Todd Grantham: ‘I understand who UGA fans want to beat’
Todd Grantham briefs the media, admits meeting Jessica Simpson. (Photo by M. Bradley)
Athens – Let’s stipulate that one or two folks on this planet care deeply about how the Dallas Cowboys fare on given autumn Sundays. But even at the highest level of pro football, there’s a difference in passion between that found in the college game, and this was reflected on, of all places, AJC.com.
A guy (blush) asked readers to submit questions for Todd Grantham. Within 12 hours came more than 350 suggestions. Yes, some were impertinent, but the majority were detailed and incisive, and that says all you need to know about the interest/scrutiny Georgia’s new defensive coordinator will encounter.
And Grantham, to his credit, welcomes it. (At least he did Friday, though it must be noted his first in-person media briefing came well before a Grantham-coached Georgia defense has lost a game.) “That’s the reason I wanted to take this job,” he said. “I understand the passion. I understand who Georgia fans want to beat and where they want to be. And I feel like we can achieve that.”
Grantham has spent the past decade working in the NFL. Not to go all Charlie Weis on you, but it’s clear Georgia’s new DC believes his new team will have a schematic advantage because of his background. Here, responding to a question submitted by Luke, was Grantham’s response about the ongoing quest of pro teams to exploit matchups, as opposed simply to playing a basic defense every down:
“The last 11 years I’ve been dealing with matchups, and that’s what you have to do in the NFL. You don’t get guys running free to the quarterback very often; the best you can hope for is getting a one-on-one. We’re going to find ways to make [opponents] in pass protection make blocks, whether it’s a back kept in or an offensive lineman.”
The 3-4 defense remains a relative novelty in collegiate circles, and that’s one reason Grantham considers it well suited to defuse exotic offenses. (See: Florida’s spread or Paul Johnson’s option. This question was offered by Chem.) “I don’t think there’s any question [the 3-4] can be better,” Grantham said. “We don’t have to declare our pass rusher until we see the formation. We can adjust.
“With the 4-3, you know the four guys who stick their hands in the dirt are going to rush. One of the things about the 3-4 is that you know one of those four [linebackers] is going to be coming 95 percent of the time. You just don’t know which one.”
Grantham has already gone recruiting — he passed his NCAA-mandated test, Steve Spurrier should know — but said Georgia isn’t suddenly in the market for every Grady Jackson lookalike of tender years. (This question was submitted by doodoo bailey and Suwaneedawg.)
“There are two types of 3-4,” Grantham said. “There’s the New England type, where you’ve got a big massive guy up front. We’re going to be a 1-gap team. In Dallas we had Jay Ratliff [a stripling at 303 pounds] make the Pro Bowl. We’ll have a standard [for nose tackles] as we go forward, but we also have to have position flexibility.”
Todd Grantham, you should know, is an impressive guy. He says much of what you’d expect — “We want to be physical and aggressive and relentless … We want the other team, when they get done playing you, not to want to play you again” — but says it in a way that makes you believe he can deliver. He made it known he expects UGA fans to deliver, too.
“I’ve heard [Georgia fans] bark when [a defender] makes a play,” he said, smiling. “Is that true? That’s my question to them.”
One thing more: The guy who asked readers to submit questions posed one of his own, this on a matter of global importance. While with the Cowboys, did Grantham meet Jessica Simpson?
“I did,” he said. Then, kidding, he pointed to reporters’ tape recorders on the table. “Turn those off.” Then this: “I can tell this little story. I was sitting in my office one Tuesday watching film [here he mimicked a guy reared back in a chair with a remote in his hand], and Tony [Romo, Simpson's former flame] walked by. He said, ‘Hi, Todd.’ Then someone else said, ‘Hi, Todd.’
“I’m like this. [Mimicking craning his neck around a corner.] It was Jess. Nice girl. Nice girl.”
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432 comments Add your comment
gatorman
January 22nd, 2010
1:52 pm
He will have the same success with the gators as the great Van Gorder.
gatorman
January 22nd, 2010
1:54 pm
Barking Dawg, the key to beating florida in 07 wasn’t more linebackers; we still scored 30 points. We counldn’t stop Stafford and Mereno.
NoogaDawg
January 22nd, 2010
1:54 pm
Hey Trekkies, our Defensive Coordinator can beat up your Defensive Coordinator. Grantham looks like a BEAST.
The Truth
January 22nd, 2010
1:54 pm
“Plus having more lbs was the key to beating florida in 07.”
Don’t forget about the fact that Florida was full of Freshmen and Sophomores, that was pretty vital as well.
Pepe Freius
January 22nd, 2010
1:57 pm
I can still field those grouders!!!
Sonny Clusters
January 22nd, 2010
1:57 pm
Looks a little like a grown up Stinky Wintes.
Factual Fred
January 22nd, 2010
1:58 pm
Did you know the last time Georgia beat Florida two times in a row Aaron Murray and Zach Mettenberger weren’t even born yet, the 1988 and 1989 seasons?
Zzuf Wolley
January 22nd, 2010
1:59 pm
GOT SOME SERIOUS GOOSE BUMPS READING THIS ARTICLE. I AM PUMPED!!!!! WISH THE SEASON STARTED TOMORROW. THIS IS THE YEAR BABY. WE WILL NOT LOSE AGAIN. I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jessica Simpson
January 22nd, 2010
2:00 pm
“The University of Georgia has a football team?”
gatorman
January 22nd, 2010
2:01 pm
Zzuf Wolley, got any hot stock picks?
Mass Exodus
January 22nd, 2010
2:01 pm
Go Dogs…. yeah it sure does….. he looks like he is really focused in making those sounds with his facial expression !
todd grantham
January 22nd, 2010
2:04 pm
mark, i enjoyed the interview but suggest you work on the photo skills some.
todd
dan
January 22nd, 2010
2:05 pm
Urban Meyer,
Rome is burning around you my friend. But I tell you what, go ahead and think that you’ll 11-1 or 12-0 this year. Watching your team plumment to 8-4 will be a real joy. Of course all of this is assuming that you’ll actually be on the sideline next year after your “leave of absence” during the height of recruiting season! Duhhhhh Mkay!!!
Russ, the Temporary Mascot
January 22nd, 2010
2:06 pm
Mark, I submitted a lot of questions. Did you ask him any of my questions? I am the temporary mascot. Most of my questions were about the a$$ painting.
UA Alum92
January 22nd, 2010
2:08 pm
His opinion of Ms. Simpson as a “nice girl” has me questioning his judgement. Nice rack, maybe, but nice girl?
azcat225
January 22nd, 2010
2:08 pm
And once again, another moron posting who doesn’t know the difference between a chop block and a cut block. Good luck to Coach Grantham, he has a fine pedigree. (From a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan).
PowerDawg
January 22nd, 2010
2:08 pm
I’m with you, Will. 2010 will be a bit of a learning curve. I think we’ll still be in the race though.
And of course, we will still beat the hell out the candlebugs from North Ave.
Ocala- I think the Indy Bowl said they won’t have an SEC vs ACC match-up for a while. This bowl normally doesn’t have an SEC team in it. It usually goes to the MWC. But I could sure see Urbans Gekkos in the Papa-Johns. That is providing he survives the stress of a serious rebuild this year.
gatorman
January 22nd, 2010
2:09 pm
dan, wake up you are dreaming. The only game UF will lose prior to the SEC championship game with Auburn will be at Alabama. Who will challenge in the east; UGA, USC? Dream on.
Coach Johnsons Paul
January 22nd, 2010
2:10 pm
I’ll show that Punk who’s the smartest Coach in GA (just ask MB who sniffs my jock daily) and even if he does get the best of my team I’ll, I’ll, I’ll… PUNCH HIM IN THE FACE!!!!
Starring Kam Fong as Chin Ho
January 22nd, 2010
2:10 pm
Mark, nice article. If this keeps up I may have to renew my AJC subscription. I mean one complete article without kissing up to CPJ or bashing the state of Ga football. Heck man you’ve got me rethinking the whole Mayan calender thing about the end of the world
azcat225
January 22nd, 2010
2:10 pm
And apparently some middle schools had early release today, given all the “hilarious” comments about passing gas and bowel movements.
Grandad
January 22nd, 2010
2:11 pm
I am truly impressed by this guy. With Coach Martinez, no disrespect intended, I was always just a little indifferent about him and his coaching. Coach Grantham grabs you and makes you want to pay attention whether you like him or not. I reckon they call that charisma.
It’s the little things that matter. « Get The Picture
January 22nd, 2010
2:11 pm
[...] the little things that matter. Jump to Comments After reading these perceptions of Todd Grantham and Al Groh from their first respective meetings with the local press since taking on their shiny [...]
dan
January 22nd, 2010
2:11 pm
Actually Gatorman,
You scored 23. Stafford spotted you the extra 7, just like he and Knowshon spotted your team 28 points off of turnovers in 2008. You know maybe one of these days UGA will learn that turning the ball over usually has an EXTREMELY negative effect on the outcome of a game! Wishful thinking I know.
Diamond Dave
January 22nd, 2010
2:12 pm
Just block and tackle.
Tron Carter
January 22nd, 2010
2:14 pm
Will Al Groh have to comment on when he met Moses?
Grantham Talking And Garner Staying At UGA | MrSEC.com
January 22nd, 2010
2:15 pm
[...] coordinator says he like the passion of the Bulldog fanbase. In fact, Todd Grantham says that’s why he “wanted to take this job.” “I understand the passion. I understand who Georgia fans want to beat and where they want to [...]
De' truth
January 22nd, 2010
2:17 pm
You submitted questions from this bunch?? I’ll bet the ones from “Russ, the temporary…” were among the more lucid.
Tron Carter
January 22nd, 2010
2:17 pm
Al Groh spotted today hitting the recruiting trail on his hoveround with Paul Johnson in a side car engineered by the Georgia Trek dorkeneers.
Coming at the recruits at 3-5 mph
dan
January 22nd, 2010
2:21 pm
Gatorman,
Let’s see:
Florida-lost their OC last year 2008, their DC this year, their recruiting coordinator, and a head coach on a “leave of absence”. On offense they a Heisman trophy winner in Tim Tebow, they’re top 2 receivers in Aaron Hernandez and Riley Cooper. And on defense they’re losing Spikes, Haden, and possibly half they’re juniors!
But they’ll just reload right. I mean all of those players and coaches from those championship teams are TOTALLY replaceable. I mean Florida has so much talent, they won’t even need a coaching staff! Yep sounds like a team that is primed for a Championship to me!
Tron Carter
January 22nd, 2010
2:21 pm
Al Groh as DC = Metamucil.com bowl at best
gatorman
January 22nd, 2010
2:22 pm
dan, actually for the past 20 years the talent level has been pretty close. My take on it all is just like before 1990, the gators are in the dawgs head just like they were prior to then. We owe it all to the evil genius.
AceDawg
January 22nd, 2010
2:22 pm
I look forward to seeing things come together for UGA. I’m optimistic at the moment.
PowerDawg
January 22nd, 2010
2:22 pm
Funny you should write “Dream on”. You are definitely surfing the REM waves if you truly believe you will lose only once this season.
Plus, you are picking AUBURN in the SECCG?
Dude, that ain’t dreaming. That’s called hallucinations
.
Somebody slap Rumpy and wake him up! And tell him to stop washing down those ‘ludes with Boone’s Farm.
dan
January 22nd, 2010
2:24 pm
Gatorman,
Let’s see:
Florida-lost their OC in 2008, their DC this year, their recruiting coordinator, and they have a head coach on a “leave of absence”. On offense they lose a Heisman trophy winner in Tim Tebow, their top 2 receivers in Aaron Hernandez and Riley Cooper. And on defense their losing Spikes, Haden, and possibly half their juniors!
But they’ll just reload right. I mean all of those players and coaches from those championship teams are TOTALLY replaceable. I mean Florida has so much talent, they won’t even need a coaching staff! Yep sounds like a team that is primed for a Championship run to me!
gatorman
January 22nd, 2010
2:24 pm
Dan I might add we dontt have a coach that is stupid enough to go into a season with a QB without a snap.
DaddyDawg
January 22nd, 2010
2:24 pm
Mark:
So how many FBS teams currently run the 1 gap 3-4 as their base defense, and did Grantham run the 1 gap 3-4 when he was the defensive coordinator with the Cleveland Browns??
wes
January 22nd, 2010
2:30 pm
“I’ve heard [Georgia fans] bark when [a defender] makes a play,” he said, smiling. “Is that true? That’s my question to them.”
LOL ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Yes, they do! You are now employed by a fanbase full of dirt necks!! LOL!!!
il5
January 22nd, 2010
2:32 pm
The 3-4 is going to drive the SEC QB’s nuts. It’s unpredictable, impossible to read, not pass-friendly, QB attack zone.
Inexperienced John Brantley will be no match for the NFL battle tested DC that spruned Saban. Around Hallowen, Brantley will be in for a surprise gift from Todd Grantham, forget trick or treat, it’s get sacked, hurried or knocked down—all day long!!!
rc and a moonpie
January 22nd, 2010
2:32 pm
Georgia is a Joke: Thanks for clearing that up. I have been wondering what YOU thought. I’m crushed.
RedandBlack
January 22nd, 2010
2:35 pm
Coach Richt finally has a DC who gets the picture. Grantham was the best candidate from the start. He will bring something to the Georgia Bulldog defense that the SEC has not seen before. The competition will have to adjust and react to the Georgia defense from now on. New, educational, and fresh changes ahead for the Georgia Bulldog defense. Fantastic!! How many days until September? Go Dogs!!!
il5
January 22nd, 2010
2:36 pm
Glad Georgia’s running the 1 gap:
1- easier to find a nosetackle
2- responsibilities are crystal clear for everybody
Gratefuldawghead
January 22nd, 2010
2:37 pm
GO DAWGS!!!!
gatorman
January 22nd, 2010
2:37 pm
il5, Grantham will have as much success as Van Gorder did, of course UF’s new DC will not be able to handle the experience you have coming back at QB.
JB
January 22nd, 2010
2:37 pm
Groh to meet with press at Picadilly on Piedmont at 11 on Monday. He said if more than 3 or 4 show up, I ‘ll get my driver and van to take us over. I don’t do Expressways.
UA Alum92
January 22nd, 2010
2:39 pm
MB, Did he mention which Jessica he met? Was it the Daisy Duke or the Mom Jeans version?
17 of 20
January 22nd, 2010
2:40 pm
Grantham is gator-bait.
Just sayin
January 22nd, 2010
2:41 pm
The 3-4 might be good against the pass (maybe) but if you have a strong running attack it will be eaten alive. Do you idiots really believe that this guy was the one who Richt wanted all along? What more does this guy have to do? Oh well, the rest of the conference hopes he keeps his job.
JB
January 22nd, 2010
2:41 pm
Groh was asked what he was going to run…….He thought for a minute, turned up his hearing aid and said, ” don’t worry about it, I wearing a diaper.
Brett Favre
January 22nd, 2010
2:41 pm
Percy said his boys will have the same success against the 3-4 as we did.