UGA coaches tackle nagging problem
Coach Warren Belin wants to know where these guys learned to tackle. (Brant Sanderlin / AJC)
It wasn’t as big a factor as turnovers, but the Dogs have been plagued the past couple of seasons by poor tackling.
Flipping through some of my little game notebooks from last year, a frequent theme crops up: “Missed tackle.” “Poor tackling.”
Too often you saw Georgia defenders try to make a tackle from a bad angle or not wrap their arms and stick their heads into the chest of the ball carrier and drive them down. And then there were those awful occasions where they didn’t even really try to make an actual tackle, just hitting or bumping the guy as if that would make him fall down.
There’d be some improvement from game to game, but overall it was a team weakness under Willie Martinez’s staff, a point made this week in practice by coach Warren Belin in a quote that has lit up the blogosphere: “Where did you guys learn to tackle the last five years?”
Ouch. You know Mark Richt had to wince when he saw that reported. I’m guessing that’s one of the reasons why head coaches generally only let the media have limited access to practice.
Fans, of course, react differently. You can’t fix a problem unless you acknowledge it, and it’s encouraging to hear someone addressing the situation head on.
And that’s the good news from all this: The new coaches appear to be trying to do something about it.
Fletcher Page reports in his practice notes on DawgPost.com that it “seems like the defensive coaches are determined to get Georgia tackling better. Coach Warren Belin has been especially adamant about driving through the ball carrier … There has been added emphasis put on proper tackling technique. Coach [Scott] Lakatos likes physicality in the secondary. We know coach [Todd] Grantham is all about it as well. The staff is working from the ground up, developing proper technique and fundamentals first. Belin, I’ve especially noticed, is meticulous about the little things. He preaches proper helmet placement, driving through the ball, proper way to wrap up while driving, etc. This type of conversation should excite Bulldogs fans.”
That’s an understatement.
NO EXCUSES FOR DOGS IN 2010?
CollegeFootballNews.com’s spring preview of Georgia notes that the Dogs “have to find more explosion and more production on offense” and the big spring question is “can the defense be more aggressive?” The most important question, they say, is who will start at quarterback, noting “in a perfect world, this is figured out and settled on as soon as possible.”
But CFN’s overall assessment of Georgia’s prospects sees a lot of potential this season: “No excuses. Georgia isn’t as talented as Florida, but it’s easily the second best team in the [SEC] East and it has the schedule to do some very big things. While there’s a lot of work to be done and there are a lot of concerns, the schedule is too light to ask for anything less than a big season with the toughest road games at South Carolina and Auburn. The Dawgs miss Alabama and LSU from the West and get Arkansas, Tennessee, and Georgia Tech at home. Again, no excuses.”
What do you think? On the money, or too optimistic?
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
144 comments Add your comment
DawginOH
March 24th, 2010
5:34 pm
Coach Belin is determined to fix the multitude of problems the Dawgs had with tackling last season. Does anyone else out there love this guy’s approach to coaching as much as I do? CMR might be cringing at his words now, but he will be pleased with what happens on the defensive side of the ball when the season starts. Go Dawgs!
What??
March 24th, 2010
6:01 pm
Bill excellent reporting!
The inside scoop is what ALL UGA fans are seeking through this “change” in Athens.
Please keep providing the stuff all others fail to recognize when reporting the DAWGS!
Can not wait for the 2010 season!!
yourztruly
March 24th, 2010
6:04 pm
I say a ten win season is very reasonable considering the schedule.
HanDAWG
March 24th, 2010
6:19 pm
Dear King, I copyrighted the word “blawg” in 2005-2010 (and called for an 11+ win season earlier this spring). Only not considering bringing copyright lawsuit because my girl works for your parent company’s parent company, and the AJC is already so thin, shoddy and flat broke. Otherwise, pretty solid reporting. Much Love, Han Vance, author-journalist-poet … http://www.bighairyblawg.com is the real.
Hiram Dawg
March 24th, 2010
6:34 pm
Coach Belin, Lakatos and Grantham – the poor tackling is nothin. Wait til you see Bobo’s terrible playcalling. Now that’s somebody who needs to learn fundamentals!
Big L
March 24th, 2010
6:51 pm
Yeah, if Bobo calls a draw play on 3rd and 14 , and Richt doesn’t slap him in the back of the head, I’ll come fire Richt myspf. Bobo gotta change too.
savannadawg
March 24th, 2010
7:08 pm
Someone also needs to define the difference between being more aggressive and just tackling very well. If the tackling issue is resolved everything else will fall into place.
mgdawg
March 24th, 2010
7:38 pm
The defensive staff has been saying all the right things ever since they were hired, I really hope they can back up the talk.
FRED
March 24th, 2010
8:07 pm
THE LAST 5 YEARS? LOOK AT ALL THE FILM MY FRIEND LOOK AT THE LAST 10 YEARS.
Bulldog59
March 24th, 2010
8:56 pm
This is “low hanging fruit.” Too easy with too many examples to recall. Don’t fault Coach Belin for stating the obvious. Coaches Belin, Lakatos, and Grantham weren’t brought in because the D was doing things correctly. Expect some mistakes early, due to the new scheme and difference in assignments, but by mid 2010, the Dawg D should be able to man-up against anyone. It will be nice to once again watch a game where we don’t have to score 40 points to win. If Murray can simply protect the ball, and make a few plays, we are drastically improved!
Bulldog59
March 24th, 2010
9:00 pm
One last thing…..yes, Bobo’s play calling needs to improve, but he was handicapped last year with JC at QB. Try as he might, Joe couldn’t make a lot of the needed plays, so Bobo had to go back to the basics. Bobo knows he needs to perform, or he could follow some of the defensive guys out the door.
Matt the Brave
March 24th, 2010
9:03 pm
Good to see you back St. Simon’s. Thought you’d gone and hung yourself after the UGA football and basketball wins. HA!
talking about blech, you think that Hewitt’s gone?
willieg hates bill shanks
March 24th, 2010
9:29 pm
FLORIDA HAS MORE TALENT BECAUSE THEY PAY THERE RECRUITS MONEY TO COME THERE BUY THEM CARS AND PLACES TO LIVE AND THEY USE FREHMAN GIRLS TO GIVE THE TOP 5 RECRUITS RECRUITS SEXUAL FAVORS TO COME TO FLORIDA WHAT RECRUIT WOULD NOT WANT TO GO THERE.
Bobo the Bozo
March 24th, 2010
10:19 pm
As long as Bobo the Bozo keeps committing 40 unforced errors per year, we could have Saban and Strong and it won’t matter.
23 fumbles, 17 int’s = inept.
But, glad working on fundmentals. Belin was the right man for the job, his guys ranked higher than UF in tackles at Vandy with far less talent. Belin is spectacular.
14-0 in 2010 & 2011
March 24th, 2010
10:22 pm
The key to SEC is defense, predicts wins and losses.
UGA has the best defensive staff in the SEC. Can’t wait. Not gonna lose for a long, long time.
Grantham one of the best at fast turnarounds at Colts & Browns went from 3-13 to 13-3 with Colts, 4-10 to 10-6 with Browns, both in 1 year.
He will be worth 2-3 more wins in 2010, new QB makign less int’s good for 2 more wins too.
HUNKER DOWN
March 24th, 2010
11:20 pm
I am very excited about the changes and what I am hearing from the new coaching staff. Agree with new coacing staff that tackling has been an issue that is getting attention. I think the new regime will bring back discipline to the defense and help keep the offensive unit out on the field longer this coming season. Great University that has had a long heritage of junk yard style defense will reappear this fall I feel.
Flo-Ri-Duh!
March 25th, 2010
12:18 am
Coaching on the defensive side has been lacking…. why else would they have been terminated? Is this supposed to be some kind of revelation? Write about something we DON”T know.
RED DOG 77
March 25th, 2010
1:56 am
I’m looking forward to watching the BULLDOGS drill the living hell out of the SEC this year !!! Looks like ,mabe, yes? Them Good ol Junkyard DOGS WILL BE BACK IN 2010 !……………GO DOGS !!!! GATA !!!!!
BuLLdawg
March 25th, 2010
4:07 am
I get a little tired of hearing Defense conversations with our 1-3 vs the vols the last 4 years, 1-3 vs Florida the last 4 years, 10-10 vs SEC East teams the last 4 years, # 96 NCAA Rank average the last 4 years in Penalties, 21 fumbles per year for the last 4 years and 14 interceptions per year the last 4 years.
And, now this season, we have 3 freshmen quarterbacks and one 4-year quarterback whom we asked to move to wide receiver, but he doesn’t want to.
Afraid to study the offense ?
Bill King, you admit in the opening line that the REAL PROBLEM has been on OFFENSE with our total inability to line up and actually run a play without a penalty, and when we did, we either fumbled or threw an interception. And, then there are all the guys on the Offensive Depth Chart buried behind those who are NO WHERE NEAR AS GOOD as the 1 Starting.
Only good positive discussion allowed, so all you ever bring up Altamaha Dawg, Bill King and RED DOG 77, is discussion about the Defense ?
Sweet 16 Men’s and Women’s :
NCAA Tournament Action :
SEC 14-4
ACC 9-9
SEC Men 4-2
ACC Men 5-5
SEC Women 10-2
ACC Women 4-4
ACC has neither a winning record in NCAA Tourney Men
ACC has neither a winning record in NCAA Tourney Women
SEC has winning record in BOTH NCAA Tourney Men & Women.
SEC is kicking the butts of ACC in basketball, again.
Tonight we have Kentucky playing Cornell, and Cornell beat the crap out of Wisconsin by 20 points.
superDawg
March 25th, 2010
4:15 am
Beat the rush hate tek early.
BuLLdawg
March 25th, 2010
6:52 am
I think it is really funny what is happening to Georgia tek.
They and the AJ-C want to get rid of Paul Hewitt.
This is because he has a Losing Record to UGA for God’s sake, by several games and counting.
Only to get worse as the AJ-C and as Georgia tek knows.
And, his Academics are a sham. 914 APR with NCAA PROBATION as we speak limited to only 11 scholarships.
But, Dave Braine’s contract says Paul Hewitt has to pay Georgia tek $3.4 million dollars to go to little St. Johns.
So, he can’t leave.
Ha ha ha.
Hobnail Boot
March 25th, 2010
6:56 am
Sounds like the Junkyard is back.
AH
March 25th, 2010
7:04 am
BuLLdawg- Do live in a world of pessimism and negativity?
RAMBLE ON!!!
March 25th, 2010
8:19 am
Nah, BuLLdawg lives in a van down by the river.
BuLLdawg
March 25th, 2010
9:15 am
No, I don’t live in a world of pessimism and negativity. Despite the new healthcare bill being passed that will certainly destroy our way of life as we know it and drag us into the depths of socialism, the middle east crisis escalating into certain nuclear war, country spiraling toward total economic collapse, gas prices going out of site, more storms and flooding on the way, carcinogens in our drinking water, acid rain destroying our crops, russian spys have our computers bugged, the school system is brainwashing our children, ozone layer deteriorating, we’ll all be living like Mad Max in a couple of months….and when UGA and GT play each other this season, the blimp will probably crash in the stadium and kill everybody on both teams anyway….so whats the point in living or even reading the sports page?!?!?!?!?!?!? I one of the most positive, upbeat people on this board.
#1 BAMA FAN
March 25th, 2010
9:49 am
It appears that the DAWGS are trying to address the issues. Discipline in assignments and tackling (the basics) is what is needed at Ga. The talent is there, just like it was at BAMA under Shula, the difference is what you do with it. Also letting the young men know that you need to improve every day and that the best players will play. Good luck DAWGS…RTR
FBR
March 25th, 2010
9:52 am
It wasn’t as big of a factor as turnovers??? You’ve got to be kidding. Poor tackling gave more teams more first downs, which cost us several ballgames. It is one of the most important aspects of having an effective defense. Let’s hope they get this problem turned around.
Fillin' up @ Juniors
March 25th, 2010
10:40 am
Tech fan here: Question. Do you think that that bad tackling and bad tackling angles could have something to do withthe ungodly amounnt of injuries that UGA football has experienced in the last few years. Seems like every game a starter was getting 3-6 week injuries. My theory, atleast on the defensive side, is that they are related… Bad Technique not only leads to missed tackles but often times…injuries…Any thoughts?
Paul's Johnson
March 25th, 2010
10:51 am
Bottom line at Muttville is that its all up the asst. coaches. Their Chief Figurehead in charge is a non-factor in whether they’ll improve or not. With the tinker-man Bobo running their offense, if its not broke, he’ll try to break it. At least their new asst. defensive coaches will be self-motivated. But their schedule definitely makes this a NO EXCUSES year. So what will their excuse be when they don’t get it done?
Darindawg
March 25th, 2010
11:04 am
Hey “Paul’s Johnson”….Our “chief figurehead” is a “non-factor”? I have you to know MR is a great motivator. He’s probably out there at practice right now telling the players “If you miss a tackle, or get pancaked, or get the ball stripped….shoot, just get up and punch that mean ol Tech player in the nose!”
I-DOG
March 25th, 2010
11:43 am
Saint Tech. How about 3 years ago when Richt suspended a starting TE (Chandler) for 3 games for open container violation? He was 21 years old and it was during the Summer. Has tech ever done that? Tell me the name of the player. Does nobody drink at tech that is under 21? I agree with you that 1 game for Mett is too little. I might sound like a hypocrite since I think the 21 year old drinking age is a dumb law that turns law abiding citizens (like myself when I as under 21) into fake id carrying criminals and probably puts more kids at risk by forcing drinking underground. It is as effective as prohibition was and as we all know that was a disaster for this country. Why have a law that virtually EVERYBODY violates?? Punish drunk drivers, but don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.
However, Richt should send a stronger message to the team about following HIS team’s rules. 3 games minimum.
Warren Berlin speaks the truth...
March 25th, 2010
4:18 pm
“Where did you guys learn to tackle the last five years?”…forget about that, where was the head coach when these sub par performance’s were going on year, after year, after year??? You fan’s need to realize that you have a good coach, but not one that can get you over the hump required to get to the elite level. Don’t know who would be better at replacing him, but the guy is just too wishy-washy. What’s up with Met and his suspension, pull the trigger and get this soap opera off the front page that’s hanging over the team all spring. Whack him with a 3 game bye-bye, why wait for anything else, what do you not get about the charges he has against him, show some leadership. Send notice to the entire team ,so that they can see what repercussions there will be if you can’t conduct yourself as a scholarship athlete, and all the while you are representing the University of Georgia. Maybe this will filter down to the rest of the team. Grow a set. Never had a coach who did everything by committee.
GaDawg
March 25th, 2010
4:41 pm
shane#1
March 24th, 2010
5:43 pm – from – “Dogs’ offense looks more versatile this year”
That is what an effective running game is intended to do. Force the defense to load the box to stop the run. That opens up the passing game where your quarterback and great receivers have a chance to shine. When the defense has to back off to slow down the passing game, you go back to the running game. They call it “taking what the defense is giving you”, but you must BE ABLE to take it when you get it. Without an EFFECTIVE running game you cannot dictate what the defense has to do in order to stop you! When you can force the defense to play your game plan, you are controlling the game. When you control the game you win championships. That requires an EFFECTIVE running game!
GaDawg
March 25th, 2010
5:41 pm
Hey BuLLdawg,
You left out the plight of the Honey Bee! Its demise will be disastrous for crops, and lead to famine in the USA!
GaDawg
March 25th, 2010
6:11 pm
GrAnThAm……………..hey, did somebody plan this?
GaDawg
March 25th, 2010
6:23 pm
#1 BAMA FAN
March 25th, 2010
9:49 am
You are a Class Act brother!
Thanks for the post, and congratulations on the National Title last year. SEC Forever!
GaDawg
March 25th, 2010
6:32 pm
This post is music to my ears; it sounds so good it deserves another listen!
run the ball
March 24th, 2010
12:49 pm
What was our average time of possession last year compared to our opponents? Our mistakes, and overall lack of discipline contributed to that glaring discrepency. Our lack of commitment to a power running game also contributed. Find your all american fullback Bobo. Run the ball. What is CMR’s record when we have a back go over 100 yrds? If I’m calling plays you can bet one of our main objectives is to have a rusher break 100yds. It obviously works. We have the O-line and backs to get it done. DO IT!! Win the game by running and controlling the clock. Duh.
GaDawg
March 25th, 2010
9:27 pm
Rookie
March 24th, 2010
2:44 pm
Hey Rookie, welcome aboard. HBTD=
“HOW ‘BOUT THEM DAWGS!!!!”
RED DOG 77
March 26th, 2010
2:27 am
#1 Bama Fan………You seem to be a reasonable college football fan, congratulations on your NC!………..You see it pretty much the way I do. Actually, there is more parady in the SEC as far as talent, than most can comprehend. I believe UGA made some very good hires in the off-season, and expect us to be a much improved football team in 2010………we might just play you for the SEC !……………Actually, I have used Alabama as an example of how the move to the 3-4 defense is not quite as tough as some might think. Watching the Bama D last year was fun! reason: players were having fun ! When college football players are having fun, chemistry sets in, and it is awfully difficult to stop a team with great chemistry ! Hell, I’ve seen average teams with good chemistry go on a tear, and surprise alot of people…………UGA has the talent, as does Bama, lets see who has the chemistry in 2010 ! GO DOGS !! Regards to you #1, RED
BuLLdawg
March 26th, 2010
5:35 am
Alabama has a better offensive coaching staff than we do.
Alabama has a better head coach than we do.
Alabama is on NCAA PROBATION in Football, is the only SEC team to be on PROBATION, and has been on PROBATION the most of all SEC teams since the current alignment of The SEC in 1990.
We would not have to tackle the opposing teams if our Offense did not average 21 fumbles a year for the last 4 years in a row every year, if our offense did not start in a hole averaging the # 96 Most Penalized team in NCAA football every year of the last 4 years and if our Offense did not average 14 interceptions per year every year for the last 4 years in a row.
That is NOT negative. It is a FACT.
NCAA Tournament Action :
SEC 15-4
ACC 9-9
SEC Men 5-2
ACC Men 5-5
SEC Women 10-2
ACC Women 4-4
ACC has neither a winning record in NCAA Tourney Men
ACC has neither a winning record in NCAA Tourney Women
SEC has winning record in BOTH NCAA Tourney Men & Women.
SEC is kicking the butts of ACC in basketball, again.
Big East had 8 bids to the Men’s Tournament. Butler beat # 1 seed Syracuse last night. Big East have 1 left, tomorrow night West Virginia vs. SEC # 1 Kentucky. Big East also does not have a Winning Record in Men’s NCAA Tournament, just like the ACC. Neither the Big East nor the ACC are better than The SEC in Basketball. Big East is NOT the best basketball conference and NEITHER obviously is the ACC.
Quit posting as if you are I. My posts are quite clearly mine.
RED DOG 77
March 26th, 2010
11:15 pm
“BuLLdawg” Or should I just call you, “Little Miss Debbie Downer” ? I would request that you refrain from using the term “we” when you write your negative crap about “my” University of Georgia football program. I believe I speak for many, or most, for that matter, that are fed up with your bummed-out drivel. I have never had a problem discussing problems, or weaknesses that the UGA football program might have. Constructive critisism, I my opinion, is healthy, and is needed, to either get it off a fans chest, or hopefully be read by someone that has the power to act on the opinion. Being a constitutional conservative, I would lay down my life, as many have for you to speak your opinion……………..However, it is clear as a bell, you have no affection, nor offer any support whatsoever to the players and coaches that make up the University of Georgia football program. I also find it a little “creepy” that you tend to “follow” a few of us after we post. There are chatrooms for that type of persuation out there, I’m sure………………Now, I am quite sure you will find my post a goldmine of things you can quote me on, out of context, and continue to play your little game…………………But, I ,for one am damn tired of you using the word “we” as you trash the Bulldogs……..My hope is that you might grow-up, and learn mature discussion. As always, My best Regards, RED
D Bell
March 27th, 2010
2:03 pm
No excuse for this weakness and the length of time it has gone on! To win…you have to tackle…
RED DOG 77
March 27th, 2010
10:58 pm
D Bell ………I would agree 100%……….Did you happen to read what new linebackers coach, Belin had to say about tackling? something like “who’s been coaching tackling around here for the last four or five years ?”……………….So, now we have some new coaches, hope that translates into the BULLDOGS drilling the living hell out of our opponents come the 2010 season ! Regards, DB, RED
Vol Rule
March 28th, 2010
11:57 am
Richt’s been at UGA since 2001 and hasn’t come close to a national title. Meyer’s been at Florida since 2005 and has won two, Miles one at lsu and saban one at bama. Why can’t richt recruit and coach well enough to win a title in all that time??????? Dooley at UT will win a title before richt–bank on it.