5 reasons Matthew Stafford left UGA without a title
Matthew Stafford's final fling: Three bowl wins, no SEC titles. (AJC photo by Pouya Dianat)
1. He never quite grasped the need for a quarterback to be a leader. (For someone who does grasp that need, see Matt Ryan of Flowery Branch.)
2. He never fully understood that a quarterback can lose a game faster than he can win one. When in doubt, he trusted his arm. Sometimes his arm let him, and his team, down.
3. He never worked behind a top-shelf offensive line. That wasn’t his fault, but he compounded the liability by throwing too often off his back foot.
4. He was never as accurate as someone with his arm should have been. He completed 57.2 percent of his passes at UGA; David Greene completed 59 percent. Greene also threw fewer interceptions over four seasons than Stafford did over three.
5. He played at the same time as Tim Tebow.
(And with that, our all-Georgia Tuesday is complete. The first installment: 5 reasons Georgia should be concerned about Joe Cox. The second: 5 reasons Georgia shouldn’t be worried about Joe Cox. Coming soon: 5 reasons Bradley shouldn’t do any more of these “5 reasons” deals.)
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152 comments Add your comment
UGA Student
August 25th, 2009
2:52 pm
The root of problem was, without a doubt, Mike Bobo, Willie Martinez, and the immortal Mark Richt. Great work again by our trusty AJC staff. Apparently he has all the previously mentioned flaws, and was taken #1? Perhaps Bradley knows something the scouts don’t…
Number 1 Gator Fan
August 25th, 2009
2:57 pm
Obviously it is because he played at UGA…..and all they know how to do is recruit well….and underperform ….year in…..and year out
AHHHH
August 25th, 2009
2:59 pm
It’s hard for a coach, a former qb himself, not to fall in love with a Stafford type qb. Big, tall, huge arm, all of the physical qualities you look for in a qb. Accuracy on the deep ball was always a question mark, and his leadership abilities were vanilla, at best.
Pago Flyer
August 25th, 2009
3:01 pm
A pretty good assessment….
Beoti
August 25th, 2009
3:01 pm
He had both eyes on the NFL and none and SEC trophy.
Brad
August 25th, 2009
3:07 pm
Stafford played for NFL draft day….NOT for the “G” on his helmet.
Really?
August 25th, 2009
3:08 pm
Enter your comments here
FalconUGAFan
August 25th, 2009
3:08 pm
Matthew Stafford came to UGA for one reason and one reason only. He came here to go to the NFL. He was a big fish in a medium-sized pond that has a rep for sending players to the NFL. As much as I hate the Gators, give me a Tebow any day. Heart as big as a Mack truck. Just sayin…
ByteMe
August 25th, 2009
3:10 pm
1. He didn’t make the players around him better.
2. He didn’t have enough targets.
3. He really did have his eyes on the NFL instead of on the SEC trophy.
4. It’s not all about offense. Your defense has to stop the other team. See #1.
5. He played in an offensive scheme that wasn’t dynamic enough to make him appear to be anything more than a decent quarterback with average talent around him.
South Florida Dawg
August 25th, 2009
3:12 pm
Really only three reasons. He could not “look off” a receiver and looked right at the guy he was going to throw the pass to and he had no accuracy beyond 20 yards. Check his first game in Detroit. Threw an interception because the defender read his eyes and he missed a wide open receiver about 25 yards out. The third reason is simple he does not have “it”. He will hang around for years but never be a superstar. Can you say Jeff George?
Really?
August 25th, 2009
3:12 pm
Matthew Stafford did not win a titile because UGA was never a home for him…It was a stepping stone toward being the No.1 pick. Players like Greene and Pollack and Curran and Owens will chant “Its great to be a Georgia Bulldog” with pride. Stafford even though not a jerk…just never sold out to a team game. He reminds me a lot of John Elway (see Stanford carreer) Anyway Bradley I guess Caleb King is about to go for 2,000 this year huh? lol. GOOOOOO DAWGS
Clete
August 25th, 2009
3:13 pm
Uhhhhhh, how about the #1 pick in the NFL draft????????
Otto
August 25th, 2009
3:14 pm
CMR has had 3 QBs:
1) Green 1 SEC title played for a 2nd in 4 yrs
2) DJ 1 SEC title 1 Year as starter
3) Stafford 3 years no titles, lowest completion percentage
CMR was not the problem.
Ali Akbar Allah
August 25th, 2009
3:14 pm
How about 5 reasons while Tech will dominate the in-state series
1) Paul Johnson is a better coach
2) Tech players are smarter than the average dog player
3) Johnson is bringing in better players
4) Mark Rickt does less with his players
5) Willy Martinez can’t stop Tech’s offense
DawginLex
August 25th, 2009
3:14 pm
I love the idiots like gaytor fan who says that UGA underperforms year in and year out. 82 wins in 8 years and richt is an underperforming idiot?
How old are you?
Does your memory go back further than 1 year ago?
Stafford was the ultimate gunslinger. He thought that his arm could get him out of any situation. He must learn(and he will) that sometimes it is ok to dial it back a notch, take a sack, throw the ball away and live to see another day.
To the gaytor idiot;
Who was the QB in the UGA/Florida game in 2007? He sure underperformed that day didn’t he.
Moron
RxDawg
August 25th, 2009
3:14 pm
#2 can be translated into simply too many turnovers. I like Stafford. Part of me wishes that he hadn’t of given up his senior season. It could of been great. But that part is quickly disregared because I’m so happy for Joe to finally get his shot. I’m not concerned about our QB position at all. I wish Stafford the best, but it’s Joe’s time now.
“Greene also threw fewer interceptions over four seasons than Stafford did over three.”
That kind of says it all.
ForTheRecord
August 25th, 2009
3:14 pm
How about he was simply over rated. He has the arm but he lacks to other intangibles like heart! Desire! and Great work ethic that goes with greatness. He just wasn’t a great leader.
Tide Rising
August 25th, 2009
3:18 pm
Mark,
I think you’re a little rough on Stafford. He just played behind a makeshift offensive line last year that had a lot of injuries. He still managed 10 wins and overall still had a great career. I think he could have had better touch on the long ball and better overall accuracy but he was still a heck of a qb.
SuperB
August 25th, 2009
3:19 pm
To all the no. 1 Gator fans– ad nauseum: In between your title twirls, you were 9-4. And the Gators have had some talented, under-winners in their time– great with no titles. Wayne “Pease” be with you. Still, under Richt, 82 wins in 8 seasons ain’t bad. All you gas bags better check your own W-L’s before crowing.
As for Mark Bradley, look to no. 3, the OL, before you criticize Stafford. Come to think of it, that’s all Bradley seems to be able to do: criticize and look for the negative. Kinda like the Glenn Beck of newspaper reporters.
UGA Student
August 25th, 2009
3:23 pm
U of Texas isn’t a gateway to the NFL? I
DawgGirl32
August 25th, 2009
3:23 pm
First?
I don’t know if I totally buy into this whole “Stafford wasn’t a leader” stuff. I really wonder what the other players would say if they were to be completely honest. I think maybe the more important reason he never won a title is #5. As much as I hate it, Tebow may end up going down as the best college football player ever, and you really just can’t compete with that.
takedowndawg
August 25th, 2009
3:23 pm
It takes excellent play on both sides of the ball to win championships. Our defense has not been top notch during his tenure with the Dawgs. Maybe with the exception of the end of 2007. Also, our special teams repeatedly let us down. For Stafford,in my opinion, it is like a great baseball pitcher who lacks an infield to back him up. The pitcher will overthrow generally and try to win it on his own but normally without full succes. Nothing builds confidence in an offense like a defense on a baseball field or on a football field. A defense that you know will carry their own load and you can depend on them. Your quarterback can then play within their offensive abilities. The quarterback is less likely to attempt risky throws like into double coverage type passes etc. MS looked many times during his three years like he was doing just that. I don’t think that he was the best leader that Georgia ever produced(Green fit that bill) but I do believe he was one of the most gifted qb.s in the last 20 years I personally have witnessed. I wish him well and thanks for your time spent with our Dawgs…..old alumni.
wycliff lovelace
August 25th, 2009
3:24 pm
Jan Kemp
Dog Days
August 25th, 2009
3:24 pm
Stafford got $41 MM things out of his time at UGA. That’s all he wanted. Probably a nice guy but seemed extremely self-satisfied and I’m guessing, honestly didn’t care much about a title.
Stafford
August 25th, 2009
3:31 pm
Otto–Get off of my back.
Number 1 Gator Fan
August 25th, 2009
3:32 pm
EASY….Stafford never had a decent target…..he has a pretty good one in Detroit
bird dawg
August 25th, 2009
3:45 pm
can’t really say much about his completion ratio..the dude had WAAAAAYYYYY too many passes DROPPED.. could’ve been over 60% in my opinion..and that’s the number you want your QB to be at..(at least)..
i will say he did over throw a lot of people though..
lets not forget,,DEFENSE wins championships, not quarterbacks…(other than tebow)..just ask peyton manning and sam bradford..
hmmmm.......
August 25th, 2009
3:47 pm
aj green?
superDawg
August 25th, 2009
3:48 pm
H.Walker was the greatest college player ever.He made the biggest impact on the field and could change the outcome any time he touched the ball.Not to take anything away from Tebow he may be the second best of all time.Earl Campball is up there with Bo Jackson.
Pi$$onaDawg
August 25th, 2009
3:53 pm
5 reasons W.I.L.L.E= 1-5. #6 No Show took himself too many times inside the RED ZONE. #7 can’t get touch on the long ball. #8 No Mass couldn’t make catches for most of his time at UGA.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
August 25th, 2009
3:55 pm
Fair assestment of Stafford, but unfortunately Stafford did not have the talent arround him to win a Title at UGA while Tebow and Meyer where building the dynasty in Jacksonville. Stafford without any question was never going to be here for four years, but who can blame the young man. Lets just hope this next crop of young QB’s do really bleed Red and Black.
DawginLex
August 25th, 2009
3:58 pm
Yeah, that ‘nomass” couldn’t catch anything. Except the game winner against Yech in 2006. The bomb against UF in 2007. Screwed up so much he ended up in the NFL. Yeah, he sure didn’t do much.
Pi$$onyou
Pi$$onaDawg
August 25th, 2009
3:59 pm
SuperDawg as great a player, person, and multi-minds as H. Walker was. He was a fool that listened to D. TRUMP and took the money. Bo Jackson and (puke in my mouth) Deion Sanders were better while playing two sports and doing both well. If Van Goiter(spell?) was the DC Staffford would have looked better because the D would only give-up 21 pts. at most in 7 out of 10 games.
crazy_4_GT
August 25th, 2009
3:59 pm
As an outside observer…I think ‘Really?’ has it right. I don’t think UGA was ever important to him. I think he is a great talent but won’t ever achieve anything. I’ll take the David Greenes and George Godseys of the world anyday.
Pi$$onaDawg
August 25th, 2009
4:01 pm
SUPERDAWG there was this guy at OSU that has 2 Heismans in his trophy case. I think that is pretty good too.
Tom
August 25th, 2009
4:02 pm
DG32, if you’re really nice to Stafford you could end up as DG36 or 38.
sammiamm
August 25th, 2009
4:02 pm
1. T
2. E
3. A
4. M
5. ?
Pi$$onaDawg
August 25th, 2009
4:06 pm
LEX go back and read the Blogs about No-MASS and hear what all your butt sniffers said about him more times than not. A few catches for score are great but more 3rd down conversions for 1st downs would have done his team better. Check the record and see.
Pi$$onaDawg
August 25th, 2009
4:10 pm
PS LEX drafted and check don’t mean he is in the NFL. Let him earn that money on GAMEDAY SUNDAY and then talk. Hines Ward is the GREATEST DAWG to play in the NFL. WHY? He cares to make himself better every chance he gets. Walker greatest at UGA, but WARD greatest to carry UGA to the NFL.
DawginLex
August 25th, 2009
4:13 pm
Momass had a great senior year. He got drafted and appears to be sticking in the league. That’s good enough for me and nothing requires me to do anything at the request of someone whose blog handle is offensive and uses terms like ugay,ugag,butsniffers,leghumpers etc.
Pi$$onyou
austindog
August 25th, 2009
4:14 pm
UGAgrad, UTexas already had Colt McCoy and Jevan Snead from Stafford’s recruiting class.
Mark Bradley
August 25th, 2009
4:14 pm
Leadership among players is largely overrated IMHO, with one exception – QB.
Moonlight Mile
August 25th, 2009
4:21 pm
Stafford wasn’t perfect at UGA and was always a little too much of a superstar from the moment he stepped on campus. That said, he was a fantastic player and we were lucky to have him.
Let’s also not forget that the horseshoe stuck up UT’s behind kept us out of the SECC in 2007 and possibly a shot at the NC. It takes a little luck too.
uga_b
August 25th, 2009
4:22 pm
#6 Ohio State and LSU being “polled” higher.
#7 He was only one player out of 24.
uga_b
August 25th, 2009
4:25 pm
I would argue we missed leadership in the MLB or Safety positions more than at QB. UF’s Spikes doesn’t get enough credit for leading his side of the ball.
The offense scored a lot of points last year. The main exception being the UF game, where he did have a bad pick (He trusted his big arm and would throw off his back foot a la Farve). I am not sure you can blame the “O” last year.
T-Bone
August 25th, 2009
4:26 pm
Mark,
Now it’s time for a 5-reasons for Tech. Like 5 reasons Tech will beat UGA again this year. 5 reasons Tech will be better this year than last year.
Drago
August 25th, 2009
4:32 pm
Staff seemed to center on one or two receivers–no matter where they were in his progression. Demiko Goodman was as fast as anybody in the conference and could jump like a deer. How they avoided hooking up at least once a game for a score is beyond me.
Concerned
August 25th, 2009
4:33 pm
Prior to 2007, in the 120+ years of Georgia football, UGA had finished 1st or 2nd in the AP poll twice. Under Stafford, they accomplished this feat.
Also, if you have won a total of 12 SEC Championships and finished in the top 2 only three times, it is obviously more difficult to finish in the top 2 than win a conference championship.
Furthermore, and I know this did not happen, if the defense does anything against Tech, Stafford would have the first starting QB in UGA history to go 6-0 vs Auburn and Tech.
One more stat, Stafford led Georgia to more wins when the team trailed in the 4th quarter or OT than any other QB in UGA history.
GeorgiaGirl
August 25th, 2009
4:33 pm
I liked Stafford, but he didn’t have the heart or leadership abilities of Greene and Shockley (or Joe Cox according to his team mates)… Wish him the best in the NFL, but I’m happy to have a “Georgia Boy” back under center… Go Dawgs!!!
BugKiller
August 25th, 2009
4:38 pm
Mark,
Okay, the knocks on Stafford about his leadership are fair game. He didn’t do the little things to lead the team that he could.
In a way, Mark, you can say he was and is very much a Chipper Jones. Sometimes, rah-rah is what you need to get the team going. We all know how Chipper hates rah-rah. So too, it seems, does Stafford.
Or, to use another football example, he’s more Eli Manning and less Peyton.
But what’s unfair is the knocks on his accuracy. You and other always talk about his career completion percentage. Why not inform us what his completion percentage was in every year of his three years.
You’ll see that he improved every year and finished at over 60% his last year.
So come on man, let’s be fair to the guy. Knock him for what he deserves to be knocked on. But let’s not play around with numbers to paint a worse picture than reality.
glenn
August 25th, 2009
4:38 pm
I think he left school early should be one . Another should be because there is no playoff system . A couple of years back UGA was as good as anyone by the end of the year . Yeah, Florida was/is stacked .
EnjoyFootball
August 25th, 2009
4:38 pm
Stafford played as a 18 year old Freshman. Green was a red shirt and DJ had 4 years to learn before he was put in the starting role. You seem to forget the intent was to sit Stafford for a year until Richt’s hand was forced. Remove his Freshman stats and the other 2 years are much better. I agree that his stats would have been much better if he had seen the open man a little more often instead of trying to go deep but that was what it was. He still will be a good to maybe great NFL qb. I would rate the 3 as 1) Stafford, 2) DJ , 3) Green. As for the gator boy just remember what goes around comes around.
Burdell
August 25th, 2009
4:46 pm
People!
It’s “could have been” NOT “could of been”.
Or “should have been” NOT “should of been”.
Seen these WAY too many times today. Just use your brain people.
Pi$$onaDawg
August 25th, 2009
4:52 pm
I love men!!! Bring me a man!!!
Oh, RAMBLE ON!!!, where art thou? Daddy wants some action.
HH
August 25th, 2009
4:55 pm
Reason #6: Bozo as the offensive coordinator. Does anyone out there think he has enough knowledge and experience to mentor a quarterback with Stafford’s ability, much less coordinate an offense? Where has he been? As far as I know, he’s always hung around the UGA football program: graduate assistant,quarterback coach, now offensive coordinator. One has to go other places to gain the necessary maturity and experience to become competent in what one does. That’s why scientists and health care professionals, in particular, train at several institutions to get different ideas and perspectives on what they intend to do. Different experiences mean greater knowledge and ability. Where has Bozo been? A “home boy” from the get-go. My opinion has always been that he’s Richt’s boy, along with Willie, and that’s why they continue to hang around. Has either been offered a job elsewhere. Has any head coach come banging on their door? I will be glad for somebody to tell me differently—-backed up with the facts. I been wrong before.
Tbone
August 25th, 2009
4:58 pm
How about…..”receivers dropped too many balls”????? Sorry, MB, but to say that MS was not a leader is simply not knowing your subject material. You should do more homework…..like say, asking someone that knows something.
Bat Masterson
August 25th, 2009
4:58 pm
With Stafford a National Championship was expected, anything less was unacceptable. Fair or not.
Tbone
August 25th, 2009
4:59 pm
Burdell, give us a break, brother, its email. Get a life.
Jaybo
August 25th, 2009
5:01 pm
Stafford did do the best “kegstand” I’ve ever seen. A true leader!
breaking news.
August 25th, 2009
5:07 pm
August 25, 2008: ESPN just reported that Matthew Stafford has been offered the role of the Tin Man in Broadway’s newest production of ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ Producer Stephen Sondheim said that after hearing Stafford sing “If I Only Had a Heart,” he was a natural for that role. Production will begin after Lions season ends. Should the Broadway play be successful, a film version will be forthcoming next year, and Sondheim has already indicated that he wants Stafford in the role of the Tin Man for the film.
Rumor has it that he will be offered $45M to play in the movie, and he will forego the rest of his football career.
Mel Kiper, Jr. predicts that if he takes this, he will be a “lock” for the Academy Award in 2010.
Commercial jingle singer
August 25th, 2009
5:15 pm
Five … Five reason … Five reason free for all
Mark Bradley
August 25th, 2009
5:17 pm
As luck would have it, T-bone, I’m sitting on a bench at Tech as we speak. 5 reasons on the Techsters tomorrow.
FisheriesDawg
August 25th, 2009
5:17 pm
I don’t see how him playing at the same time as Tebow had anything to do with it. He faced Tebow twice in Jacksonville. He beat him the first time and lost to him the second time. The first time, Georgia finished ahead of Florida in the SEC East and they had no impact on our standing (in fact, they helped us by beating Tennessee which gave us a chance in the last week of the regular season). The second time we had already lost to the team that won the SEC West (at home, no less) and likely would have lost to them again in Atlanta had the Gators not won the cocktail party. Besides, as poorly as Georgia played in Jacksonville last year, Florida probably would have beaten us with Brantley or Newton taking snaps. That was by far Stafford’s worst game of his career and Tebow wasn’t doing anything on defense to make him suck…but Brandon Spikes was.
The only way the Tebow thing is relevant is that they entered school in the same class and will forever be compared on that basis. Tebow’s list of accomplishments blows Stafford’s out of the water. But Tebow’s presence had absolutely zero effect on the underachievement of the Stafford era in Athens.
CMR
August 25th, 2009
5:17 pm
HH wrote: Reason #6: Bozo as the offensive coordinator. Does anyone out there think he has enough knowledge and experience to mentor a quarterback with Stafford’s ability, much less coordinate an offense?
Actually, I do, as does the rest of the coaching staff and our players.
Don Gill
August 25th, 2009
5:19 pm
Give me a break. If he, like Eric Zier, had a decent defense they would be much more highly regarded. They both put up the points. Look what Stafford did to opponents when their defense was great. Like Hawaai. Tech, Auburn, etc. I have great regard for David Green, but he did have a few good guys on defense. Like another guy named David. And a few others.
Gator Fan
August 25th, 2009
5:21 pm
Dawg in Lex,
I’m pretty sure that that QB in 2007 won the Heisman. I wouldn’t call it underperforming when he played and could not lift his right arm during the game. He had probably one of the worst defenses in recent memory at UF, and still had a decent season. Rest assured that Stafford didn’t win that game in 07, Moreno did.(both are now gone, good luck this season). Face it, Stafford was a selfish talented player, who was only concerned about getting to the NFL, and not on his team. Talent w/o heart = No SEC or National Champs for the doggies, who had great talent, great players, but lacked leadership and heart.
FisheriesDawg
August 25th, 2009
5:26 pm
Gator Fan,
I certainly hope Tebow wins the Heisman again in a 4-loss Gator campaign. That has to be one of the most meaningless Heisman seasons for an award that is basically meaningless to begin with.
I’m sure if you asked the baby Jesus himself, he’d trade that Heisman in a heartbeat for wins against LSU, Auburn and Georgia that year. And don’t give the hurt arm excuse…he won the Heisman because he ran so much in short-yardage situations and racked up garbage TDs. That’s the same reason his arm got hurt. You can’t have it both ways.
barneyb
August 25th, 2009
5:27 pm
All have pretty valid points. Hope Stafford excels in the NFL.
FisheriesDawg
August 25th, 2009
5:27 pm
By the way, Gator Fan…
Dennis Dixon’s ACL just called to remind Tebow to say thank you for that Heisman Trophy.
DawginLex
August 25th, 2009
5:29 pm
Don’t give me that crap about how he couldn’t lift his right arm. It is an excuse. You gators always have an excuse for why you lose. stafford killed you that day. Marcus Howard killed you that day. Moreno played well but he didn’t direct the offense, Stafford did.
You use the excuse about Tebow’s non throwing shoulder but refuse to acknowledge that Urban would have gotten slaughtered by UGA in 2005 if DJ Shockley had played instead of Joe T. You then went up to the chicken coop and got whipped the very next week. UGA went on to destroy LSU in the SECCG.
I’m not saying stafford had the ehart of a champion. But to say he couldn’t play is just stupid.
Burdell
August 25th, 2009
5:31 pm
Other than the pick 6, Stafford sure was accurate against the Jackets last November–short and long balls. As a Jacket fan, I am glad he is playing on Sundays now.
Ed
August 25th, 2009
5:33 pm
Maybe Stafford just isn’t that good.
Tim Tebow
August 25th, 2009
5:37 pm
Staff will make more money than me but I will always look more buff.
Top 5 Reason Matthew Stafford = UGA QUITTER
August 25th, 2009
5:40 pm
1. UGA Football Players spend too much time smoking dope and drinking, HEAVILY, to take football seriously.
2. Stafford couldn’t wait to go bang trashy, intoxicated, underage, trashy Michigan girls.
3. Stafford couldn’t wait to be the next “Mike Vick.” (Does it burn when you make a wee-wee, too, Matt?)
4. Stafford is really more of a cat person.
5. Stafford * F E A R S * Coach Saban.
Carl Spackler
August 25th, 2009
5:43 pm
What a horrible team, player, teammates, coaches, etc….are you kidding me…you had 19 players injured for crying out loud…you loose to a team that becomes ranked #1 for a while, then to a #2 ranked team and eventual Nat’l Champs, and finally to Tech, which itself is a heated in-state rivalry where you can always throw the records out the window (besides Tech finished 9-4)…granted the 2008 team won ugly at times, but they still racked up 10 wins…the coaches may just have done the best coaching job of the careers, being that there were 19 injuries…not everybody is a rah, rah type of leader, so you’ll get to see this year if your rah, rah type can deliver wins…
Top 5 Reasons Matthew Stafford = UGA QUITTER
August 25th, 2009
5:46 pm
ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
TIDE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DawginLex
August 25th, 2009
5:48 pm
I guarantee you talent beats rah-rah. Cox has talent, but not Stafford talent. The difference is what surrounds Cox with the OL being healthy and 2 deep and the DL being healthy and 2 deep.
I said last year that Stafford would have played for a better OL at UGA in 2009 than the one with the Lions. He needed to stay another year IMO but hey, 41 million $$$$. Can’t fault him for that. Being the number one pick, he only had one way to go and that was down if he stayed for his senior year.
Dan
August 25th, 2009
5:49 pm
And the Matt Ryan references continue.
Mark – reading you these days is like listening to a smitten teenage girl working refeences to her new boyfriend into every conversation(the weather, what do you want for dinner, etc.)
Until Ryan wins something (did I miss out on the T-shirts and caps that were distributed after the Falcons got a wild card slot?) you might consider giving the sdulation a rest, at least in the non-Falcons spots.
Mark, a different 1
August 25th, 2009
6:07 pm
Stafford grew up at UGA, and he has the skills for the next level. His freshman year was almost a waste, and he wasn’t a leader. Too much to ask of a freshman. After that, he matured. However, it takes a team. The o-line has not been up to standard for two years. Lots of injuries including some that ended careers. Last year the defense and kick coverage where unbelievably poor. No dpeth. That’s too much to put on any quarterback.
staff fan now
August 25th, 2009
6:20 pm
I think Detroit would love about 10 wins this year-even from an ex dog.
Tuesday Notes « Football on the Brain
August 25th, 2009
6:25 pm
[...] 3.Mark Bradley lists 5 reasons Georgia fans should be concerned about starting QB Joe Cox. He also counters it with a companion piece- Why Georgia fans should not be worried about Joe Cox. He then counters those with 5 reasons Matthew Stafford left UGA without a title. [...]
Kelly
August 25th, 2009
6:49 pm
6) Kentucky and Vanderbilt both missed golden opportunities to beat Tennessee in 2007.
Not sour grapes or making excuses–just pointing out that CFB championships are affected by results beyond the control of the immediate team. If Vandy had put away the Vols, the Dawgs would have rolled into the Dome to play a wounded LSU team. Winner plays for MNC.
BIGBOY
August 25th, 2009
6:57 pm
Honestly I can’t remember losing many games because of Stafford’s play on the field.I don’t care much for the rah-rah stuff either..Tom Brady is not a hyper-talker type and he has done pretty good in the NFL.Stafford played well for UGA and earned himself a 1st overall draft position in the process. but I’m telling you guys for the college game..Shockley was the best player at QB…run threat and big arm.Too bad for him…Green ended up being the All time win leader.I say the next run/pass dual threat QB we have will take us there.
mike on lake hartwell
August 25th, 2009
7:02 pm
MOONLIGHT MILE said it best. if tennessee didn’t have that horseshoe up their
butt in 07 i think uga would have won the sec championship and national
championship. im still ticked about ohio st jumping from #2 to #1 and uga from
#3 to #4. and lsu jumping from #7 to #2. RIDICULOUS.
and by the way guys, its spelled…
GREENE
ZEIER
seems like good fans would know that.
that is all.
rockc82
August 25th, 2009
7:24 pm
give me a break with all this crap…we competed for the national title in his sophomore year, sure last year was a complete disaster but not because of stafford. it was because of our defense and because we were undisciplined. all the stafford haters quit blaming him for everything. he was a winner (27-7 as a starter), and would have a chance to break all of UGA qb records if he came back. Number 1 reason why we didnt win a title with him? We were unlucky. If we had the opportunity to play LSU in the 2007 Sec championship game we would have beat them and beat OHIo State. We needed a Tennessee team to lose who was down to Vandy 24-9 at half and UT won on a missed FG by vandy. That’s unlucky. Dont know why all the hating starts to come out on stafford when our defense was clearly the reason we didnt win a championship last year
DublDawg
August 25th, 2009
7:24 pm
6. Stafford did not wear jorts, the attire of choice for championship quarterbacks.
Maybe we should buy our current quarterbacks some denim shorts, I’ll accept the embarrassment of quarterbacks wearing jorts if they can perform. Think Tebow would donate his older items?
Importantly, Bradley’s column and the commentators above ignore the more important statistics. Like how many lovely young coeds did he seduce? How many times did he seduce more than one in one evening? How many quality Polaroids does he have in his collection?
rockc82
August 25th, 2009
7:25 pm
How bout an article on 5 reasons that some Georgia fans need to quit being so negative all the time, im sick of it. I’m excited about another year so we can put ‘08 behind us!
GTOldSchool21
August 25th, 2009
7:32 pm
I’ve been saying it for 3 years that Matt Stafford is this generation’s Jeff George. Great tools, no character or heart. I saw the kid play as a freshman at UGA and thought…oh crap…this kid is good…he rolled out and hit a deep out on a dime. At the end of the day, he’s played with a silver spoon in his mouth based on his given talent. I hope he matures and develops some character and leadership skills.
SOS
August 25th, 2009
7:33 pm
I’m not piling on Stafford. He didn’t get pass protection, but neither did Bobo. Just count the reasons the dawgs didn’t get a title during Stafford’s era. Poor special teams play, poor defense, poor coaching, and untold arrests and penalties. Superman couldn’t have won a title with all those handicaps. I liked Stafford for the most part, but he did like to take off his helmet and pose for the cameras.
Pensacola dawg
August 25th, 2009
7:37 pm
Stafford was defiently looking to the future. But for the tech geek that said tech players are smarter than UGA players…hmmm lets see who on tech signed for 45 mill..just asking
D.Ellis
August 25th, 2009
7:38 pm
South Georgia DAWG-JEFF GEORGE?????????????? Your kidding right?????? Your really comparing Stafford to Jeff George??????? Gets my vote for worse comparison for the year post. RIDICULOUS
Jeff George was a locker room cancer who got in pissing contests with his head coaches on National tv on the sidelines of NFL games.
If Staff ever does that I’ll be a monkey’s uncle.
Just because they were both #1 picks and have to carry a gun permit to tote their right arms around doesn’t make them comparable
Staff didn’t win a NC/SEC becasue he was not good enough and the teams were not good enough and the coaches were not good enough……if they were they would have.
77DAWG
August 25th, 2009
7:58 pm
1) CWM 2)Willy Martinez 3) Willy M 4)W Martinez 5)CMR’s sidekick.
Army Vet
August 25th, 2009
8:03 pm
I don’t think Stafford really cares what you all think……he’s worth millions now. All of you bashed him for taking the money. It’s an easy decision for me……SEC title or millions in cash. There’s more to life than UGA football….some of you are pathetic!
brewdawg
August 25th, 2009
8:13 pm
Five reasons GT should be optimistic about the upcoming year:
1. UGA fans are convinced that Tech is going to fail. Us dawg fans, as you know, are not good at the preseason predictions!
2. CPJ has had another year to implement his offense.
3. CPJ has more of “his” players running the offense this year.
4. Dwyer is a legitimate Heisman candidate
5. This is going to be a down year in the ACC (even for the ACC).
5 Reasons Tech fans should NOT be optimistic about the upcoming year:
1. Tech fans believe that one win over UGA in the last 8 years = perennial national power.
2. Opposing defenses will have another year of tape to dissect the option offense.
3. A backup QB is very important in the punishing option offense, and Tech’s backup QB is out for quite a while.
4. No matter what the offense, you need to be able to pass every now and then with some consistency.
5. The biggest problem: Mark Bradley is on the Tech bandwagon. This is the quickest way to failure.
Mad Matt
August 25th, 2009
8:47 pm
Why is all the blame on me?? I knew that this team could not win the NC, thats why I left. Our coach is to soft on all the jail boys and none of them respect him. They come and go as they want and do what they want. When I was told how much money I could make it wasn’t hard to decide. I read all this crap about oh we win 10 games a year so what its not the NC and since CMR wasn’t going to improve the defense I decided to take the money. So if everyone wants to blame me go right ahead because I will be counting all that money I got while uga wins another 10 games and Fla brings home another NC. Love Matt
Cuz
August 25th, 2009
9:00 pm
Well, Stafford is no Fran Tarkenton. Nuff said.
paul3084
August 25th, 2009
9:05 pm
Seriously If Stafford got +/- 46 million, I figure my arm has got to be worth a million/million-five………..seriously.
Cuz
August 25th, 2009
9:06 pm
If only Matt’s parents had not been so selfish and gotten a divorce. The kid could have stopped throwing off his back foot, won a National Championship and eliminated waxy buildup. It is all his parent’s fault. Never give a scholly to a kid from a soon to be broken family.
Mark Bradley
August 25th, 2009
9:20 pm
Cuz, you’re funny. Know why I say that? Just becuz.
paul3084
August 25th, 2009
9:20 pm
I hope I’m dead wrong when I say this. I don’t see UGA being on the brink of a NC. Looking at the Gators last year and hearing the hype this year it looks like the Gators could fall off quite a bit and still manhandle UGA. I hope I’m wrong.
Mike T.
August 25th, 2009
9:33 pm
Top 5 Reasons Matthew Stafford = UGA QUITTER
ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
TIDE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey Crimson puke, He was head and shoulders better than John Parker Wilson, and anything ya’ll
are gonna put under center this year.Ole Miss cometh,get ready.
Mike T.
August 25th, 2009
9:52 pm
How about 5 reasons while Tech will dominate the in-state series
1) Paul Johnson is a better coach
How many ten win seasons has Johnson got.He got a fluke win over Georgia,after our under performing
defense give up a 12 point lead.
2) Tech players are smarter than the average dog player
It took the dummies how many tries to get a fluke win over the Dawgs
3) Johnson is bringing in better players
How many years has Georgia been in the top ten in recruiting classes
4) Mark Rickt does less with his players
How many Heisman Trophy Players has Johnson coached?
Richt has two Charlie Ward and Chris Weinke
5) Willy Martinez can’t stop Tech’s offense
This one may be true, however the signs are there the defense will be different this year.
Squanto
August 25th, 2009
10:00 pm
If Kentucky or Vandy had beaten Tennessee at the end of ‘07 Stafford would have had an SEC and a National Title, but since college football has no way of determining who is best this is what we’re left with.
Steve Spurrier
August 25th, 2009
10:01 pm
Sorry but the real reason was when I brought my Gamecocks to Athens last. That cost UGA the SEC-E and possibly a shot at the MNC. Stafford was just awful that game.
MountainDawg
August 25th, 2009
10:01 pm
Tebow definitely has more fire & is the better athlete, but Stafford is the better passer & has load of talent/potential.
http://www.castefootball.us
JacketMan
August 25th, 2009
10:03 pm
As a Tech fan, I always thought our chances were good to excellent that Shockley or Stafford would make mistakes. David Greene? Now, there’s your winner. Was glad to see him leave.
RedPantsDawg
August 25th, 2009
10:08 pm
1. Because UGA didn’t have a defense to hold a lead.
2. Because Willie Martinez is the defensive coordinator.
3. See #1 & #2.
stew
August 25th, 2009
10:31 pm
He does not have the smarts. Enough said.
Dan A.
August 25th, 2009
10:39 pm
Some of you are ridiculous. Pretty easy to blame a disappointing season on the departed QB, isn’t it? Absolutely stupid. UGA was 10-3 last year because of Matthew Stafford. Without him, we would have been 8-4, or worse. Stupid bitter people looking for ways to cope with the disaster that was an injury-riddled 2008. Terrible article and even worse comments.
Dan A.
August 25th, 2009
10:41 pm
I am embarrassed by those of you calling yourselves UGA fans and blaming Matt Stafford for the fact that we didn’t win a title.
Army Vet
August 25th, 2009
10:45 pm
Like I said….Matt’s laughing all the way to the bank. Going to be an ugly year…starting with OSU.
Army Vet
August 25th, 2009
10:47 pm
Come on……it’s only a freaking game! Life goes on.
james adams
August 25th, 2009
11:09 pm
Willie F***ing Martinez!
james adams
August 25th, 2009
11:10 pm
JacketMan 1-3 combined against Stafford and Shockley….and the game you won, Tech gave up 42 points. Shut up.
doggonit
August 25th, 2009
11:15 pm
Have you ever noticed how small the cheerleaders are for Ga. Maybe 4′9″ at best. Oh yeah, Joe Cox , Georgia fans won’t be disappointed.
LiveTideDieTide
August 26th, 2009
1:28 am
To Mike T, Stafford may have been better than JPW but JPW had heart and lead us to a went out “his senior year” 12-0 regular season. Plus we hammered Georgia in Athens. You all better be glad that Bama is not on your schedule this year. One thing that I would like to add about the DAWG nation is you all are sore losers with bad attitudes and one more for you Mike, Charlie Ward and Chris Weinke played for Florida schools, not Georgia.
macrotech
August 26th, 2009
1:42 am
I understand that there are those out there that resent Stafford’s decision to leave for the nfl… one would be hard pressed to say that they wouldn’t feel the powerful pull of a multi-million dollar contract tuggin on their decision. As a college football fan, Stafford earned my respect after seein him get ’slobber knockered’ by blitzing defensive backs and popping back up for the next play. Some of the hits he took would’ve left MANY other quarterbacks on the ground. Stafford wasn’t perfect, but he won a lot of games at uga….ALL with questionable O lines….THAT’S what kept him from winning the sec. Of course, it didn’t help that Tebow came around at the same time! Detroit is lucky to have him and I’d imagine that Calvin Johnson is looking forward to catching his passes! Will be fun to watch!
Mike Bobo 17 INT
August 26th, 2009
7:26 am
DawginLex
Good God!! Come up for some objective air once in awhile, and quit throwing around worthless won/loss percentages, because these numbers do not mean a damn thing.
Bottom line, Stafford was screwed from the start. The offensive is run by the leading interceptor at UGA, and the defense is run by someone who does not have a clue.
Van Gorder was your man, but you let him slip out the door and now he is looking at a possible Super Bowl ring in the near future.
Bottom line: UGA can recruit, but has no idea what to do with talent once it hits the door. CMR is not your man, so go find a Mack Brown, or Urban Meyer that can get your program back on track.
Prediction for 2009: 8-4 at best.
Mike Bobo 17 INT
August 26th, 2009
7:33 am
Here is the reason UGAY is the biggest joke in D-1 football: “DawginLex”
I read his comments and they are absolutely hilarious!!! LOL!! The comments about how UGAY outperformed Florida last year, and all the “if” and “buts.” LOL!!!
Notice UGAY does not even get a blip on ESPN, because they embarrassed ESPN by choking College Game Day against Alabama. The Dogs were throttled from the first whistle and Alabama just destroyed them, and basically exposed all the offensive and defensive flaws.
Word has it around the CT studios is that it will be a very long time before ESPN takes another large gamble on hosting another Game Day at UGAY.
Mike Bobo 17 INT
August 26th, 2009
7:34 am
Hell, if I were Stafford I would leave also. CMR recruited Cox and the rest of the halfass QB’s to get him a quick ticket back to Miami, and out of Athens.
jerry
August 26th, 2009
7:50 am
From where does all this confidence that I’m hearing Cox has come from? I have always heard that it comes from success, of which he has damn little of at this level.
Chris
August 26th, 2009
8:20 am
I agree with most of your points Mark but not all. Stafford never was a leader. He ALWAYS threw terrible interceptions, and it seemed many were returned for touch downs. He just never was a really smart QB. Talented but not very bright.
However, in his defense he had one of the worst defenses and defensive coordinators in the history of Georgia football. If he had the defenses David Greene played behind, I believe Stafford would have an SEC championship, and quite possibly a national championship. Most of the games David Greene lost were because the offense couldn’t move the ball, and when you can’t move the ball, who’s the first to blame? You can’t blame Stafford for Alabama or Tech, just like you can’t blame Stafford for Tennessee in 2007. If we beat Tennessee, we’re playing in the SEC championship, but our defense could not stop them.
In the end, he was a talented quarterback, and would have been much better with the a little more smarts. However, I don’t believe that would have been enough. Our defense would have still brought him down.
Joe
August 26th, 2009
8:32 am
Thanks God he left!!! We would have never won a title with him.
DawginLex
August 26th, 2009
9:34 am
Interception idiot,
Where did I say UGA outperformed florida last year? Where did you learn to read? Still want to meet you in person at Sanford to discuss UGA football.
IDIOT MORON
DawginLex
August 26th, 2009
9:40 am
The reason UGA continues to win and put up with UGA obsessed morons like the interception idiot is because UGA is made up of winners. We support our school, win or lose. We won’t get on a blog and hide behind a computer like a wimp and bash another school out of jealousy. We own up to who we are because we are proud of it.
The interception idiot has NEVER expressed an allegiance to any school. Chances are pretty darn good he never went to college or played any kind of sport at any level. Just some fat, stupid moron sitting at a computer all day eating a donut wondering why he can’t get a date, even with a blow up doll.
LOSER=interception idiot
Georgia News – 8/26/09 | MrSEC.com
August 26th, 2009
10:00 am
[...] This notes column reveals that Mark Richt will have his scout team mimic some of Oklahoma State’s looks in a scrimmage this afternoon.Richt says he’s concerned that there are 20 reported cases of swine flu on Georgia’s campus right now.The Bulldogs have been put through the ringer via physical practices this fall… something that wasn’t possible last year due to injuries.Punter Drew Butler believes his father — UGA broadcaster Kevin Butler — will be honest in his on-air evaluation of his son.Mark Bradley of The AJC takes a look back Matthew Stafford and lays out five reasons the former Dawg quarterback never won a championship. [...]
shards1967
August 26th, 2009
10:27 am
I have followed UGA since 1960. Graduated in 73.Many “greats” have come and gone w.o. performing to the expectations, like at every major football school. Period. Tech had Charles Dudish in 1968-70 and he was probably more highly regarded than Stafford ever was. Heck, they did a NATIONAL TV show on him. Too many non performing greats to name for most big time programs.
UGA had one BIG running back in the mid 70s that was from Ft Valley and he never took a handoff but PLAYED for years w. the Cincy Bengals and was a NFL star. I could name tons of others for several schools. Harmon Wages comes to mind and he was a no name Gator, then with the Falcons blossomed and had a fine career for a few years.
Stafford? He is where he has always wanted to be and he may blossom, because he is where he wants to be. He was never imbued with Dawg lore. He played at the same level for three years. Give me a David Green who also had a steady but boring Senior Year. Good kids they all are.
Championships take more than pure talent. I give that to Tebow, because he is passionate about winning BIG and his mates respond and I am no Gator fan.
The Tech game last year looked good for Stafford initially, but his lack of fire in the belly spread over to the entire team, they went to sleep and we fricking lost. This year will be payback.
Johnny Test
August 26th, 2009
10:28 am
The comparison to David Green says ir all. Stafford was either great or terrible… no inbetween. But that arm got him $41m and David Green is selling Insurance. Personally I’d rather have had David Green.
D.N. Nation
August 26th, 2009
10:29 am
“5. He played at the same time as Tim Tebow.”
Matthew Stafford was 1-1 against Tim Tebow.
Also, I can’t wait for “5 reasons Tim Tebow now plays in the CFL.” Perhaps #5 will be “He played at the same time as Matthew Stafford.” Hehindeedy!
shards1967
August 26th, 2009
10:37 am
A gent named Squanto was square on correct about 2007 and UGA. Had KY defeated UT that year, UGA wins the East and very likely goes on to the NC. The UT/KY game that year came down to a field goal and if I am correct, it was blown but some goofy penalty allowed UT to kick again and they won, UGA was NOT in the SEC game in Atl. Such is college. TCB and win your games is what UGA needs to do this year.
Sam Robards, Dawg Fan
August 26th, 2009
11:08 am
The first four reasons I agree with, but the fifth is bull. Wasn’t it in 2007 that a Stafford-helmed Georgia team handily BEAT a Tebow-helmed Florida team and made him cry like a total nancy? Thought so.
I’d argue the last reason he didn’t have a title was massive defensive breakdowns (see Tennessee in ‘07 and ‘Bama in ‘08).That’s certainly not his fault, but if we had beat UT in ‘07 (or if UT had lost to USC, Vandy or UK), he would have had 2 titles: an SEC and a BCS.
The first four reasons will be fixed under Joe Cox’s watch. The last “reason” can’t be helped, but when we shock them this year in Jacksonville, it’ll be proven moot. That’s right. I said it. UGA over UF this year.
bigeasy830
August 26th, 2009
12:03 pm
If Matt Ryan is such a great leader why is it that he could not win a ACC championship. I mean Damn, talk about idol worshipping. We will see how much you think of him after Matt Ryan suck eggs and the Falcons go 4-12 in 2009. The leaders on that last year team was Lawyer Malloy and Keith Brookings. There is 2 reasons Stafford did not win a title at UGA, Mike Bobo was his offense coordinator and Willie Martinez was the Defense coordinator. Those two shouldn’t be coaching in Pop Warner and will be the end to Mark Richt as UGA head coach if he do not make a change. WITH THOSE 2 BACK AS COORDINATORS UGA will be lucky to g .500 and before you idiots start howling, I am a Bulldog to the bone. But, I am also a realist. We will get a rude awakening at OSU South Carolina owes us a whipping and say what you want about Patrino, tha man is a helluva college coach and he will get the Razorbacks back in contention.
A Tribe Called Quest
August 26th, 2009
12:22 pm
These spring practices, the first thing the coaches said was how much leadership there was, That is, after Stafford left, that’s what was said.
dan
August 26th, 2009
12:40 pm
Here’s Stafford’s Deal
1. He’s a cerebral guy, not an emotional one. His way of Leading is going out there and making throws, not jumping up and down like Tebow. Leadership is subjective, there is more than one way to get something accomplised. What Stafford did lack though was the initiative to do the things outside of practice to improve his game. Yeah his talent go him to Number 1# draft status, but in the NFL it’s about making big plays AND limiting your mistakes. Against the Falcons, Stafford made a beautiful throw for a TD and then had an INT returned for a TD. It was typical Stafford! That approach isn’t going to get it done in the pros.
2. I think Bobo is a terrible play caller, especially in the Red Zone, those QB runs and fade routes were so predictable and awful to watch. I’m not convinced that Bobo is a great coach. Like Jeff Bowden at FSU, I think Bobo wins with talent as oppossed to scheme. And I think his play calling hamstrung Stafford to a degree.
3. The defense wasn’t able to generate enough turnovers. When the defense helps Stafford out, he makes opposing teams pay. When they don’t he has to do too much to help his team win.
4. I think a power running game could have helped Stafford out, like what Matt Ryan hand last year with the Falcons. UGA’s offense was a little too flashy and not enough smash mouth IMO.
5. Stafford like UGA but it wasn’t the be all/end all for him. I think the NFL is where his heart is and if that’s the case, then he made the right decision.
Reality Check
August 26th, 2009
12:41 pm
Mark- you hit the nail on the head. Stafford was NEVER a leader, if Tebow wasn’t a leader Florida would not have won the national championship last year period!
Reality Check
August 26th, 2009
12:44 pm
Dan – A power running game? Did you really just say that. He had Knowshon his last two years. And yes the defense could have been better but we still would have one the tech game if Stafford didnt throw a pick 6.
Twitter Trackbacks for 5 reasons Matthew Stafford left UGA without a title | Mark Bradley [ajc.com] on Topsy.com
August 26th, 2009
12:58 pm
[...] 5 reasons Matthew Stafford left UGA without a title | Mark Bradley blogs.ajc.com/mark-bradley-blog/2009/08/25/5-reasons-matthew-stafford-left-uga-without-a-title – view page – cached Mark Bradley of the AJC presents five reasons Matthew Stafford, who was drafted No. 1 overall by the Detroit Lions, left Georgia without an SEC title. — From the page [...]
Gen Neyland
August 26th, 2009
1:10 pm
Some of the supposed logic posted within isn’t near logical. It’s pure emotional blather breakdown…
Lexie needs a midol,
August 26th, 2009
1:36 pm
perhaps two.
joe
August 26th, 2009
2:14 pm
LOL! Another stupid article from Bark Madley that is wrong on almost all counts. You want to know why Stafford never won a title, in simple terms. He never had a team around him that was worth a damn.
But in more complex terms, here’s why.
1. He never played behind bad, injury riddled, patchwork offensive lines his entire career.
2. His receivers stunk his first two seasons at UGA.
3. He never had a TE worth spitting on.
4. He played with mediocre to terrible defenses. The lone exception was the last half of the 2007 season. But if you remember, they weren’t very good the first 6 games of that season either.
5. Mike Bobo is at times an atrocious playcaller.
Those are the reasons why. Let’s be honest. The only reason David Green is the winningest QB in NCAA history is because he played with monumental defenses that won most of his games for him.
As for this leadership nonsense. nobody her including Bark Madley has a clue what kind of leader Matt Stafford was, unless you were in the huddle with him or around him everyday at practice.
There you go Madley. I’ve given you the reasons why, and none of them had to do with Stafford. Give him a decent line, tight end, play caller, and a defense like Greene played with, and we would have won at least a couple of titles.
ATL GATOR
August 26th, 2009
2:16 pm
# 6 Because he isn’t that good and throws too many int’s.
joe
August 26th, 2009
2:16 pm
“Stafford like UGA but it wasn’t the be all/end all for him. I think the NFL is where his heart is and if that’s the case, then he made the right decision.”
LOL! He got 70+ million dollars with 40 million of guaranteed. That’s always the right decision. If I got that I’d say to hell with UGA, I’m gone. So would anyone else.
joe
August 26th, 2009
2:25 pm
“# 6 Because he isn’t that good and throws too many int’s.”
LOL! Unlike Tebow, Stafford had to actually throw the ball further than 10 yards and had to play under center, read defenses, and audible. Tebow never had to do any of that. That coupled with the fact that he has a terribly slow, wind up throwing motion, horrible footwork, and a noodle arm are why he’ll be lucky if he’s drafted in the third round. LOL!
Ok State will win
August 26th, 2009
5:43 pm
Because Georgia is never as good as they think they are. They are a good team in a great conference. Last year was their shot,Stafford could not deliver,he knew Tebow was coming back, so he left for the money.
JOe
August 26th, 2009
5:48 pm
This is for Mike T- you are absolutely right when you said Stafford was a lot better than John Parker Wilson. But guess what, him and his team flat out embarrased UGA at home in your black jerseys in the first half and the game was pretty much over after that. I think the score at half was 31-0. Were you at that game and were one of the thousands of shocked fans wondering what ever happened to “this year we are going to win it all.” Tebow and co. embarrased you too.
UGA middle of pack in SEC
August 26th, 2009
5:52 pm
Tebow is a team player, Stafford is about himself and the money, now UGA is left with COX and this guy is gonna get hammered.
dublindawg
August 26th, 2009
6:10 pm
The stupidity of some Georgia “fans” amazes me. Anybody who really knows football wouldn’t blame Stafford for his leaving without a title. His freshmen season he was … a freshman. I think he played pretty well to end the year with three straight wins over ranked opponents to salvage that season.
In ‘07, they ended up ranked No. 2. With a little luck, who knows?
And last year, with that defense, how bad would it have been without Stafford?
And the questions about his leadership: Alabama in OT in ‘07 (should have won in regulation had Coutu made that FG. Stafford led them into field goal range with no time outs.). How about that game-winning play at Kentucky last year? (Can Cox make that play? We’ll see.)
Stafford didn’t drop passes, miss blocks and injure players at UGA. He he didn’t make bonehead penalties to keep drives alive or bobble a perfectly thrown pass that went for a pick six in that fiasco of a first half against Bama, but he did leave it all on the field in the second half. He got knocked around a lot and never got hurt, and never blamed his line when he had a bad game or bad play. Let’s give the guy some credit.
dawgstephen
August 26th, 2009
9:25 pm
Dawginlex, and dublin dawg. It amazes me that these people posting here know more than the coaches. I just wish someone smart enough to notice would hire them that way I could rant on them for the job they do.
All you keyboard geniuses who know more than the coaches need to pursue your dream, its a shame all your knowledge and talent are going to waste. Probably techies anyway
http://www.dawgstephen.blogspot.com
god and greyhound
August 27th, 2009
3:54 am
To Kelly:
Yeah, and Vanderbilt missed a golden opportunity in 2007 fumbling away a win against uog, to which the mutts responded by stomping on the Vandy logo at midfield. Lose that game and the mutts are 4-3 going into the UF game with their tails between their legs.
joe
August 27th, 2009
11:41 am
“The stupidity of some Georgia “fans” amazes me. Anybody who really knows football wouldn’t blame Stafford for his leaving without a title. His freshmen season he was … a freshman. I think he played pretty well to end the year with three straight wins over ranked opponents to salvage that season.
In ‘07, they ended up ranked No. 2. With a little luck, who knows?
And last year, with that defense, how bad would it have been without Stafford?
And the questions about his leadership: Alabama in OT in ‘07 (should have won in regulation had Coutu made that FG. Stafford led them into field goal range with no time outs.). How about that game-winning play at Kentucky last year? (Can Cox make that play? We’ll see.)
Stafford didn’t drop passes, miss blocks and injure players at UGA. He he didn’t make bonehead penalties to keep drives alive or bobble a perfectly thrown pass that went for a pick six in that fiasco of a first half against Bama, but he did leave it all on the field in the second half. He got knocked around a lot and never got hurt, and never blamed his line when he had a bad game or bad play. Let’s give the guy some credit.”
BINGO! UGA was only as good as it was the last 3 seasons because of Stafford. Take him off those teams and we lose a minimum 6-7 more games than we did.
PDAWG
August 27th, 2009
5:15 pm
Come off it MB. Matt was an exceptional talent that never had the chance to showcase his skill set due to the absence of an offensive line. I wish him well, and look forward to the upcoming season with Joe C mentoring the future…Aaron Murray. Just wait this kid is the real deal.
Jim Callihan
August 28th, 2009
12:42 pm
Several folks summed it already…and the reasons put forth in the story are solid as well.
NC teams are just that – teams. The Dawgs seem to peek on defense w/o a consistant offense when Matt was young (fresh/soph). As a junior – just the opposite is true; the defense really collapsed at crucial times during last season.
It’s sorta unfair to put so much blame on Matt for not bringing home the hardware. Even with his already metioned deficiencies, fair or not, many a team has won the NC w/o a “Heisman-type” QB. In fact…ever hear of the Heisman jinx?
Here and now…hoping for a great year out of the Dawgs. Hoping that Coach Mark’s decsion to leave the D alone pays off – not sure it will. For me, he should have hired another strong coach under Martinez to tighten up the linebackers/secondary. Pollard is greatly missed – no leadership since he left…no real heart out there on “D”.
But since the Dawgs are my second favorite college team, I look forward to a great year following my Alma Mater – GO GATORS!
Who knows…maybe the undefeated Dawgs will win a tie-breaker to play in the SEC Championship game – win that one by stomping the Tide and play the undefeated Gators in a NC title game? Nahhh – I’m dreaming.
GO DAWGS!
THE SEC RULES!!!
October 31st – TRICK or TREAT!?!