most of the game, and teams aren't really running their full offenses because they don't want to give away game plans.

Last night I was fuming. I marched upstairs, cussing the whole way, and locked myself in my room because I didn't want to talk to anyone. They should have just quit the game. If they are going to play like that on prime time television, then they are going to be pretty pathetic because they have five scheduled with the possibility of a sixth with Indy on November 30.

Oh well. After 22 years, I'm used to it. I thought the brown pants looked decent (could use an orange stripe up the sides), Brady Quinn looked great, and the Buckeyes open in 11 days.

I guess it could be worse.

College Football's All-Decade Team, 2000-2007

Matt Madrid — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 05:33:25 -0400

College football has had a great run over the past seven years of play.

Here's my all-decade team from 2000-2007.

Offense

QB: Vince Young, Texas (2003-2005)

Led his team to the 2005 national championship. Was nearly unable to be tackled when in the open field. Threw for over 6,000 yards and 44 touchdowns and also ran for over 3,100 and 37 touchdowns.

Others: Ken Dorsey, Miami; Troy Smith, Ohio St.; Matt Leinart, USC

RB: Reggie Bush, USC (2003-2005)

Despite only starting 14 games, had over 6,500 all-purpose yards. Helped USC to a national title in 2004. Had one of the most amazing runs ever in college football in a shootout win over Fresno State in 2005. Heisman trophy winner in 2005.

RB: Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma (2004-2006)

Broke almost all of the freshman rushing records in 2004 while being a Heisman finalist. While healthy, he could change a game by making the defense plan around him.

Others: LaDainian Tomlinson, TCU; Darren McFadden, Arkansas; DeAngelo Williams, Memphis

WR: Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech (2004-2006)

Just shy of 3,000 yards with 28 touchdowns. Had 13 100-yard receiving games. Big play guy who could change a game at any second. Had to be double covered and could still make amazing plays.

WR: Larry Fitzgerald, Pitt (2002-2003)

Had over 2,600 yards in just 26 games with 34 touchdowns. He could go deep and over the middle, which you don't see out of a lot of wideouts in college football.

Others: Braylon Edwards, Michigan; Ted Ginn Jr., Ohio St.; Andre Johnson, Miami

TE: Kellen Winslow, Miami (2001-2003)

Linebackers were too slow and defensive backs were too small to cover him. Great hands and a tough nose.

Others: Jeremy Shockey, Miami; Vernon Davis, Maryland; Dallas Clark, Iowa

OT: Joe Thomas, Wisconsin (2003-2006)

OT: D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Virginia (2003-2005)

OG:Logan Mankins, Fresno State (2001-2004)

OG: Branden Albert, Virginia (2004-2007)

C:Jeff Faine, Notre Dame (1999-2002)

Defense

DT: Tommie Harris, Oklahoma (2001-2003)

A force in the middle that was virtually unmovable. Lombardi Award Winner

DT: Glenn Dorsey, LSU (2004-2007)

Big and quick. Makes for a great defensive force. Lombardi, Outland, Nagurski, Lott Awards.

DE: Mario Williams, North Carolina St. (2003-2005)

175 tackles and 25.5 sacks in 36 games.

DE: Julius Peppers, North Carolina (1999-2001).

30 sacks, three touchdowns, five interceptions, 52 tackles for a loss.

Others:Chris Long, Virginia; Vernon Gholston, Ohio St.; Shaun Cody, USC

OLB: A.J. Hawk, Ohio St. (2002-2005)

Covered sideline to sideline with authority.

OLB: Terrell Suggs, Arizona St. (1999-2002)

Would get down and rush the passer off end or stand up and cover tight ends and running backs. Had 66 TFL and 44 sacks.

Others: Derrick Johnson, Oklahoma; Ernie Sims, Florida St.; Shawne Merriman, Maryland

MLB: Patrick Willis, Ole Miss (2003-2006)

Had around 350 tackles his last three years at Mississippi. Dominant run stopper that could fill a hole as quick as anyone.

Others: Jonathan Vilma, Miami; Lofa Tatupu, USC; Dan Morgan, Miami

CB: DeAngelo Hall, Virginia Tech (2001-2003)

One of the fastest players in the game at the time. Had eight picks and 190 tackles, and also returned five punts for touchdowns. Shutdown man.

CB: Adam Jones, West Virginia (2002-2004)

Nicknamed "Pacman" because he would eat receivers up. Eight picks while shutting down opponents. Was a dangerous return man, with a chance to take it to the house on every kickoff or punt.

Others:Chris Gamble, Ohio St.; Phillip Buchanon, Miami; Antonio Cromartie, Florida St.

FS: Sean Taylor, Miami (2001-2003)

A combination of size, speed, and strength made him one of the best college defenders ever. He was all over the field and could make big play after big play. R.I.P. Sean.

Others: Roy Williams, Oklahoma; Michael Griffin, Texas; Reggie Nelson, Florida

SS: Ed Reed, Miami (1998-2001)

Defines playmaker. Everything you want in a football player. Probably the best defensive back ever in college football. Contributed on special teams.

Others: LaRon Landry, LSU; Donte Whitner, Ohio St.; Mike Doss, Ohio St.

K: Mike Nugent, Ohio St. (2001-2004)

Tied or broke 22 school records while at OSU, including most points. Consensus All-American as a senior. Groza award winner.

Others: Nate Kaeding, Iowa; Mason Crosby, Colorado; Jeff Chandler, Florida

Coach: Pete Carroll, USC (2000-Present)

Two national championships, six conference titles, three Heisman trophy winners. 76-14 record.

Others: Jim Tressel, Ohio St.; Bob Stoops, Oklahoma; Mack Brown, Texas

Brandon Jennings and Why the NBA Is Ruining College Basketball

Matt Madrid — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 05:16:21 -0400

Touché, Brandon Jennings, touché.

For those of you who do not know who he is, Jennings is the No. 1 point guard coming out of the high school class of '08. He is from L.A. but attended Oak Hill Academy in Virginia.

He recently signed a letter of intent to play for the University of Arizona Wildcats this upcoming year but was having trouble becoming eligible due to his low ACT scores.

Since he is a lock as a lottery pick a year from now, instead of enrolling at U of A, the kid pulls a fast one on the basketball world and decides he will play for some European team this year instead of spending a year in school before declaring. This all leads to my point.

The NBA is ruining the sport of college basketball. The NBA can't even hold college basketball's jock when it comes to popularity and passion, but since these players want to get paid they are jumping ship after one year—well, after a semester really. As long as they are eligible in the fall they can play and not worry about being ineligible for their sophomore year.

This one year before going to the NBA has to be like a dream vacation for these guys. Whether they spend a year in school or go to Europe like Jennings, they know they will have a big check to cash in a year, so they sit back and relax while they can.

Continue to make the NBA better (dress code, Lakers vs. Celtics finals) and learn from the NFL and make it three years out of high school. The NFL and NCAA are in perfect sync because the school's know what they are getting from the players and the NFL franchises know they aren't drafting immature kids.

Making college kids go to school for only a year before going to the league is absurd when you have a draft that has only two rounds, do not have a farm system like baseball (the D-League ranks with the WNBA), and only have 12 or 13 roster spots.

Yes, there have been the exceptions like Kobe, BronBron, and Melo, but most of them don't turn out like that (example: Kwame Brown). They sit on the bench for two years instead of actually playing defense in college and are wasting their amazing talent.

Lute Olson (head coach at Arizona) let everyone know that since this has happened to him twice now within the past three months (he just lost his best player after his freshman year to the draft) he will no longer recruit high school players that plan on leaving for the NBA after one year.

Hopefully Jennings putting one over on the rules will make David Stern wise up. He needs to realize that adding more years onto the draft declaration rule would help his NBA and also keep the college game as great as it used to be.

From Fenway to Rupp: The Five Greatest Sports Venues

Matt Madrid — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 06:19:54 -0400

This is more of an open topic to see what other people out there like, but I wanted to list my top five stadiums/arenas that I have been to, and those I would like to visit.

Here are the top venues I've been to:

5. Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati Reds (2003-Present)

This beauty is an on-the-water park that deserves a better team.

4. Sun Devil Stadium, Arizona State/Arizona Cardinals (1958-Present)

It's a small stadium, but a great venue. It gives fans a beautiful view of the top of Camelback Mountain.

3. PNC Park, Pittsburgh Pirates (2001-Present)

I feel it's the best park in baseball. It's on the water with a great view of a beautiful city in right field.

2. Wrigley Field, Chicago Cubs (1914-Present)

It's a must-see for baseball fans. During a day game, one can smell the history in the air and can't help but root for the Cubbies.

1. Ohio Stadium, Ohio State (1922-Present)

I just love Ohio State and everything to do with the football team. With the atmosphere and the tradition combined, it doesn't get much better for me.

These are the venues I'd like to go to:

5. Rupp Arena, Kentucky Wildcats (1976-Present)

I have been told it's the ultimate venue for college basketball. I would love to go there when Louisville is in town.

4. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Florida Gators (1930-Present)

This has to be the toughest place to play in college football. The swamp would be a great trip, especially if you could see Florida State or LSU play there.

3. Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium, College World Series (1948-Present)

As a former college baseball player, just to be there for a game with the excitement and history would be crazy.

2. Fenway Park, Boston Red Sox (1912-Present)

Fenway pretty much speaks for itself. You will need some time to make a full weekend out of it.

1. Cameron Indoor Stadium, Duke Blue Devils (1940-Present)

Even though I can't stand Duke, just watching a UNC game there on TV gives me the chills. Sitting with the Cameron Crazies has to be insane.

Ohio State Football Makes for a Great Autumn Weekend in Columbus

Matt Madrid — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 03:31:57 -0400

There's no better time than this season to get down to Ohio State for a football game in the fall. They return 10 starters on each side of the ball, including five with All-American talent.

This season will be a disappointment to all fans and players if it doesn't end with a BCS National Championship title. All these players didn't come back for the accolades or awards, but for that ring. That's why I think this year will very much like 2006, when we also thought that there was nothing holding us back from a title.

A fall weekend in Columbus usually goes something like this...

Arrive in Columbus around 8:30 pm on Friday and meet up with your friends at one of the many wild parties on campus. The party is usually enclosed by an orange snow fence, so technically the cops can't just walk right in. You consume about 10 to 15 beers while mixing in a keg stand or two.

The worst part about the night is waiting 10 minutes in line to get to the keg, unless you're staying with the people who live there. Then it's legal to call "house" and cut everyone.

Around 3:00 am you do one of two things. First, find that hotty you have been talking to for some of the night and see if she's down to go back to her place for the night. If not, it's usually taking off with your buddies and stopping in to eat where all the drunk people are for a late night snack (usually Cane's—get the No. 3 combo).

With a noon start time, you wake up around 8:30 am—unless you have to make the walk of shame back to where you're staying. While having a beer in the shower, you can hear the OSU Marching Band being played on the stereo while College Game Day is on mute on TV.

Once out of the shower, you throw on your Buckeye jersey and pound at least seven to 10 beers while throwing a football around the yard before heading over to the game.

As you get to your seats, you hear the rumbling of the "Buckeye Battle Cry" as the band enters through the north stands. The crowd goes wild.

When The Best Damn Band In The Land goes into "Script Ohio," the Horseshoe erupts. As the sousaphone player marches out to dot the "i" there is a jolt of electricity that strikes the 100,000-plus crowd, and goosebumps are sent running down your body.

After a Buckeye win, you meet up with pretty much everyone you know at The Varsity Club and drink and hang out in the sea of scarlet until it's time to finally eat something. You grab a slice of pizza and head out to another bar—no need to change, because on a Saturday night after a game it's not about looking good. It's about being a Buckeye and enjoying the fun that is packed in everywhere you go.

Once the bars close, you head back somewhere for after hours, where you smash a couple more beers before going back to the place and sleeping.

Wake up around 11:30 am on Sunday, grab a shower, and then meet up with friends/relatives in the area you've promised you would give a call to while you were in town. These relatives also may buy your huge lunch since you've spent all your money on beer and haven't eaten a damn thing.

Eddie George's Grille is the place to be on Sundays, with a large number of TVs with the NFL network so you can watch any game you want while checking your fantasy numbers on your phone.

Depart around 6:00 pm and chalk it up as a great weekend in the fall.

Even if you have feelings of hatred toward Ohio State, at least you can experience for yourself the weekends their fans get to experience week in and week out, thus resulting in them thinking they are better than everyone else.

Go Bucks!