UGA safety Shawn Williams rants that Dogs’ defense is ‘too soft, playing wrong players
Georgia strong safety Shawn Williams, here tackling South Carolina tailback Marcus Lattimore, called out Georgia's defense and some teammates for not playing hard enough. (AP photo)
ATHENS – You figured somebody would say something eventually. Monday night, Georgia strong safety Shawn Williams obliged.
The Bulldogs’ senior and de facto defensive captain ripped into his unit for what he called “soft play” all season. And Williams wasn’t above calling out a few teammates, identifying a couple of linebackers he didn’t think were playing up to snuff.
Do you like that Williams spoke out?
- Yes. Somebody needed to give a wake up call. (86%, 1,144 Votes)
- No. He should have kept his complaints in-house. (14%, 189 Votes)
Total Voters: 1,333
Loading ...“We’re playing too soft as a defense,” said Williams, talking to reporters after Monday night’s practice. “That goes for the D-line, linebackers, corners, safeties, everybody. We’re just not playing with the same attitude we were last year. I don’t know what it is.”
Asked if he had communicated his frustration to his defensive mates, Williams said he did during the Kentucky game and he plans to again this week as the Bulldogs prepare for Saturday’s game against No. 2 Florida in Jacksonville.
“After the first series [against Kentucky], I told everybody we played too soft,” said Williams, Georgia’s leading tackler with 51 stops. “They got the ball at the 20 and went 80 yards right up the middle. I came to the sideline and said ‘y’all are playing soft.’ It gets frustrating because I’m sitting here and I’m giving all I got and I feel like I’ve got some guys that are not. I feel we’ve got some guys that are in a whole different place.”
Asked what he thought needed to be done, Williams said, “I don’t know. I’m trying to see if I have to take somebody’s helmet off and slap them and say, ‘what’s going on’? We’re not playing with any emotion right now. Period.”
Willliams then got into specifics.
“Personally, if I was the coaches, I can’t tell them what to do, but I’d have Amarlo Herrera in the game more,” Williams said of Georgia’s starting Mike linebacker. “I wouldn’t bring him out. . . . I want to see Amarlo (Herrera) and (Alec) Ogletree in the game at linebacker; I don’t want to see anybody else at linebacker. I feel like they’re two guys that are going to go out and give you all they got, no matter if they mess up or do right. I feel like they’re going to get to the ball and tackle. That’s what we need.”
As it stands, those two are playing the most at Georgia’s inside linebacker positions. Seniors Mike Gillard and Christian Robinson split time with Herrera at the Mike. But Herrera played less against Kentucky than he has in the previous six games. He came in averaging 7.8 tackles per game. Against the Wildcats he had three, tying his season low.
“I just feel like he’s better,” Williams said. “I don’t know what he’s doing that’s better than them, getting off blocks, getting around blocks. He just gets to the football, and that’s what we need, somebody who gets to the football and tackles.”
More than any specific individuals, Williams indicated it was attitude in general that has seen the Bulldogs plunge down the national defensive rankings. Heading into Saturday’s game against run-heavy Florida, Georgia is ranked 47th in total defense (367.43 yards per game), 72nd against the run (167.86) and 49th in scoring (24.14 ppg). They were top 23 in all those categories to end last season. Kentucky rushed for 206 of their 329 total yards in a 29-24 Georgia victory.
“Right now, Florida plays very physical and they’re going to come out and try to just manhandle you,” Williams said. “So I’m really looking forward to seeing what we do. Somebody’s gonna get punched in the mouth. It’s going to be us or them. Whoever gets punched in the mouth is going to have to decide, ‘what do we do now?’ You’re either going to give in or you’re going to fight back. Point blank that’s what we’ve got to do.”
Williams’ teammates – at least those available after Monday night’s late-finishing practice — concurred with his assessment.
“I understand where he’s coming from,” senior free safety Bacarri Rambo said. “He wants to win and he wants to be the best in whatever he does. I’m in the same boat with him. I see him as a leader and a captain of the defense. He just wants what’s best for the team and the defense. So if he feels like that I feel the same way. . . . That’s what we’re upset about, because we’re not playing the best we can play, not to the potential we have as a defense.”
Said Malcolm Mitchell, who played nearly half the season at cornerback before switching back to defense full time: “Yeah, we’ve got to amp it up. We’ve got to play harder.”
Williams was asked if he thought some players were worried too much about NFL and complacent because they’ve already proven themselves. Williams is among four Georgia starters that have been projected as first-round draft picks.
“I don’t know if it’s the NFL or worried about messing up or worried about a game down the road,” Williams said. “We’ve just got to do what we do and play physical football. And we’re not. That’s what you’ve got to do to win.”
NOTES . . .
Junior outside linebacker Jarvis Jones, who was nominated as a Butkus Award semifinalist on Monday, was not listed on Monday’s injury report. Generally that means he was able to practice without limitations. The 2011 All-American was unable to play against Kentucky due to right ankle sprain. Neither Jones nor any coaches were available to comment after practice… . Starting defensive end Abry Jones was listed on the practice report as “out.” He left the Kentucky game on the second defensive play with a left ankle injury… . Quarterback Aaron Murray was named the SEC’s offensive player of the week Monday for his 427-yard, four-touchdown passing performance against Kentucky. Murray was also tabbed a semifinalist for the Davey O’Brien Award for the nation’s best quarterback on Monday.
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527 comments Add your comment
Mobile Dawg
October 23rd, 2012
10:00 am
LHarding Dawg usually calls us much worse, fools, idiots, and more Chris. He’s just an obnoxious, blow hard alum, drunk on kool aid, oblivious to the reality of what’s going on, and part of the problem. As far as sidewalk, I made a committment to excellence several years ago, I stopped my donations and started investing that money. If and when we ever become relevant again under new management, I will donate everything that has accrued back into the Hartman Fund. I believe that to be soon, as I think we will see a collapse of the Richt era Saturday.
JB
October 23rd, 2012
10:01 am
I have heard, and yes. that’s weak, but it comes from current students I know up there, that the priority for most of this team is to get the game over so we can get to downtown Athens. The reins are very loose up there with players.
DAWG with two bags over head
October 23rd, 2012
10:02 am
As I said before, it’s embarrassing that a player had to call out his team instead of $5 million worth of coaching staff. Can’t CMR see the forest for the trees? The fan base has gone from polarized to overwhelmingly against him. He’s not even rearranging the chairs on the Titantic; he’s at the helm, in neutral thinking it’s a nice brisk night for a swim (or to be 6-1). I guess I shouldn’t be surprised though. This brain trust thought Scam Newton should be recruited as a tight end.
JB
October 23rd, 2012
10:03 am
MobilDawg…..I agree. If we lay an egg Saturday and this team quits and points fingers, the season is lost. Maybe they have a come to Jesus meeting ( boy, would Richt love that) and show up Saturday. We’ll just have to see.
Georgia safety rants about defense being too soft and playing wrong players | Saturday Down South
October 23rd, 2012
10:05 am
[...] safety Shawn Williams ripped into his fellow defensive unit last night after practice. You had to figure it was coming sooner or later, as evidenced by the [...]
JB
October 23rd, 2012
10:06 am
Yes, this team is 6-1, but the wins together of the opponents have less than a .300 winning percentage. Florida has beat LSU and South Carolina the last two weeks…………Hello real world……
Lonnie
October 23rd, 2012
10:07 am
I am watching the 2007 Fl/GA game. What a game and very good coaching! I think CMR should watch it and his speech in the movie Facing The Giants. We can do it Dawgs.
JB
October 23rd, 2012
10:08 am
Fla 41…Dawgs 17
girldawg
October 23rd, 2012
10:08 am
Rambo and Ogletree should not have been able to start games after they had to sit out for disciplinary reasons… they should be the back ups and earn their way back to starters.. I noticed the defense started sliding with they were playing. Good for you Shawn Williams… glad somebody on the defensive side has a fire in their belly!! Go Dawgs!!
JB
October 23rd, 2012
10:09 am
When was the last time a Richt team ” upset” somebody? Anyone?
DawgDad II
October 23rd, 2012
10:10 am
Well, I expected a let-down once the suspended players came back. UGA might have been better off had a couple of them turned pro. Looking forward, the team hasn’t proved it can play with the big boys in the SEC. I have hope, but no expectation they will.
Sammy
October 23rd, 2012
10:10 am
The D is just 1.89 points behind the 2011 defense.
The 2012 defense is giving up 24 points per game.
The 2011 defense gave up 22.1 points per game.
The D is better in 2nd half, and 4th quarter scoring than the 2011 defense (both are top 15 nationally).
I don’t care about any other defensive stats rushing, sacks, tackles for loss, etc.
Focus on scoring. Keep Florida out of the end zone, make them kick field goals.
From a scoring standpoint, the D is pretty much the same as 2011.
Florida’s offense isn’t exactly great:
54th in scoring, 108th in total yards
20 points is the magic number. Hold Florida to 20 points, like 2011, and you win. Let them score 30 points or more, and you lose.
Takes special teams defense or just punt/kick away from returners, offense not turning the ball over and leaving short fields and staying committed to balance, defense forcing turnovers and eliminating QB runs and forcing runs inside.
If our special teams doesn’t give up big plays, if the offense protects the ball, I’ll trust this team to win the game late like they did in 2011.
DAWG with two bags over head
October 23rd, 2012
10:11 am
JB,
They upset me almost every Saturday!
DAWG with two bags over head
October 23rd, 2012
10:13 am
Statistics are for losers. Who would you rather having coaching Saturday, Vince or Spraytan? Not even a question.
NCDawg
October 23rd, 2012
10:17 am
Chris, yes I think so. McGarity gave CMR a pass last year because there was improvement. That can not be said if we lose to UF Saturday. Lose Saturday and this season is a disappointment at best. Something is broken and all the corrections haven’t changed too much of anything. Lose Saturday and it is glaringly obvious that a regime change is needed. McGarity is not a joke people. He canned the gymnastics coach for not producing championships. Perno is gone if he doesn’t show improvement next year. Fox needs a big step forward too. Don’t think that McGarity was making contingency plans when we opened 0-2 last year. Lose to UF and CMR is gone.
JaxDawg
October 23rd, 2012
10:19 am
GOOD!!!! SO NOW LET’S PUNCH THE GATORS IN MOUTH AND KEEP PUNCHING. LET’S GET PHYSICAL AND TOTALLY SHUT THE GATORS DOWN!!!!!!
WE NEED TO IT OFFENSIVELY AND DEFENSIVELY!!!!!!!!!
Dawg Mad
October 23rd, 2012
10:19 am
Richt has no fire so his team has no fire. Sunday scholl choir boy is fine on Sundays but to play football well you need to be a rabid Dawg on Saturdays. UGA needs new leadership to play like that !
Mobile Dawg
October 23rd, 2012
10:20 am
Good one bag head, that got a laugh from me. JB, I don’t know what to hope for, I’m seriously tired of the Richt era. Georgia football doesn’t excite me any more. If we continue more of the same, i.e. not being competitive, and Richt staying around, I will have to spend Saturdays pursuing other interests.
www
October 23rd, 2012
10:21 am
* Said Malcolm Mitchell, who played nearly half the season at cornerback before switching back to OFFENSE full time
Dawg Mad
October 23rd, 2012
10:21 am
“He’s not even rearranging the chairs on the Titantic; he’s at the helm, in neutral thinking it’s a nice brisk night for a swim (or to be 6-1). ”
That was funny & so true !
Dawg Mad
October 23rd, 2012
10:23 am
I’d love to have Bill Romanowski as our coach. That rabid dog played 110% every play and would bring that attitude with him !
MontanaDawg
October 23rd, 2012
10:25 am
Basically, the D needs to put ‘JUNKYARD’ back in Dawgs!!! Where is Erk Russell when you need him?
Play lights out on both sides of the line and protect the football. We can beat them Gators!!! GO DAWGS!!!
Dawg Mad
October 23rd, 2012
10:25 am
When I watch Richt coaching on the sideline I see a statue with no positive or negative emotions. I watched him against Kentucky late and you could see he was calling plays not to lose instead of being confident they would win. That lack of confidence and weak attitude has no place in college football. And he coaches my favorite team…
WDE
October 23rd, 2012
10:25 am
Shawn Williams ain’t giving up. Shawn Williams is trying to get better, Shawn Williams is trying to get his team mates better, Shawn Williams is mad as hell and wants a big bite of Gator….some of our “fans” could learn a little from Shawn Williams who is a DGD !
The king of the thugs
October 23rd, 2012
10:26 am
Williams is the dirtiest player on Georgia’s team. What he better concentrate on is not getting beat on pass plays like he has several times in the game.
Mr. Hankey (Pankey)
October 23rd, 2012
10:28 am
All this handwringing and espousing conspiratorial theories of NFL pipe dreams seems pointless. The only point from this perspective is the defense stinks (other words apply here). KY looked like they were lubed with KY Jelly against a lacadaisical who gives a F bunch of sluggos. As to the why’s and how’s I personally don’t care. Either fix it or shut the F up. They say we have the parts, but they must have come from China because the play cheap and break easily. FL is gonna kick our butts and leave a cloud of flea and hair filled dust in their wake and perhaps then it will be time for the folks in the sky boxes to begin to contemplate the future of the entire coaching staff. Personally I enjoy the sideline antics of FL’s coach and Spurrier and Saben and deplore the total Tom Landry stoicism of Richt. It’s tired, it’s boring and worst it ain’t working.
JB
October 23rd, 2012
10:30 am
Die hard Dawg fan here in Augusta, Alum, 30+ years of holding season tickets, called me yesterday and offered me his two tickets to the game Saturday. Said it would be the first time in 20+ years he won’t be in Jacksonville, other than the years they played on campus due to Gator bowl work. He’s taking his wife to the mountains. He’s tired of it. Folks, that ain’t good.
Dawg Mad
October 23rd, 2012
10:30 am
I wonder if Bill Romanowski or Ronnie Lott would be interested in being the defensive co-ordinator at UGA ?
Dawg Mad
October 23rd, 2012
10:34 am
Richt’s walking around late 4th qtr. worried on the head set talking to coaches upstairs trying to figure out how to stop that Juggernaut Kentucky offense… Really sad folks !
JB
October 23rd, 2012
10:34 am
I read on here ALL the time, we better be careful what we ask for. Not me. I’m asking for it. The world changes everything when things aren’t working. It’s not who we’re beating. It’s who we are losing to. The High school coach from Buford High can beat the teams we are beating. I want to beat the ones that mean something again. And who we got ain’t doing it.
Alabama Dog
October 23rd, 2012
10:34 am
You mean to tell me it took 7 games to figure this out????? It’s been OBVIOUS since the Buffalo game!!!!!!
Big Wally
October 23rd, 2012
10:39 am
Complete lack of leadership from the coaching staff. Jenkins and Gaethers are only trying 1 out of every 3 plays. The other two, they are “taking off”, – not hustling, just standing around, not getting off blocks, just watching the play, instead of making a tackle. The middle of our D-line is jello.
LHarding Dawg
October 23rd, 2012
10:40 am
Mobile – If the shoe fits, then you have to wear it. As far as koolaid, I don’t drink it. Personally I’ve got a bottle of Crown Reserve in the suitcase for my 36th. Georgia Florida game.
flatsdawg1
October 23rd, 2012
10:41 am
If you lose this game badly, recruiting in Florida is done for the next two years, as it was in South Carolina,let’s be honest. I mean to me, this is maybe Richt’s biggest game of his career. This Florida team may be headed for a NC. If we can win, would we be backing into the SECC , absolutely not! If we get dominated, the season is lost, the downward spiral continues, the coaches start sitting in hot chairs, coaches know this. Muschamp has a golden opportunity in only his second season.Maybe we need Herschel to come give them a speech! It’s Georgia/Florida guys, if you can’t get up for this game, you need to get to the NFL where you have to play for your money!!
MoTivate!
October 23rd, 2012
10:42 am
Grantham’s D better pick it up big against fla—they were supposed to be one of the best D’s in the country and grantham got a huge raise. If they keep this up, richt needs to show grantham the door and hire a new DC, asap!
The king of the thugs
October 23rd, 2012
10:43 am
MoTivate; no Richt needs to be shown the door.
flatsdawg1
October 23rd, 2012
10:43 am
Ah yes,Lharding, no pabst blue for us Dawg fans, only the good stuff! lol
Spokesman for the SEC East
October 23rd, 2012
10:44 am
Like I have been saying for the past 3 years; please give CMR a lifetime contract!!!
LHarding Dawg
October 23rd, 2012
10:45 am
Flats – I’ll be leaving on Wednesday and may need another bottle before the game.
Joey
October 23rd, 2012
10:45 am
I’m asking for it too.
Joey
October 23rd, 2012
10:48 am
You may need yet another bottle AFTER the game, LHarding . . .
LHarding Dawg
October 23rd, 2012
10:50 am
Joey, I’ll be enjoying the Chart House after the game. Win or lose.
Robby T
October 23rd, 2012
10:50 am
It is time for our Athletic Director (McGarity) to start calling out coaches including coordinators about poor play. The whole world knows that we are underperforming based on talent. We always make the top 5 or 10 with recruiting but always fall well below expectations. We are all tired of the excuses! These coaches are making plenty of money and public scrutiny should be warranted when necessary!It is time to say shame on you Coach Richt and shame on you DC Todd Grantham for not earning your pay! We are not asking too much to want to see improvement throughout the year! We have seen digretion!! We are quite frankly and embarrasement in the SEC! Only one player is different from last year’s defense and we are worse off now than then! ARe you kidding me!! Coaching!!! We are getting poor coaching and it is time for McGarity to call it out for what it is!!!
Dan
October 23rd, 2012
10:50 am
Every year UGA is in top 10 in recruiting. What happens to these top players? They aren’t being developed and that is ALL on the coaching staff. Williams is 150% right the team is soft but you have to put the offensive line in there too. Those big guys can’t block anybody. Gators will put a beating on them Saturday. Watch closely Gators will play with a fire and the UGA coaches will stand on sidelines clueless wondering how do you get a team to play so hard?
Dawgman
October 23rd, 2012
10:50 am
can’t wait till Saturday…… either we step up, or get beat down!
sorry but it is what it is!
schmeckdawg
October 23rd, 2012
10:51 am
Atta boy Shawn!!!!! Now I don’t know what Rambo is shooting his mouth off about he’s as soft as a marshmallow!!!!!!!!!!
Dawgsgone
October 23rd, 2012
10:51 am
We usually play the first quarter like we just got out of the dentist chair after being gased for a root canal. Do that this week and we’re down 14-17 before we know what hit us. Hate to say it but that’s what I see happening: Gators 47-13 (we miss another extra point on meaningless td in last two minutes of game)
JB
October 23rd, 2012
11:02 am
What changes in 7 days from Lexington to Jacksonville….other than 7 days of the calender rolled off.
bubba4dawgs
October 23rd, 2012
11:03 am
If the defense isn’t playing up to par, the fault lies with Grantham! That’s what he’s paid to do….COACH! If he’s not coaching as he should, it’s CMR’s job to call him down on that! That’s what Nick Sabin does and does well. That’s why he’s a winner! Plain and simple, better coaching needs to take place at UGA! The talent is there and there is no reason the chickens should have beaten the DAWGS so badly……beaten perhaps, but not slaughtered! Further, McGarrity is no doubt watching and should take steps to fix this. If the defense is playing soft, then evidently, the coaching is coaching soft as well. It is ludicrous that a player such as Williams has to be the one to call out the team for playing soft! Hello coaches, where the hell are you???
$825,000!
October 23rd, 2012
11:04 am
Todd’s plan for Saturday against fla—-give a bunch of choke signs on the sideline to “intimidate” the fla players! He’s got it figured out!