Paul Johnson: “We’re not really good at anything right now”
There’s a reason Georgia Tech fans love Paul Johnson. Actually, there are two, and the second one is a no-brainer: He beat Georgia. But Tech fans loved PJ long before that rainy day in Athens, and they love him because he says what every single fan wishes his/her coach would say.
He doesn’t sugarcoat. Except for the boilerplate assertion that his stylized offense is never as bad as it might look, he doesn’t seek to cover his assets. (And you can almost excuse that excess, seeing as how he invented the offense.) When his team stinks, he doesn’t remind you of his career record or of what might have happened four years ago. He says, “We stunk.” Only he says it in richer detail.
Like this: “Miami is an outstanding football team, but it wouldn’t have had to be the way we played.”
Also: “The way we played, the way we coached, it was a group effort.”
And: “We’re not really good at anything right now.”
These are snippets from Johnson’s Tuesday press briefing, which was as blunt as any coach’s Tuesday press briefing ever gets. Of an illegal block that wiped out a Tech touchdown in Miami, Johnson said: “It was very poor technique. I don’t know what the guy was doing, really.”
Of Tech’s false starts: “If you can’t go on the snap count — the other team doesn’t have anything to do with that. That’s you.”
Of Tech’s defensive collapse: “We had too much in. Anytime you can’t do what you’re supposed to be doing, you’ve got too much in.”
Of coordinator’s Dave Wommack’s assertion that his defenders will switch to a 4-5-2 alignment for Saturday’s game against North Carolina: “We could play a 4-12-9, but it won’t matter what we play if we don’t get our face on somebody and our eyes where they should be.”
Some among you might call this empty bluster. I’d call it the sort of candor rarely seen in an industry in which head coaches make millions and assistants hundreds of thousands.
Some also might say Johnson is being too hard on his players. I would not. For one thing, he stops short of naming names. For another, he knows those players are all he has: “It’s like having a kid. It’s OK for me to say he’s bad, but I get mad if someone else says it.”
Then this: “You set the bar where you want it, and you don’t give in until you get there. You can’t run from expectations.”
Loading ...For the record, he didn’t feel his offense, at least schematically, was the culprit in Miami. “I probably shouldn’t get into this,” he said. Then, one beat later: “But let me. Go back to our Clemson game, where we played [according to some] so poorly on offense. Did you see what Clemson just did [against Boston College]? Fifty-four yards and four first downs [allowed]. Let’s give Clemson a little credit. Four hundred twelve yards [Tech's yield was 418, actually] doesn’t look so bad compared to that.
“On the first series against Miami we had two missed assignments and kicked a field goal. On the next series — or it may have been the third [it was] — we had a touchdown called back and missed a field goal … If you only have 50 plays in a game [Tech had 54], you’re not going to get 500 yards. [Tech had 228.] Can we get better? You bet. But that’s the least of my worries right now.”
And that’s the other part of a Paul Johnson briefing. You never come away thinking he’s all that worried. You come away thinking he figures he’ll figure it out. He probably will.
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
247 comments Add your comment
Nativebird
September 22nd, 2009
3:54 pm
Im a Tech fan, big time. Year 2 and everybody (me included) still hoping this isn’t “Spurrier-I’m-an-offensive-genius II” the Sequal: It’s all about me. Let’s talk about MY offense. Get real CPJ. YOU sir, don’t have the personnel to run YOUR offense. I’m seeing year 2 looking VERY VERY bad in what was supposed to be, WHATCHOUT everybody, GT is getting back on the national stage. GET REAl. it aint happening.
You CPJ need to make a call to a one coach Urban Meyer, former HC at Utah who tried to bring the Moutain West offense to the SEC and got smoked. a GOOD HC ADJUSTS his offense to the circumstances he finds, most pertinent is personnel in your system, and those your playing against.
BugKiller
September 22nd, 2009
3:55 pm
Hey Bradley!!!
Be honest. How refreshing is it to sit in a press conference with Paul Johnson and hear the truth as opposed to having to shovel through the crap excuses proffered by coaches like Mark Richt and Bobby Cox?
As a Bulldog fan, I can only dream of a coach who’s that honest and unaccepting of excuses.
Tech fans are HYPOCRITS
September 22nd, 2009
3:55 pm
1. your program simply sucks.
2. your coach simply sucks
3. your “fan” base simpy sucks
4. your offense if simply HILLARIOUS!! I’m sure “CPJ” and Cecil Flowe (Parkview High School) sat together to draw up the “wittle twipple option” playbook.
5. your program simply sucks
6. all of GT’s 22,000 fans worldwide act APPAULED when a UGA fan expresses dislike for Georgia Tech. Explain why that is, when Tech’s entire battle-cry is “To Hell With Georgia”, and that ugly car of yours you parade around the field before every home game has 2 flags on the front bumber that say “To Hell With Georgia”, whether UGA is playing in that game or not. ?????????? Can any Tech “fan” explain the hypocracy there please?? Go to Sanford Stadium and try and find one single thing that degrates Georgia Tech….. there is nothing.
8. Your program simply sucks.
9. THWGT <——— see how DUMB you look!!
Get Real
September 22nd, 2009
3:55 pm
Wow are u Tech fans easy pray for Johnson. He has yet to take the blame for not having the team ready to play. The buck stops with him, not the players. He will stroke you as long as you let him. He hasn’t gotten the job done yet, and this should be a netted year since it is his second.
GT FAN
September 22nd, 2009
3:57 pm
You know if Richt had a quarter of the set as some of these fans think they have man what a coach he would be with all that 5 star hype I keep hearing about-
Also go back and watch the FL/TENN game announcers said with what FL was running some of the same plays they run at GA TECH just different formation. It is a gimmick though don’t forget! THWG!!!
Jack
September 22nd, 2009
3:57 pm
Are you stupid? No coach I made a 1500 on my SAT. CPJ are you fat and ugly? No, but my high school offense has been. H
Mark Bradley
September 22nd, 2009
3:57 pm
Thanks for clarifying, RDuck. I was going to get around to that, but you beat me to it.
Jack
September 22nd, 2009
3:58 pm
Are you stupid? No coach I made a 1500 on my SAT. CPJ are you fat and ugly? No, but my high school offense has been. Ha ha!
Just Sayin'
September 22nd, 2009
3:59 pm
I think the opponents weren’t quite prepared for Paul Johnson’s offense last year. They’ve had a year to review film and have had more time to practice. Therefore, teams are playing better defense against Tech. At the same time, Coach Johnson doesn’t yet have a team full if his own recruits. He’s still using a lot of Chan Gailey’s recruits. I suspect that in time, Coach Johnson will do very well. Give him time. Go Tech.
Jack_in_Homestead (FL)
September 22nd, 2009
4:01 pm
Just go beat the Blue Sheep of Carolina !
Burdell
September 22nd, 2009
4:01 pm
Tech fans are WHAT?? What a bunch of sophomoric banter! Regardless of what you believe is true dude, check out your spelling…it’s laughable from start to finish.
GO JACKETS!!
Tech fans are HYPOCRITS
September 22nd, 2009
4:06 pm
Burdell,
you can tell you have been caught with your stinger tucked between your legs when your only comeback is about grammar or spelling in a post……
please explain why its ok to have the “THWG” all over the place, but when UGA fans express dislike for your pathetic program, we are “classless”.
EXPOSED!!!!!! (((33-17))) hahahahahahahaha
SO GLAD IT HURTS SO SO SO BAD!!!! E.X.P.O.S.E.D.!!!!!!!
Cleveland, OH jacket
September 22nd, 2009
4:06 pm
Get Real, you clearly just post ignorant comments without actually listening to the press conference podcast. He clearly mentions that it was on him and the coaching staff not getting them prepared. CPJ calls a spade a spade….whether they are a player, a ref, a coach, or whatever. Take your ignorant comments somewhere else, please
.
Jay
September 22nd, 2009
4:06 pm
Hey NaiveBird, do you mean the same Urban Meyer that use to call Johnson for tips when he was at Utah? If you do not think he makes adjustments, you are just plain crazy. He is the king of adjustments unlike St. Richt.
Jack G.
September 22nd, 2009
4:07 pm
Stinger TDONE. Et al—-Struck a nerve did I? I am aware of some of the name calling that coaches do, and if you will read the post I said on TV. and if he didnt know there was an open mike close by then he is the one thats stupid.
As to me playing football on a varsity level, you are right I never did.
niether did CPJ other than high school. His high school was so small that if you went out for football you were automaticaly on the varsity. They didnt have enough players to have a Jr. varsity or B team.
I have followed football very closely for more years than you have been alive. I started following GT football in 1930. I have spent more time thanyou could believe discussing all facets of football with many college and pro players and in the process consumed I dont know how many barrels of beer in the process. I have seen them come and seen them go.
NOW where did you play your football?
GT IS A JOKE
September 22nd, 2009
4:07 pm
HAHAHAHAHAHA. UNDEFEATED!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. PERFECT OPTION!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. ACC BEING RELEVANT!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
GeorgiaCoach
September 22nd, 2009
4:08 pm
Homer Rice is generally credited with inventing the triple option , Mark. And he did it for PJ was born.
Cleveland, OH jacket
September 22nd, 2009
4:11 pm
-The triple option is one play.
-The flexbone formation was credited to another coach before CPJ (I forget his name).
-CPJ created his offense out of the flexbone package with option running plays and run-and-shoot passing plays.
All above are facts.
m
September 22nd, 2009
4:11 pm
Thank God and Greyhound that chan gomer gailey is gone forever.
And thank God and DRAD that we have a great college football coach.
Anyone that says Paul Johnson’s offense won’t work is a fool…a complete fool. Yes the defenses are getting better at playing it…and unfortunately our line seems to be getting worse. But when blocked properly, you cannot stop this offense.
We had early success last year (much different than Michigan who went 3-9), but we still have growing pains as we try to get the line up to speed.
Bottom line is this….we have a great coach….he has a great system…it has been a big adjustment from the gailey system to the Johnson system. But the future rewards are going to be something special.
Blackberry Cobbler
September 22nd, 2009
4:11 pm
Just Sayin’
September 22nd, 2009
3:59 pm
I think the opponents weren’t quite prepared for Paul Johnson’s offense last year. They’ve had a year to review film and have had more time to practice. Therefore, teams are playing better defense against Tech. At the same time, Coach Johnson doesn’t yet have a team full if his own recruits. He’s still using a lot of Chan Gailey’s recruits. I suspect that in time, Coach Johnson will do very well. Give him time. Go Tech.
I’m bettin’ another year still ain’t gonna be enough for WM to figute it out.
GT45
September 22nd, 2009
4:12 pm
I haven’t been able to read what has been posted around this week, but has anyone said anything about the fourth and two inches the refs called a first down last Thursday?
Tech fans are HYPOCRITS
September 22nd, 2009
4:12 pm
STILL, no GT “fan” can answer the question…..
why is it ok for Tech to have the “THWG” all over the place, but when UGA fans express dislike for your pathetic program, we are “classless”.
THWGT <—— look how DUMB that looks!!!
Plastered Again
September 22nd, 2009
4:15 pm
Tech once again proved that against a team that can play disciplined defense, the offense is inept. North Carolina, Va Tech, and LSU during the ‘08 season and now Miami put the clamps on them. The Jackets will win their share of games but how often will they beat a real top tier team? It doesn’t take much to beat the Mississippi State and Jacksonville State’s of the world.
Cleveland, OH jacket
September 22nd, 2009
4:16 pm
You are right, THWGT does look dumb. You should try it without the “T.”
THWG! See? Much better
Vick=Dog killing thug
September 22nd, 2009
4:18 pm
Dawg fan here. I find that refreshing that Coach Pajamas is a straight talker. With the terrible play of late from UGA, I’d like to see a bit of that from Richt and his assistants.
Ok.. back to the hating… Tech sucks… hahahahahahahah
Tech fans are HYPOCRITS
September 22nd, 2009
4:19 pm
NOBODY CAN ANSWER THE QUESTION
why is it ok for Tech to have the “THWG” all over the place, but when UGA fans express dislike for your pathetic program, we are “classless”???
NOBODY CAN ANSWER THE QUESTION
why is it ok for Tech to have the “THWG” all over the place, but when UGA fans express dislike for your pathetic program, we are “classless”.
NOBODY CAN ANSWER THE QUESTION
Tuck Fech
September 22nd, 2009
4:20 pm
HYPOCRITS….
I’d like an explanation from one of the 150 Tech ticket holders on that one as well……
Tech75
September 22nd, 2009
4:20 pm
I’m reserving comment for now. We’ll see how the team responds to 9 or 10 days between games. My bet is that they get recharged and re-motivated.
I SUSPECT we’ll see more simplicity on both sides of the ball based on the “too much in” comment; but I also think CPJ will have answers (or at least strategies) to handle what NC is likely to throw at us.
And they are VERY LIKELY to throw at us!
Osama Bin Laden
September 22nd, 2009
4:21 pm
GO TECH!!!!
Kim Jong il
September 22nd, 2009
4:21 pm
GO JACKETS!!!
GT FAN
September 22nd, 2009
4:22 pm
Wow Jack G and you can work a computer- Good for you- my dad is only 70 and still does not know how to use a computer nor even has the intention to- I guess you could say old school huh?- So again Jack G good for you- turn your hearing aid up next time…CPJ said are U? not U Are!-
Julio Chavez
September 22nd, 2009
4:22 pm
GO WRAMBLIN’ WRECK
Hayseed Dixie
September 22nd, 2009
4:22 pm
You guys are classless because you leave 70 tons of trash on your own campus.
You guys are a bunch of neanderthals. Seriously.
GT Terrorist Cell
September 22nd, 2009
4:22 pm
Thanks Osama, Kim Jong and Julio……
our terrorist cell would be nothing without you
Tech75
September 22nd, 2009
4:23 pm
Hey Tech Fans are HYPOCRITS -
Here’s your answer: Because you ARE classless. In fact, you are a perfect example. Simple enough for you?
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
September 22nd, 2009
4:24 pm
CPJ is the greatest offensive mind of our generation
macrotech
September 22nd, 2009
4:24 pm
Tech fans are HYPOCRITS, we understand and don’t have a problem with opposing views regarding Tech football…just back it up with facts and then don’t act like a child when they’re refuted. You’re right (See?! I’m agreeing with you!), “THWGT<———– DOES look stupid!!! GO TECH!!!
Tech fans are HYPOCRITS
September 22nd, 2009
4:25 pm
Hayseed Dixie…..
You’re avoiding the question… you have NO ANSWER…..
HYPOCRITS!!!!! SNOBBIEST STUDENT BODY IN THE NATION.
THWGT!!!!
Matt
September 22nd, 2009
4:26 pm
Ahhh Jack G. you would be correct in assuming that CPJ learned the wishbone from his high school ball coach, unfortunately we do not run the wishbone. The flexbone is a new formation based on the wishbone that Paul Johnson pioneered. BTW, what say you about the tongue lashing Mark Richt gave to his entire team on the sideline of last years UGA-GT game? In case you missed it, just search for “sideline comparison” in youtube. Boy I hate it when coaches discipline in public……. I tell you what, if he called me on the carpet like that, i would never make that mistake again.
GT9
September 22nd, 2009
4:26 pm
Congratulations to Miami. We got whipped from the beginning of the game to the end. The people in Florida and Miami Gardens are really nice people. There was one group of fans inside the stadium that were an embarrassment to college football and everyone connected to Miami. I’m looking forward to going back down year after next. Excellent job by Shannon getting his team ready.
I believe Johnson can correct our problems. As bad as our defense played, our biggest problem is simply not blocking.
People have been very critical of our QB. Our receivers have not been playing up to par, dropping good passes and breaking off routes early. We have a quality QB.
(The females down in Miami are extremely attractive.)
Mullah Omar
September 22nd, 2009
4:27 pm
Thursday nights at Historic Grant Field are magical
Tech fans are HYPOCRITS
September 22nd, 2009
4:27 pm
you “fans” know good and darn well if Uga ran around the field with a bandana or something on saying “To Hell With Georgia Tech”, on a game where Georgia Tech is not involved….. you fools would be screaming “CLASSLESS REDNECKS” all day long!!!
HYPOCRITS!!! SNOBBIES STUDENT BODY IN THE NATION
THWGT!!!!!!
Mullah Omar
September 22nd, 2009
4:29 pm
Tech Co-Eds are the hottest in college football
Mark Bradley
September 22nd, 2009
4:30 pm
I see our repartee has been taken to a higher level here in the past 30 comments or so.
Ryan
September 22nd, 2009
4:31 pm
After Tech goes 7-5 with a papajohns.com bowl bid, they won’t be acting so kind to CPJ. Just like the Miami players said it, the Tech offense is a gimmick and once you see it for a time or two you figure it out. Tech gets exploited in year 2 of CPJ. Give one more year and he’s out the door. Sorry Techies! Back to being mediocre! Ouch!
Ramblinwreck83
September 22nd, 2009
4:31 pm
Tech fans are HYPOCRITS
because UGA fans are normally classless. I’ve seen it first hand. Have you ever been to a game in athens and seen how the majority of UGA fans treat the opposing fans. It says it all. They throw trash at people, yell obsenities at you and want you to fight while their around 20 of their friends. “Classless” is an understatement. I think “THWG” is taking it pretty light compared to what ya’ll say.
Georgia Tech Police Department
September 22nd, 2009
4:31 pm
What is Tech’s record?? I spend 23.5 hours a day completing paper work on our students getting mugged and wetting their pants, and haven’t had a chance to catch any scores….. are we still undefeated like Coach Paul Johnson promised us we will be!!! is that “triple option” still UNSTOPABLE!!!
Please inform!!! I just got 15 new mugging cases since typing this post!!!!
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed
September 22nd, 2009
4:31 pm
Prediction #1: Dwyer wins Heisman in ‘09 Prediction#2: GT tops UF for BCS title
Ramguy
September 22nd, 2009
4:32 pm
Hey Saint Simons….. (((((33-17))))) HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Hey GT Que…….”.Hear come the ignorant UGA fans” HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA….Tell us how close The Dawg fans have to be before you “hear” them. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
GT9
September 22nd, 2009
4:32 pm
UG’s fight song says “to hell with Georgia Tech.” What exactly is the point? Oh, you refrain.