Bulldogs’ ‘NFL talent’ have their heads somewhere else
South Carolina's Marcus Lattimore is among those who've dented Georgia's defense. (The State photo)
ATHENS – Ten months ago, Mark Richt stood in front of a room in Butts-Mehre Hall and pronounced, “Today is a great day for Georgia.”
Notwithstanding that those words came at an orchestrated media event — two weeks after a bowl loss to Michigan State (please forget) and two weeks before national signing day (please come) – nobody could dispute the sentiment. In the room with Richt were 15 players who announced they were bypassing the NFL draft to return for another season. Nine played on defense. Another returnee was Jarvis Jones, who was attending a football camp that day.
Expectations were high for Georgia this season primarily for one reason: defense. There were nine returning starters. There were nine upperclassmen. There were four players projected to go as high as the first round in the next draft. There was a defensive coordinator, Todd Grantham, lauded to such a great degree after the last season that he was given a contract extension, a raise and the title of associate head coach.
So how many games has the Georgia defense shown up for this season?
One: Vanderbilt.
Cornerback Sanders Commings said when he looked around the room at that January photo, “I was thinking national championship.”
Now the Dogs need help just to get out of their division. They’ll beat Kentucky Saturday. This game is more about trying to show that preseason expectations won’t amount to more empty Georgia promises — because otherwise, forget about the Florida game in two weeks.
The defensive rankings scream mediocrity. Expected to be among the top five units nationally, they’re not even top five in the SEC. They’re giving up more yards per games than Ole Miss and Missouri. They have fewer sacks than Kentucky.
With so much projected NFL talent on the roster, it’s not unfair to pose the question: Are players thinking more about the next level than the next game?
It’s not uncommon for agents — excuse me: “family advisers” — to get inside players’ heads about what pro scouts might be looking for, clouding more pressing matters like that week’s game plan.
“Not at all,” Richt said when asked if players might have lost focus because of their pro prospects. “Everybody wants to win. A lot of guys have an NFL future, but they know the better we play as a team, the better everybody looks. Even when we had that press conference in this room, I didn’t tell them what to say. As a matter of fact, I was trying to find out why they wanted to stay, and a big part was because they wanted to have a great season.”
He has alluded to “communication problems.” That seems unusual for a defense with so many returning starters and seniors.
“I don’t want to get into making excuses about anything,” Richt said. “The bottom line is we should be doing better.”
Better than this: eighth in scoring defense in the SEC, ninth in total defense, 10th against the run, ninth against the pass, 10th in interceptions, ninth in takeaways, ninth in third-down defense, 11th in sacks.
Jarvis Jones (ankle, groin) hasn’t been healthy. Suspensions to four starters (Commings, Bacarri Rambo, Alec Ogletree, Chase Vasser) prevented the starting unit from being together until the fifth game.
But that doesn’t explain allowing 199 rushing yards to Buffalo. Or seeing Missouri connect for early touchdown passes of 41 and 69 yards. Or Florida Atlantic driving to two TDs on its first four possessions, with a likely third scoring drive ending with a fumble. Or Tennessee totaling 478 yards and 44 points (even if half that was set up by Georgia turnovers). Or South Carolina driving for touchdowns on its first two possessions and rushing for 230 yards.
Ask what the problem is, you’ll hear general vague responses: mental mistakes, missed assignments, overaggressiveness.
“Sometimes when you have a lot of veteran guys back, you’re all hungry and anxious to make plays,” Commings said. “Sometimes you just have to let plays come to you. I think we realize that.”
Defense was supposed to carry them. Somebody didn’t get the memo.
By Jeff Schultz
•
Some recent ramblings
• Falcons are NFL’s last unbeaten team: Here’s fate of others (with video)
• Falcons 6-0 but Turner is frustrated with running game
• Fan revolts out of control, one even wanted to fight UGA player
• Weekend Predictions: No sacrifices, but Falcons, LSU win
• Radakovich says Johnson is ‘right person for job’
• Al Groh’s problems at Georgia Tech weren’t pure ‘fantasy’
• Falcons are easy highlight in Atlanta’s dark sports weekend
• Braves’ Frank Wren needs to fix good, but not great, team
• Chipper Jones on loss in his finale: ‘Ultimately, I’m to blame’
• Spurrier should take a lesson from Richt on handling criticism
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367 comments Add your comment
avalanche in Aruba
October 16th, 2012
11:21 pm
Chavis saved Miles job…the man knows the SEC, he understands big-boy football, doesn’t need gimmicks of tricks to win…not sure he would work in Athens…too smart…
Xenophon
October 16th, 2012
11:22 pm
Am I the only one who thinks the Dawgs are actually signing the rejects from GayTech? It’s the only explanation for our poor performances in big games.
Paul in NH
October 16th, 2012
11:34 pm
DawgNole says Mark Richt beats the pansies, loses to the others
October 16th, 2012
11:09 pm
Paul,
Why did you leave out that I said and Florida loses its bowl game ?
—-
Did you not write the following verbatim?
“I have specifically listed 4 losses for Florida : South Carolina Saturday, Georgia Saturday week, FSU to end the season and that falls yes sir into my 4 or 5 losses”
Where in that statement do you Sir say that Florida will lose a bowl game?
DawgNole says Mark Richt beats the pansies, loses to the others
October 16th, 2012
11:49 pm
Paul in NH you little Georgie tek nerd. You know full well the whole entire page says me saying Florida loses its bowl game. I said it at least 3 times.
DawgNole says Mark Richt beats the pansies, loses to the others
October 16th, 2012
11:55 pm
Including in the very next senetence directly right after your quoted sentence.
DawgNole says Mark Richt beats the pansies, loses to the others
October 16th, 2012
11:55 pm
very next sentence
Mutley
October 17th, 2012
12:17 am
Richt has taken UGA as far as he possibly can, he just is NOT a championship caliber coach. Somebody hire Kirby Smart as soon as possible before some other SEC school does and he starts beating the hell out of Richt.
DawgNole says Mark Richt beats the pansies, loses to the others
October 17th, 2012
12:40 am
Mutley, no Mark Richt is not a championship caliber. You’re right. He cannot maintain discipline on or off the field, as his recruits have no respect for him as a coach. As a man, we all love him. Great guy. Coach ? He cannot win the games on the big stage. In 17 such games against teams making the top 10, Mark Richt in his entire career is # 8 of just SEC teams with his only 3 wins. As for beating the hell out Mark Richt, wouldn’t 2 wins Current 5-Year Period out of 18 games against teams who made the top 25 count as everyone beats the hell out of Mark Richt, Mutley ?
This doesn’t have anything to do with just the defense, Mutley, you’re right – it’s the COACH.
DawgNole says Mark Richt beats the pansies, loses to the others
October 17th, 2012
12:42 am
“starts beating the hell out of Richt” You left out too.
“starts beating the hell out of Richt, too”
soundM
October 17th, 2012
12:43 am
to improve the D, give grantham another huge raise! If not, he’ll threaten to leave again!!!! Pay up!
DawgNole says Mark Richt beats the pansies, loses to the others
October 17th, 2012
12:44 am
Pay him for what ?
He has played 5 ranked teams, and lost all 5. Lost miserably I might add.
DawgNole says Mark Richt beats the pansies, loses to the others
October 17th, 2012
1:15 am
# 09 LOST 07-35 South Carolina 2012
# 22 LOST 42-45 South Carolina 2011
# 09 LOST 06-17 South Carolina 2010
# 11 LOST 30-33 Michigan State 2011
# 21 LOST 06-10 Central Florida college 2010
# 02 LOST 10-42 LSU 2011
# 08 LOST 21-35 Boise State 2011
# 12 LOST 24-31 Arkansas 2010
# 01 LOST 31-49 Auburn 2010
# 15 LOST 21-24 Missy State 2010
# 99 LOST 31-34 to UNRANKED FLORIDA 2010
# 99 LOST 27-29 to UNRANKED COLORADO 5-7 in 2010
Todd Grantham whom Mark Richt hired, has LOST 12 games since he got here. Of the 12 games, he’s LOST all Ten (10) who are RANKED TEAMS, and LOST to Two (2) More UNRANKED TEAMS.
He’s given up :
gave up 45, LOST
gave up 35, LOST
gave up 33, LOST
gave up 42, LOST
gave up 35, LOST
gave up 31, LOST
gave up 49, LOST
gave up 34, LOST
gave up 29, LOST
Todd Grantham in 10 of his LOSSES, has given up an average of 33 points per game.
Quit with the excuses for Todd Grantham. Mark Richt throttled him in emotions to make Todd Grantham like Mark Richt since May 2, 2006 when Kathryn Richt was diagnosed with Cancer. Todd Grantham’s new contract by Mike Adam$ and Howdy-Doody Greg McGarity has specific words in the contract that he not show any emotion. It is who he is, you know ?
I read one poster today say that Greg McGarity will TEACH Mark Richt HOW TO COACH. Greg McGarity has NEVER coached ANYTHING. Nothing. Not a team for Tiddly-Winks has Greg McGarity ever coached. He played tennis for UGA, but was not a good tennis player for us, even. Then, he was at Florida where they played WEAK SCHEDULES, and copied Jeremey Foley on that, here, so that we have not one home game against 1 good team.
And, only 2 away games which are any good.
Oh, yeah, Greg McGarity is going to teach Mark Richt how to coach football.
They can BOTH leave together.
PaulieOldschool
October 17th, 2012
1:15 am
I have no desire to hear Richt opine about anything. Everything out of his mouth is self-serving crap. WHEN are the PTB going to realize HE is the problem, not the players, not the assistant coaches (although we could make a case for some of them, as well). Richt needs to go.
Thomas Brown 5 yrs of losing every ranked team 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
October 17th, 2012
1:18 am
And, take Todd Grantham with them.
Thomas Brown 5 yrs of losing every ranked team 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
October 17th, 2012
1:22 am
PaulieOldschool, I thought I was the only one who is dawg-tired of listening to Mark Richt’s LIES.
Black and Red
October 17th, 2012
2:26 am
Enter your comments here
Black and Red
October 17th, 2012
2:30 am
Thats is no I in team. These guys are making business decision on the field. Once they get to the next level, these guys will perform well. These guys have move on to the NFL draft all ready.
RomneyforDawgs
October 17th, 2012
2:42 am
1 game and all r cryin! lol UK will go down then UF!
HoneyBooBooChile
October 17th, 2012
2:52 am
Methinks Richt, Bobo, and Grantham dont no what to do w all this talent!
Wow
October 17th, 2012
3:30 am
See you guys next season, this one is a over!
Silly
October 17th, 2012
3:55 am
You know that feeling you get when the lottery is really high and you buy your ticket hoping that this is going to be your time?
41-30 2008 and 35-7 2012 is the feeling you get when you lose the lottery or when your team has all the talent in the world but always has a reason why they got beat down on national Tv.
We need leader in Athens, until then pass the kool aid around and keep dreaming because that’s all you are doing. that SC game woke me up!
i expect to beat KY and then to get beat by Fl in Jville. im a dawg for life but i am also a grown man who can see the ship is not right. WTF?
legionaire
October 17th, 2012
5:44 am
Coach Richt is a nice guy but hardheaded to the point of denial. This week he declared that the “special teams need to be cleaned up”. That is denial. Every phase of the special teams is poor. Keeping Bobo is denial. No need to comment further on the lack of innovation or the ability to take what the D gives. Finally keeping Garner as your recruiter is denial. UGA currently has 15 unused scholarships. Why hasn’t there been a shoring up of the line on both sides?
Bobito
October 17th, 2012
6:03 am
Mark Richt is the messiah – Roll Tide!
Bulldogs’ ‘NFL talent’ have their heads somewhere else – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) | NFLGame.Net
October 17th, 2012
6:47 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Thomas Brown 5 yrs of losing every ranked team 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
October 17th, 2012
6:49 am
legionaire, great post. It’s actually a lot worse than 15 un-used scholarships. We actually only have 66 scholarship recruits plus 1 transfer-in who can play. We are given 85-scholarship recruits we can sign and KEEP, like everyone else. We don’t do it. We don’t care. We haven’t cared since May 2, 2006 when Katryn Richt was diagnosed with Cancer.
dave
October 17th, 2012
7:06 am
Bring back Willie Martinez!
Thomas Brown Barks At The Moon
October 17th, 2012
7:11 am
Once again, another totally classless attack on a fine man’s family by Thomas. Just a pathetic lowlife with no-life. What a sad individual with no heart and little soul.
Thomas Brown 5 yrs of losing every ranked team 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
October 17th, 2012
7:28 am
How can we have these current 5 years now and won only 2 games against teams who made the top 25 and it is my fault ?
Thomas Brown 5 yrs of losing every ranked team 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
October 17th, 2012
7:32 am
How can Mark Richt against teams who made the Top 10 all 12 years he’s been here, out of 17 games, have won only 3 games ?
I can appreciate you do not want to address that.
Thomas Brown 5 yrs of losing every ranked team 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
October 17th, 2012
7:34 am
How can Mark Richt have played 10 SEC teams in a Row now who have put-up Winning SEC Records that season and LOST ALL 10 ?
Thomas Brown 5 yrs of losing every ranked team 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
October 17th, 2012
7:36 am
How can Mark Richt these current 5 years now played18 games against teams who made the Top 25, and won only 2 of 18 ?
Thomas Brown 5 yrs of losing every ranked team 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
October 17th, 2012
7:37 am
How can Mark Richt have signed 107 scholarship recruits to play 2012, and has only 66 scholarship recruits plus 1 transfer-in all he has left now ?
Geno Cheese Stick
October 17th, 2012
7:40 am
It could be worse. Down here at the Awbarn we got it really bad.
bruce benedict
October 17th, 2012
7:41 am
NFL talent performing poorly is an indictment of coaches, and to the players either not putting forth maximum effort and/or not being smart enough to know what to do out there. Georgia has had problems with lack of discipline on and off the field for years, and they do not “bring it” in big games. Teams take on the personality of their coach (see S. Carolina, Alabama), and we are soft like Mark Richt. I admire him as a Christian, but we will never be a national contender with him there. He accepts less than the players best effort, and his nature is NOT to get on anyones case for failure or lack of effort. This will not change- we will beat the bad and mediocre teams, a nd get trounced by the big boys. Florida is a physically dominant team and will beat us up on the field and on the scoreboard. Keep doing what you’ve always done. and you’ll keep getting what you’ve always got (see Mark Richt).
Thomas Brown 5 yrs of losing every ranked team 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
October 17th, 2012
7:42 am
socrates on Leather Helmet Blawg has over 500 responses to these same questions I have posed for 2006 through today. The only part of my questions which have changed is how many games we’ve lost. Nothing else. But, somehow it is my fault that Mark Richt cannot win on the big stage. Me the problem. Just censor my posts and all will be well. Excuse me, there are millions of us asking the same questions about Mark Richt and his “coaching staff” allowing all these losses on the big stage.
Thomas Brown 5 yrs of losing every ranked team 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
October 17th, 2012
7:43 am
bruce benedict October 17th, 2012 7:41 am
“NFL talent performing poorly is an indictment of coaches”
______________________________________________
You’re darn-tootin’ as you always are bruce benedict.
Thomas Brown 5 yrs of losing every ranked team 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
October 17th, 2012
7:46 am
bruce benedict, that’s what they want. Didn’t you know ? All they want to keep on Losing Every game on the Big Stage. And, Mark Richt hasn’t cared about it starting with Katryn Richt being diagnosed with Cancer on May 2, 2006.
Thomas Brown 5 yrs of losing every ranked team 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
October 17th, 2012
7:49 am
Let’s be honest about the Richt Apologists, ok ? All they want to talk about is anything other than his record on the Big Stage. They do not care, either, about us winning on the Big Stage. That’s patently obvious.
Lois Malone
October 17th, 2012
7:52 am
Bottom line is there is NO Discipline. During the SC game when Rambo hit that player when he was already out of bounds and then we got a PF penalty Richt or Grantham should have jerked him by the collar and through his azz on the bench. Richts NO Emotion has rubbed off on every player and coach. Cant some one tell him were tired of seeing him hug a player when he does what he suppose to do. And were tired of hearing Richt say were just having FUN. Come on GET MEAN at least for one game.
Thomas Brown 5 yrs of losing every ranked team 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
October 17th, 2012
8:03 am
Lois Malone, there is NO DISCIPLINE on or off the field. There is however, harsh punishment after not having any Discipline. No emotion about football; but we’ve seen lots of emotion toward Katryn Richt since May 2, 2006 when she was diagnosed with Cancer – that’s where his emotion has been so animated. Mark Richt is a Minister, and cares not about beating teams on the Big Stage.
Joe
October 17th, 2012
8:06 am
Bottom line….same crap…just a different year……Spurrier had it spot on when he said……UGA gets great players…I dont know what happens to them once they get to UGA. Bottom line…McGarity was forced to give extensions last year because we backed into the SEC game…this year 10-2 with blowouts to SC and FL wont get it…..not with this schedule……I was a CMR fan- even last year but it has become very clear this is all about coaching and keeping these players focused- which is not being done
70 dawg
October 17th, 2012
8:11 am
Immediately inserting Ogletree and Rambo as starters was unthinkable…. upset the chemistry of the players that had been working and doing what they were supposed to do. They should have to re-earn their positions and by the play of the unit have not. Yes, maybe they are making numerous tackles but that is not the final goal.
Predictor
October 17th, 2012
8:13 am
UGA possesses a collection of very talented football players. Unfortunately, they do not comprise a coherent football team. Georgia needs a team builder and Mark Richt does not fit that mold.
The fans can (and typically do) blame it on the assistant coaches, but the hiring and firing of assistants is one of the most important responsibilities of a Head Coach. Mark Richt has never been and never will be a Head Coach, although he has held the honorary title since he was hired by UGA.
Wet Willie...keep on smiling
October 17th, 2012
8:29 am
Auburn has higher ranked recruiting classes than UGA over these past 3 years and what do they have? Character still matters folks and coaching makes even more difference. Has anybody tried to hire a member of the UGA staff??? Nick has only 4 coaches on his staff that came with him in 2007. Kirby,Williams,Burns, and Thompson. The 3rd OC in 6 years. Football just doesn’t mean that much to Mark and nothing anybody will do can change that. He is a fine man no doubt. The choice is the money folks at UGA but if you believe Mark will ever take the Dawgs much higher then you’re in for more pain.
Thomas Brown 5 yrs of losing every ranked team 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
October 17th, 2012
8:32 am
______________________________________
Joe October 17th, 2012 8:06 am
“Bottom line….same crap…just a different year”
______________________________________
Exactly Joe. Thank you for joining in.
Richt Apologists categorically refuse to state that 10 Losses in a row to SEC teams who put-up winning SEC Records that season is not good.
Richt Apologists categorically refuse to state that 8 Losses in a row to teams who make the Top 10 that season, is not good.
Richt Apologists categorically refuse to state that only 3 wins out 17 games all 12 years of Mark Richt era, good for # 8 among just SEC teams, against teams who make the Top 10, is not good.
Richt Apologists categorically refuse to state that only 2 wins out of 18 games this Current 5-Year Period, against teams who make the Top 25, is not good.
Richt Apologists categorically refuse to state that Mark Richt having signed 107 scholarship recruits to play 2012, and has only 66 scholarship recruits plus 1 transfer-in all he has left now, is not good.
dick whiskey
October 17th, 2012
8:34 am
greg mcgarity= dumbo ears with the bad hair dye,will fire the womens golf coach but don’t want to make a tough decision about the soft ass mark richt
gbal
October 17th, 2012
8:36 am
wanabe atheletes go on to be sports writers and think they can evaluate a group of kids playing at the college level….. Our AJC writers made the high predictions without giving thought to several problems going into the season. 11 or 12 is about right for UGA ; right where we should be given our talent level. Remember who it is saying we are so talented!!!
Predictor
October 17th, 2012
8:37 am
Just beat Kentucky and all will be forgiven.
Lose to Kentucky… And all will be forgiven.
Thomas Brown 5 yrs of losing every ranked team 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
October 17th, 2012
8:43 am
___________________________________________________________________
Predictor October 17th, 2012 8:13 am
“UGA possesses a collection of very talented football players. Unfortunately, they do not comprise a coherent football team. Georgia needs a team builder and Mark Richt does not fit that mold. The fans can (and typically do) blame it on the assistant coaches, but the hiring and firing of assistants is one of the most important responsibilities of a Head Coach. Mark Richt has never been and never will be a Head Coach, although he has held the honorary title since he was hired by UGA.”
___________________________________________________________________
Predictor,
Precisely-put. Mark Richt has averaged the # 8 Scout.com recruiting ranking the Current Period starting when Steve Spurrier got to South Carolina 2005 through today, and Steve Spurrier has averaged the # 20 Scout.com recruiting ranking same time frame. Spurrier’s recruits average 3.04 and Mark Richt’s average 3.68. Yet, Steve Spurrier is 4-4 against Mark Richt. Mark Richt wastes talent. Mark Richt has not done well at all in his hiring and keeping of his Assistant Coaches. If he loses his job, this will be the reason why. We will point to his record against top teams, but it will be because Mike Adam$ never let Vince Dooley teach Mark Richt the areas of his job as coach that he never has been taught. Red Panties Mike Adam$ hire Damon Evans never coached anything and was a yes man to Mike Adam$, and Howdy-Doody Greg McGarity never coached anything. Neither have any experience whatsoever to assist Mark Richt in the critical job of hiring and keeping a coaching staff who can then as a group beat the top teams and keep the talent focused and channeled in the right direction.
Thomas Brown 5 yrs of losing every ranked team 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
October 17th, 2012
9:00 am
_________________________________________________
Wet Willie…keep on smiling October 17th, 2012 8:29 am
“Football just doesn’t mean that much to Mark and nothing anybody will do can change that. He is a fine man no doubt. The choice is the money folks at UGA but if you believe Mark will ever take the Dawgs much higher then you’re in for more pain.”
_________________________________________________
Football has not meant that much to Mark Richt after May 2, 2006 when Kathryn Richt was diagnosed with Cancer. Since then, he’s Lost every game to every top team. No. Nothing is going to change Mark Richt for football to mean that much to him. It was an SEE. A significant emotional event in Mark Richt’s life which altered his priorities to “football just doesn’t mean that much to Mark Richt” anymore. When he got here, yes football did mean that much to Mark Richt – he saw it as his Calling in Life. Not now, and never again. Which is why he’s :
-lost 8 in row made top 10
-lost 10 in row SEC with winning SEC record
-lost 10 in row who made top 25
-lost 16 of last 18 now who made top 25
-lost 14 of 17 now who made top 10
The numbers don’t lie. Mark Richt cannot beat the top teams. The details are all there for the view Mark Richt Apologists remaining that he cannot beat the top teams. Can he, Wet Willie…keep on smiling ?