News and Views (QB edition): Falcons’ hole, Schaub’s piehole
Here is D.J. Shockley (left) preparing to knock the ball out of Chris Redman's hand. Kidding. Sort of. (Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com)
It struck me the other day when rumors began circulating that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may dump quarterback Luke McCown – whom they just gave a $2.5 million signing bonus to — about how comforting it is that the Falcons’ QB situation is set. And then I thought: Wait a minute: Is it really? . . .
♦ NEWS: No. 3 (or 2 or 4) quarterback D.J. Shockley struggles in his second exhibition game against St. Louis, possibly sealing his fate on the roster.
♦ WHY SHOULD YOU CARE: Because if Matt Ryan were to go down, this team does nothing without a decent safety net.
♦ VIEWS: No. 2 (or 3, or 4) QB Chris Redman will play significant snaps Saturday against San Diego. If he plays well, the primary roster decision likely will be put to rest. Redman will be Ryan’s backup, and whatever happens to Shockley and John Parker Wilson happens. But folks, this isn’t necessarily good news. Shockley has the most talent. Redman played in seven NFL games in 2007, but’s that’s only because after the Michael Vick mess the Falcons were scrambling for bodies. (Note: Joey Harrington and Byron Leftwich also played that season — and they’re gone). Prior to that, Redman hadn’t played since 2003 and he was selling insurance in Louisville when Bobby Petrino signed him. (And there’s another reason not to feel great about Redman — Petrino’s the one who brought him in.) Bucs coach Raheem Morris is not denying that the team will trade McCown, Josh Johnson or Leftwich (who landed in Tampa). I’m not suggesting the Falcons need to get one of those guys. But I’m just not feeling Redman as the answer.
This guy hasn't done enough yet to rip Michael Vick. (AJC photo)
NEWS: Matt Schaub rips Vick.
WHY SHOULD YOU CARE: Only because so many fans here were under the impression that Schaub was the next NFL superstar.
VIEWS: When Vick admitted publicly on a recent “60 Minutes” interview what everybody on or close to the Falcons already knew — that he had weak work habits — I actually thought it was a good sign. Admitting failures is the first step to correcting them. But I was surprised to hear Schaub, Vick’s former backup, take a shot at him. Nothing Schaub said on Dan Patrick’s radio show was overly inflammatory. The strongest comment probably pertained to Schaub, saying he tried to get Vick to stay longer at practice and study more video, adding, “You can only say so much to someone until a light clicks in their brain.” My issue is with Schaub. To me, if Dan Reeves or Rich McKay or anybody in the locker room with a decent resume says something, that’s fine. But Schaub hasn’t done bupkis in his two years as a starter with Houston. He has been injury prone, and, when healthy, fairly average at times. When Schaub has done enough in his career to build a platform, then he is free to jump on it.
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109 comments Add your comment
What's Important
August 27th, 2009
1:20 pm
Jeff, neither Peyton Manning, Tom Brady nor Donovan McNabb had to stand in the wings while another player squandered a chance he would have given his eye teeth for. If anybody has the right to comment on Mike Vick’s lack of work ethic it is Matt Shaub.
mudcat
August 27th, 2009
1:23 pm
Criminy Jeff, didn’t you see TJ’s performance in the last game? After three years, that’s what we get? And YOU say he’s the most talented!?! Redman has at least proven that he can perform in prime time, Shockly can’t. Did you forget your breakfast this morning?
Terrell
August 27th, 2009
1:23 pm
mountain_jim,
you forgot we got Houston and Blalock with those two 2nd round picks
Pago Flyer
August 27th, 2009
1:27 pm
We can hardly wait until the DAWGS kick it off!
will jones jr.
August 27th, 2009
1:28 pm
thanks for the continued updates. I enjoy reading about the man that put the FALCONS on the map. Man if he really would have put in the work to become better just wonder how great he would have been. I still look forward to him becoming one of the greatest Qb to ever play. He’s 29 and Qb play into there 40’s. GO VICK AND GO FALCONS.
Ed from Woodstock
August 27th, 2009
1:29 pm
What’s so bad about what Schaub said?? It’s kinda nice to hear the truth from an athelete rather than the same old canned answer. Why did we never hear about Vick never putting in the extra time?? You would think one of the “great” sportswriters for the AJC would have maybe made note of this during the time Vick was here, but I’m sure you guys were too scared to get on Michael’s bad side……..
Braves Fan in Dawg Country
August 27th, 2009
1:32 pm
Jeff, when I read the full article (thanks for the link), it doesn’t sound near as negative as you made it sound. Here’s the text:
Schaub said that he got along well with Vick in Atlanta. “It was a good relationship,” Schaub said. “We really worked well together getting ready for games. … He’s such a great guy.”
Dan asked Schaub if recent reports that Vick didn’t work hard.
“There were definitely signs of that,” Schaub said. “He’s such a phenomenal athlete. No matter what happened on the field, he could always overcome it with his athleticism. That was always his fall-back.
He was asked specific questions and he answered them. He didn’t rip Vick as you have said. As you pointed out, Vick came out and said his work habits were slack. Mike put it out there, and Schaub was asked about it, and answered it.
Beautiful Monte
August 27th, 2009
1:34 pm
With his comments on Schaub, Sgt. Schultz is quite obviously trying to win his way back in the hearts of Atlanta’s prevailing demographic. What courage!
Of course, the AJC already has one Caucasian Terence Moore in Mark Bradley; why this dying rag needs another guilt-ridden, PC white liberal to rationalize the behavior of spoiled, self-smitten athletes is beyond me.
At any rate, when the dogfighting story first broke, at least one national media outlet reported that it was common knowledge around the NFL that Vick was either dumb or lazy. This must have been news to people who get their Falcons fix from the AJC, which dared not offend the Vickheads by questioning the work ethic and dedication of their lord and savior.
Now, along comes Schaub, a guy who, I suspect, knows a little bit more about Vick than the newly elected vice-president of the Michael Vick Fan Club, Jeff Schultz.
But when Schaub has the ‘dacity to make a legitimate criticism about Vick – one that, apparently, has been made all across the NFL, and by Vick himself, for that matter – Schultz fills himself with self-righteous indignation and wonders, “What gives a scrub like Schaub the right to criticize a superstar and inspiring role model like Michael Vick?” (On the bright side, Schultz didn’t go ghetto and call Schaub a “hater”.)
Sgt. Schult’s attitude toward Schaub is especially ironic because it comes from a newspaper columnist who makes his living by sitting on the sidelines and criticizing people who are much more accomplished than he.
One final point, regarding the claim that Schaub is injury prone: Sgt. Schultz, are you aware that every time Schultz has been injured as Texan, the defensive player who hit him has been fined by the NFL? So, it’s not like Schuab has been sidelined by the routine dings that every QB gets; he’s been EXTREMELY unlucky when it comes to cheap shots. BTW, Sgt. Schultz, since Vick has only once in his career played an entire 16-game regular-season schedule, would you classify him as injury prone, too?
DP
August 27th, 2009
1:36 pm
Jeff, how many interceptions and near interceptions does Deer in the Headlights Shockley need to throw to stop you from clinging to your baseless argument that he should be the #2 Falcons QB? Given their track record so far, I’m inclined to leave the decision with Dimitroff and Smith.
With regard to Schaub’s comments, Dan Patrick prodded him about Vick’s work ethic and Schaub did his best to be polite. His comments weren’t nearly as tough as what Vick said about his work habits as a Falcon in the 60 Minutes interview, that the reputation for being the last to arrive and first to leave was justified.
jordan
August 27th, 2009
1:40 pm
Jeff, quit clowning. Brady, McNabb nor Manning have played with Vick like Schaub has. If anything, they are LESS qualified to speak of Vick’s work ethic than Schaub. Your premise that only an “accomplished” NFL QB can talk about other players is misleading. It would be different if Schaub had said, “Vick should have thrown to Jenkins rather than White on this play,” or “Vick should have ran by this defender rather than that defender on that play.” But no, he was simply stating that Mike was the last to arrive and first to leave practice or film time. Pee-Wee league players know that talent without work ethic will only take you so far.
SPS
August 27th, 2009
1:40 pm
Houston fans actually think pretty highly of Schaub. But they are frustrated that he can’t stay on the field due to his injuries.
anotherdawg
August 27th, 2009
1:42 pm
Jeff, I agree with Bushwacker. When I first watched the Falcon – Rams, I thought Shockley was terrible. However, I watched the game again, and while DJ did not have his best game, you certainly could not lay it all on him. I saw dropped passes, Poor blocking, motion penalties, bad routes. After watching the game again, I think DJ with his mobility and experience has more upside than JPW. However, I totally trust T.D. and M.S. in whatever they decide.
Tom
August 27th, 2009
1:50 pm
Jeff, I wouldn’t criticize Schaub for pointing out problems he sees in Vick’s preparation just because Schaub hasn’t achieved that much on on the field. After all, on occasion I’ve read critical comments from you about MLB, NFL, NBA, etc players and I don’t see that many championship rings on your fingers.
For example, here I am criticizing your writing, even though the Pulitzer committee has not yet seen the light and awarded me a Pulitzer prize. And it doesn’t bother me at all.
I do agree, however, that if you are an active player you are better off it you don’t publicly criticize other players. It tends to make you a target and that’s never a good thing. And if you are a star, (eg Chipper Jones) you can get away with it easier.
Smoothie
August 27th, 2009
1:57 pm
Jeff, considering you make a living by giving your opinion, your line of reasoning for your argument against Schaub doing the same looks pretty silly to me. At least he plays QB at an elite level. What experience do you have playing QB again?
DawgNDallas
August 27th, 2009
2:01 pm
Jeff — You’re right. “Honorable” was a little too strong. Maybe “decent”?
cp
August 27th, 2009
2:03 pm
He did not rip Vick. He spoke on something Vick had already admitted himself. Kind of a non issue to me but it is funny to see people type that they dont care about Vick but post on every Vick topic.
Jeff Schultz
August 27th, 2009
2:05 pm
DP — never said Shockley was playing well this pre-season. What I said was that’s the most talented, and that’s undeniable. Speed, strength, arm strength — total physical package. Just hasn’t performed.
JSS
August 27th, 2009
2:19 pm
Jeff Schultz, man you just keep stiriing the pot…. What was up with taht minefield that you let loose on the previous blog? By the way, Baur au lac Rive Gauche, had the grilled veal and the asparagus with the wine and balsamic glaze… I left a message for your little pal Midnite on the previous blog… Two more days of glorious track!!!! Goodnight!
What's Important
August 27th, 2009
2:20 pm
Jeff as to your comments on D. J. Shockley, talent is the ability to put your gifts to their best use. D. J. might be the total phyiscal package, as you stated, but he doesn’t yet have the TALENT to put those attributes to their best use in the NFL. Once again, he is the most athleticly gifted, not the most talented. And before anyone goes ballistic on me, I’m a ‘Dawg fan and Georgia alum and I loved D. J. Shockley at Georgia and wanted him to make it with the Falcons. Unfortuntely, it’s just not working out for him with the Falcons. If Atlanta does cut him, I hope he gets a chance as #2 (eventually #1) somewhere else.
Be-little, BeBOLD
August 27th, 2009
2:23 pm
I have an opinion of you just like you have an opinion Schaub . . . you’re lazy and haven’t accomplished anything that impresses me, or for that matter, my dog either! She won’t even _iss on your column . . . it stinks so bad! So, why don’t you move to Philly so you can be near your bo’ and give him some lovin.
Rev. Right
August 27th, 2009
2:28 pm
I would like to see david greene get a shot with the falcons.
The falcons should have pursued farve, ryan could learn alot watching #4 even though he had a good yr as a rookie he could avoid the sophmore jinx and learned from Brett.
As for vick I heard leavenworth is keeping his cell open. I heard he has been out drinking already and hanging with gangsta rappers. He should find some better friends like Andy Reids sons
DP
August 27th, 2009
2:33 pm
Jeff, if the productivity of an NFL QB was strictly a function of physical talent, Jeff George would be headed for the Hall of Fame. Things like recognition of defenses, going through the progression of reads quickly so you can get the ball out of your hands and knowing when to take a sack instead of throwing the ball up for grabs are as important or even more so than speed, strength and arm strength. I would guess the first requirement of a backup QB in the NFL is “doesn’t turn the ball over”.
Shockley has been around too long to still be staring down receivers and throwing the ball into coverage as much as he does.
ForrestTucker
August 27th, 2009
2:44 pm
DJ Schockely has had the most unluckiest career of anyone that I have ever seen play, either college or pro. When Shockely was at Georgia, he never got a chance to play a full game at qb until his senior year. By that time there were no scouts to watch his brilliant talent. Shockely was drafted low on the board and never got a chance to play with a good team. The Falcons are good now, but Matt Ryan isnt going anywhere and Shock will have to wait patiently, maybe 20 years to get a shot at being a starter behind Ryan. Shocks career will be over by then and he will be another guy who had all the ability in the world to be great, but just had too much bad luck in his life to overcome.
StickUPDAWG
August 27th, 2009
3:00 pm
Why are so many people against Mick Vick for dogfighting? The last I checked Ringling Bros. Circus kills more animals than Vick. You can’t drive down a Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, South or North Carolina back road without finding the dead remains of a Rooster or Dog on or near the property of a high ranking (non person of color) political figure who knows “Cock” and “Dog,” fights are going on and have been going on for decades. When people get real and stop lying, then and only then will we have harmony amongst the races. Wonder why the first President of Color is not from a heritage were his decendents were slaves?
Junatrell
August 27th, 2009
3:03 pm
Shocking….. To say that Shockley got no scout time is well….He played at Georgia and that alone is the ONLY reason he is playing today in Atlanta…. Forrest, have you watched him play? Went to training camp this year he is by far at the back of the list, definately not on the 45 or the stupid “Emergency” QB list to make a 46th… The NFL is not looking for ability, Production is what the NFL is looking for. Shock should be greatful for a nice salary and a sports casters job on Mayhem in the AM……….eventually…he can at least talk Dogs V Tech. Having said all this, I would love to have his talent… Canadian Football pays well to…
KT
August 27th, 2009
3:08 pm
Shockey is the better athlete, not QB. He’s proven he cannot make it in the NFL as a QB. Stop kissin up Shultz.
Barnacle Bill Bavasi
August 27th, 2009
3:10 pm
I agree that the backup spot behind Red Ryan needs some serious looking at. Redman’s a Putrino guy who hadn’t been in the league for three years, and Shockley has pretty much played himself off the roster in my opinion. Wilson? Who knows. Maybe he can grow into a No. 2, but probably not this year. Got to look at other options.
C-Town
August 27th, 2009
3:18 pm
Yeah, shame on Matt Schaub for speaking the truth and potentially hurting Vick’s feelings. Newsflash: Vick is NOT a victim, and any group that holds him up as a hero to be worshipped has lost all credibility. Sounds like after a couple years of holding Vick accountable, his enablers picked up right where they left off. THIS should end well, Philly.
Chea
August 27th, 2009
3:20 pm
Wow, so many Vick-haters willing to transfer it to anyone that defends him. Dan Patrick had Schaub in for an interview, what’s wrong with blogging about what he said?
Did I say haters? Must mean I’ve gone “ghetto” as Beautiful Monte would say. Gotta love the anonynmity of the internet…
Chea
August 27th, 2009
3:21 pm
And by “defends him”, I meant doesn’t call him a thug, etc.
Archie
August 27th, 2009
3:28 pm
Does Shaub have to be a pro bowl QB to have an opinion on Vick’s work habit? Shaub’s own skill as a QB and NFL player, or his history of injuries are entirely irrelevant. I listened to the interview and this is making a mountain out of a mole hill, Shaub answered a direct question and did it politely and humbly. He said it wasn’t his place to speak up, he said he tried to bring it up to Vick. I thought it was a pretty professional answer to a difficult question.
Bud_Roswell
August 27th, 2009
3:39 pm
Let it go Jeff. This is an article about two QB’s that haven’t played for the Falcons for 3 years! I for one am thrilled that we now have a very un-dramatic quarterback and team.
Jeff Schultz
August 27th, 2009
3:51 pm
DP — I agree with everything you wrote. As I said, after the last game I’m not endorsing DJ for the No. 2 job, unless he does something great in one of the last 2 games. I’m just not crazy about Redman.
Junatrell — I disagree that the only reason Shockley has been on the roster is because he went to Georgia. If you know Falcon history, you know that they’ve never horded Georgia players in the past. They’re in this to win, not wave red and black pompoms.
Martin Calloway
August 27th, 2009
3:53 pm
It’s taken a couple of years, but the light’s beginning to click on. You really don’t think that much of Matt Schaub, do you?
Nick
August 27th, 2009
3:55 pm
Crowler…..you’re an idiot!!!!
Godfather
August 27th, 2009
3:56 pm
I think John Parker Wilson is a future superstar, Tom D. knows talent. JPW specially impressed me on last 2 minute drives in college games, he is going to be fantastic with more coaching JMHO.
The Big Maru
August 27th, 2009
3:57 pm
Jeff -
Although I’m not a journalist, I feel the need to point out that you misspelled ‘hoarded’ in your last post. Maybe this will preempt some of your more vocal critics and keep them from attacking you about a perceived lack of talent.
Then again, maybe they can’t spell…
mudcat
August 27th, 2009
4:03 pm
You are totally wrong on this one Jeff. Physical skills do not equate with talent. You have to have the mental capacity to use those physical skills effectively. Do you really think it was physical skills that enabled “Mad Dog” Maddox to win 350 games in MLB? You have to be the total package and Shockly doesn’t have it. Lay off the kool-aid for awhile.
anotherdawg
August 27th, 2009
4:09 pm
I think the Falcons will keep Redman and Shockley, and put Wilson on the scout team, but we’ll see. Shockley definately did not have a great game last weekend, but he has not looked that bad overall. Last preseason, he looked pretty good until he got hurt.
William
August 27th, 2009
4:26 pm
If DJ does not step it up I am for John parker wilson….endofline.
Nativebird
August 27th, 2009
4:31 pm
Not to burst the locals bubble, but just because he went to GEORGIA doesn’t mean a HILL OF BEANS to ANY NFL team, including the Falcons. In his 3rd year of NFL caliber practice, preseason, study, working with offenses, reading defenses, working with NFL level Quarterback coaches, running practice offenses, running with 1st team offenses…..DJ SHOCKLEY is shockingly bad. Injury, sminjury. Everybody gets injured. Know this….he just simply “aint all that.” He gets a lot of press simply because of the location.
Sorry. Know it, accept it. Wishing it was otherwise, doesn’t make it so.
Whatever
August 27th, 2009
4:35 pm
Vick is scum, and was scum. I have no problem with anything Schaub said, regardless of whether YOU think he has the right to say it.
jch
August 27th, 2009
4:37 pm
Shockley doesn’t have the right stuff to make it as a starting QB in the NFL. He’s a backup all the way and a poor one at that. Why don’t we trade him for a good 2nd to Ryan while we might be able to get something for him?
The Fan
August 27th, 2009
4:43 pm
DJ Shockley is a FREAKING JOKE. In ANY other NFL city, he’d be working down at the car wash. The only reason he’s on the roster is because of this Georgia Bulldog-obsessed town. I’m sick of hearing about hometown-georgia-bulldog DJ Shockley. Any where else, and this Georgia Bulldog would be washing bulldogs.
Terence Moore
August 27th, 2009
4:49 pm
******I’m BAAAACKKK!!!!
And D.J. Shcokey is better than any Whitey QB in the NFL!! Hell – all whitey QBs should be riding the bench. Peace, out, Terence.
pete nose
August 27th, 2009
4:58 pm
I sure hope the Falcons can see that Shockley an’t no pro QB.He’s had his chance.The red man is the choice unless we pick up another vet QB
Robin
August 27th, 2009
5:02 pm
When Vick admitted he had bad work habits, that should have given the fans knowledge that Arthur Vick needs to keep his nose off the practice field and find ways to sell tickets. He really embarassed himself by giving Vick all that money and the coddleing him in public when he screwed up and didn’t product game after game after game.
Get Real
August 27th, 2009
5:06 pm
Shockley’s best chance at playing QB is with his xBox. I agree with the UGA comments – he’s only given the chance because he came from Georgia and let’s face it, 3rd string QBs are losers, and he’s a 3rd string. The Falcons and the UGA-HOMER media love to hype him up as if he ever had/has a chance but the reality is that he is quite a poor QB fit for the NFL. I hope he is saving some of that $400k he’s making becuase Publix “don’t pay that much to bag groceries”.
Randy Bivings
August 27th, 2009
5:08 pm
Ya’ll aint ever gonna let Bobby P. go. Get a life.
DawgLover
August 27th, 2009
5:32 pm
I don’t like what Vick did in his personal or professional life but he has paid a hefty price for and is now lucky enough to get what many people will never see… a second chance.
Schaub has had the chance of a lifetime!!! After getting a chance to sit back out of the spot light as a backup, he was made the franchise QB of a young but very talented Houston team. After listening tio his interview it seems like he has some sour grapes about how things have gone for him since he was given his own team to lead and is misdirecting that anger towards Vick (Matt needs to focus in on his own opportunity and not the opportunities Mike wasted on foolish decisions).
I wish both QB’s the best and to the Falcons…
KEEP DJ!!!