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.
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247 comments Add your comment
Tech fans are HYPOCRITS
September 22nd, 2009
4:34 pm
another avoiding of the question and displaying hate “Ramblinwreck83″
ADMIT YOU ARE CLASSLESS WITH THOSE FLAGS ON THE FRONT OF THAT UGLY CAR
Tech Fan in Dawg Country
September 22nd, 2009
4:34 pm
To Tech fans are HYPOCRITS: What is the last line of your fight song???? Something like “and to hell with Ga Tech” ???? And who is the hypocrite ? There is a big difference between good fun and tradition and being rude and antagonistic. Not that any one school has the corner on that market unfortunately. Wish we could ban those from both sides.
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed
September 22nd, 2009
4:35 pm
UGA followers are infidels
Jack G.
September 22nd, 2009
4:35 pm
Insider
Good post. Sometimes I come across a little to strong. I dont know CPJ personally as you do, but I am sure he is a fine person.
I guess I just dislike his system of football so strongly that I get a little to critical some of the time(all the time).
But I respect the fact that others have a different opinon. Just dont like the name calling
Jack
Tech fans are HYPOCRITS
September 22nd, 2009
4:35 pm
GT9….
we add that simply as students and alumni. The record book does not have that as official lyrics….. YOU song does however, and you have flags on your ugly car parading around your dinky half empty stadium every game.
Monticello Dawg
September 22nd, 2009
4:35 pm
I think Tech made a great hire with Paul Johnson, but there are Tech fans and Georgia fans on here blasting Mark Richt for supposedly not being critical of Willie Martinez. I suspect no one on this board knows what has been said in private between Richt and Martinez. It is counterproductive to offer up WM as a scapegoat publically. If Mark were to openly bash Willie in the media I would think less of him. Now, if the defense does not improve and WM remains as DC for another year, I will be disappointed in Coach Richt.
Tech fans are HYPOCRITS
September 22nd, 2009
4:37 pm
Tech Fan in Dawg Country……
Look up the official UGA fight song… you are mistaken thinking those are official lyrics…. then go look up your official fight song, and see that its there plain as day.
Go try and find anything in Sanford Stadium that references desired demise of your program….you wont find it.
HYPOCRITS!!!! Snobbiest group of fans in College Football.
Get Real
September 22nd, 2009
4:37 pm
Johnson is right, they aren’t good at anything, especially coaching. The “right now” is just dreaming on his part. It will be the same tomorrow as it is today, terrible.
Mark Bradley
September 22nd, 2009
4:38 pm
I’m pumped! This is the hottest debate over song lyrics since “Louie, Louie.”
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed
September 22nd, 2009
4:38 pm
Mark Richt is the real mastermind behind 9/11, not I…I was at Bobby Dodd cheering the Jackets onto victory!!!!
Tech Fan in Dawg Country
September 22nd, 2009
4:38 pm
AJC, instead of AJC censoring the posts, is there some way the fellow bloggers could “vote off” the offensive posts? That sounds like a great idea … sort of like the other votes, an individual could not vote more than once per hour … sounds better all the time.
Dawg$$
September 22nd, 2009
4:39 pm
Tech will be lucky to win 6 games. UGA blows them out in November–mark it down! The tech fantasy run is over.
Ramblinwreck83
September 22nd, 2009
4:39 pm
Tech fans are HYPOCRITS
Another example of UGA being “Classless”. What football team would all go out to the endzone and dance around like a bunch of idiots. Now that’s classless.
Brent
September 22nd, 2009
4:40 pm
We made it nearly an hour before the name calling started, that might be a record. Don’t stoop to their level guys, it’s been a good blog so far. Good column Mark. The Jackets and CPJ will be just fine. GO JACKETS
Cecil34
September 22nd, 2009
4:41 pm
Now that Coach Johnson has clarified the less than stellar efforts put forth last week, I do hope he has some sort of gameplan to work with Josh Nesbitt.
At least to make Nesbitt appear to be able to pass when necessary with some kind of accuracy and with some clue of who he is passing to and why.
I cringe every time I see Nesbitt go back to wing the leather.
Ol’ Dewberry could run this offense real good – and that is what Coach Johnson needs to find.
I simply think Nesbitt is not the answer. And Jaybo will just wind up getting killed.
QB is where it all starts, and GT needs not just a hard tough runner there but one who can actually look like he knows how to throw a football.
Tech Fan in Dawg Country
September 22nd, 2009
4:41 pm
Tech fans are HYPOCRITS: please check the spelling of your nickname. That says it all right there.
Tech fans are HYPOCRITS
September 22nd, 2009
4:42 pm
If you are going to tell me im being “classless” and a “trashy redneck” for making fun of your program, show some class yourselves!!!
“To Hell With Georgia” <—– CLASSLESS
"GO DAWGS" <—— supporting OUR team….hence why we sell out a 93,000 seat stadium EVERY GAME, and Tech plays in front of a non-sold out 55,000 seat crackerbox
HYPOCRITS!!!! Snobbiest fans in college football!!!
Brent
September 22nd, 2009
4:44 pm
See what I mean
"Gitmo Detainees for Tech Touchdown Club" President
September 22nd, 2009
4:45 pm
Mark — At the press conference, did CPJ indicate when he will be coming to Gitmo to speak our Touchdown Club luncheon?
Mark Bradley
September 22nd, 2009
4:45 pm
Another lyric: “Well, we got no class/And we got no principals.”
Hugo Chavez
September 22nd, 2009
4:47 pm
WHO IS JULIO CHAVEZ?
LET’S GO NERDS!
Tech fans are HYPOCRITS
September 22nd, 2009
4:50 pm
Mark Bradley,
Will your next article be titled “HATRED and ENVY for a cross-state rival. The reason we cannot sell out a stadium smaller than a Texas High School, or beat said cross-state rival more than twice a decade”
Can i write it? can I please, please, please??
Reggie Ball
September 22nd, 2009
4:54 pm
Who is Paul Johnson?
Nate
September 22nd, 2009
4:56 pm
I still don’t understand how the students and alumni are “snobby”? Classless – perfect example is your fellow dawg coming on here posing as the Georgia Tech Police Dept. and of course referencing our student body as terrorists. That my friend is classless. Making fun of students that have been in that situation is classless my friend. I may not like you, but I wouldn’t wish that on you man.
surfrider
September 22nd, 2009
5:00 pm
Great Blog and interview. This is a little off but pertinent. I’ve noticed the so called balanced offenses are throwing the ball 20 to 25 times a game on average recently sometimes 30 but sometimes 18 or so. We threw the ball 15 times with no picks. We had one or two passes get away and maybe another one or two WR may be able to pull down any given saturday. That’s 1 to 4 more completions for another 100 yards. This takes our passing game to 7 to 10 completions out of 15 attempts for possibly 200 plus yards. Even with a pourous defense last saturday and 2.5 yards per rush with no turnovers we still “were in the game” until less than 2 minutes. Another 5 to 10 attempts and Tech possibly takes it’s offense to the 300 yards rushing, 200 yards passing level. Hopefully no turnovers on our side. The defense played a little bit better later particularly forcing field goal attempts verse TD’s. More pressure and aggressiveness should help. Also Miami is looking like the old Miami more speed than anyone else. CPJ will make whatever adjustments are needed and let’s don’t forget he was OC at Hawaii no bastion of the wishbone but the run and shoot.
An Observation
September 22nd, 2009
5:03 pm
No one wants to admit that the UGA fans are primarily classless but I will. The display at the Atlanta Falcons’ game on Sunday reaffirmed their lack of class. For them to actually boo the GA Tech Band when they were announced shows just how classless they actually are.
Anyone with any sense would know that none of those kids playing in the Tech band are on the football team. Young people, know matter what college or university they are attending should be applauded for making the effort to get an education. To “BOO” THE BAND shows a lack of intellect!!!!!
I am beginning to think that many of the UGA fans have never ever attended ONE CLASS at UGA. Red necks and trailer park people usually don’t attend college (a stereotype I know, but it is applicable in this instance….GED if their lucky…inbreeding stiffles class).
PEOPLE….OH….PEOPLE…..GROW UP AND START ACTING LIKE ADULTS WITH SOME COMMON SENSE!!!!!
Tech fans are HYPOCRITS
September 22nd, 2009
5:04 pm
Nate…..
I didnt say that, Chief.
But I bet you’d be screaming “classless redneck” at the top of your lungs if Uga came out of his doghouse wearing a bandana saying “To Hell With Georgia Tech” wouldnt you….. don’t even try to deny it…..
SNOBBY….. the way you degrate the UGA alumni as ignorant farm boys, and brag about how much better an institution Tech is. They are 2 completely different schools with completely different ciriculum.
ARE YOU YHAT STUPID
September 22nd, 2009
5:05 pm
CPJ is a hillbilly made good. He looks pissed off all the time and if I had to coach at teck I would too. What can he sugar coat, the team sux. You guys are all getting warm and fuzzy because you like to see a guy call his players stupid and probably a lot worse… now think about that. ARE YOU THAT STUPID? Hillbilly is as hillbilly does.
michael
September 22nd, 2009
5:07 pm
HEY GUYS?? DON’T YOU THINK THAT REGGIE BALL WOULD’VE PLAYED WELL UNDER OUR SYSTEM? ….cricket sounds….JUST ASKING. seriously, a better pass attack would open the run much more and have other teams on their heals.
Tuck Fech
September 22nd, 2009
5:07 pm
An Observation….
Im assuming you are assuming these were UGA fans because they were wearing black and red…. oh… i guess you forgot the team you went to see wears black and red. Aside from the 1,700 Season Ticket holders, EVERYBODY hates Georgia Tech. Not just UGA
Nate
September 22nd, 2009
5:15 pm
First of all, I will agree with your first statement and yes I will agree it is a little degrading to UGA, but we did endure a long stretch of losses to you guys so a lot of anger had built up. Notice I didn’t say it was right, just my opinion.
However, I personally have never called UGA fans rednecks or hillbillies. Personally, I grew up on a farm in south Georgia, my grandparents owned a hundred acres and I know what it’s like bailing hay in the 100 degree weather so I understand. Second, I have a girlfriend that goes to UGA in the Pharmacy program, so obviously I’m not going to degrade her by saying anything about your school. Last, I’m glad I’m at Tech now with a future ahead. Football is entertainment. Getting a degree is obviously more important.
Paddy
September 22nd, 2009
5:15 pm
Jack G… Never been in a locker room or a clubhouse have you? Geez!!
GT92
September 22nd, 2009
5:16 pm
Lost on “HYPOCRITS” is the difference between GOOD ol’ fashion hate and demeaning, disrespectful antics…This “pathetic” program with a “crackerbox” stadium engages in the former while those that masquerade as terrorists and dictactors… well you get the idea.
Brent
September 22nd, 2009
5:16 pm
Good point- I guess we just assumed only UGA fans would stoop that low. HAHA
GA Tech Insider
September 22nd, 2009
5:19 pm
Mark;
I understand Julian Burnett, the true Freshman, is going to start at linebacker this Saturday. I think this young man will be able to add some needed energy and pop to the defense.
Techjock
September 22nd, 2009
5:27 pm
Ok I am over it, Miami played great and we lost. Our O-line and D-line have to pick it up.
I think the boys were tired at least they looked tired. I still think that if we will play hard we can beat anyone. As a matter of fact, if we dont play hard I am going up there and puttin my foot up someone backside. Who’s with me? There is no excuse for lack of effort
gtfanfrom1951
September 22nd, 2009
5:28 pm
The only thing that sucks around here is T.F.A. H. Go crawl back in your dawg house and eat your vomit and your sh**T like a good dawg!
Bob Horner had a sweet compact swing
September 22nd, 2009
5:29 pm
I am not an infidel……Khalid….you need to kneel down towards mecca… Where’s mecca..??
Saint Simon
September 22nd, 2009
5:36 pm
(((((((((((((((33-17))))))))))))))))))))) HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
UNRANKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OVERRATED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ARE YOU YHAT STUPID
September 22nd, 2009
5:37 pm
gtfan1951, you would fit well on CPJ’s staff with that trashy mouth. You’re too old to be blogging. Go take your malox and clean your dentures. You are a ramblin wreck.
gtdave
September 22nd, 2009
5:38 pm
Is it just me or is anyone else extremely concerned about the Georgia game with our lack of pass defense? Two games in a row (or 1 1/2 games) with the opposing QB playing video game offense against us.
ARE YOU YHAT STUPID
September 22nd, 2009
5:39 pm
New teck team motto…. ARE YOU THAT STUPID?
New defensive alignment… SWISS CHEESE
New offense alingment… incomplete
New national ranking… NO RESPECT
ARE YOU YHAT STUPID
September 22nd, 2009
5:40 pm
Teck worries about one game a year.. UGA. That is sad. North Carolina 20 Teck 10.
Saint Simmons
September 22nd, 2009
5:44 pm
33-17 hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah
Tech75
September 22nd, 2009
5:46 pm
I think we’ve worked those poor dumb farmboys into a frothing ass of incoherence…they can’t even spell their posting names correctly. It would appear we’ve gotten under their skin!
Actually, I think if you looked at the IP addresses of those posting you’d probably find 10 unemployed high-school dropouts posting like crazy under 5 different UGA-like monikers each…
If you just bypass their posts you’ll enjoy some of the ideas discussed; if not, you must have too much time on their hands; although I do like to count the spelling and grammar errors.
Tech75
September 22nd, 2009
5:48 pm
of which, my latest post contains several.
Why don’t you UGA’ers try to find them? Let’s have a little contest, see which one of you really graduated from high school.
Alabama Jack
September 22nd, 2009
5:50 pm
Would someone point out to dumba$$ that hypocrits is correctly spelled hypocrites. Stupid dawgs can’t even get their insults right.
TO HELL WITH GEORGIA.
gtfanfrom1951
September 22nd, 2009
5:54 pm
are you yhat stupid
you better keep the malox for that olay defense that UGA has!
Gator Hater
September 22nd, 2009
5:55 pm
Paul Johnson is a good coach, but you bee’s will be luck to win 5 games this year. If the passing game is throw it up to one kid….good luck with that one, and any team can stop the run when focusing on it.
Georgia 9 & 3
Bugs 5 & 7
Book it.
StraightJacket
September 22nd, 2009
5:55 pm
Perhaps some of the people commenting here never saw the movie “Patton”.
No one will ever confuse football with the seriousness of war, but it doesn’t hurt train young men in a tough environment, and in football, you have the enormous advantage of being able to do it without the very real potential consequences of being killed.
Patton’s explanation of his treatment of troops doing “less than their best” was that he was appealing to their pride and self-respect. Paul Johnson didn’t call the player “stupid” … he ASKED the player IF he were that stupid. The young man SHOULD respond with a resounding NO … and be angered to the degree that he’d feel like he needed to PROVE it. Nothing wrong with that.
In wartime, Patton’s troops did remarkable things. Yes, football is just a game, but training young men to work toward a team goal that is bigger than the sum of themselves is worthwhile. If it requires some “tough love” … then so be it.
The kids should just be thankful that they can learn these valuable lessons on a football field instead of a mine field.
-SJ