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
Saint Simons
August 17th, 2009
3:42 pm
45 – 42 !!!!!!!!! hahahahahahahahahahahaha
Harleyman
August 17th, 2009
3:42 pm
If Shockley were better than Redman, he would be #2. Maybe that day will come, but so far it hasn’t.
stoopid
August 17th, 2009
3:43 pm
I would hope that the Falcons coaching staff could see how valuable a back up QB like Shockley could be. Hes easily better than Redman and JPW isnt even in the picture. Put him in near goal line and let defenses wonder if were gonna hae him lazer it in there or scramble paet everyone for a TD
Reid Adair
August 17th, 2009
3:46 pm
If he can stay healthy, D.J. Shockley may indeed be the back-up to Matt Ryan when the season starts. I don’t think there’s any doubt he’s better than John Parker Wilson.
Pez Hilton
August 17th, 2009
3:49 pm
Hey folks! On behalf of Saint Simey I wanted to say: ((((((45-42)))))))))hahahahahahahahahaha. He would say it himself but he’s got his hands(and mouth)full right now. We have had an incredible weekend on the bluff. He took today off to rest but should be back tomorrow. OMG he has a lovely freckled back! Freckled and speckled! Toodles!
Mac
August 17th, 2009
3:51 pm
Mac: “No, you can’t”
Ol Skool
August 17th, 2009
3:56 pm
Hey “Saint Simons” let’s hold it down until we at least win two back to back.
GT Class of 78
Anotherdawg
August 17th, 2009
3:57 pm
What’s with the blue uniforms? Were we practicing in North Carolina? Were they all told to pose the same or just afraid of someone messing with their helmet?
ehhh....
August 17th, 2009
3:57 pm
Shockley is alright, but he is living in a dream world if he ever thinks he will be anything more than a third stringer. He might have long career, but it will be at league minimum. Heck, I wish I could make half of league minimum.
Mac
August 17th, 2009
3:58 pm
Wasn’t Redman selling insurance for three years, until miraculously his former college coach somehow ended up head coach of the Falcons for 13 games? Why is he still here. And, didn’t they give the guy starter money? Dude’s won the lottery twice, once for being a Petrino disciple and once for stinking less than Harrington and Leftwich for four games. Time to head him up and move him out.
stoopid
August 17th, 2009
4:00 pm
wow i cant type! “have” “past”
JoeDawg
August 17th, 2009
4:01 pm
Saint Simmons
38-3 Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha
Gee
August 17th, 2009
4:05 pm
Yes he can. Half of the QB’s in the league should be clip board QB’s. When #2 gets hurt this year, we will see.
Flo-Ri-Duh!
August 17th, 2009
4:05 pm
Su- Ain’t Simons iwas dumb SOB!
CJ DAWG
August 17th, 2009
4:09 pm
I don’t know why the falcons don’t use DJ is some sort of Wildcat gamechanger. He has the speed to run the ball and the arm to make the passes. Just a thought….
CJ DAWG
August 17th, 2009
4:10 pm
Al Sharpton on the board now?
dap01
August 17th, 2009
4:12 pm
St. Simons has a sad life.
Bushwacker
August 17th, 2009
4:12 pm
What a dreamer FALCONS SORRY, Mike Vick would not know a cover 2 if it bit him in the ass, he admitted he was last to arrive and first to leave practices, never watched film, we’ll see if he’s serious but he will never be e real
collegeballfan
August 17th, 2009
4:15 pm
If is wants to start in the NFL he better get out of Atlanta.
Falcons have a starting QB.
He might want to go to the front office & beg for a trade. Half a dozen teams need better QB play than they are getting.
Gatorzone
August 17th, 2009
4:17 pm
FalconsSorry, if you saw 60 minutes last night (which obviously you did not) Michael Vick said he was very disturbed by the hurt and pain he caused Arthur Blank who had shown nothing but love and support for him. You sir are off base.
Curious and confused
August 17th, 2009
4:18 pm
Hey Falcons Sorry, can you at least learn correct words to use? You know, like not typing “hear” when it should be “here.” I mean, if you are going to spew all of that nonsense, at least be right about something. Don’t forget it was Blank who wanted to give MV7 the largest contract ever. And really, do you honestly think that MV7 is better than McNabb? As much as I loved the guy when he was in Atlanta, he hasn’t achieved what McNabb has. Not even close. MV7, one NFC title game. McNabb, 5 title games and a Super Bowl appearance.
uga_b
August 17th, 2009
4:18 pm
I though Shockley looked good running the offense but was a little high on that one pass. Truth be told, they all looked good. Redman for better or worse is what he is: a solid No. 2. Shockley would be my preference at number 2 because maybe you could run some gimmicky stuff and still have someone else be the emergency 3rd stringer.
Bob from Dahlonega
August 17th, 2009
4:18 pm
JPW has been impressive according to the coaches. Shockley still has not learned how to read defenses or look for his 2nd or 3rd option.
Canada may be a good fit for Shockley
Diamond Dave
August 17th, 2009
4:18 pm
DJ has always been a CLASS act!
PMC
August 17th, 2009
4:18 pm
The one time the guy started he won a championship. Why would we argue with his confidence?
Pi$$onaDawg
August 17th, 2009
4:20 pm
You can Start a Game or you can be a FULL TIME STARTER? Mike Vick has changed too. Mike was a POT smoking, Lazy Good guy too, but that tiger can’t change his stripes any better than DJ has what it takes to play every down, every game, every year. AIN’T GONNA HAPPEN.
uga_b
August 17th, 2009
4:20 pm
Bob, it is a little early to start drinking. If he cant read defenses or get to his second option, even Canada wouldnt be a fit. Obviously, he can read defenses and throw to his second option or he wouldnt be taking up roster space. Thats like saying he’s a running back with no vision, slow, and can’t hold onto the ball.
Anotherdawg
August 17th, 2009
4:20 pm
FALCONS SORRY has to be somone pulling our chain – Surely nobodys that dumb and got that much hate.
ghost dawg
August 17th, 2009
4:23 pm
Falcons sorry I appologize for you being an idiot. Vick isn’i close to being the best qb around. How does he rate compare to Kurt Warner,?Tom Brady? Rate him by the rings on his hand. Even his own teammates didn’t like him. All he can do is run and kill dogs and if I had my way I’d run over his sorry ass and yours too.
dogcrap
August 17th, 2009
4:27 pm
Shockley might could start in the arena league. That’s as far as he would ever start in pro ball.
Mac
August 17th, 2009
4:27 pm
Wasn’t Redman selling insurance for three years, until somehow his former college coach became coach of the Falcons for 13 games? And, didn’t they pay him starter money for not stinking as bad as Harrington and Leftwich for four games? It’s like he hit the lottery twice. Move him up and out.
Tim
August 17th, 2009
4:28 pm
Dear “FALCONS SORRY”
You are a complete and total idiot. Learn how to spell. Idiot.
Pi$$onaDawg
August 17th, 2009
4:29 pm
Vick said he was SORRY and means it. Just like Nixon said he was not a LIAR and ment ti, and OJ din’t do anything wrong ever, and Bill C didn’t have sexual relations with THAT woman. I totally believe MV7 is telling the truth and he will pay everybody he owes and … and… and… and. I think those are M. Jackson’s DNA born children too.
hop
August 17th, 2009
4:31 pm
i agree with one of the posts that dj needs to look elsewhere since the falcons are loaded at qb, especially having ryan who will be here for a very long time.
PMC
August 17th, 2009
4:32 pm
John Parker Wilson has a better chance of winning an apointment at Sport Clips than beating out Shockley.
mitch
August 17th, 2009
4:32 pm
Dear Mr. JS–I don’t think leadership qualities are exuded. Maybe, “secreted” would have been better, or “reeked”, or how about “frothed?” Your pal, Mitch
blord
August 17th, 2009
4:33 pm
To me Shockley didn’t look that good Sat. (except for the slant route) however i would love to see him work with the at least the second unit some. I didn’t think Redman looked that great either. Actually, JPW looked better then I expected and the broadcasters were speaking highly of him. I think if JPW is ever playing for us we are in big trouble. I like Shockley’s comments though. In interviews the past couple years he seemed very unsure of himself. I like the confidence and hope he shows out against the Rams this week.
Dr. Watson
August 17th, 2009
4:33 pm
It’s amazing how many people continue to think Falcons Sorry is serious.
big dawg
August 17th, 2009
4:35 pm
FALCONS SORRY, YOUR PROABABLY A DUMBASS “THUG” TEENAGER
StepinFetchit
August 17th, 2009
4:36 pm
FALCONS SORRY – I told you about putting caps lock on the library computer! Now get back under that bridge and collect some bottles or do something worthwhile!
Gen Neyland
August 17th, 2009
4:37 pm
FALCONS SORRY : Great post. Now, go fry up an ALPO Burger minus the gunpowder…
SickandTired
August 17th, 2009
4:44 pm
DJ need to be cut. He’s been here too long, never sniffed the field and he’s not starter material. We need to use the third spot to develop a John Parker type. Sorry DJ, you couldn’t start in front of David Greene and you’ll darn sure never start in front of Matt Ryan. Maybe you can go back to Athens and let daddy Mark give you a job. He loves you man. I mean all he did was blow the National Championship in 2002 to put a smile on your face. Good luck, but it won’t be in Atlanta.
Whopper Dawg
August 17th, 2009
4:46 pm
I wish Shockley would get a decent shot, I don’t think he has. From the game, it appeared that he has more talent than the other backups – but he has to have a legit shot in a game. I would love to see how he would do with the first team or at least the second team O.
Bryan G.
August 17th, 2009
4:49 pm
If throwing the ball at a downward angle towards receivers and the ground is a skill necessary to be an NFL quarterback, then Shock is your guy.
I haven’t seen anything in any preseason game that leads me to believe he can cut it. I’m a huge fan of his from UGA, but he’s just not good enough for the NFL. I understand that he plays behind the scrub offensive line with scrub WRs, but he’s not even putting the ball on the money.
Hamad Meander
August 17th, 2009
4:51 pm
FALCONS SORRY – I’m sorry I don’t read posts in all caps. I’m sure I missed some nugget of intelligence somewhere in it.
D.J. Shockley – Keep believin’ man, but your best best right now is to stay with the Falcons as a backup where you have some local support. I wish more than anything that D.J. was clearly better than Redman so that we could dump Redman’s huge contract. I don’t think we should pay 2.4 million dollars (like last year) for a back up QB. I’m not sure what his pay is this season, but 2.4 should buy more. I think we paid D.J. 450K last season.
Let’s be honest, nobody wants anyone but Matt Ryan starting for the Falcons, so why pay big dollars for a backup?
DawginLex
August 17th, 2009
4:51 pm
To dogcrap and sickandtired,
2 losers
Shockley is a great young man who has earned everything he has achieved in life. You 2 losers on the other hand are each probably about 5′8″ tall and together you probably tip the scales at 700 pounds +.
Where did the 2 of you ever play football?
What have you accomplished with your turd lives?
Do you still live in your momma’s basement?
Answers:
NO
Nothing
Yes
Losers.
J
August 17th, 2009
4:51 pm
Elementary Watson, what else would you expect from a bunch of UGAY grads? Their noses are so wide open you could ram the connector right through.
rocky redwood
August 17th, 2009
4:52 pm
Keep Shockley. If we are down to our 2nd or 3rd QB it’s because the others have been beat into the ground. Keep the faster guy who can run for his life.
Navigator
August 17th, 2009
4:53 pm
I love Shockley’s amazing year at Georgia, but what he’s saying now indicates to me that the wrong person is getting in his ear. I’ve watched him every time he plays, and he consistently can’t pick up his receivers, throws into a crowd, and overthrows his receivers. He might want to be released if he truly feels some team will pick him up, or more importantly hope he makes this team as a back up.
Falcons Sorry iz daman
August 17th, 2009
4:54 pm
Falconsorry is tha smartist one of all the reeders on this ajc blok. He is a clasmate of mine from Southwes Decalb hi skool, and has the best opinyuns on this blok. Keep it reel, dog
NeNe's Greg's boss
August 17th, 2009
4:55 pm
Start Shockley!
Kenny Powers
August 17th, 2009
4:56 pm
Question: Who is the bigger D-bag, Saint Simons or FALCONS SORRY?
gratefuldawghead
August 17th, 2009
4:58 pm
Good Luck to Shockley!
GO DAWGS!
WSP Dawg
August 17th, 2009
4:59 pm
FALCONS SORRY has the funniest post of the month. LOL! The sad thing is that people really think like that. They call into these talk radio shows all the time…
SatchelBuzz
August 17th, 2009
5:01 pm
JoeDawg,….let me get this straight. You’re down to using another teams victory over us to gleen some type of enjoyment. Man,..that is so rich. Ugag fans living vicariously through the Bengal Tigers,….guess it’s a good move since you couldn’t get it done.
THWG,..all day, every day.
Michael Vick
August 17th, 2009
5:04 pm
All you dumb fans such as Falcons Sorry and Vick Supporter. Stop trying to blame anyone else for my mistakes. I wasn’t man enough to handle my own business off the field. Arthur Blank supported me through the entire process and i repeatedly kept lying to him. I was the one that never prepared,studied for the game. I am thankful to the Falcons, they made me the richest player in the game, but i gave it all up because i didn’t tell my boys to stop. Everyone that is criticizing Matt Ryan and supporting me truly never was a Falcons fan to begin with. Falcon Fans, Thank you for your support and i look forward to being a productive citizen.
Brad
August 17th, 2009
5:07 pm
Who is this moron posting in all caps who thinks matt Ryan should be cut? Is Terence Moore visiting these blogs now?
Matt the Brave
August 17th, 2009
5:09 pm
Falcons Sorry,
2 things: 1, take off the caps. Dear Lord, they could hear you in Chicago.
2. What the heck are you saying about Matt Ryan? He was freakin’ NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year last year and led us to 11 wins.
You crazy!
GT
August 17th, 2009
5:10 pm
I am thinking Shockley might have shadowed Vick in his day. An athletic quarterback that could run some of the same plays Vick did, kind of short, with mobility. Now that the playbook is for a 6′6″ pocket passer I am thinking Parker sticks, along with Redman, more conventional. Shockley might catch on with an Oakland or one of those kind of teams. He is a credit to Georgia making it this far and sounds like the kind of character someone will take a chance on.
Hoops McCann
August 17th, 2009
5:10 pm
Mike Vick eats poop and swims in it afterwards. DJ Shockley will be cut after this preseason. David Greene was a much better QB.
Todd G
August 17th, 2009
5:11 pm
The coaches have to put his guy in the game. He has more than earned it. No one know if he is better or not; but Chris has been given the chances, DJ simply ahs not. case in point, lst preseason, it ws said that each QB would start a game, the only one not to start was DJ.
P-Money
August 17th, 2009
5:13 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 Houston 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. 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 80% 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. I am glad to know he has stayed confident in his abilities. One thing I know for sure from folowing his career, he has won everywhere he has played.Signs of a winner.
HDB
August 17th, 2009
5:24 pm
What people must realaize is that ALL athletes must maintain that air of confidence for them to be able to compete. What I’mreally hoping for DJ is that he’s getting something that Michael Vick NEVER got here in Atlanta: COACHING!!! Vick was thrown out onto the field without getting coaching from Dan Reeves or Jim Mora (note how John Elway improved when Mike Shanahan coached him….and how he performed when Reeves was coaching!)
IF DJ gets the opportunity and does not perform….then only two things should be considered: either he didn’t get coached…or he didn’t perform!! From what I’ve seen….it could be BOTH!!
DP
August 17th, 2009
5:29 pm
If any one of the other 31 NFL teams thought D.J. Shockley was a potential starting QB they would have called the Falcons and acquired him for a 5th or 6th round pick in the last draft.
BigMike
August 17th, 2009
5:34 pm
I
ConVick
August 17th, 2009
5:37 pm
I wish Shockley the best. This is the kind of young man that the Vickers should be supporting, not that thug. Shockley has supported every team he has been with and never bitch or griped about being in the background waiting his turn. I am glad we have him, but this was the kind of man the Eagles should have gone after if they are looking for a replacement for McNabb. If we ever do lose him, I would wish him nothing but the best, and if Ryan ever did go down, I wouldnt lose sleep over Shockley stepping in.
Bobby Coccyx
August 17th, 2009
5:40 pm
Am I in the right place?
Helluva Engineer
August 17th, 2009
5:41 pm
JPW owns Athens and the silly mutts.
41-30
BigMike
August 17th, 2009
5:51 pm
If this blog could get 90%of you know nothing about football sissys off here we would actually have a decent blog line going.BoB of Dahlonega, stop drinking cheap beer ! Anybody who knows football knows that this kid can play. Hate to break the news to ya’ll but isn’t D. Greene out the league now? Yes! Yes, and Yes again. Redmon wasn’t that good at L’ville, and was a complete bust in B-more. What makes anybody think he’d be worth taco sauce here! If JPW makes it in the NFL, I’ll officially know people at U.of A have contacts.To some degree, even if for the “wildcat” Shockley should be in there. “Shockley”, hold on young man because I know from inside the Houston locker that another guy you played behind is on a short leash, so see you in Texas real soon. This my blogheads is factual not fictional.
ugggh!
August 17th, 2009
5:58 pm
we beat JPW in his house the year before…remember ? of course not… How’s jaybone? Yall are screwed!!
Tide Rising
August 17th, 2009
6:18 pm
There is a reason why Redman is # 2 and Shockley is #3. He’s better than Shockley! JP Wilson doesn’t have a chance. He’s just like Shockley but with less athletic ability.
The thing I remember about Shockley is that when he was coming in every 3 or 4 series when greene was at UGA a reporter asked Tubberville if he was worried about the change of pace and dual threat ability of Shockley. Since everyone who watched Shockley knew he had a terrible habit of staring down and locking in on one receiver this is what Tubbs had to say. “I hope they do play Shockley. He’s good enough for at least 1 or 2 picks a game”. And this was when Shockley was only playing every 3rd or 4th series.
Tubbs was right and that habit of locking in on one receiver has always been his downfall. He is not starter material. And if it makes any of the Bama haters feel better JP Wilson isn’t starter or even top backup material either.
tupac elliot
August 17th, 2009
6:18 pm
Just FYI………why do some of you bloggers even stop to read Falcon srry……..I just scroll on past!
Shockley should be the back up…..he is a valuable back up….and redman…he was that coaches pick that deserted our team…wasnt he….
Go Falcons! ps….Bobby cox blew the game with his in adequte pitching decisons….fri…………uggghhhhhhhhh
chump falcons
August 17th, 2009
6:20 pm
Keep smoking Falcons Sorry. Dog fighter could not read a defense to save his life. Can only run so much and eventually you have to be able to pass which you cant do that if your running all the time. Number 7 is washed up. Hey hey hey hey good bye!!!
Falcons r the S***!
August 17th, 2009
6:27 pm
HEY! FALCONS SORRY. I LIKED VICK JUST AS THE NEXT PERSON DID B4 ALL THAT HAPPENED, BUT IF ALL THE CRAP UR TALKIN WAS TRUE, Y IS IT VICK NEVER GOT US THERE B4? AINT LIKE PRISON MADE HIM ANY BETTER THAN HE WAS. HELL HE MIGHT BE SLOWER SINCE GETTIN F***** UP THE A** IN PRISON ALL DAY.
Good Grief
August 17th, 2009
6:32 pm
Not trying to rip or hate on UGA, but DJ in the end will regret the day that he came to the decision that he was going to ride it out with UGA. Yes, it may have been a good program, but we all knew he was going to get no PT. That’s when he messed up his career…he should have transferred and played elsewhere and I’m sure that if he had chosen that option there’s a good chance we may not be having this conversation on a blog.
tpm
August 17th, 2009
6:39 pm
Maybe heis onto something. DJ Shockley is still collecting a check in the NFL. David Greene is not.
falcon man
August 17th, 2009
6:43 pm
Redman will be cut, and Shockley will be Backup, and Ryan better not get hurt, or this will become Shockley’s team like it was supposed to be before he got hurt!!
June Jones
August 17th, 2009
6:56 pm
When Vick contract ends with the Eagles, is it possible that the FALCONS gets Vick back now that we finnaly have talent at the skill positions, a top 10 back, and a solid line?
Charlie
August 17th, 2009
6:59 pm
If Shockley gets cut, he will get picked up. It was very unfortunate that he got hurt when he had his opportunity. It is kind of funny, because I have the utmost respect for Shockely and would love to see him be successful, but I think Vick is a loser. It has nothing to do with race, but everything to do with character. When the Falcons were losing with Vick at QB, anyone could see it was because Vick did not do his homework. Now he even admits that he was the last in, and the first out, and did not study, and it was obvious when he played. That, my friends, is the defination of a Sorry-A@@ “Falcon”. No wonder he is such an idle among his type, because he, like his fans, are looking for short cuts and are not willing to do what it takes.
Leighton Batiste
August 17th, 2009
7:01 pm
I’ve watched D.J. through college all the way to when he was drafted and they need to give him a chance at the number one spot because if you are a true falcons fan you know that Chris Redman, and John Parker Wilson can’t move the team down the field like D.J. or Matt but I don’t know how long Matt Ryan is going to last and then you’ll need a back up quarterback and Chris or John are not those back ups. If they don’t give D.J. the chance and trade him then they will regret it and realize how good of a quarterback D.J. is.
Charlie
August 17th, 2009
7:05 pm
I see people on here mentioned how Patick Kerney did not get in any trouble when a girl got raped at his house when making excuses. However, the same thing happened at Harry Douglas’ house, and he too did not get into trouble. Once again, fact and common sense prevails.
Charlie
August 17th, 2009
7:15 pm
I agree, DJ is a better QB than Redmon, but since he has never taken a snap, it is risky to keep him at #2. My guess is JPW gets put on the developmental squad.
Charlie
August 17th, 2009
7:18 pm
June, we had the same recievers today that we had when Vick was here. Do you really think Roddy white blossomed under Joey Harrington? Hahaha. Plus, he had Algie, where Matt did not have a tight end last year.
Paddy
August 17th, 2009
7:20 pm
Don’t fall for Falcon Hater. It is all agame, can’t you see that?
T-Rav and the Eastside Grainger
August 17th, 2009
7:28 pm
I hate to tell DJ this, but if you cant beat out Redman, not only do you suck, you cant start in the NFL.
observor
August 17th, 2009
7:30 pm
Listen up people, FALCONS SORRY is not a real person. It’s a character some loser is playing to get a reaction (and it’s actually working). That’s all it is. He does the same exact thing every post about the falcons and gets the same results. As long as you all keep falling for his simplistic routine, he’ll keep doing it.
BAN FALCONS SORRY
August 17th, 2009
7:35 pm
Please ban FALCONS SORRY’s IP address. FALCONS SORRY, please move on. Nothing to see here. Vick is in Phily, go harass their fans.
MiltonDawg
August 17th, 2009
7:42 pm
JPW needs to go. Shockley can be a great #2 for the team, possibly starting. I give a nod to Redman for experience though.
weston
August 17th, 2009
7:54 pm
FALCONS SORRY if you’re an adult, then you’re a sad (illiterate) specimen of what our public school system has become. I think however that you’re just a little 5th grader over here strutting your peach fuzz face around trying to act like a big boy. Now git in your room and do your homework.
I would make the QBs as Ryan, Shockley, JPW. I think JPW is a decent 3d string clipboard holding QB. I have never liked Redman so if he got cut tomorrow I wouldn’t be the least bit upset.
If Ryan were to go down in injury, i would feel confident in Shockley’s ability to carry the team.
ljdawg
August 17th, 2009
8:23 pm
Matt Ryan will never be “the man” in Atlanta because he is nothing but the bigot side of a racist argument! Do you see either Manning or Brady handing off the ball 30 times a game? No because they are not “carried” quaterbacks! Matt Ryan is going as far as Michael Turner takes him! Stop crying about Vick and move on! The man don’t owe any of you squat! He served his time and Roger Goddell, the Eagles organization, McNabb and millions of others have decided the man deserves a second chance and he got it! Go to NFL.com and click on jerseys and see who they have featured! Sanchez of the Jets? Yeah; Cutler of the Bears? Yeah; a Pink Romo? Yeah; #7 Vick? Yeah; Matt Ryan?……?…….? NO! STOP HATING!!!! AND GET A LIFE BUSTAS!!!! LMAO!!!!!!!
Hillbilly Deluxe
August 17th, 2009
8:27 pm
It would be interesting to see what Shockley could do but the only way anybody is going to get a shot with the Falcons is if Ryan gets hurt.
Truefan96
August 17th, 2009
8:31 pm
Well, I thought the article was about Shockley but I guess stereotyping QB’s is the best we can do here. Shultzy I don’t know if you’ll read this but I couldn’t tell if it was Shockley or you saying he is a far better option as a #2 QB than Chris Redman. But I can only wonder on what basis you can make this assumption. If he was good enough to start anywhere in the league don’t you think teams would be knocking down the Falcons door to trade for him. He’s barely qualified to play in the NFL. He has some ability, but he’ll never start for a team anywhere (SORRY UGA FANS). Everyone on this site has stereotyped him as some wildcat option QB. Since when did he become that??? He is and always has been a drop back passer. Which 90% of the NFL is. All of you people who love putting QB’s into categories here is the only criteria for getting a QB (read coverage, have arm strength to make tight window throws, be a leader in the huddle and off the field, don’t get your team killed by the way you play) THATS IT
observor
August 17th, 2009
8:55 pm
“Hating” or “Hater”
The new official term of the intellectually deficient.
Try coming up with an original thought you mindless lemmings.
Dawg Turd
August 17th, 2009
8:59 pm
FALCONS SORRY is a fake. There is no way, even a black person, could be that stupid and racist. I suspect he is a middle-aged umemployed WHITE person who has nothing better to do than screw around with everyone. He shows up on every topic ranting about how Ron Mexico was f’d over by Arthur Blank and whites in general. Please ignore that stupid jackazz. By the way, Ron Mexico is a straight up hoodrat thug and is only sorry that he got caught. FALCONS SORRY is a gigantic D****E BAG!!!
Rod
August 17th, 2009
9:01 pm
DJ is a better QB than Redman and has had a great camp but the decision is in the hands of the owner, management and coaches. It isn’t my call but I want DJ to be the backup and would be very disappointed in the falcons. Everything I’m reading and everything I saw at camp a couple times DJ is outperforming Redman. DJ has always had to work alittle harder and prove a little more but that is what I have always admired about him.
mr me
August 17th, 2009
9:10 pm
Shock has more talent than redman plus if you actually watched the game instead of looking at stats you would see that ryan and shock were the only ones to drive the team for a td. Plus every time shock has played has been with third stringers just wait until he actually gets some pt with the big boys. For all you people blinded by your hatred of uga you should at least see that redman is not a viable backup to ryan. I would feel more comfortable with shock if ryan went down. Btw I like the confidence that shock is exuding.
maddawg
August 17th, 2009
9:46 pm
Tide Rising:
*”He’s good enough for at least 1 or 2 picks a game”. And this was when Shockley was only playing every 3rd or 4th series.”*
i appreciate your non-biased and sincere opinion on this but did you read the article? his senior year he had 21 TD’s and 5 INT’s. this is a class kid who does have talent. no one will know until he gets a chance (not pre-season) but it is clear Matt Ryan is THE MAN. I admit I am a Dawg fan but trying to look at this impartially he has enough skills and intelligence to compete in this league and could be an effective starter.
in case no one noticed Falcon Sorry’s spelling got much worse and on obvious words after being answered and ridiculed. He is jus playying gaimes wif yall!!
Bluestreak
August 17th, 2009
9:50 pm
FALCONS SORRY, please stop the shtick or (if you are for real and that illiterate) please go show love for your hero on the Eagles board. He is done here, no longer (and never will be again) a Falcon.
I think you’re one of those Vick haters yourself trying to get something going with your token misspellings and ALL CAP TYPING. Seriously dude…
There are only 4 QBs on the Falcons roster, and there’s not one of them named Vick. Any other owner would have ran MV7 out of town. Arthur went through Hell for that guy and got burned. Even your ‘SUPPERMAN’ (is he hungry or something) admitted he did Arthur wrong.
He hasn’t played in Atlanta in 2 years…move on. The Falcons have and even he has!!!
"370 Yard Curse"
August 17th, 2009
10:15 pm
Turner in 2009, torn acl.
Falcons go 3-13.
Observer
August 17th, 2009
10:17 pm
Carolina is playing a whole lot better than the Falcons and they are playing against the Giants.
That’s professionalism!
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.
chad
August 23rd, 2009
10:29 pm
If Shockley had played college anywhere but UGA, no one would want him around. Going on 4 years and he can’t get past 3rd string QB? At least JPW has some potential and can be developed.