Defense needs to get on same page as Joe and the boys
A.J. Green scores. (Jeremy Scott / Special)
A few observations and questions from Saturday’s win over Arkansas …
It’s almost scary to think how good this Georgia team could be if the offense and defense both put all the pieces together in the same game and cut out those stupid turnovers and penalties. Right now, though, that’s looking like a tall order. …
Georgia is ridiculously talented at receiver. I’m sure the Hogs’ Ramon Broadway regrets dissing A.J. Green before the game, but A.J.’s seven catches for 137 yards were just part of the picture for the Dogs. Michael Moore didn’t catch a touchdown pass but his six catches for 91 yards were important; the guy is a dynamite possession receiver. Orson Charles showed what a mismatch he is for defenders at tight end; more big things to come there. And Tavares King had a couple of really nice catches, although he also had a couple of drops. That long ball he let go through his hands would have given Joe Cox the Georgia touchdown record with six in a game! Oh, and let’s not forget Aron White, who only has five career receptions, three of which have been touchdowns. Air Georgia is back. …
Cox is really developing at QB. As my brother Tim noted after the game, his throwing looked much smoother against Arkansas. More than that, though, he looked totally at ease and in control for the first time this season. I think his presence in the huddle is a major reason that these Dogs are able to battle back from two scores down and show the kind of impressive poise that ESPN’s Todd Blackledge praised. One thing, though: Let’s take that quarterback keeper out of the playbook as long as Cox is in the game. …
The running game is still a work in progress. Despite Richard Samuel’s beautiful 80-yard touchdown run that got the Dogs cranked up, it wouldn’t be a big shock if Caleb King took the starting job away from him, mainly because of Samuel’s two fumbles. Take away the long run, and Samuel had 24 yards on 15 carries to King’s 59 yards on 11 carries. And King laid down a couple of really big blocks, too. All in all, I’m glad we have both of them. …
Willie Martinez and the Georgia defense owe Cox and the offense big-time. As former Dog Kelin Johnson said on WNGC’s “Fifth Quarter Show” after the game, if Cox hadn’t made those reads and completed all those passes, and the offensive line hadn’t given him the time to do so, “it would have gotten ugly for Georgia.” The Dogs’ passing defense was just plain inept much of the night, with lots of blown coverages — which are the responsibility of the safeties and linebackers on the field, not Martinez. Looks like Bryan Evans’ move from corner to safety hasn’t solved his coverage problems; he looked like a deer in the headlights on that long TD pass where he got absolutely torched. You can bet everyone on our schedule who can throw the ball is licking their chops to get a crack at our pathetic secondary. …
At the same time, Georgia’s defense did seem to get stronger (or did Arkansas get worn out?) as the night went on, with the Hogs not getting into the end zone on their last five possessions. Arkansas also only converted on three of 14 third downs, but that’s a little misleading since they got most of their points on big plays rather than long drives. One plus from the night: The Dogs’ run defense continued to look good and Georgia was tough down near the goal line. But the main image that remains from the game concerning our D was the number of times a Hogs receiver caught a long ball and there wasn’t a Georgia defender anywhere within the TV picture. …
It was not a great night for Brandon Boykin, despite some decent kickoff returns and the fact that Arkansas’ fear of him breaking a long one caused them to do several pooch kicks, giving Georgia good field position. It was Boykin backing into Prince Miller that caused the first of Georgia’s turnovers, and his work against Arkansas’ receivers came up short, literally. Our lack of height on the corners is a real problem. …
What makes Georgia’s win all the more amazing is the alarming lack of focus contributing to those turnovers and the 14 penalties, too many of which were of the false start or holding variety rather than the aggressive kind that Richt uses as his excuse for allowing this general lack of discipline to continue unabated. As for the turnovers, Arkansas’ Ryan Mallett is dangerous enough, but giving him a short field three times in the first half (twice on turnovers and once on a long kickoff return) was like begging to get blown out. Thanks to Cox and Co., that didn’t happen. (It also helped that Arkansas was equally awful in the discipline department, drawing 11 flags, including one ejection and an unsportsmanlike conduct on the bench.) But Georgia desperately needs to put an end to both those trends. …
Another mixed night for special teams. There was the fumble on the punt reception. And the long return given up on a reverse. Blair Walsh had a big night in spite of the two kickoffs that went out of bounds, both of which were on those hated directional kicks that the misguided Jon Fabris insists he try. Earlier Walsh had two touchbacks, one on a dribbler, but then apparently got the word: High and in the corner. Jeez! Just let the kid kick and shore up the coverage! The late pooch kick by Brandon Bogotay also didn’t make a lot of sense, since it gave Arkansas the ball at about the 42, even better than they would have gotten with a kick going out of bounds.
But we can’t say enough about punter Drew Butler, who must have made his daddy proud with a superb performance. That 64-yarder was one of the key plays of the second half and a textbook example of what a punter is supposed to do.
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202 comments Add your comment
aint simons
September 20th, 2009
11:06 am
bwaaahahahahah!nuff said
UGA Mumm-Ra
September 20th, 2009
11:07 am
But Bill, where was Logan Gray? See how dumb that sounds now? Cox is our QB!
lefty fielder
September 20th, 2009
11:07 am
might as well adjust . . . looks like every game is gonna be like this one, except maybe tennessee tech . . . dang i wish i hadn’t said that.
Jason
September 20th, 2009
11:09 am
Agree with the points made in the story. While out offense looked good last night, the fumbling was terrible. I like Samuel, but he needs to protect the ball!! Both hands on the ball, through the line, power running and lower your shoulders and let it rip.
Regarding the defense…I am trying to remember when I have seen our pass coverage (or lack thereof) looking so terrible. We desperately need to re-evaluate our philosophy of middle and deep pass coverage. Last night was a free ticket to all future teams on the schedule this year. I wouldn’t be surprised to see our opponents passing the ball 75-80%, effectively unless we step up and make some major improvements, fast.
DawgFan24
September 20th, 2009
11:13 am
Grats Dawgs, way to stick in there and get the “W.” May have not looked pretty at times, but we finished the drill. Bring on AZ STATE!
Dandy Don
September 20th, 2009
11:13 am
Once again torn apart at the seams on defense. I like our run stoping capabilities, but our schemes are misguided, please Martinez THINK. We have talent but young on the corners. I always felt Cox would be OK, not worried about the offense. Work with the kids on corners we will be fine, Defense is , oh yeah what defense… Still Go DAWGS
JIMMY
September 20th, 2009
11:14 am
What was Evans doing on that play? He was frozen There were no runners in the backfield and Evans was 3-5 yds off the line of scrimmage just watching the QB. That type of behavior has to be tied back to coaching – am I wrong?
Halsey
September 20th, 2009
11:14 am
Ball, bell, bill, boll, bull;
Pat, pet, pit, pot, put;
Bat, bet, bit, bot, but;
Can anyone think of others?
Palmetto State Dawg
September 20th, 2009
11:15 am
Martinez needs to go, period. Yes, it is the responsibility of the DB’s and linebackers to make the plays in pass covereage, but either they’re not in position or not coached correctly to make those plays….that falls on the DC. Send him packing! The penalties are atrocious, and same with the turnovers. Arkansas could not hold our jock in the talent department. This is a team that we should blow out, home or away. The offense was the bright spot. I guess we better get ready for a shootout every freakin’ week.
RomeDawg
September 20th, 2009
11:18 am
Dead on Bill! Our defense looks lost at times and John Fabris has to be a complete goober for insisting on the directional kick offs. That pooch punt made no sense at all! Is there a better story than Joe Cox? What a great performance!
CentralFLDawg
September 20th, 2009
11:19 am
About everything has been said….but a few observations:
Cox can play with the best of them given the time to throw, but the Ark defense was terrible.
Ark QB is very good and they have good receivers…at least 5 catches where the receivers were covered and the ball was thrown perfectly and/or receivers made highlight reel quality catches.
BUT…at least a half dozen occasions when our defensive backs not within 10 yards of receivers. Some of this is Petrino’s razzle-dazzle stuff (like the tight end falling on the ground, then getting up), but we seemed to back off pressure after the first quarter and didn’t pick it back up until the fourth??? And, we telegraph our blitzes and stunts; they seem very predictable both in their timing and style.
The D is tacking much better than in years past,
Kickoff returns, punting…much improved over last year. Appeared Fabris called for directional corner kickoffs in the second half after we had been booming them close to/beyond the goal line…ain’t got a clue why.
Despite all the moaning and groaning about the D, much of it deserved, if we had committed, say, only 5 penalties and had no turnovers we would have blown Ark out. We have GOT to correct those two problems.
Palmetto State Dawg
September 20th, 2009
11:19 am
BTW, Saint Simons, why are you even on this blog after your bugs got squashed on TH night? Get a life, loser! If you actually live on Saint Simons, you must be the only Tech fan that does. You probably sit in your one-bedroom apartment all day behind a computer, afraid to venture outside for fear that you will get you a** kicked by Dawgs.
Gene
September 20th, 2009
11:23 am
I find it no coincidence that Martinez is not only the DC but also the DB coach. Yes it comes down to execution so either, we have the dumbest players in the country since many of them are 2nd or 3rd year starters or we have the dumbest DB coach in the country who can’t figure out how to coach the players he’s given. If their strength isn’t to be in zone coverage, put them in man…whatever the case, we need to figure out something FAST. Miles and Kiffen are licking their chops!
Where's the defense?
September 20th, 2009
11:30 am
I am happy the dawgs won this game. It’s nice to be two and 0 in the SEC. Defense must make adjustments and put pressure on the quarterback so he doesn’t have all day to make passes. Defense is giving up too much yardage with the passing. It seemed like they covered the run well enough though. Joe Cox looked good as did the offense overall. I am glad they didn’t get rattled when they were down some. AZ State next week, hopefully another Win…
Rex Robinson
September 20th, 2009
11:31 am
kick the ball deep and cover….it’s worked for 100 years.
Class of '98
September 20th, 2009
11:34 am
“which are the responsibility of the safeties and linebackers on the field, not Martinez”
I’m sorry, remind me again who is responsible for coaching them to be in the right place?
Asisine statement, Bill.
Kayak305
September 20th, 2009
11:34 am
Does anyone realize that Willie set yet another record last night? NO Arkansas football team has EVER put that many points against ANY Georgia football team? The previous highest point total was 31 points in the 1976 Cotton Bowl.
I know someone knows the totals, but this must be the 6th or 7th record Willie has set in this regard…
Class of '98
September 20th, 2009
11:35 am
Asinine.
aint simons
September 20th, 2009
11:35 am
Palmetto State Dawg I aint simons just trying to let him know gt really does suck.
Dawgs 73
September 20th, 2009
11:37 am
Ok, there were a lot of great things to take away from last nights game and here is my observation (of the good).
1.) Joe Cox (which I have previously criticized) had a TERRIFIC game. He showed pocket poise, great footwork, unbelievable accuray on his passes, leadership and the “it factor” that quality qb’s must have…GREAT GAME!
2.) Running game was decent, but the line needs to improve blocking at the point of attack. The running backs were solid. Samuel is nice big back, but is a bit too robotic and he CAN’T fumble the football if he plans on keeping his # 1 status. Caleb King showed great burst through the hole and picked up his blocks in the passing game…He should reclaim the number 1 spot if UGA is to progress.
3.) Receivers & Tight ends a plenty. If Joe Cox continues his progression this will be as exciting a passing attack as UGA has had in recent memory. AJ GREEN IS A MAN! Orson Charles is impressive, Moore reminds me of a bigger version of Reggie Brown, King is getting better, and on and on and on…still need the run game.
Ok, here’s the bad from last night’s game.
1.) Defense
2.) Defense
3.) Defense, ok you get my point. I am objective enough to see that this team will have to improve on this side of the ball if the DAWGS are going to pull out a “special season”. I can’t logically explain what the HE!! Willie Martinez is doing to improve the quality of play on the d, and how he is getting the most out of the talent level. We have talent folks, but they are so POORLY prepared for each game…a HUGE waste of our recent recruiting efforts. If Mark Richt is going to increase his vision for this and future teams, he MUST make a change.
4.) Not so special teams. The only + is Boykin making a lot out of a little. The punt return carousel is a bit confusing. One minute it’s Princess Miller, then Logan Gray…I am expecting Mrs. Richt out there in the near future…don’t get it???? The kick off unit is still a disaster…that’s the only reason for the constant failed attempts at directional kicks….JUST kick the DA!! ball in bounds and improve the coverage…isn’t that what Fabris is paid to do???
5.) PENALTIES, TURNOVERS MUST STOP!
All in all, I really like the fire and resilency of this team (so far) but they will get exposed against better competition if they don’t improve the above mentioned areas.
superDawg
September 20th, 2009
11:38 am
No pork in that bill.
shards1967
September 20th, 2009
11:40 am
Absolutely the worst UGA D team in years and years, due to the secondary and their inability to cover. This thing should be resolved with Richt making a change now with both Fabris and Martinez. If he does not, after a very, very tough upcoming season ………..UT, Florida, Auburn, LSU and even KY and Vandy………………it could be a disaster …………then it is Rict that will be reviewed.
Mark, fire Martinez and Fabris trhis week. You will be a better team afterwards. They are simply
inept at this level of play ……..SEC. They have not the first clue, Coach ………fire them now.
HIre Sylvester Groom as Head D Coach with Turbeville as the D Ends Head man. Geez, they would come and do it. They would be superior to Martiez and fabris.
UGA ,class of 73
swimdawg68
September 20th, 2009
11:44 am
Good post Bill, remember CWM came to us in 2001 as DB coach. I recall some of the Van Gorder defensive problems were in the secondary. Do we have a secondary coach on the staff? NO! it is that same CWM, no wonder it is where we still have issues. What concerns me is CMR seems to accept this level of performance, what’s up with that? I could not believe the number of Ark. receivers that were wide open with no one within ten yards of them. Bryan Evans couldn’t cover me on a post pattern and I’m over 60 years old. I know he has speed but he has terrible coverage skills.
Congrats to our offense, they played great, saved our fanny. Surprised the OL is not more dominate in the running game, I thought they were good in pass blocking however.
Are we dealing with just stupid players on the field (as CPJ of the nerd school called out his lineman)? We never experienced the level of penalities in the Dooley era during games. What is the difference? I wish I had an answer, it seems CMR has no answer for this constant problem.
I watch college football regurarly and see good defenses today being displayed, CMR needs to wakeup and find a GOOD DC. By the way, why the two kickoff out of bounds in the 4th qtr? Did Fabres instruct Walsh to do it with those kicks? He kicked one out on the left side and one out on the right, we all know he can put it down the middle to the goal line, it is just beyond comprehension why CMR puts up with that stuff.
I am a big fan of CMR but it appears he has some serious defects in management skills of staff. Mark! act like a CEO, a corporation is only as strong as it’s weakest link, the same thing is true for a major college football team and we have several weak links on this coaching staff, be responisible and fix the problem, that’s why you are paid “the big bucks”.
Keep it Real!
September 20th, 2009
11:47 am
UGA will be just fine! They will lose at least 3 games this year! The offense has to stop turning the ball over 3 times a game! The defense is getting tired because when the get a stop in the first quarter the offense turns the ball over. The defense is not great but good at best so Dawgs fans do not expect a victory of Florida this year!
Oh yea! You really don’t expect UGA to ever beat Florida! hehehe!
Bernie
September 20th, 2009
11:50 am
2-0 in the SEC feels real good. But you’re right Bill, our overall play is not gonna cut it come October. LSUs defense will be much improved over last year, UT has a great defense and Vandy always plays us tough.Then the WLOCP.
We’re not gonna be able to count on Joe and Co. to bail us out each game like last night.
BerniesDawgBlawg
(Tripp Jones) "Dedicated but Concerned"
September 20th, 2009
11:51 am
Enter your comments here
I have to agree with the well put together peice above (by Palmetto State Dog) as it relates to the blog regarding coach Martinez, At this point I truly believe that coach Richt is going to have to take it upon himself and find us (UGA) a solid defensive coordinator, ASAP. A dear freind who sits next to me during the games stated to me that “Coach Richt is loyal to his assitants to a default”……..
“To him whom much is given much is required”
Buckhead Dawg
September 20th, 2009
11:52 am
Wow, this defense is really bad!
bill h
September 20th, 2009
11:53 am
To criticize is everyone’s right, but not to recognize the good things brought to the table by so many improving freshmen and other young players is pretty bad. This team is getting better every week and will continue. The writing here is very negative and it is very boring and unimaginative. Please at least twist some words occasionally as you opine in your boring down home style so stuck in the past which you imagine, wrongly, is so much better than the present. You went from a folksy rah rah writer to a critic who is a boring writer. Those two descriptions (critic and bore) dont cohabitate very well. If you are going to be such a critic, please read some good writing so you can at least try to improve, as the bulldogs are doing, and perhaps become a somewhat entertaining writer.
honest_abe
September 20th, 2009
11:53 am
lets not forget that arkansas offense is pretty darn good.
yes mr. bill people tend to throw more smoothly when given more time. amazing observation your brother made.
biggest play of the night was the 2 penalties by the ark. middle linebacker. went from being a blowout to a game.
it’s really not as bad as some of you like to think. cut down the turnovers and penalties and you have a top ten team. this team will improve as the years goes on
WSP Dawg
September 20th, 2009
11:54 am
Thanks, Bill. Great Points! I am so proud of the offense. At the same time, in 31 years, I have never seen our defense look so bad. Is there really a way to defend our DC anymore? We have to begin the discussion on who should replace him. Who are some good candidates out there?
matt
September 20th, 2009
11:59 am
Saint Simons is you typical Nyerd. He runs his mouth until his teeth are knocked out, and then runs away to his parents’ basement to play Dungeons and Dragons. He’ll be back when Tech plays Duke.
The Zebra Crew
September 20th, 2009
12:00 pm
Dear UGA President Adams:
We hope you are grateful for the help we gave your boys last night in the game. Please make the payment in cash, not check. We may have helped you throw the game for your boys, but we still don’t trust you. Cash.
"Special" John Fabris
September 20th, 2009
12:03 pm
Be patient dawg faithful. As CMR says, we are young, give us time, we are so close to making really good plays. Some of my directional kicks actually stay in bounds. Sometimes, we actually have 11 men on the field at the right time and in the right formation. Patience is a virtue.
Starrng Kam Fong as Chin Ho
September 20th, 2009
12:05 pm
When did we join the WAC? Those guys out west re trembling in fear I’m sure
BE#3
September 20th, 2009
12:13 pm
Hire Michael Barrow from The U to be our DC. Did you see his intensity on the sideline on Thursday night? That guy would fire up our D and get in their faces. CWM looks lost and so does his secondary. Heard from someone who watched scrimmage prior to Okie St. that CWM was a spazz and his older players don’t respect him.
Lest we forget, John Jancek was promoted to Co-DC. What’s his role in the D’s play? Jancek does a great job with our LB’s — I wonder what he really does as co-DC. Maybe Jancek is the reason our run D is much improved?
REM
September 20th, 2009
12:23 pm
I agree with swimdawg in that I am also a big Richt fan. I hope he is our coach for a long, long time. However, if he continues to apparently be content with the state of our defense, he will ultimately need to be held accountable and (sadly) go. I hope this doesn’t happen. I can’t understand why we have so much supposed talent on the defense, and constantly be giving up 30+ (now 40+) points. Martinez has had way too long to prove that he can be an effective DC. Look at the past 5 years and the defensive blowouts that we’ve suffered. Mark, you have a responsibility to this football program to make a change when necessary, and that time has long been upon us. And the same goes for Fabris. If he is the one who directs our kickers to kick these pathetic directional kicks (and who else would be making that decision), then he needs to go now. Between our kickoff team and our defense, no amount of points is safe.
Thanks, Joe Cox for a great game. Glad to see you get the chance to show your talent. And thanks to the offense in general. You guys saved our bacon last night.
mcdawg
September 20th, 2009
12:25 pm
here is an idea w/ little time remaining in the game kick the ball so the opposing team gets excellent field position-perfect strategy
GWB
September 20th, 2009
12:26 pm
The beautiful thing here is that the joke of a football team on North Avenue has absolutely nothing for UGA this year in spite of our D. They can’t throw. They can’t run. They can’t stop a pee wee league team, and they are terribly out of shape. I can’t wait until November 28. I fully expect this UGA team to set a scoring record against GT this year.
Seriously?
September 20th, 2009
12:40 pm
Offense:
Can anyone tell me why we continue to setup in the “I” formation for so many decades? Is it possible to put some wrinkles in our offense and utilize the fastest players on the same play? One team that really stands out is, I hate to say, Florida. They seem to get three or four of their playmakers on the field at the same time thus throwing off the oppossing defense.
Defense:
We’ve watched the Georgia defense show some flashes of brilliance but it has been weak overall. I really don’t understand why CMR continues to tell the media the reason why the opponent has scored too many points is because the defense has been put in bad situations on the field. He needs to start asking why the opponents keeps scoring against the defense, PERIOD. I just hope CWM would not throw the players under the bus and say “It’s execution”. Hey Willie, you’re the coach!!! The offense has been saving the defense. It should be the other way around!
BTW, after only seeing Cox play two games, it seems as if his passes are much better and more accurate the Stafford’s. Even the Georgia receivers have said Cox’s passes are more catchable. I don’t think Stafford would have put up this many points if he was the QB. Stafford would have tried to zing and thread every pass in between defenders to show off his arm to the NFL. “Look guys, I’m not accurate but I can thread the needle with my arm!”
bnwdog14
September 20th, 2009
12:45 pm
Bill H. Thanks for calling all these naysayers out. I have just about quit reading the posts on AJC because you are all so juvenile and unimaginative. To follow up on Bill H, see below.
1. Mallet is obviously an exceptional passer and the Hog receivers made some amazing receptions. Additionally some of Patrino’s scheming contributed to coverage issues as well.
2. I was glad to see some different defensive schemes yesterday (besides cover 2), designed to put pressure on the quaterback. I felt WM got outside his safety zone, that could be seen as progress. This left some of our young secondary in man situations and they were obviously lost and confused at times. I feel confident those mistakes will diminish as they mature.
3. We made some phenomenal, hard hit, pass breakups yesterday, which appears to be a focus this season.
4. All these people chewing on Willie should focus their attention on turnovers and mental mistake penalties. To me, those were ultimately what could have resulted in an L.
5. A WIN IS A WIN IS A WIN. We have gotten better with each game this season. With all the youth, injuries and first year starters on the field, I think that says alot. Our players keep fighting like they have, and who knows where we may be at the end of the season. I for one am proud and see more determination in this team than I have the past 3 years. As Richt said last week ACCENTUATE THE POSSITIVE AND ELIMINATE THE NEGATIVE.
GATA DAWGS!!
GeezusDawg
September 20th, 2009
12:47 pm
Mallet didn’t throw for over 400 yards and 5 touchdowns on our special teams or our offense … he did it on our Defense. Martinez is NOT the answer.
Buster Meeks
September 20th, 2009
12:49 pm
Hey! The good news is that we can win a shootout.
Denver Dog
September 20th, 2009
12:52 pm
I gave up and so did you. I said it three weeks ago, this is a great team, with great talent and great coaching. We beat two teams with two of the most prolific passing coaches of the modern day. We have played against the best passer we will see all year, and we beat them. We have played against the best defense we have seen all year and beat them. Well maybe the best passer. If we can fix the d a little bit we will be ok. We have to find an answer in the secondary. I like the philosophy of making the beat us up top, Last night it worked. Fix the special teams, heck at the way our kickoffs are going we might as well try an onside kick each time. We couldn’t even cover the pooch kick. Other than that Mrs Linclon, how did you like the play.
Charlotte Dawg
September 20th, 2009
12:56 pm
Good for Joe Cox! And he had to be good will continue to have to be good b/c it is becoming obvious to me that oppossing teams are going to make us beat them with the pass as they don’t respect Cox(like many of us a few weeks ago). Other teams are not going to let us run the ball. As Cox goes, the offense goes so let’s keep our fingers crossed that he keeps up the good work.
Not a lot of Tech fans on this blog today, huh? But they’ll be back talking trash in no time. As bad as Tech looked a few nights ago, the ACC is so horrible that I see Tech only losing 1 or 2 more conference games. UNC a toss up, FSU a toss up, VT a loss as they have a stout, well coached defense and excellent special teams. That tends to destroy their service academy offense. I think Miami and VT are the best teams in the ACC but we’ll see.
Atlanta Jacket…SOOOOOOOey Pig-*UCKER!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, I bet you were pi$$ed we came back and won that game, aren’t you?
jd
September 20th, 2009
12:59 pm
How about we stop putting the defense in bad situations by fumbling the ball on tosses and punt returns. You take away that and we only gave up 24. Also, don’t forget the 2 times that we kicked the ball out of bounds on kickoffs and allowed their offense to be aggresive by starting at the 40. I’m not crazy about the D so far either, but be fair to them. The thing that bothered me was that when we got pressure, we dominated, but everytime we didn’t send pressure on the qb, he burned us. we should not have to have 1 or 2 guys penetrate everytime to stop someone.
Seadoggy
September 20th, 2009
1:00 pm
The best parting gift that Adams could make to UGA would be to order Evans to order Richt to fire Martinez. Since Richt seems to put his blindly irrational loyalty to CWM over loyalty to the team, the university and the fans, maybe he needs to be able to say to Martinez, “I didn’t have a choice, Willie. They made me do it.”
Cuz
September 20th, 2009
1:03 pm
Boy you talk about a glass half full and half empty. The D is great at stopping the run. The D is awful in pass coverage.
GeezusDawg
September 20th, 2009
1:04 pm
Again, Mallet threw for OVER 400 yards and 5 touchdowns on our DEFENSE. Not on our punter, or our kicker, or our offense …. on our DEFENSE. Stop making excuses. We have talent on defense, we just do not have the scheme/coach to stop anyone. Year-over-year our defense has gotten worse under Martinez (fact – look at the year-over-year defensive stats).
WildBill
September 20th, 2009
1:05 pm
I know ol Erk is turning over in his grave after witnessing another UGA defensive nightmare. With DBs just standing still watching the qb, letting all kinds of receivers run free behind them, dang, I bet Erq would like to get ahold of some guys and coaches and kick some major a$$es.
Also, what is with pooch punts and kickoffs out of bounds??? Dang, just give em the ball at the 40 every time and spare the trouble.
Penalties, yep, more and more. Where is the discipline?
I have been pushing for more playing time for Tavarres King. GLAD to see he had some opportunities and a catchable ball when the time was right.
On Cox. His throwing form is right out of high school AND delivery time is way too long, but he has a heart biggern Texas, which counts a LOT in my book.
GeezusDawg
September 20th, 2009
1:09 pm
Oh yeah, congrats to Joe Cox. I was one of the neah-sayers after game one and he has gotten much better each week. I still think he is slow (i.e. stop the quarterback keeper plays), but so are a lot of other QB’s. If our D would ever stop anyone so that we can get a comfortable lead, we will likely start to see some other QB’s rotated in for a few series which I think is VERY important.
Denver Dog
September 20th, 2009
1:09 pm
Don’t jump of the boat unless you have a place to land. How bout we send this great seach company that hired the BB coach to get us a D coordinator to come in next year. Find the best one we can get, and have him ready without any bloodsport hunts. Why would Crom want to be d coordiantor when he is getting paid big bucks for not coaching. How bout we just find the best one and bring him in. I guess we could have had Chavis, or somebody like that, but right now we have the best we can have for this year, so let’s support the team and let someone else worry about hiring and firing. They totally shut down the Ark running game. Does that mean anything? Who knows? Don’t be down on the D that made three great stands when they had too, and did the same last week. They aren’t the best, but they are all we have right now!
GeezusDawg
September 20th, 2009
1:17 pm
Georgia football is predicated on Defense – and has been since we started playing football in the late-1800’s. This current (defensive) system and its results are NOT acceptable. The really sad part is that Willie is not only the D coordinator, he is also the secondary coach – which is his “forte”.
We WILL NOT be able to hang 52 on Tennessee or Florida or LSU.
GeezusDawg
September 20th, 2009
1:19 pm
Glad to see Caleb get in the game too.
True Bulldog Fan
September 20th, 2009
1:24 pm
If you look at the number of defensive players committed to Georgia for 2010, you will note they are excellent prospects. Georgia knows what they need and how to go about solving the problem. To blame all the defensive woes on a coach is crazy and true Bulldog fans don’t do that. I read the comments from one of our recruits saying that they (referring to himself and others) are anxious to get to Georgia and help. When those of you calming to be Dawg fans blast the coaches you are helping the opposition. Maybe you are really from the opposition!!!!! Think about it real Dawg Fans.
SamoanDawg
September 20th, 2009
1:25 pm
2 AREAS on D we NEED to improved on: Secondary coverage and pass RUSH! Too many blown coverage.. can’t stand watching our corners with their back facing the ball and arms waving. CW.. Cornelius Washington had a sack and a nice play squeezing down the run. We NEED pressure off the edge, consistently.
Lets get ready for the SunDevils!
Sic’em!
HH
September 20th, 2009
1:43 pm
Quit trying to make apologies for Martinez. It IS his responsibility about what happens on the field. Unless you decide to not even count Martinez anymore, and put the blame squarely on Richt. So the players continue to make mistakes, blow coverages, etc. If they can’t be coached up by Martinez, then get someone who can…they’re out there. Somebody with authority just has to get off his a– and find one.
GeezusDawg
September 20th, 2009
1:44 pm
If you look at the number of defensive players that have committed to Georgia over the last 8 years you will see tons of talent that wants(ed) to contribute but (lately) the Defensive Coordinator does not coach them up to their talent and put them in schemes that will allow them to be successful. Criticizing the coach is the RIGHT thing to do – I haven’t criticized the players which is the wrong thing to do. Being a “true” bulldog fan does not mean drinking the kool-aid and being “pollyanna” about our team. CWM has a track record of mediocrity and it is my (our) right as an alumni, fans, and financial contributors to point these things out.
If you want to give a coach a free-pass stick to watching high school football.
41 38 49 38 45 24 37 41
September 20th, 2009
1:44 pm
You dawg fans are just not seeing it. Willie is a excellent coach his points allowed is great for style points. Teams are scoring in the high 30s and 40s on a consistent basis. Give Willie a hefty raise today!
AZDawg5
September 20th, 2009
1:48 pm
Here are a few observations –
1. The “win is a win” crowd should keep watching the wrambling geeks…
2. I have not been a big Joe Cox fan so far this season but it looks as though he read my post from last week and went to Sports Authority and bought one of those learn to throw a spiral balls…look at the results and the additional velocity on the ball…I was also glad to see he took the “jumping jacks” out of his cleats and calmed down in the pocket…Great progress over a short 7 day period!
3. Samual is probably demoted this week…no second effort….unfortuanately, fumbleitis is an uncureable disease….King ran hard and had good second effort…Thomas runs hard but just gets drilled everytime he heads up the gut…
4. Run D remains Stout and will be all year…Currain is damn good….we have to have once of the best LB cores in the nation…
5. Willie Vanillie remains a joke…we are loaded with athletic talent and speed plain and simple…I am 100% convinced that these kids are simply not being coached properly…I have never seen opposing receivers run right by our secondary…The D backs look like a bunch of greyhounds chasing “Richie the Rabbit” around the track…Willie needs to go!!!
6. Bozo for the the first time actually had a decent scheme…probably not by choice as Willie the fraud was forcing his hand. Which means Bozo actually made adjustments to his prearranged game plan…folks the fact that Bozo made changes on the fly is huge progress…I could be mistaked here, but have the Dawgs run a single screen pass this season…Honestly? I heard Bozo moved the screen pass to the “Trick” play column of his elaborate play book…
7. Most Importantly – we got down early and the kids kept there head in the game!!! Nice work for not laying another egg through all of the adversity…These kids are starting to show some fight and heart…there is huge talent all over this Team!!! It just needs the right leadership…..
8. Put the Sun Devils out of their misery quick next week…I dont need the brain damage of listening to a bunch of “HAC 10″ fans in the Desert!!! Go Dawgs!!!
SEC1
September 20th, 2009
1:56 pm
I have officially had it….
Put me on the FIRE MARTINEZ list. Our “D” looked totally inept for much of the night. It was not like Mallet was making incredible throws into tight coverage. There were many instances where NOBODY WAS WITHIN 5-10 YARDS of the receiver. It was the same old song and dance as the SC game and from last year. We have a knack for making the opposing QB look like a Heisman candidate.
This is definitely not the version of the “junkyard dawgs” of days past that we have come to expect.
I just think that Martinez is in over his head when it comes to facing other elite offensive coordinators.
That’s my take from an Alum who has followed GA football for 30 years!
To end on a postive note, great job with the offense! Keep improving and GO DAWGS!
Einsteindawg
September 20th, 2009
1:57 pm
“Loyalty is a wonderful thing until it becomes a liability”. BTW, great game Joe…thanks for sticking around.
SOS Dawg
September 20th, 2009
1:59 pm
Our tackling still needs improvement ! Dawgs need to wrap up and be a little more dominate. Watching the replay of the BC and Clemson game on sports south and Clemson’s D is scary. They hit and tackle with a mean vengeance. Willie needs to go and its so obvious our defense has major issues.
WildBill
September 20th, 2009
2:00 pm
AZDawg5, great comments. Thanks.
barneyb
September 20th, 2009
2:00 pm
EVERY squad Willie gets turnes to crap. Remember when he was DB coach under VanGorder? That was a trian wreck, too, and it was VanGorder that pulled Willie out of that mess. FREE WILLIE NOW AND FABRIS MUST BE NEXT! Or CMR will be run out of town on a rail, sorry to say.
quaildawg
September 20th, 2009
2:00 pm
Like the comments Bill, but I disagree with those who say “this is the worst Defense”. Wrong…last years team was worse in the fact that regardless of the situation that this group has been thrown into they respond with heart and character. Byrd getting caught flatfooted for the second timne this year is unacceptable, I agree but, this group is going with what alignment and scheme’s they are being placed and fighting hard which I think the players should be given alot of credit for…good, tough attitude. Last years squad would have folded last night with the big plays and any adversity. I give this group at least the credit they deserve for the 60 minutes of fight they exhibit!!! And I think all Dawg fans should too!!! Heck yeah critize the Coaches, that’s what they get paid to do but the defense did not have any “Stupid” penalties last night and they played hard till the whistle.
BTW-Good no hit R. Jones in 2nd half!!! Son you are learning when to and when not to.
Go Dawgs!
September 20th, 2009
2:01 pm
Strongly agree with the positive comments as noted on another blog. The play of Joe Cox, our receivers (AJ is amazing), all of them, our poise on offense, Curran and DL at times. A win on the road in the SEC is BIG and I will gladly take it.
‘But the main image that remains from the game concerning our D was the number of times a Hogs receiver caught a long ball and there wasn’t a Georgia defender anywhere within the TV picture. …’ Could not agree more! A wide angle shot on several occasions, a long pass, and the defender would catch the ball and turn upfield before our defender even came in the picture. How can you blow a coverage that badly that often?
For goodness sakes, please lets kick the ball deep and quit giving the opposition the ball on the 40. If they run it back to the 40 from the endzone, then so be it. Bring a JC kid in from Calif. to kick it deep in the end zone and the only 2 times we have let him kick we pooched it to the up men. What’s with that?
OL better on pass protection than on run blocking. And still too many procedure penalties and holds.
Hate to call out a player, but BK already named a player who seems to make us very vulnerable. Last year every offensive coord on our schedule was picking on him and looks the same this year at another position. He is much better against the run.
We must fix some of these probs quickly!
Ginger
September 20th, 2009
2:01 pm
Agree, we could be scary good…offense looked good in passing game..running game needs to get better……but Defense—what in the world ??? Needs help…1st 3 games..torched…….Like I have been saying…..Consult with some defensive gurus now and get this problems fixed Coach Richt….Just don’t have the confidence in CWM to correctly diagnose and fix problems…..Don’t be stupid….what could consulting with some folks hurt….don’t be prideful..coach Richt…leave your pride at the door and consult with some good defensive folks and get this problem fixed.
Steve
September 20th, 2009
2:16 pm
Where are the Nerds from Atlanta? I have not heard much from them. Did the thugs downtown kill them all? I see that Tech is no longer ranked in the AP or Coaches poll. Ha ha. Losers.
mcdaviddawg
September 20th, 2009
2:18 pm
Players 52, Coaching 0
EricADawgFan
September 20th, 2009
2:20 pm
I am a DAWG fan. But I am also a Realist…. The fact that the DAWGS got by this Arkansas Razorback Team doesn’t surprise me. They both (The DAWGS & Razorbacks) look very terrible on defense. I will give the offense on both teams some KUDOS. How do you really measure up the offense when they are playing against a defense that really sucks? (BOTH TEAMS)
Honestly, I am not convinced that the DAWGS are man enough to play up to the Teams like LSU, Tennessee, and Florida this year. Sports Writers have Georgia 8-4 at best. Maybe 7-5 this year. If this is true ( in which I see that it maybe headed that way) then it is very sad…. That would be very unfortunate for a standard of Coach Mark Ricth, and for the Real Georgia Fans.
Someone commented last year that Defensive Coordinator, and Secondary Coach Martinez should have been fired last year, and Coach Ricth disagreed. But Coach Ricth need to re-visit his thoughts, and take another look at him. This is by far the worse defense I have ever seen that DAWGS display.
They weren’t only bad yesterday against Arkansas, but they were terrible against South Carolina, and South Carolina statistically out played Georgia.
If Georgia expects to have a successful season this year, they had better cut down on the penalties, ( False Starts, Personal Fouls, Pass interference, Holding etc.) and the Defense had better step up their game. If not, the Dawgs could kiss this 2009 season goodbye. They will be lucky to go to the Blue Bonnet Bowl (If they still have that Bowl).
SamoanDawg
September 20th, 2009
2:24 pm
Willie has tough games ahead of him. C’mon Willie lets get this D turn around! Coach Fab DEs nd big boost from his guys.
disgruntled Dawg
September 20th, 2009
2:25 pm
Im am very disappointed in CMR for putting this pathetic product on the field. Mostly the defense which these problems were stemming from last year and there has been no significant improvement whatsoever.
Fabris needs to have his head examined then fired. These guys have been in the system long enough and the youth excuse are getting old concerning defensive breakdowns. Bill and some of my fellow fans are claiming its not all Willies fault on blow coverages. I could understand a blown coverage here and there but we had way too many and that lies directly on Willie and CMR. If these players are blowing assignments then sit there stupid AZZes down and let some one else play. If its because UGA doesn’t have the players then maybe our recruiting coordinator ain’t cracked up to be what it is supposed to be.
We left too much of a cushion last night and left too many wide open receivers last night on defense. We are going to get killed we we face good competition. Its gonna get a lot uglier unless there is a fire lit under our coaches and our undisciplined players.
calling bugkiller
September 20th, 2009
2:26 pm
Your take on Cox…….???
DawgGirl32
September 20th, 2009
2:27 pm
Dog fans…use your noggins here. I know you’re passionate and upset, but let’s be realistic. Willie Martinez will NOT be fired in the middle of our season. Some of you act like it’s as easy as “Fire Willie tomorrow and hire this guy the next day and all of our defensive problems will be solved!” That just makes no sense. First of all, we are 2-0 in conference play right now. Secondly, even if we weren’t, Mark Richt has more class and common sense than to fire a coordinator in the middle of the freakin season. Please use your heads and think about what that would do to the great team morale we’re building right now. Thirdly, who would we hire?? Honestly. You act like we could just call anyone up and they’ll coming running to join our program. Hate to break it to you but Willie is here to stay at least until the end of the season. Say what you want about Mark Richt and his loyalty but sensible fans know that it would do absolutely no good to fire our defensive coordinator at this point in the season. Give it a rest.
murfdawg
September 20th, 2009
2:34 pm
Did anyone notice that Mallet was 2-10 in the 4th qtr?
Mark Richt is a terrific coach. The Dawgs were down 21-10 and he stayed calm, the players stayed calm and steadied the ship for a big win. I’ll take him year in and year out. We are lucky to have him and need to do anything we can to keep him.
Now,Michael Adams is another story.
disgruntled Dawg
September 20th, 2009
2:34 pm
Clemson Fired Tommy Bowden last year and still made it to a bowl. so the argument you cant fire an inept coordinator doesnt hold water!
LaDawg100
September 20th, 2009
2:41 pm
We pay Richt over $2 million per year to coach. I think we have seen his best teams.
We don’t have to put with lack of discipline, lack of enthusiasm, and off field troubles. Those scholarships CMR hand out are worth at least $100k. We need players that understand their value and work to prove they deserve them and we need coaches that expect men to live up to their obligations.
disgruntled Dawg
September 20th, 2009
2:41 pm
So Willie can be fired 3 games into the season. I dont think UGA would miss him anyway.
Relentless
September 20th, 2009
2:42 pm
Being negative about the defense? Well yeah duh! Can you imagine if Erk Russel had these same players what the difference would be? If it ain’t working change it. Be it football, business or relationships. Get the divorice!
GeezusDawg
September 20th, 2009
2:49 pm
I do not think Martinez should be fired in the middle of the season. I thought Martinez should have been fired BEFORE the season …. and before the 2008 season. Richt is a great coach and role model; this could be a chink in his armor. Ultimately, a change will be made (hopefully for the better).
That being said, this was definitely a great win and it did say a lot about the character of the team. With the number of true freshman getting reps in the games, this is also a big plus for recruiting – all the big recruits want to play right away and they are seeing that they could have the chance at UGA.
WestOfAthens
September 20th, 2009
2:55 pm
The secondary seems totally inept, but if this offense can continue to fire off TD’s, i am certain things will get fixed. The d-line showed improvement with the most pressure we have seen thus far (albeit minimal, but there was still improvement). Finally…… Martinez is NOT on the field, he can only accept so much responsibility. The game still come downs to players and effort thereof. Folks, he is not the only one to blame. Look on the bright side and stop isolating!
Hunker Down Dawgs!
Top Dawg
September 20th, 2009
3:03 pm
Branden Smith is a taller corner. Maybe they should play him more.
shane#1
September 20th, 2009
3:04 pm
UGA has a chance THIS year to be something special, if they improve in five key areas. 1- Turnovers, the quickest way to improve CWMs D is to hold on to the ball. The offense and special teams have been spotting their opponents double digits in points. Take away the turnovers and UGA will not have to come from behind in every game. 2- Kicking game The directional kicks gave Arky good field posistion last night. It ain’t working Coach Fab, give it up! UGA has had some young players make mistakes on kick and punt returns, hopefully that will improve, and Boykin is changing the way teams kick off. Look for more pooch kicks. 3- Pressure on the QB, how about more zone blitzes and line stunts? UGA has good speed at DE,. Install some plays to free them up and watch the sack total increase. Jones is becoming a fierce hitter and is very fast. How about more safety blitzes Coach, like Thomas Davis used to do. The idea of Jones coming free from the blind side would get into any QBs head. 3- Running Game, King ran well last night, and made two key blocks, his retrurn will help a lot. I was pleased that Bobo didn’t give up completely on the run last night even though Arky was loading the box. Joe’s night throwing the ball should help keep defenses honest. I would like to see more power I formations, please? 4- We have some fullbacks that can catch, why not sneak the out from time to time? 5- Stop the dumb penalties! More up and downs Coach Richt, untill they learn there lesson!
GeezusDawg
September 20th, 2009
3:04 pm
Yeah, and it still sucks seeing Greg Reid at FSU, Cameron Hayward at Ohio State, and Eric Berry at TN … all GA prospects that we were in the running for but couldn’t close the deal on. How different would our D look if we could’ve closed the deal on those 3?
Though I’m sure CWM would’ve under coached them too.
FBR
September 20th, 2009
3:08 pm
The buck stops with the Defensive Coordinator. Our pass coverage is a-friggin-trocious. Our overall defensive scheme is terrible. How many are we going to win with everybody scoring 40 points on us? Very ragged overall. Congrats Joe Cox on a very well managed game.
WestOfAthens
September 20th, 2009
3:11 pm
Ambiguous statement, the family tree has a big play in recruiting. Even so, UGA can’t guarantee play time towards EVERY recruit. No school can.
disgruntled Dawg
September 20th, 2009
3:17 pm
What is ambiguous is the dawgs pass defense!
GeezusDawg
September 20th, 2009
3:21 pm
Not ambiguous, true. It does, in fact, still suck.
chuck
September 20th, 2009
3:25 pm
Enter your comments here
Bill, great job – I agree with everything you wrote. I could hardly stay in my chair, creening my neck to find defenders downfield….it was like we were playing with 6 men and no one in the backfield. What does it take to make those knuckleheads play up close with a receiver? Thanks again!
Call it Like It Is
September 20th, 2009
3:30 pm
Congrats on a great offensive performance as my Gators looked not so sharp in their win against TN.
Cox played great!
Enough Said!
EricADawgFan
September 20th, 2009
3:31 pm
Dawg Girl 32,
Youre right. Martinze should not be fired in the middle of the 2009 season.
He should have been fired at the end of the 2008 season.
The Truth
September 20th, 2009
3:32 pm
You said it Bill. The fact is Georgia will not be putting up that kind of offense against powerful defenses like Tennessee and Florida so if the defense gives up 35+ points it will be a guarenteed loss.
hamburger lipps
September 20th, 2009
3:34 pm
Dawgs stink on defense just like their urchin fan base. BTW you all need to clean up the garbage around your mobile homes. Please clean up your vehicles before going into town to Wal mart. No one likes a pig sty.
Robert
September 20th, 2009
3:34 pm
Sylvester Croom for defensive coordinator!
Preston
September 20th, 2009
3:41 pm
We’ll take the W but for crying out loud please get us a defensive coordinator that can utilize all those talented athletes we recruit year after year. This D is terrible.
Preston
September 20th, 2009
3:51 pm
hamburger lipps, you must be one sad,lonely, miserable MFer to be a UGA hater and still show your infactuation with UGA by coming on a UGA blog to talk smack. Get a life dumbass!
Tawpdawg
September 20th, 2009
3:52 pm
Great performance by the offense, defense is atrocious. We look more and more like a WAC team! Actually Utah has a defense!! Hope CMR wakes up soon or he will get woken up with a pink slip.
demdawg
September 20th, 2009
3:55 pm
Dumb. Cox will look very average in his next start… happens every time. Georgia fans always buy the hype.
Defense will continue to stink as long as CWM is there.
Brian
September 20th, 2009
3:56 pm
Okay GA does not have the defensive problems suggested in this article…they played good defense just their secondary could not match Arkansas depth at receiver. Arkansas was unable to mount sustained drives or rush the ball to save their lives. Arkansas points came mostly on big plays to covered recievers who beat the coverage, Wright out ran, Childs diving and the stiff arm/spin move etc…not because of blown assignments. As long as they are not lining up against and offense fielding recievers like AR has I.E Childs, Adams, Wright and Williams on the same play they will be alright. Secondly Arkansas has a horrible…horrible defense especially against the pass those 52 points are more because of that then because of the greatness of the offense. The Arkansas secondary and linebackers blew assignments left and right and the GA coaches and Cox took advantage all night. GA is complete solid team that played an offensive machine with no defense to match. Objective opinion.
bnwdog14
September 20th, 2009
3:58 pm
Guess AZDAWG prefers L’s to W’s. I am glad the coaches and players read your post last week so they could figure out what to do! The simple fact that 3 of your 5 “major issues” have been resolved in three weeks might indicate that the coaches can and have made adjustments. Perhaps they will resolve the other 2 as well. AGAIN, WE ARE YOUNG AND/OR INEXPERIENCED IN A NUMBER OF AREAS. Give these guys a chance to mature and you might find yourself pleasantly supprised!
I can vividly remeber 1993-2000 living through a 57 and 35 record that included 1 and 7 against TENN and FLA and 5 and 3 against GT. Since then we are 84 and 23 going 5 and 3 against TENN, 2 and 6 against FLA (more in the last 5 years than we had in the previous 15), and 7 and 1 against GT including 2 SEC CHAMPIONSHIPS and 3 Sugar Bowl Berths. You want to question coach RICHT, fine but how about do it a a GATORVOLJACKET Fan!
GATA DAWGS!!!