Shockley: ‘I can start in this league’
The words D.J. Shockley wants to hear from offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey: "OK, it's your turn now." (Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com)
FLOWERY BRANCH – If we include this upcoming NFL season, D.J. Shockley will have been a starting quarterback in exactly one of his nine years of playing football since leaving high school. So this whole waiting his turn thing – kind of old hat.
Funny. It doesn’t seem to be affecting his confidence.
His expectations: “It’s always going to be the same as long as I’m here: I want to compete for the No. 1 job.”
His belief in his ability that he’s an NFL quarterback: “Oh, no doubt. There’s no doubt at all. I have all the confidence in the world that I can start in this league and play for many years.”
His resolve: “You can’t have the mind frame like, ‘I’m gonna be backing up,’ because you never know what can happen. You have to be ready for when your time comes. If you go in thinking, ‘Maybe, maybe not,’ you’re not going to be successful.”
It’s season four of Shockley’s NFL career. His confidence aside, we’re still waiting for some clarity. Since his long-awaited starting season at Georgia, which resulted in an SEC title and a Sugar Bowl, Shockley has had three head coaches and two general managers with the Falcons. I suppose it’s a good sign that they’ve decided to keep him. But you have to wonder about the shelf life, even for a local hero. As I mentioned in a blog a week ago, the term fourth-year, third string quarterback isn’t heard very often in the NFL. It’s logical to assume that this is the pre-season there needs to be some separation from the pack.
The exhibition opener at Detroit played to mixed reviews, including his own (3-for-8 for 31 yards). But considering Shockley’s physical skills, his maturity and the leadership qualities he exuded in Athens, this backup battle shouldn’t even be a contest: Shockley is better than Chris Redman, better than John Parker Wilson.
But there’s just not much of an NFL resume. He was the designated third QB in 2006 and 2008, and spent 2007 on injured reserve. Tangible evidence of his potential is minimal. Coach Mike Smith needs to see something in a game. “He’s going to get an opportunity again this week,” Smith said.
When asked if inexperience is working against Shockley in roster decisions, Smith said: “I don’t think so. What has to happen though is that we have to feel comfortable as a staff. That’s part of this preseason. We have to make a decision on who we feel is going to best help us win games.”
Smith and Thomas Dimitroff may want to take a straw poll on that in Athens. The respect Shockley earned while sitting behind David Greene was exceeded only by the respect he earned in his fifth-year/senior season. The raw numbers: 21 touchdowns, five interceptions, an SEC championship and a 10-3 season.
The Falcons drafted him in the seventh round in 2006. But since then, he has sat behind Michael Vick, Matt Schaub, Joey Harrington, Byron Leftwich, Ryan and Redman. He feels he has improved every season. He says he has a feel for the speed of the pro game and what coaches want.
What he doesn’t have yet is an official NFL snap. But it hasn’t eroded his patience or confidence.
“What I went through in Athens helped me in terms of how to handle things, mentally and physically,” he said. “The biggest thing is patience. You can’t worry about things you can’t control. That’s just something I’ve learned over the years.”
Several years, actually.
Somebody will be out of a job (but No. 2 is safe). (Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com)
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151 comments Add your comment
greg
August 17th, 2009
10:24 pm
back up qb on a .500 pro team is a non story. find something interesting to right about
Rod
August 17th, 2009
10:31 pm
Jeff, I think DJ threw 24 td passes his senior year which tied Eric Zier for the school record. The 21 passes you mentioned do not include the 3 td passes in the sugar bowl that year. Matt Stafford broke the school record held by DJ and Eric with Staffords 25th td pass in a season in the Capital One bowl this past season. This blog was a really good read.
alsim
August 17th, 2009
10:40 pm
Shockley was the heir apparent at UGA and could not beat out David Greene – who never took a regular season NFL snap and has now retired from football.
On the Falcons, he was given another chance when Vick self-imploded and could not beat out Joey Harrington or Chris Redman – who had not been on a NFL roster for 4 years.
DJ is a waste of a roster spot and salary. John Parker Wilson is just adept at carrying a clipboard as he is and at a cheaper cost.
I know you UGA fans want to hold onto the fantasy that he will be a big star someday (you have believed that for close to ten years now) but except the fact that he has gone as far as he can.
.
Jim morrison
August 17th, 2009
10:50 pm
What a joke!
Amen Charlie.
Most will gravitate to the thugs and losers like Vick and try to make excuses for the guy except for calling it like it is!
Enough Said!
crabapplejoe
August 17th, 2009
10:55 pm
Shockley seems like a nice kid….but he’s had his 15 minutes of fame. He couldn’t beat out David Greene who is now out of the league…its time for Shockley to start another career. JPW gets three years to prove he can be the #2 to Matt Ryan.
Tknowsbest!
August 18th, 2009
12:12 am
JIM MORRISON AND CHARLIE ARE FROM MIDTOWN, i HAVE NOTHING AGAINST GAY MEN OR PEOPLE, BUT THESE GUYS ARE BOTH BLACK AND MAD AT THEIR RACE BECAUSE, LATE ONE NIGHT COMING FROM A GAY SPORTS CLUB AT MIDTOWN, A GROUP OF YOUNG BLACKMEN MADE FUN OF THEM HUNGING IN THE PARKING LOT AND ALMOST GOT INTO A FIGHT WITH THEM…THEY SAID THEY WOULD GO ON THE BLOG AND ATTEMPT TO DISGRACE BLACKS BECAUSE THEY FELT REJECTIONS FROM BLACKS AND THEY KNOW HOW IT FEELS TO BE REJECTED BECAUSE OF THEIR CHOICE IN SEXUALITY…I HEARD THESE CLOWNS TALKING ABOUT IT AT WORK…DON’T BELIEVE THEM….THEIR CLOSEST VICK FANS!!!!
cdog
August 18th, 2009
3:49 am
please everyone, let mike vick go. he’s in philadelphia now. you don’t have to worry about him no more disgracing the falcons as you say. let the man live his life and you all live yours. quit worrying about whether he meant what he said about being sorry. so what, whether he is or isn’t? he is moved on now but one thing for sure, the falcons will regret letting him leave
cdog
August 18th, 2009
4:01 am
leave dj shockley alone also. if he makes the roster or starts, or backups as the number 3 man it will be okay.i see people have skin color problem in atlanta. if he helps us win or if john parker wilson helps us win its okay. it shouldn’t be about race but i see it is. most have a problem with a black quarterback.i feel sorry for a lot of you. remember,you have to give an account before GOD for your hatred. you never know when your time might come. just today at about 5:00pm the head basketball coach at a southwest geogia high school suddenly drop dead after football practice. my point is, if that was you dying suddenly, with YOUR hatred attitude toward vick and shockley, where do you serious think GOD WOULD SEND YOU?DEFINITELY NOT TO HEAVEN
Mitch
August 18th, 2009
5:50 am
I really love Matt Ryan. I love where we are going as an organization and a team. My boys, whom I take to OTA’s, scrimmages and open practices, love Ryan. He signs their shirts and hats and is just generally cool. I hope he is our QB forever then becomes one of our coaches. Love him. However, I sure wish he had Shockley’s arm.
If Shock learns to be the student of the game Matt is and he combines that with his arm strength, he could be a starter. Shock needs to work on accuracy and timing as well. Matt is the starter because his timing and accuracy is off the chain. He can get it there with a little less zip than shock, but he hits the target where only great QB’s can.
Big time?? Not
August 18th, 2009
6:40 am
Four tickets, four hot dogs, four cokes
Topp Dogg
August 18th, 2009
6:56 am
David Greene was 3 times better than DJ, and he cant carry Matts water.Greene isnt even in NFL anymore.DJ could help a team somewhere,theEagles could use a good #2 without a lot of baggagehowever.
Topp Dogg
August 18th, 2009
7:02 am
Heaven aint just for black folks anymore.How can MJ be black and have white kids,just wonderingif thats possible.
Mac
August 18th, 2009
7:23 am
Being a loyal UGA and Falcons fan is great and all, but, really, Shockley was taken in the seventh (?) round and hasn’t taken a snap in a real game. So, really, in your heart of hearts folks, does he need to be the starter? He very well might need to be No. 2, because, well, Redman was selling insurance for three years for a reason.
blord
August 18th, 2009
8:25 am
It is funny how some get so torn up over Shockley saying that he feels like he can start in this league. What else would you rather him say? Is he starting material? Maybe not but I wouldn’t want the guy on the team period if he came out and said “No I don’t think I could ever start but I sure like holding a clipboard.”
hop
August 18th, 2009
8:39 am
dj simply needs to get out of atlanta and get with a club that needs a qb!there are many who do but atlanta is not one of them
"Chef" Tim Dix
August 18th, 2009
8:39 am
“Chef” Tim Dix to Shockley: No, you can’t.
ADM
August 18th, 2009
8:48 am
MadDawg (8/17 9:46)I agree w/ you totally in response to “Tide Rising”. It amazes may that many of these people know very little to nothing about football. If the guy can’t read defenses and looks in on receivers how does he throw for 21 td’s & 5 ints. “Tide Rising” your math and logic does not add up. As for Ryan being “The Man”, I do not agree, although I do believe he is a solid QB. I am confident if DJ was given a legitimate opportunity (i.e handing off to Turner, playing behing the 1st team line, & passing to No. 1 & 2 receivers) he would out perform even Ryan. The guy has not been afforded the same opportunity (hence – “all QB’s will have an opportunity to start 1 game” during last preaseason, DJ was the only QB that did not). I believe Atlanta maybe afraid to showcase DJ, because of what he likely will do, which will then began to stir the pot once again.
Dooley's Cardiologist
August 18th, 2009
8:49 am
I agree with you blord..That is the kind of guy I want on my team. Even though he is living in a fantasy world. It is still encouraging that he has that kind of attitude.
ADM
August 18th, 2009
8:53 am
Also, should DJ have not been injured 2 years ago while scrambling trying to impress Petrino & Co. in the 3rd or 4th quarter of the 3rd or 4th preaseason game he would have an the opportunity to start that year & Atlanta would not have had so much QB dissarray that year; but no Petrino was trying to do his guy Redmond a favor & DJ knew he had to try and seperate himself by using his intangibles that none of the other QB’s possessed at the time (hence – scrambling in the preaseason behind a preaseason line).
ADM
August 18th, 2009
8:56 am
I also seen the kid go something like 21 for 25 in a UGA SEC game his Sr. Year & would have went 24 for 25 if the receivers did not drop (in their hands) 3 very catchable balls. The guy really can play the QB position & there’s not bias involved here. These are just my observations.
PMC
August 18th, 2009
9:07 am
Why are people equating DJ Shockley to Michael Vick’s style?
He was a pro style QB at Georgia, he wasn’t playing in a read option offense.
He’s a decent runner, but he’s always been a very good passer. I’m not sure I understand why people think he is simply a runner?
PMC
August 18th, 2009
9:11 am
Does he need to start on this team no. He isn’t saying…I should start over Ryan. He’s saying that all QB’s need to prepare as and believe that they can start because in the blink of an eye he could be starting. He has the confidence that he can get the job done as a starter and when given the opportunity.
ADM
August 18th, 2009
9:32 am
Apparently “Todd G” (8/17 5:11pm) and I saw & heard the samething last preaseason. I’m hoping that DJ gets the heck out of here & cause on to star(t) for some other team that will appreciate it. I beginning to believe that many in this fanbase truly polarize the QB position here because of……..what else. This this teams management hopefully will not follow suit.
Da truth
August 18th, 2009
9:36 am
I agree that JPW may go to the DS. The team will not let him go, though. He is the type of guy who will sit and learn and be ready if he gets pressed into emergency action. He can manage the game w/o giving it away…like Bama asked him to do in 2008.
cowboy fan
August 18th, 2009
9:40 am
D J SHOCK NEEDS TO GO TO ANOTHER TEAM !!!! iF HE EVERY WANTS TO START IN THE NFL!!!!
tree rollins
August 18th, 2009
10:12 am
I watched the game Saturday and saw Shockley throw 1 good pass. I watched John Parker Wilson also throw 1 good pass (in a lot less playing time). I certainly don’t think Shockley is better than Redman (better athlete maybe – but this is quarterback – not track and field competition).
I think JPW is going to prove out to get a better handle on this offense by the end of preseason and the Falcons are going to have a tough decision.
Primetime is Retired,
August 18th, 2009
10:20 am
Hey what kind of new dope is there in Carolina? Delhomme throws 5 int and gets rewarded with 5yr multi million dollar contract. No talk of competition and no history of back to back playoff berths either. I would start Josh Johnson over Delhomme . Yeah I said it and Go Birds
Sicem
August 18th, 2009
10:20 am
In the last decade the Dawgs have won 7 games against the Jackets and the Jackets have won 2 against the Dawgs. Tech won 45-42 and 27-15. Georgia won 31-17 15-12 14-7 19-13 34-17 51-7 31-17. Total points scored in those games Georgia leads 252-147 that is 105 more points for the Dawgs. Saint Simons please digest these numbers and stop acting like Tech won the National Championship because it had a 3 point win last year. Look at the facts and realize the Dawgs own Tech and get over it!!!
willdave
August 18th, 2009
10:32 am
Unfortunately, I haven’t seen DJ play that much to have an informed opinion on whether he can start for an NFL team. However, if he believes he can, he needs to start pushing for a trade. He will not beat out Ryan, who appears to be very durable and will probably be our primary signal caller for quite some time. Redman seems comfortable and competent in the permanent back-up role. JPW is a rookie, was not drafted or signed as a franchise QB and therefore would only expect to play under extreme circumstances.
So DJ, I’m a fan and proud to have you as a Falcon. However, this is your fourth year in the league, man. If your goal is to be a starter, it’s time to start looking elsewhere.
dgroy
August 18th, 2009
10:57 am
Sounds like to me that Shockley is jockeying to get traded since he’s never going to start or even be #2 in Atlanta.
Mark
August 18th, 2009
11:10 am
He’s not getting any better sitting the bench. He needs to ask for a trade where he can compete for a starting role. Actually what he should’ve done is gone to the Canadian League or NFL Europe, somewhere he could’ve gotten game experience. He’s only had a year of game experience since high school. That’s what’s hurting him, not his athleticism or arm.
tale of woe
August 18th, 2009
11:22 am
BREAKING NEWS – Favre to sign with the Vikings….TODAY
lazydawg
August 18th, 2009
11:28 am
Sorry D.J. your not a starter in the CFL but it is good that you believe in yourself ,and you can save some money from getting a sports psychologist.Keep believing in yourself.
GA30034
August 18th, 2009
11:29 am
Down with the FALCONS. I was only a Falcons Fan when Vick was here, and probably would have stayed loyal if they had played Shockley but after a season of Harrington. It wasn’t worth being a season ticket holder. They won’t have the cinderella season they had with Ryan last year because they have a tougher schedule and other teams defense know his ability (he’s not going to run). Prediction for 2009 season 6-10.
Sicem
August 18th, 2009
11:39 am
Thanks for being so optimistic and supporting the home team and not just one player GA30034. WOW!
JaredCarter
August 18th, 2009
11:40 am
Shockley doesnt deserve to start. I understand how desparately he wants his career launched in the nfl. But nobody is guaranted a starter’s status. Just ask former falcon qb matt schaub. Shaub carried the clipboard for Vick for many, many years (probably 6 or 7) before vick was incarcerated but by that time Schaub had already been traded to the Texans where he finally got his opportunity. Unfortunately for Schaub, most of Schaub’s career had already been over, so Schaub doesnt have enough time left in his playing career to make a serious impact in the league. My opinion on Matt Schaub: Schaub had he been handed a starting job when he first came into the league (when Vick was dogfighting and holding up Schaub’s starting position) Schaub would certainly have been one of the best quarterbacks of our generation and he would have been a lock to get into the hall of fame. Schaub was cheated out of the hall of fame career because of mike vick’s dogfighting operation. That is simply my expert opinion on Matt Schaub. Schaub should have been starting in Atlanta instead of Vick because Vick wasn’t dedicated to the starting position and Schaub was outperforming Vick in the preseasons. If you dont believe me, go back and roll the tapes and judge for yourself. I cant tell you how many 300 and 400 yard games Matt Schaub had in his preseason contests while he was languishing on the bench in obscurity. Thank God the Falcons were clever enough to get Brett Farve out of here fast enough so that Brett could enjoy a Hall of Fame Career.
ADM
August 18th, 2009
12:00 pm
PMC, people think he DJ is a runner, because he is not of “the classic dropback” mode of passer. I agree DJ is a very good passer and that he is not saying he should start over Ryan, but he does say he wants to “compete for THE No. 1 job”, be it against Matt Ryan or whomever. I’m sure that DJ knows that politics have & will keep him from truly competing for the No. 1 job IN ATLANTA. The only way he could possibly get a fair shot here it looks as if the No. 1 was injured & the No. 2 stinks it up. To the naysayers, Tom Brady was picked 199th overall pick (DJ 223rd overall), it took the stars to align for Brady to get an opportunity after Bledsoe went out. Brady won 20 of 25 in the Big 12); DJ (10 of 13 in the SEC) so do not act as if it can’t be done. The guy has simply been in peculiar positions since college w/ David Greene & now Matt Ryan. The stars aligned for Matt Ryan (the guy thru a TD on his first NFL pass ever) doesn’t get any better than that; therefore Atlanta should have several championships on the way based upon those stars aligning. All Shockley seems to have asked for is an equal playing field and opporutnity (which it seems he hasn’t really gotten). Who cares if hasn’t thrown a single pass in an NFL game, Matt Ryan hadn’t either until Sep. ‘08. This guy simply knows he is better than what is being presented of him. Throw out the contracts & let them go head-to-head w/ both utilizing the 1st team & see what would happen. This is coming from a Gator fan who knows that 14-10 victory in 2005 would very likely have been a loss if Shockley had been available to play. I’m simply a realist.
CherylWilson
August 18th, 2009
12:06 pm
My advnce to Shockley: DJ you have no chance whatsoever of being a starter in the nfl. You are not good enough to start. If you were, you would have a starting position. My advice to you is to become a DJ at a radio station. You already have the initials to get you started in that career. Sit back and wait for your opportunity to come. If the opportunity never comes, then be grateful you are collecting an nfl paycheck. You could be bagging groceries at Kroger.
ADM
August 18th, 2009
12:15 pm
Cheryl are you John Parkers wife or something, because you obvisiously appear to be misinformed on NFL football talent and NFL quarterbacking. What DJ is dealing with right now is simply a case of NFL politics (contracts, marketing, appeasing fan bases, etc…..)
maddawg
August 18th, 2009
12:17 pm
ADM,
I actually agree with your assesment of DJ and had said before the same thing about had he not gotten hurt he would have gotten an opportunity and we may have never drafted Matt. I am probably a liitle biased being a dawg fan but he is a coach’s son and does have the football IQ to succeed in this league.
with all that being said i think matt ryan is the next great qb in the nfl. he has the work ethic, accuracy, and the ability to make split second decisions that all your “great” qb’s have.
Kelly's a Dawg
August 18th, 2009
1:17 pm
People, how about some facts? If you think DJ was just a pro style passer, you forget that he was third in rushing yards for Georgia in 2005 with 427 yards on the season (behind Brown with 788 and Ware with 535) and averaged 4.1 yards per carry in 78 attempts. That’s an average of 6 carries a game that season, too, for you non-math majors. Know of any other Georgia QB to rush for more yards in a year? That’s right, you don’t. Because there isn’t anyone. With Vick going to the Eagles, you can bet the “Wildcat” formation will be more widely seen in the NFL this year. Now tell me, is there a better QB on the Falcons for running the ball than DJ?
TurkWindom
August 18th, 2009
1:50 pm
DJ Shockley should study the history of georgia qbs to see where they ended up. From Buck Belue, Matthew Stafford, David Greene, etc. How many of them are hall of fame quarterbacks. None. Shockley is another Mike Vick with all the running skills in the world and very few passing skills. DJ should convert himself to a wide receiver, running back, flanker, tailback or some other position other than quarterback. Shockley will get more playing time in the nfl at a position other than quarterback. At the quarterback position, DJ will always be a backup.
butch t
August 18th, 2009
2:37 pm
Shockley is definately ahead of Redman in my book. Life is about timing and his has been incredibly bad. Had he not gotten hurt, we wouldn’t know who Chris Redman was.
P-Money
August 18th, 2009
4:11 pm
In my opinion, DJ is the second best QB on this team . If they make him third string behind sorry Chris Redman this year, he should consider a starting job in the new UFL for experience purposes. NFL teams will then see his talent and he could possibly get a look at Denver, San Francisco,Carolina,Tampa Bay,Dallas and Texans next year. They all could use his talent. Matty Ice is paid the big bucks, so he will always be the starter here in Atlanta unless he goes down during the season (That’s strictly NFL politics) he will never get a chance to out shine Matt, the organization will not allow it and they honestly don’t want any QB controversy. I think DJ, if given a chance could be the next Montana. He does not fit your perfect QB up side 6′4″ 210 to 220lbs . But he has more heart and will to win than 85% of these perfect looking QB’s. Heart and will to win, can take a team to the top ( Ask UGA), upside has proven time and time again to get you nothing but hope. You build a team with a QB that has heart and a will to win. DJ just needs a chance, just an all around great guy that kids can look up to and he has deserved it with his actions. I am glad to know he has stayed confident in his abilities. One thing I know for sure from following his career, he has won everywhere he has played. Signs of a winner that just needs an opportunity. If it means leaving Atlanta to get a chance it’s a decision he has to make soon before it’s to late. Just like one blogger said earlier, Tom Brady was drafted about the sametime as Mr.Shockley. Timing is everything in this league. Ask Kurt Warner.
webhead
August 18th, 2009
10:11 pm
Just saw the replay. Go ahead and blame Brooking for the loss. I know all of you want to. Go ahead
All I'm Saying Is...
August 19th, 2009
3:33 pm
Shock can start in the NFL. His dad was a coach and he’s played QB all his life so he knows how to be a QB. He was successful at UGA and he can deliver at the pro level. Will it be with the Falcons? Unlikely but he has the right attitude: be prepared. Many non-first round draft picks and obscure back-ups have gone on to success with Tom Brady being the most successful example. Keep your head up Shock and stay ready. With the right attitude you will stay in the NFL a long time as good QBs are hard to find.
LET’S GO FALCONS!
Rod
August 19th, 2009
5:40 pm
Shockley can play in the NFL. His stats against the lions could have easily been 5 of 10 for 79 yards and a TD if not for the interferance in the endzone and the personal foul by the lions.
MalcolmX
August 20th, 2009
1:05 pm
Shockley most certainly can be a starter in the nfl. Shockley unfortunately has incredible bad luck which is why he is still a backup. Shockley will probably win the lottery some day and get rich, but he wont become rich playing in the nfl because Shockleys timing is incredibly bad, and his luck is even worse than that. I hope that Shockley gets traded to a team this year that is hurting at the starting qb position, gives Shockley the starting job and then Shockley goes on to a hall of fame career. Shockley needs a stroke of luck in his corner. I’m pulling for Shock to beat the odds, hit the lottery and win a pile of cash.
ForTheRecord
August 21st, 2009
10:13 am
Shockley lost three games on a team with vastly more talent than the 10 teams he beat. The Sugar Bowl win was not against the likes of FSU, Miami (they actually used to be decent teams), Southern Cal, Texas, etc.
And UGA certainly had as much talent as the three teams we lost too. He was selected 7th round because he is a Georgian and has athletic ability. But I don’t believe he’d still be 3rd team if he was truly better. I say cut the umbilical chord and move on so that the AJC writers will find something of interest to write about. The Falcons have a ton of potential stories with more validity as to how the team will fare this year. Shoot even a bio of interesting things about the starters would be vastly more entertaining than a story about a third teamer not making the team – Unless he was a first rounder! He would not have been drafted if the Falcons had not decided to seek local support.
SteveBartkowski
August 22nd, 2009
10:58 am
ForTheRecord,
I agree with you…. I used to root for DJ, but you can only give a guy some many chances before you realize he doesn’t have the mental game for the NFL. His athletic ability decreases each year and he just makes bad decisions. Also, let’s face it, he was brought in to support the Michael Vick type offense which is gone.
After 2 games, Shockley has a QB rating of 15.4! While on the other hand our rookie John Parker Wilson has a QB rating of 93.2!
To me it looks like Matty Ice and JPW are the young guns who are safe on the team and the Falcons have to choose between cutting Redman (High $ contract and limited NFL starts) and Shockley (Home town Boy, no NFL starts, just doesn’t have it). Unfortunately for us UGA fans, it may end up being DJ, but we can’t hold up the team for a home town boy forever. Sorry DJ.