Bleacher Report - Articles by David Matthew

Michael Irvin's Football Reality Show...I Can't Wait!

David Matthew — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:22:22 -0500

Former Dallas Cowboys receiver Michael Irvin has a reality show airing this Spring and I for one am looking forward to it.

The show will follow the paths of limited-experienced athletes fighting for the ultimate prize of a chance to make the Cowboys' roster. Focusing on receivers and defensive backs, the show is right up Irvin's alley.

The biggest challenge is the viewership. Football fans might be able to digest the extra football show during the offseason. It might work if the contestants are like-able or have an interesting life story.

I can imagine guest appearances from former and current Cowboys players increasing the interest, as well as seeing hard hits, dynamic catches, and on field skirmishes.

The show is reminiscent of the Vince Papale story that was captured in Disney's Invincible. Papale was a bartender and substitute teacher when he tried out for and made the Philadelphia Eagle's roster.

Though Papale had relatively little success on field, his story is inspiring to both fans and non-fans of football.

I haven't seen a title yet for the show. I was thinking The Next Terrell Owens. Hmm, maybe not.

How Benching Helped Extend Kurt Warner's Career

David Matthew — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:21:40 -0500

There is an adage that says, "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned," a phrase adapted from 17th playwright William Congreve.

Fast forward hundreds of years, and I'll adapt that to our beloved sport: "Hell hath no fury like a quarterback benched."

For Kurt Warner and hundreds of professional sports players, nothing hurts worse than losing your job. In 2003, with the St. Louis Rams, Warner lost his job to journeyman Marc Bulger.

In 2004, with the New York Giants, Warner was benched in favor of the first-overall draft pick, Eli Manning.

In signing with the Arizona Cardinals, Warner did not fare any better. He was benched twice.

In 2005, due to injury, Josh McCown finished the season for the Cardinals. Years later, Kurt was again relegated to the sideline when Arizona took University of Southern Cal standout and Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart in the first round of the 2006 draft.

Warner repeatedly lost his job, primarily due to injury. Concussion, broken fingers, and muscle tears have all taken away from one of football's most accurate passers. With his play in decline, successive coaches have made the move that no player likes to hear—especially a four-time Pro Bowler, Super Bowl MVP, and two-time NFL MVP.

Between 2002 and 2006, Warner played only 36 of 80 games. For the 37-year-old former undrafted quarterback out of Northern Iowa, the time off the field, safe on the sidelines from bruising hits, body-bending sacks, and cheap shots has allowed his body to heal.

Obviously, standing next to the coach with a headset rather than a helmet is a lot easier on one's physique.

Warner is also mentally healthy. Watching from the sidelines has only stirred his competitive nature and fueled his desire to prove himself worthy of the starring quarterback job. Guys like Warner, the Titan's Kerry Collins, and Shaun Hill of the 49ers have allowed patience to keep their skills sharp, waiting for subsequent chances to play.

The 2008 season is the first time Kurt has played the entire schedule since 2001, a year in which he took the St. Louis Rams to Super Bowl XXXVI, eventually losing to the New England Patriots. On Feb. 1, the world will see if the aging quarterback has enough fire to beat arguably the best defense in the NFL.

Kurt Warner will be in his third Super Bowl game—on the field, in the middle of the action, right where he wants to be.

NY Giants: Everything Going According to "The Plan"

David Matthew — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 11:09:05 -0500

The New York Giants' plan for a second consecutive Superbowl championship is going exactly as scripted.

That's right, the well-conceived screenplay by forward-thinking head coach and football scribe Tom Coughlin has guaranteed New York a first round bye by ensuring the weakest aspects of their game are addressed.

By losing to the 1-3 Cleveland Browns on a Monday Night back in October, the Giants (4-0 at that time) have prevented themselves from becoming overconfident and prideful.

Wasn't it hubris that contributed to ending New England's perfect season?

An embarrassing loss in week six kept Eli Manning humble and destroyed any burgeoning self-destructive arrogance. Eli completed a modest 18-for-28 for 196 yards and one touchdown. Now, a sub 200-yard passing day isn't atypical for Manning—he's won five games throwing less than 200 yards.

It was the three interceptions that made the mighty Manning modest. Eli has thrown seven so far this year, so basically he threw half his INT's in one game. Obviously not what he wanted, but a small sacrifice to stick to The Plan and accomplish his second Superbowl ring.

So what happens now that Plaxico Burress and Antonio Pierce are involved in a possible felony?

Removing the self-centered Wide Receiver has always been part of The Plan. It never involved a firearm, that was just some creative improvising by Plaxico. His morale-busting ways would have distracted the team during the playoffs and therefore made him expendable.

Pierce? He is playing the part of the bishop or knight who is sacrificed to capture the queen. Don't worry, it's all part of The Plan. Pierce might get suspended for a game, but obviously present for the playoffs while Plax will be lucky if he gets a sideline seat.

The New York Football Giants go into Washington today with a win, threatening the Redskin's chances of a Wild Card spot. With Philadelphia, Dallas, Carolina, and Minnesota left, NY's schedule isn't going to be easy. But by following The Plan, beating divisional rivals Washington and Dallas isn't as important now.

So what's next? Well, Coughlin wins his second Superbowl ring, retires from coaching, and successfully runs for mayor of New York. Wait, make that New Jersey, yeah, New Jersey, that's the ticket.