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Home > Mark Bradley > Archives > 2008 > October > 07 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USStafford more than your average John
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Athens — If he leaves after this season, Matthew Stafford might well be the first player chosen in the NFL draft. He’s as talented as any quarterback on any campus, Tim Tebow included, and he’s the most gifted quarterback Georgia has ever had.
But his, as we know, is a funny position. As Stafford himself said, “The biggest judge of a quarterback is winning football games,” and this quarterback is 22-5 as a starter but hasn’t yet led the Bulldogs to even a division championship. And that’s why there are some folks who suggest Stafford is overrated.
His big buddy Knowshon Moreno isn’t among them. “John is a really good quarterback,” Moreno said Tuesday, and here a listener flinched. John? John Unitas? John Brodie? John Parker Wilson?
“John is his real first name,” said Moreno, smiling now. “Brannan [Southerland] told me that at lunch, and I said, ‘That’s his new name for me.’ “
Said Southerland: “That’s pretty funny.”
Said John Matthew Stafford, clearly unamused: “I don’t care — whatever.”
Mark Richt has worked with some of the best collegiate quarterbacks of the past two decades — Charlie Ward, Chris Weinke, David Greene, D.J. Shockley — and he said he believes Stafford “is a great quarterback.” But then: “To say someone is the greatest ever, he’d probably have to have a championship.” And then: “Hopefully [you’ll] write the part that doesn’t make it seem like I’m dogging him out.”
Stafford is twice the player he was two seasons ago, when as a gifted-but-occasionally-addled freshman he seemed to keep both teams in the game. He threw 13 interceptions in 2006; he has thrown one this season, that a speculative deep ball at the end of the forlorn first half against Alabama. He completed 52.7 percent of his passes as a freshman; he has completed 59.7 percent as a junior.
He leads the SEC in passing yards per game and in total offense, and he’s third in passing efficiency. (Tebow is first.) But Stafford, for all his arm strength, has never had a 300-yard passing game. Greene had seven in his four seasons, and he led Georgia to two Eastern Division titles and an SEC championship to boot.
“I came here to win,” Stafford said. “I want to win.”
Remember the bit about it being a funny position? The quarterback is expected to lift the rest of his team, but it’s possible to wonder if Stafford hasn’t been dragged down by Georgia’s ongoing struggles to build an offensive line. Would Greene, who left school as the biggest collegiate winner ever, have won so often behind a collection of freshmen?
“He’s really developed,” said Moreno, speaking of his pal John. “You can see it in the decision he makes and the accuracy and power of his throws. … His reads [are so much better now]. He’s seeing things before they happen. I definitely see a change in the huddle — he shows that leadership.”
Surely the NFL likewise sees such attributes. Stafford has one of the truly big arms. But so did Jeff George, who was drafted No. 1 overall and who never won anything of consequence. Stafford doesn’t much care to discuss his future — “I’m playing here, trying to do the best I can, trying to help the team win” — but it would be a shame if a quarterback so skilled didn’t deliver a championship of some kind before he departs.
It’s not mandatory, mind you. As Richt said, “Was Archie Manning a great quarterback? I think most people would say he was.” But it would be nice for all concerned if John Matthew Stafford went ahead and rendered the point moot.
• More coverage: Matthew Stafford page
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By ga_tech_92
October 7, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
If John is projected to be drafted anywhere in the top five, he’s smart enough to go.
Long live Calvin Johnson!
By Michael Scharff
October 7, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
Wow - this is an intersting topic - hopefully I won’t be too long. I don’t know Matthew Stafford personally. That being said, I have been in the stands to personally observe the majority of games he has played in both home and away since his freshman year. I know that when he comes through the line for the Dawg Walk, he looks like the he is having to endure something painful. He is very serious, he never smiles, and I have rarely seen him interact with fans. I have, of course, seen him display both frustration and joy on the playing field during games. Yes, Mr. Stafford has a powerful arm. He also is one the least mobile q.b.’s in the SEC. One thing I have never understood is why Mr. Stafford appears to check off so often in every game.
I appreciate Mr. Stafford’s skills, and I am very happy that he chose to play for UGA. However, I don’t see him displaying a lot of fire that is evident to Joe Fan in the stands. Be that as it may, his teammates speak well of him, as do his coaches. Thanks, Matt, for all you do, and GO DAWGS!
By Brian
October 7, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
If UGA doesn’t get their heads together they stand to lose at least two or three more games - that Bama game was embarrassing! A very cocky Dawg team got it handed to them!
This kind of stuff midway through the season doesn’t help!
By Not Michael Scharff
October 7, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
Stafford is one of the least mobile QBs in the SEC? What games are you watching? Did you watch him dart 35 yards for a score against Tech? Or make a couple big runs against SC? For a kid his size, he’s very mobile. And he moves better in the pocket than Tebow ever could.
Wow. Just an amazingly dumb statement.
By Stafford Fan
October 7, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
The overrated argument is somewhat understandable given all the attenion that he gets, but one could just as easily argue that he is underrated. He rarely gets credit for his excellent game management skills or his ability to perform in the clutch. The media, particularly the national media, portray him as just a big guy with a big arm that hasn’t lived up to his potential. That’s not really a fair portrayal in my opinion. Of the 5 losses on his resume I would say only one rests mostly on his shoulders, and that would be the 2006 Kentucky game in which he threw 3 picks. And even that loss required a late defensive collapse. The guy has done all he can to help Georgia win and sometimes doesn’t have the best set of circumstances to work with. Then again, I don’t place as much importance on the quarterback position as most do. That’s just my philosophy.
And LOL @ Stafford being one of the least mobile QB’s in the SEC. What planet have you been on the past two years kid?
By AltamahaDawg
October 7, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
He will not defy history, or all the advice telling him to stay his senior year.
By John Thomas
October 7, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
GA tech still sucks.
By old dawg 73
October 7, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
the reason that stafford appears to audible a lot is that he is given a lot of decision-making options at the line of scrimmage by coach richt. on most plays, he has at least 2 options. he decides which play he thinks will work the best based on the defense he sees. coach richt believes in his qb making that decision rather than looking over to him as per the way spurrier does it. go dawgs this week and the rest of the way!
By Deac
October 7, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
“But his is, as we know, is a funny position.”
I don’t know about the position, but the grammar’s funny.
By Glad I'm NOT a tech fan
October 7, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
Matthew is no doubt one of the best QBs that have ever come through UGA. His mobility and willingness to stay in the pocket far surpassess the ability that what I have seen out of Tebow. Yes, Tebow is good QB. He’s big and he can follow a block; however, this year we have seen him try to stay in the pocket and he’s really struggled. As far as Stafford, I beg him to give us one more year! Go Dawgs!
By Oledawg
October 7, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
Staff could use a personal article about now. We trust his judgement during games enough that he calls most of the signals on the field. Who gives a crap what his “legacy” is at this time. Articles like this add pressure to an equation that is between a team leader, a coach and the team. We are all OBSERVERS who don’t get to impact that equation except from the stands. I hope that Staff has a good weekend. If his face is unsmiling how about an article on his game focus. Why should he smile coming thru the “walk”? He has the weight of the team’s success on his back and as an alumnus I’m glad he can focus ahead. The best usually have that characteristic and don’t have to compete in your popularity contest. I have noticed that during interviews and light moments he smiles and laughs as much as anyone. If he throws up before games he will also join a long list of great athletes. If he is nervous and it takes a couple sets of downs for him to get settled-so what?
It’s nice that he has another name, but it’s obvious that he prefers Matthew. Shall we change our personal rendition of the 100th Psalm to: Yea tho I walk thru the valley of the shadow of death, thou art with me; my John and my Staff, They comfort me…….? The point is, leave well enough alone. It would be interesting if you writers would take a stat and point out(using game film at your disposal) how many dropped passes were on the receivers and point out what his true completion percentage is. That would be interesting. This article ain’t.
By Tater
October 7, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
Stafford and Green big this weekend!!! www.thedawgsden.com
By Exley DAWG
October 7, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
I love the guy but its a team sport and until he wins the SEC you cannot say his carrer at UGA was successful. So far I do believe that Greene and Shockley were better leaders on the field.
Now get out there and win!
By CarolinaJacket
October 7, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
There is no doubt that Stafford is good, but the best ever? There were a couple of guys named Fran and Zeke who might take exception with that.
By Michael Scharff
October 7, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
To those of you who have called me names and scoffed at my statement about Matt’s mobility - almost anytime Matt has to move out of the pocket, it messes up his entire throwing motion. He usally throws off of the wrong foot, and those passes are very rarely completed. Right now, this is a HUGE problem for us, because our O-line is currently not protecting Matt very well at all. If we had a line with the size and experience similar to Bama’s, Matt would very likely have at least one 300 passing yard game already. Furthermore, Matt did , indeed, have a couple of nice runs for positive yards so far this season. He is also one of the slowest persons on the team. Not only that, he has not consistently shown that he can either get out of bounds or slide before he gets hit. Please recall that this almost resulted in his sustaining a concussion just two weeks ago. This is obviously something that Coach Bobo realizes, as the majority of our plays do not give Matt the opportunity to option into a planned run. And, OBTW, please have a little bit more creativity than to use such immature screen names as “Not Michael Scharff.”
By CarolinaJacket
October 7, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
P.S. Mark, you may want to check with Furman about this.
By too tough44
October 7, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
#7, THE BULLDAWG NATION THINKS YOU ARE THE NEXT ELWAY! IF WE WOULD HAD ANY DEFENSIVE HELP AGAINST THE TIDE, YOU BROUGHT US BACK! (“ELWAYISH”) HECK, YOU SCORE 30 POINTS YOU SHOULD WIN THE DANG GAME! LETS GIVE’UM HELL THIS YEAR. AND, HOPEFULLY NEXT YEAR TOO!
GO #7 AND GO DAWGS!
By Joel in ATL
October 7, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
“Staff” is the real deal QB. The line issues I would agree have hurt but Staff gets it done when it’s time to get it done. He reads the defense and checks off accordingly and no coach is just going to give any QB that freedom since late in his freshman year. Staff will return for his senior year because he came to win. Not passing for 300 yards is the last thing I think about. If yor leading the 4th in the SEC you ru that rock til the clocks out. Plus He gave way to Joe Cox, who is a pretty darn good guy to have as a backup and deserves to play, so chill onthe lack of 300 yard passing game,I’m sure he would take the W’s over the yards anyday of the week.
By JB
October 7, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
The pro’s see him as getting better every year and only about 60% of reaching his POTENTIAL. THEY SEE THAT ARM. He could play at 240 in the NFL after some time in the weight room. I’m not sure about the first few guys taken, but for sure one of the first 15-20 guys which equals 5 Mil signing bonus and 5 years at 2.5 a year. Anyone think Georgia Power or Coca Cola is handing out that kind of money ?
By Huh?
October 7, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
Hold on now Mr. Scharff, you were talking about his mobility. You didn’t say a single word about his throwing motion. Those are two entirely different things. Your credibility is waning. Throwing on the run messes up almost any quarterbacks throwing motion. What’s your point? Nobody has suggested he’s Vince Young. He’s a pocket passer. Of course his throwing motion will not be as good on the run. Duh. Thanks for that Captain Obvious.
Oh, and you follow up one stupid statement with yet another one:
“He is also one of the slowest persons on the team.”
The guy pushes 230 pounds and runs a 4.7 forty. His speed is not even remotely a problem, especially considering the fact that he is a pocket passer. In other words, what the crap are you talking about? How much faster is he supposed to run according to you? You have some pretty high standards.
You have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. Not the slightest clue. Are you really a Georgia fan? I have my doubts.
By Dorsey Hill
October 7, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
Stafford is an exceptional talent and has clearly improved in all technical areas. The one thing that has consistently troubled me about Stafford is his seeming lack of football intuition or ‘feel’ I suppose. The interception at the end of the first half vs. bama is an example. He was running right throwing across his body to the middle of the field off his back foot with no velocity and into double coverage. That’s just not smart football. If he sets his feet and fires the ball to the left side of the end zone, which was completely empty, maybe Harris out runs the saftey and the corner to the ball. Maybe it lands harmlessly on the ground and we have another go on third down but don’t just heave it up for grabs. He can read a defense and he can make all the throws, but he doesn’t seem to improvise or use his instincts like an Elway or a Farve. I suppose you can be robotic and successful like Peyton, but he never won any SEC rings either.
Also despite Bradley’s lack of historical reference, David Greene won a SEC East championship while being sacked 47 times in 2003 behind a much worse line than Matt has ever suffered.
By T'ville Dawg
October 7, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
A lot of press has come out recently concerning the lack of an offensive identity in the FLA Gators. If you look at their offense, the Tebow runs, the lack of an effective running back, and the multiple use of gadget plays all seem to lack a game plan for the best use of the offense.
Despite lack of success on occasion, our Dawgs look very purposeful when they approach the line of scrimmage. If Stafford does not know what he is doing, he will certainly fool you with his poise, his determination, and his confidence. He is truly a field general.
Comparing the DAWGS to the gators offensively, we look more a like team with coordination and purpose. Our offensive schemes involve an attempt to balance the run against the pass. Stafford’s checkoffs indicate that we are heavily involved in reading defenses.
As I said earlier, we are not 100% succesful. I just think we look the part of a balanced football team.
By Top Dawg
October 7, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
Unless they win the National Championship, they will ALL be back next year.
By Mark Bradley
October 7, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
I believe Peyton Manning helped lead Tennessee to the 1997 SEC title.
By Johnny Danger Dawg
October 7, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
David Greene used to switch to a hard count to trick defenses into jumping early. Tricked those defenses into penalties. Why don’t we ever do that anymore?
By 4-Ga.
October 7, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
One thing worth noting is how Alabama folded in the second half. They did it against Georgia and Kentucky. I bet others have noticed this as well.
By Larvell Blanks
October 7, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
Stafford is one of the 12 least mobile quarterbacks in the SEC. Easily.
By Old Dawg
October 7, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
Dear Deac:
With a statement like: “but the grammar’s funny,” you shouldn’t be questioning another writer’s copy. There is no reason, and I mean none whatsoever, for the apostrophe!
By Larvell Blanks
October 7, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
Um, Old Dawg, when YOU criticize someone’s writing, you might want to ask a second grader before hitting the “post” button. Look up “contraction” in the dictionary. (Hint: how do you shorten “grammar is”?).
By St. Bernard
October 7, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this
Scharff, So, mobility is the most important aspect for the qb?! Tell that to Peyton or Brady.
By Sautee Dawg
October 7, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this
Watched “John” Matt Stafford in his first spring game and in every home game since he came to UGA. First time i saw him throw a 20 yard out to the sideline i was amazed at his arm strength. Kinda put you in mind of “John Elway”. Some of his passes like the ones he threw in the Arizona St. game not many NFL QB’s make those passes, But to complete passes he’s got to be protected. No doubt he will be a first round choice, but i doubt he’ll go this year. Just don’t seem ready to leave the college scene just yet!
By Fort Worth Dawg
October 7, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this
Matthew Stafford’s dad is named John also so is Matthew really John, Jr.? For the record: Herschel Junior Walker (no one is going to call him “Junior”), Knowshon Rockwell Moreno, and Brannan Drew Southerland.
By robby
October 7, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this
all i know is that i love john matthew
lol
he throws the prettiest ball ive ever seen … jawja just needs a break or two and to play mad as heck after the embarrassment of alabama
By Dorsey Hill
October 7, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this
Sorry Mark, I guess I had intentionally blocked out the fact that our beating UF and the Clint Stoerner fumble vs. UT snuck Peyton into the 1997 SEECG. If I remember correctly if Arky doesn’t fumble and beats UT, as it should have, we would have won the three way 6-2 tie breaker with UF and UT. I also remember that UT was actually a better team without Peyton the next year.
By FLA DAWG
October 7, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this
As goes the O Line so goes the entire Offense and the QB. No question in my mind Stafford is the best QB in college today.
You want to guess who is second? For my money that freshman QB that LSU put in the game to beat Auburn when Auburn knocked out LSU’s first QB. That kid can throw a ball with the flick of his wrist - WOW! In two years he’ll be a Heisman candidate. (Someone help me with his name)
By BjohnDawg
October 7, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
Did Archie Manning win a national championship. How about John Elway. Bret Favrevra…LOL
I think Stafford has done a great job as Georgia’s QB. Would I like Georgia to win a National Championship with Stafford at QB? Does a polar bear pee on ice?
But Buck Belue was no unitas or montana, but he has a ring. Stafford may not get one, but life will not end for him or for Georgia.
Go Dawgs. And to hell with Tech and Aubum and Roswell Ed. Big P^#$Y!
By 6straight
October 7, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
I agree that Stafford runs a nice game, gets us into the right play much more than he gets credit for. He throws a fantastic slant, a very nice crossing pattern and he is much faster now than he was as a freshman. His deep balls are problematic, however as he still throws into an awful lot of double and triple coverages on the deep routes and is not as accurate as you would think considering his arm strength…the important thing to remember, however, is that Tech sucks.
By Mark Bradley
October 7, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this
The Stoerner fumble was in 1998 — Tee Martin’s undefeated BCS-winning season.
By bagco
October 7, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this
4-GA As a Bama fan it sure feels good to fold in the second half and still kick the dawgs A$$. And I think that is worth noting myself. I am sure others noticed it to.RTR
By GTDan
October 7, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this
Wow. The best ever in Athens? Greene, Shockley, Tarkenton, and Zier. Are you serious. I’d take either of these 4 way ahead of Stafford. A lot of guys have a great arm but being a quarterback isn’t about having a cannon. It’s about winning. And I’d put Zier’s arm against Stafford any day.
By BE#3
October 7, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
Stafford is quietly proving that he is living up to the “hype”. Look at his TD/INT ratio, completion %, and YPG. He usually makes good decisions prior to the snap but could do a better job hitting his underneath routes for first downs instead of going for the HR ball. But overall he’s the best QB in the SEC and doesn’t get the media attention he deserves!
Why does he need to smile and laugh in the Dawg Walk? We have no idea what’s going through his head during the Dawg Walk. He could be eating it up inside or just be in a zone or a pregame state of mind. Bottom line is HE is the leader of this team and has the respect of his teammates. Stafford is a winner and will lead this team to a championship!
GO DAWGS!
By Denver Dawg
October 7, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this
Rivals recently rated Stafford the #1 underclassman in the upcoming NFL draft.
He’s given his all, and continues to do so for himself, the coaches, the team, and the fans - for 3 years. He owes us NOTHING ELSE.
GET THE HELL OUT OF ATHENS, and away from Mike Bozo, Silly Willie and Mark Wrong. Our great coaches blew this one.
By DallasDawg
October 7, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
As a UGA alum who lives in Dallas, Tx, watched Matthew in his high school days at Highland Park and attends every UGA home game I can say I’m glad Mattthew elected to attend UGA but is he one of the greats? Not quite. Win a championship in the SEC and then we’ll talk. He DEFINITELY needs another year at UGA and it needs to be a GREAT year for him to be remembered. UGA has a great history and unless you bring us another SEC championship (at a minimum) he is just a guy who fit the uniform. GO DAWGS!
By Mark Bradley
October 7, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
I didn’t say “the best ever.” I said, “the most gifted ever.” There’s a difference.
By Zeb
October 7, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this
Dam Denver…..what’s going on with you man??? Please explain yourself.
By SuzDawg
October 7, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this
First of all, he goes by Matthew, not Matt, not ever. I know him personally and he is a fine young man. Cut him some slack going through the Dawg Walk-he has hundreds of people yelling his name-he’s a shy guy with a lot of responsibility on his shoulders…he’s focusing on the task at hand-winning!! Hey Matthew, I’ll see you at the guard shack on Saturday. Go Dawgs!
By wreckmaniac
October 7, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this
Whats the point of this “know your dawgs” section that comes out every day ? Who cares? Its like “know your mailman”. Just get the mail here or just win a nat champ. Is there really any interest in this nonsense ?
By wreckmaniac
October 7, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this
What a pile of home cookin’. “Staff” won’t go in the first three rounds of any NFL draft even if he stays at UGA another four years. Why ? He’s too short and can’t throw. If he could he would playing for Mac Brown’s #5 ranked Longhorns.
By gp
October 8, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this
The next game that we win as a result of Stafford’s talent -above all else- will be the first.
I am thrilled that Stafford plays for UGA and thankfully we are very balanced on offense so there is less need for the QB to win all by himself. That said, I don’t recall a game where his production single-handedly lifted us to a win (see Joe Cox vs Colorado).
I am not saying for a second that Stafford isn’t or shouldn’t be the man, but for all the talent and potential he is rarely the difference maker. We may look back on his career and say the same about Richt’s effect on Stafford as the old joke about Dean Smith being the only person who ever held Jordan in check.
By Denver Dawg
October 8, 2008 1:10 AM | Link to this
Zeb:
Sorry, let me clear that up.
I think Stafford will go at the top of the 1st round of the draft and HE SHOULD GO. Georgia has had its chance with him to win a championship. THIS WAS OUR YEAR. It’s not his fault that the coaches failed to have great backups to injured players and to lead this team.
I’m just saying that he shouldn’t risk injury, etc. only to try to win a championship for coaches who will fail him again next season. It’s not worth the risk. Players that “come back” for that championship oftentimes never get it (e.g., Ohio State’s James Laurinaitis). That would be my advice if he were my son.
Those of you who think he’s not the most talenetd QB to play at Georgia are blind. He’ll actually get starting time in the NFL. What are Green and Shockley doing? Zeir? Please. Fran? Good point.
By lee
October 8, 2008 2:24 AM | Link to this
denvers not a dawg he’s a poser
By lee
October 8, 2008 2:27 AM | Link to this
denvers not a dawg he’s a poser
you’re questioning Fran Tarkenton’s skills
go back and look up most yardage passing for a terrible minnesota team and compare that to any in his era! again - denver is a poser or he wouldn’t be attacking these dawg players
By Michael Scharff
October 8, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
SuzDawg, I never intended to infer that Mr. Stafford should be the life of the party in the Dawg Walk. However, I think that the whole point of the exercise is to fire up both the fans and the team. I have personally seen Matthew walk through just about every Dawg Walk since his freshman year, and, as I said, it just looks like something he would rather avoid. It doesn’t help that he is always at the front of the line. And, please let me make it clear, I appreciate Mr. Stafford for his efforts and hard work for UGA football. He certainly has a gun for an arm, and he can throw long balls that are a thing of beauty to watch when he’s on target. He seems to be an upstanding young man, and I hope he leads us to many more victories in the next year and a half. Go Dawgs!
By SlickWillie
October 8, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
A jacket fan here. I think Stafford is an above average QB. I saw him score last year on the jackets on a QB draw out of the shotgun when he blew by Michael Johnson. He has the mobility when he needs it. If he had a healthy and mature offensive line, he would probably be mentioned in the same breath as Tebow. I know a lot of folks place winning a championship high when they rate QB’s, but Stafford has command of his position and will be a factor in the NFL.
By tim
October 8, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
Hey Sharrff! could Stafford be at the front of the line because he is a leader? Could he be silent because he is in his mode for game preperation? As a football coach I urge my players to focus on the task at hand and block all other things out. Could he be checking off at the line to get us into a better play? Could it be that you have NO idea what you are talking about? How bout challenging Staff to an agilities race and let 92 thousand fans watch him blow your doors off. I personally would love to see our duo in the backfield both back for a possible second championship run. Remember DAWG fans nothing is lost yet for this year. The focus is on other teams now. Lets roll on DAWGS.
By Unimpressive Numbers
October 8, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
I don’t understand all this hype over Stafford. If you compare his career completion pecentage to Reggie Ball’s career completion percentage, there is less than a 10% difference! I expect a first round draft pick to be way better than Reggie ball, not within 10%!
By SlimG
October 8, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
Mark, thanks for putting up with all this nonsense.
Stafford will be the top QB taken when he comes out because: A. Makes every throw accurately. Every throw. He can’t make the catches. B. Big body. He doesn’t go down when someone touches him. Will get better in the pocket. C. Excellent ball management. Not many mistakes, unlike our line.
He will have to stay one more season if he wants a real run at a championship. Still will need luck, remember it’s the SEC.
By Dr Frasier Crane
October 8, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
Unimpressive Numbers, 22-5 are the most important numbers jackass! What are your qb’s numbers? I’ll take Stafford over your’s any day of the week.
By Mark Bradley
October 8, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
Here’s my take on Stafford: He’s a great third-down quarterback, which isn’t a bad thing to be, but he needs to be more precise on first and second down. He can make every throw, yes, but his completion percentage should be higher. (It has, however, risen every season.) He has learned not to throw into coverage, which is a major development, and he’s mobile enough to maneuver out of trouble, which is all any coach can ask.
I think he’s a very good college quarterback — there are moments when he’s a great one — who will be a good NFL quarterback if he works at it. Nobody survives in that league at that position on talent alone, and I’ve seen nothing to indicate Stafford isn’t willing to work.
By Dr Frasier Crane
October 8, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
If we don’t pull the championship off this year, I hope Stafford stays. He needs to buy some Lloyds of London insurance in case he gets hurt just like Peyton Manning did for his senior season. We’ll need him to help groom Aaron Murray for a season and then we’ll be off to the races again with another great QB. GO DAWGS!
By ARdawg
October 8, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this
Stafford is the real deal. I still have hopes he’ll have a championship season this year. Admitingly several other things will have to somehow fall into place. If he doesn’t, it is more reason for him to return next year. Which I strongly encourage him to do.
Lord willing and the creek don’t rise Stafford will be one of the greats. it may not surface on his college career and may not develop for several years in the pros but, when all said and done Stafford will have made a mark in the NFL.
You keep on keeping on Matthew. DGD
GO DAWGS
By Cody
October 8, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
I think Stafford is a great QB and the best we’ve had at Georgia … but, I’d take Tebow on the college level… he brings so much more to the table … Stafford still doesn’t see open reciever’s.
By David G was better
October 8, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
Stafford better then Greene, hahahahhahahaahahahahaha Hmmmmm……Stafford can’t handle the pressure, throws double coverage, triple coverage. Can not motivate the team. ARE YOU FREAKING SERIOUS
By bhr
October 8, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Michael, Terrible that you would criticize Stafford’s lack of a smile and fan interaction on game day. Maybe he doesn’t smile due to extreme focus. Stafford spent last Friday night at a HS football game with 2 teammates. I received a call from my 8 year old nephew the next morning still exploding with excitement from sitting behind and getting a picture with Matthew Stafford. Of all the things my brother could have observed from those couple of hours behind him, it was this: “He signed autographs and took pictures for 2 1/2 hours and NOT ONCE did he seem the least bit bothered or ready for it to end. He never stopped smiling for a second. I was so happy as a parent that my child got to see him handle himself the way he did.” I’ll take that over not smiling at the Dawg walk any day.
By Unimpressive Numbers
October 8, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
Dr. Crane, if win-loss records defined how good a quarterback would be in the NFL, then wouldn’t Matt Leinhart be winning every single game in the NFL by wide margins? He isn’t even starting! Your logic is flawed. Please try again and have a nice day!
By GT
October 8, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
The best player on that team is Knowshon Moreno and then you have two great receivers and a pretty good fullback. If this guy is a great quarterback where is it. Unlike Archie Manning, Stafford has a real team around him. I could promise you one thing if Manning was quarterbacking this team they would be undefeated or Richt would be the one that was being pointed at.
By T
October 8, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
I just snotted on myself laughing…
OVER ….RATED….LOL
By Dennis
October 8, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this
Can we say Heath Shuler. Much the same even the fact that he will not win a championship.
By RICK
October 9, 2008 7:34 AM | Link to this
Stafford is one of the most gifted QB’s to ever play at UGA, however; his pocket presence is lacking and he still has a problems finding the open receiver and delivering.
Speaking on a college level only, Stafford has not had a David Green moment,(comeback vs UT in Knoxville) yet! But when he does and wins a SEC title he will go down as one of the UGA greats.
If he does not win a SEC Championship, that does not mean he will not go on to do great things in the NFL.
Stafford definitely has the ability.
By Dawgince'79
December 8, 2008 7:54 AM | Link to this
Worried about Stafford and Moreno leaving? We had 3 losses with them…Joe Cox is pretty dang good, too.