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Home > Mark Bradley > Archives > 2009 > January > 15 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHow good a pro will Stafford be?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sam Bradford’s decision to stay at Oklahoma means Matthew Stafford should be the first quarterback drafted in April and makes him the favorite to go No. 1 overall. (His chief competition: Offensive tackles Andre Smith of Alabama and Michael Oher of Ole Miss.) And here, from someone who covered Stafford’s first and last collegiate games — on Sept. 2, 2006, he entered as Georgia’s third quarterback against Western Kentucky and led a late touchdown drive, and on Jan. 1, 2009, he was named MVP of the Capital One Bowl — is a scouting report:
Strengths: Pro-type body, although the feeling persists he could stand to shed a few pounds; exceptional arm, an Elway-type arm; more elusive than you’d think; played in a pro-style offense at Georgia and proved he could deliver the ball to any and all receivers; played very well against tough teams on the road (see Auburn 2006, Alabama 2007 and LSU 2008); can shrug off a bad half (see Michigan State, New Year’s Day); completed a higher percentage of his passes every year.
Weaknesses: Given his arm, should have completed even a higher percentage; still given to the strange and deflating interception (see Florida and Georgia Tech 2008); can throw the deep ball with ease but doesn’t complete many deep throws; was never the best quarterback in the SEC East and never won a championship of any kind.
Intangibles: Likes playing and seems to be liked by his teammates; never played behind a strong offensive line but never complained; didn’t make excuses when Georgia struggled in 2006; works hard at saying little to the media; shows leadership in an understated way; seems to have had his career path mapped since high school.
Prognosis: Will start in the NFL very soon but must overcome his ingrained diffidence to become a winning NFL quarterback; might not be the guy around whom a franchise can rebuild.
Obvious point of reference: Is a better prospect physically than Matt Ryan but a greater risk overall.
Permalink | Comments (265) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons/NFL, UGA/SEC
Comments
By David
January 15, 2009 8:55 AM | Link to this
I can’t blame him for staying but like Sam Bradford probably reflected, he may regret it later on. You only have one senior year. He needed to stay, just to mature. We don’t know what goes on behind closed doors, but as a fan looking in (and many people that have been around him say) the kid just seems to need to learn how to lead. He just doesn’t seem to have the intensity/desire to win and motivate all the other players around him. Finally, because of the OL, he has had some times where he gets skittish and lazy with his footwork and that is going to be worse on Detroit. We’ll see. He is very talented.
By Dawg in Florida
January 15, 2009 9:02 AM | Link to this
Can you say Ryan Leaf? Arm strength is not the most important factor in the NFL, accuracy is AND this kid has ZERO touch on long throws. How many times did he throw for 300 yards in his career at Georgia? Not many, why, I have already said it. I truly hope I am wrong but I would not waste a first pick on too many questions.
By capt. Midniight
January 15, 2009 9:02 AM | Link to this
I think he has a lot of improvements to make to become a top notch pro quarterback especially with his deep throws. I also don't think he is a smart and motivated as Ryan is.By Mark Bradley
January 15, 2009 9:12 AM | Link to this
I don’t think Stafford will be a Leaf. Stafford seems to care far more than Leaf did, and that’s a big question with quarterbacks: Will they put in the time in the video room?
By uga_b
January 15, 2009 9:19 AM | Link to this
His biggest strengths besides the arm are that he ran the pro offense, which included taking snaps from center and calling checks at the line.
All of your “better” quarterbacks worked out of the shotgun or in gimmicky offenses. Bradford crumples like tin foil under a rush and his accuracy disappears. It is easy to play pitch and catch in your back yard.
Biggest weaknesses are the deep ball and his footwork because he gets lazy with setting his feet. He made some bad decisions (but not many), and a lot of the times the picks were bad mechanics not decisions.
My Prognosis: starting quarterback in the NFL and he will start in the middle tier only because the QB play in the NFL is so down right now. The throw to Moore in the MSU is as good a throw you will see in college or the pros.
By Voice of Reason
January 15, 2009 9:20 AM | Link to this
If accuracy is the most important thing then how come Danny Weurffel (sp) didn’t make it in the NFL. It is a combination yet accuracy is more easily coachable. You can’t teach arm strength. Also, I have heard rumors that the Jets are trying to move up to get Stafford. Any other word on this? Would be good for him.
By Reality
January 15, 2009 9:25 AM | Link to this
Reality is he should have completed his senior year for developmental purposes, but who would not have skipped his senior year in college for several million dollars? He will be a successful pro, but not right away like Ryan.
By Mark Bradley
January 15, 2009 9:27 AM | Link to this
No, you can’t teach arm strength. But were arm strength the sole determinant, Jeff George would have been Joe Montana.
By Supes
January 15, 2009 9:27 AM | Link to this
If the Jets move up to draft Matthew it’ll be a great move for him. He’ll go to a team who is ready to be a playoff contender and probably won’t be asked to do much (see Joe Flacco), as the Jets will rely heavily on Thomas Jones and Leon Washington and their running/screen pass game.
He just needs to avoid going to the Lions or the Seahawks and he’ll be alright. Now that the Chiefs got Scott Pioli as their “main guy in charge”, you know he’ll clean house and build a solid foundation, it’ll be a good place for Matthew to play as well.
If Stafford puts in the word, studies, practices hard and is determined to be a successful NFL quarter he will be one! All else is there!
By ceph
January 15, 2009 9:33 AM | Link to this
I don’t blame Stafford for leaving. Whats he going to learn at UGA by staying. He has no quarterback coach (BooBoo)what the heck does he kn ow. He took a guy (Stafford) with all the talent in the world, best QB coming out of high-school, etc. and made him so ordinary it was unbelieveable. He should have been a heisman candidate and he couldn’t even be first team SEC. Plus they aren’t going to be playing for any kind of championship so I would get the hell out of there too!!!
By JB
January 15, 2009 9:35 AM | Link to this
He will be a pretty good NFL QB. look around that league and you see a lot of AVERAGE QB’s. He will need coaching up and he will need to SPEED his game up. He will have less time to set up and throw in the NFL. The arm will over come some of that. 40 yards in, he is the best College QB passer. he throws it on a rope and pretty accurate. He may be the worst long ball passer. I NEVER saw him hit a Georgia receiver in stride on a long ball his entire three years there. I’m betting Cox will have more passing yards than Stafford did this past year. Cox reminds of John parker Wilson or Buck Blue. Not the best arm in the world, but a winner and leader. Looking forward to it.
By Mark Bradley
January 15, 2009 9:37 AM | Link to this
Come on. Stafford wasn’t “ordinary” at Georgia. He was a very good college quarterback.
By RxDawg
January 15, 2009 9:38 AM | Link to this
How good will he be? Who knows. However, if history is correct hes going to have a pretty bad season. You just don’t see QB’s come out early and have success. Not that I do not wish him success, because I do. I find this strange to. If he stuck around for his senior year he would definitley focus less on football then he will as a NFL player, thats all they do. I guess there is just something you learn in playing a real game that you just can’t learn now matter how much you practice.
By Phil
January 15, 2009 9:39 AM | Link to this
I think Stafford should have returned for his senior season. I don’t think he’s quite ready for the NFL. You have to give credit to Tebow, Bradford and Colt McCoy for not going after the all mighty dollar. Another year and Stafford could have developed even further. The money would still have been there next year. He’s probably going to end up in Detroit. You think he’s going to enjoy that more than being in Athens next year? I don’t think so. Even rich people can be miserable and I think Stafford will find that out.
By Phil
January 15, 2009 9:40 AM | Link to this
I think Stafford should have returned for his senior season. I don’t think he’s quite ready for the NFL. You have to give credit to Tebow, Bradford and Colt McCoy for not going after the all mighty dollar. Another year and Stafford could have developed even further. The money would still have been there next year. He’s probably going to end up in Detroit. You think he’s going to enjoy that more than being in Athens next year? I don’t think so. Even rich people can be miserable and I think Stafford will find that out.
By Shawn B
January 15, 2009 9:41 AM | Link to this
Stafford was pretty average as a collegian. What were his TD/INT numbers and complettion percentages? Average is what they were. I don’t think he makes good enough decisions to ever be an elite QB in the NFL, he will be another Joey Harrington I believe.
By Old Dog
January 15, 2009 9:44 AM | Link to this
One of Stafford’s early quotes to the press was that he was going to be an All American. He admittedly has a great arm, and he can take a hit, but he has no team leadership skills. It will be interesting to see what NFL teams think. Georgia will be better off without him next season.
By RxDawg
January 15, 2009 9:46 AM | Link to this
Correction: “If history is correct he is going to have a pretty bad carreer.”
By PMC
January 15, 2009 9:49 AM | Link to this
The sky is the limit if he is coachable he’s got all the raw tools he needs and plenty of confidence.
He’s more mature than Jeff George right now. If they can block for him and he can speed his game up and learn to read NFL coverages he can be fantastic, but he’ll have to work harder than he ever has in his life to compete and I’m not sure how he will react to that yet.
By uga_b
January 15, 2009 9:52 AM | Link to this
Saint Tebow didn’t have the almighty dollar to really go after since he may not go til the third round or later. McCoy had questions about size. Bradford needs to drink a protein shake. Stafford has all the gradeable tools and dimensions that the combine geeks love.
Tebow was 1st team All SEC player who is listed as a QB. Stafford was a better passer, but didn’t bring the running dimension, which is a non-issue after the MV7 experience.
I am a Dawg fan and still can’t believe how much fans denigrate Stafford. This was one of the most prolific offensive years in UGA history.
I believe Cox can step in and manage the game, but all these people who act like Stafford didn’t contribute to our program in a positive way are stupid (and I try not to call people stupid).
The kid can made all the throws in college—and I mean NFL throws. He is the only one who ran a pro offense. He is 6’3” 245. He will run a 4.7 forty. He is articulate.
Yes he doesn’t cry like Tebow or hoop and holler. Thats what makes Tebow great. But most NFL QBs dont do that.
By gratefuldawghead
January 15, 2009 9:54 AM | Link to this
Georgia hasn’t produced a decent starting pro QB since Fran Tarkenton.I often wonder who made the Red-Zone calls in the game Stafford or Bobo? Would have loved to seen Stafford with the O line coming back, but Oh well hope he has a great career! I am excited about Joe Cox!
By JB
January 15, 2009 9:54 AM | Link to this
Amen Olddog…….I’m looking forward to having a guy in the huddle with a fiery winning attitude. Cox is a winner. His passing will be as good as ANY SEC QB. Also, it will be like having a coach on the field. He has watched Stafford for three years, and he has learned a lot from his MISTAKES. If one of these running backs can step forward and take a little pressure off him, we will win 10 games again next year. No, not 12-0, but we will have a pretty good team. Cox doesn’t worry me. willie does.
By Words of Wisdom
January 15, 2009 9:55 AM | Link to this
Everyone who thinks Stafford was mediocore as a QB at UGA…any of you have any experience playing the position with a swiss-cheese line? It is very difficult…throwing the long ball is about more than just arm strength…its about timing…with a weak line, its hard to get your timing right…I wish Stafford all the best and think he will be a success in the NFL…for selfish reasons I wish he had come back for his senior year…I think he would have lit up the competition behind a solid line…
By Claude
January 15, 2009 9:56 AM | Link to this
We need to draft a line, Mr. Bradley.
We need centers and tackles and guards.
Centers and Tackles and Guards, oh my.
Otherwise we’re finished. We got beat because our linemen couldn’t dominate.
It’s the dominate theory. If one lineman is weak, then the enemy can topple him, and that topples the game plan.
Behold the Dominate Theory. It’s like the Single Bullet Pass theory what is working so well for the Steelers. Did you get a load of Roethlisberger’s motion? He’s a monster up there throwing bullets. I like the steelers.
The Ravens are a weird team. When you look at how they won last week, there’s nothing there to assure you about them, yet, you get this feeling that the Steelers will fall prey to the Raven’s spell and be vulnerable to turnovers and penalties. The Ravens win with stuff I cant fathom. Last week’s game was one of those rare, “on any given sunday” type things. Were the Ravens good, or just lucky?
Cant wait to watch the championships.
Centers and Tackles and Guards, oh my.
By leland
January 15, 2009 9:57 AM | Link to this
Dear Mr. MB—you forgot to mention that Stafford knows how to close down a win. In every game he was leading by at least 21 points in the fourth quarter, the Dawgs won. Your pal, Leland
By QuePsiPhi
January 15, 2009 10:00 AM | Link to this
Its all going to hinge on Matthew’s work ethic. Going to Detroit is not a favorable place for a young QB coming into the NFL. Yeah he will have Calvin Johnson, but with zero O-Line, how will his confidence hold up. Its going to come down to where he is drafted that will decide his fate. The good thing though is that he will be RICH!!!!
By SCBDAWG
January 15, 2009 10:05 AM | Link to this
Stafford can’t hit a reciever on the run, always over throwing him. He will love Detroit, -7 degrees last night. Detroit has no O line and he will be sacked 40 times. His career should mirror Tim Couch, if you want to call that a career. And UGA will be better with Joe Cox at QB. Stafford was a big waste of time at UGA. Good luck Matty, you asked for it, you got it, your dream, you have five hours to wake up but please sleep.
By Mark Bradley
January 15, 2009 10:11 AM | Link to this
Leland, if you don’t watch yourself you’re going to become my favorite blogger.
By TommyP
January 15, 2009 10:11 AM | Link to this
Some of these comments are absolutely ridiculous.
Put him down ‘cause he never was the best QB in his conference? Uh….that’s because there’s a guy in front of him that some are calling arguably the greatest college player of all time. (not me but still) He’s still been pretty damn good.
Then there are those saying he should’ve stayed in college. What???? And give up a probable $35 million payday and first player taken in the draft? Please. That’s generational money there.
He has no team leadership skills? What? The whole team looked up to him.
I can’t count how many times Stafford bailed us out of horrible situations this year. Our offensive line was not very good at all and he made things happen out of nothing. How many 3rd and 20’s did he turn into first downs? A bunch.
I swear some of y’all don’t watch the games.
By Flash
January 15, 2009 10:14 AM | Link to this
He needs a lot of work.He is average nothing spectular.
By Flash
January 15, 2009 10:16 AM | Link to this
He needs a lot of work.He is average nothing spectular.
By Dogbyte
January 15, 2009 10:17 AM | Link to this
I am a dawg through and through, but I don’t think Stafford will be a pro-QB the quality of either Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco. I don’t think he has the work habits of Ryan, or the guts and unflappability of Flacco. Nor do I think he will have the supporting cast of either. I wish him well and good luck. He will need all the luck he can get.
By Mark Bradley
January 15, 2009 10:17 AM | Link to this
Stafford is better than Tim Couch, who was a “system” guy at UK. (The Hal Mumme system, which is now the Mike Leach system.)
By STAFFORDSNOGREENE
January 15, 2009 10:18 AM | Link to this
The guy is a decent QB. But I don’t get it. He hasn’t come close to the hype. And he’s won nothing. He is a terrible passer. If his long ball were a grenade there would be no injuries.
By Flash
January 15, 2009 10:18 AM | Link to this
He needs a lot of work.He is average nothing spectular.
By Mark Bradley
January 15, 2009 10:25 AM | Link to this
David Greene’s first three seasons: One SEC title, two Eastern Division championships, two bowl victories and a record of 31-8.
Matthew Stafford’s first three seasons: No conference or division titles; three bowl victories and a team record — remember, Stafford didn’t start every game as a freshman — of 31-8.
By Texas Dawg
January 15, 2009 10:26 AM | Link to this
Stafford will flop in the NFL. He is about himself and doesn’t care about TEAM. Stafford was mediocore as a QB at UGA…heck I think Hines Ward had a game where he threw for 450 yards and Hines was a wideout….we have had much better qb AT Ga…Greene, Shockley, Zier, by the way if these QB had the receivers that Stafford had???yea he has the the arm…yea he has the potential…HE NEVER EVEN WON THE EAST!
THINK ABOUT THIS!!!!He (Stafford) as the QB of GA had a winning record…as opposed to what?..a losing record…If Stafford never came to GA what would our record be with COX as our QB…??? Worse???Better??? COX please prove me right in 09 and lets win the east!
LEADERSHIP and being ACCURATE with the ball are the best two traits of a QB.
By STAFFORDSNOGREENE
January 15, 2009 10:27 AM | Link to this
He Mark….Isn’t every college QB a “system” QB. I mean every team runs its on system…..can you see my eye’s rolling?
By wes
January 15, 2009 10:28 AM | Link to this
Great Mark. Another UK reference.
You never cease to amaze us!!
By Mark Bradley
January 15, 2009 10:31 AM | Link to this
A “system” quarterback, as I’m sure you know, means a collegian who operates in a system different from what NFL teams use.
A systems analyst is someone who analyzes systems. (That has nothing to do with anything, but it was a fun sentence to write.)
By gratefuldawghead
January 15, 2009 10:33 AM | Link to this
Mark…its hard to believe that Mumme,Leach,Muschamp,and Hatcher all coached at little ole Valdosta State, but they do have 2 National Titles this decade!
By SavannahDawg
January 15, 2009 10:33 AM | Link to this
Why in the world would Stafford stay at UGA? Yes, he could possibly win a title - but come on, he’ll be one of the top 3 picks in the draft. Who wouldn’t go pro with that guarantee? Most likely, he’ll sit and learn for a year or two. He’ll learn as much doing that as he will another year at UGA. He has the physical tools to succeed.
On the other hand, I wouldn’t draft him. I don’t feel good about him from an NFL standpoint. He may very well end up being a decent QB - but I’m not sure he has “it.”
By TNJeff
January 15, 2009 10:33 AM | Link to this
FLOP
Wonder IF the heat on Bobo will ease with a new quarterback who is NOT making changes at the line of scrimmage and we see what are the results of the original play called?
Potential never fully realized at the college level and you think it will be realized at the next level - especially playing for the likes of Detroit?
By uga_b
January 15, 2009 10:33 AM | Link to this
Reshad Jones is no Thomas Davis, Sean Jones, or Greg Blue. None of the defensive line is Charles Grant, David Pollack, or even Q Moses. Blair Walsh is no Billy Bennett. Ellerbe is no Thurman, Bailey, or Gilbert.
What do these people have in common? They were the Defenses of the two players.
David Greene was a much better college player (and nothing as a pro so far). Stafford will actually get to play in the League.
Look at our offensive numbers and come back and tell me how they compared with 02 and then look at our defense. He’s not Wilt Chamberlain and it takes 23-24 guys to win a football game.
By Halsey
January 15, 2009 10:34 AM | Link to this
I think Stafford will be a very good starting NFL QB as long as he gets proper coaching and a solid supporting cast. Yes, he’s inconsistent and can be inaccurate for stretches, but he’s 20 and only 3 years out of high school. Matt Ryan didn’t even START until his 3rd year of college. If Stafford stayed in college 5 years, like Ryan did, he’d be more polished, like Ryan was coming out.
By A REALIST!!
January 15, 2009 10:34 AM | Link to this
Ha! #!
Drinking on the job again, Bradley?
Stafford struggles against good NCAA defenses that are no where near the quality he will face week in week out in the NFL. These good defenses confused Stafford!!
Good arm! NO smarts to out wit good coverage
By JB
January 15, 2009 10:41 AM | Link to this
Mark……One big difference in Green’s time at UGA and Stafford not winning some hardware. Green had Zook…..Stafford had Meyer. Big, Big difference. I do not like Meyer, But I sure do respect him. He gets it. He is a great coach. Some things in Athens will have to change before we beat the Gators on a Regular basis. It’s called defense. I hope 2008 was a fluke.
By Zugie45
January 15, 2009 10:47 AM | Link to this
I think both college football and basketball are in dire straits. They recuit 5 stars and prep school athletes without consideration of character and how that person fits into the team ot its chemistry. The pressure of winning and losing and the large contracts plus shoe and uniform deals have gone out the roof. Said that,from the outside who would not want to be a college athlete. They are pampered and schedule fixed to be allowed to advance in school.( Florida and Oklahoma SAT scores 96th and 94th in D1 schools) Every school has their recruiting wizard. They are to find and mold the landscape of college teams. Stafford never improved as a player while at UGA. Although stats show different with padded screens under and to the side. Moreno was a sight to watch but could not controll his emotions. Jones may have had the most tackles for UGA but how bout the attempts that were big plays for the opposition. AKA Ga Tech; Just make the tackle and get them down. Ellerbe was another example of such stardom. If you follow recuiting UGA had everyone they wanted in the defensive backfield and was mediocre at its best. A bit weak at linebacker except for Curran which it took his coach 7 games to figure out his ability last year. A good defensive front till injuries took Owens. A team rated #1 preason and granted a tough schedule took its toll. I ask how many games did UGA play 4 full quarters? Through the blown coverages and the mishaps in the red zone I think UGA was lucky at best to be where they were at the end. A play by Curran aganist SC. Vandy and Kentucky could have easily been the same. Give me some 3 stars that play together and enjoy the game. Let Stafford,Moreno,Jones,Ellerbe and all who care to move on do so. Give me 11 who want to play together both on offense and defense. Coming back for their senior year would not be a blessing. Look at UNC basketball with Lawson and Hansbourgh 0-2 in ACC play and Ellington-Lawson will not play defense. They can not even pass to each other out of envy. GA Tech gets the top big man to commit and he says its one and done? Why? These kids to men are not coachable as per Staffords foot work or mechanics. These players can form tackles and will not come crunch time. I know that practice time is a vauable comodity and IF UGA does not get a indoor facility they will lose Richt. Trooper Tailor comes from Okla. State to Auburn and makes more money than Head offensive or defensive assistants at UGA. Sky boxes are the rage and corporate ticket purchases have left the real fans of UGA on the “old train tracks”. ESPN and ABC for now allow you to watch games you would like. Pay FOR VIEW being close on the horizon. The comentators are scripted and you see more commericals than game. Its a sad day for athletics or maybe its just a sad day for the fans.
By Mark Bradley
January 15, 2009 10:48 AM | Link to this
That’s always a great question for a rainy day. Would Spurrier have won so much if he’d been going against Dooley, as opposed to Goff and Donnan? Would Tuberville have won as big at Auburn if Alabama hadn’t been rotating coaches? If Superman and Thor got into a fight, who would win?
(I say Thor. But I’m a Marvel guy.)
By One Man's View
January 15, 2009 10:49 AM | Link to this
Stafford seems a little immature to me. Can be sloppy in his play. Matt Ryan, a better prospect than Stafford, is showing just a bit of a tendency to make bonehead decisions that have cost the Falcons. It’s tough enough to win games in the NFL without foot shooting. I don’t think there is any chance that Stafford will have the impact of a Ryan the first year.
By YankeeDawg
January 15, 2009 10:50 AM | Link to this
MB, I didn’t notice that you started to comment post blog, cool.
If you were the Lions would you take Stafford or one of the OL’s? And if you took an OL, what would you do about the QB issue? Swing a trade for Cassel? Try and trade for Sanchez? Find another Matt Schaub type and trade?
By Halsey
January 15, 2009 10:50 AM | Link to this
I love the comparisons between Greene and Stafford, as if Greene’s SEC titles makes him a better prospect. Matt Ryan never won an ACC title. Does that make Greene a better prospect than Matt Ryan too….lol. Tommie Frazier won back-to-back nat’l titles. He must have been the best pro prospect ever. Ken Dorsey won a lot of college games while Peyton Manning could never beat Florida. Ken Dorsey > Peyton Manning!
By George
January 15, 2009 10:51 AM | Link to this
MB, A strong arm is the most overrated QB qualification in the history of the NFL. Two of the best NFL QBs I have ever witnessed, Peyton Manning and Joe Montana neither had an “Elway” type arm. The intangibles like leadership, intelligence, and determination are what make good QBs great. While Matt Ryan doesn’t have the arm strength that Stafford has, he took a bunch of average BC players and made them special where Stafford took a bunch of special UGA players and made them ordinary by underachieving. As for an offensive line Stafford played behind an above average one compared to most of his competition, if he goes top 3 he will most likely be playing behind one of the worse lines in the league.
By Bama Dawg
January 15, 2009 10:52 AM | Link to this
Texas Dawg,
You’re an idiot. How much personal time have you spent with Stafford to kow that he is about himself and doesn’t care about team. How many of of teammates have you gotten to know or interviewed to validate your statements? Last time I looked, it took 11 players on each side of the ball to win a game, not just one person at QB.
Of course I’m sure when you were an All American quaterback (can’t seem to remember where you played), you never threw an incomplete pass or interception, or were sacked because of a weak offensive line. If memory serves me correctly, Zier never won a championship at UGA while setting numerous UGA and SEC passing records and never made it big in the NFL . . guess her wasn’t about team either.
If you can’t support a group of young men who are doing their best to support UGA and win football games, why don’t you go cheer for another team.
Finally, why don’t you pass all your superior assessment skills along to the guys in the NFL, since obviously you know more than they do about judging talent and NFL potential than they do.
By YankeeDawg
January 15, 2009 10:52 AM | Link to this
MB, I didn’t notice that you started to comment post blog, cool.
If you were the Lions would you take Stafford or one of the OL’s? And if you took an OL, what would you do about the QB issue? Swing a trade for Cassel? Try and trade for Sanchez? Find another Matt Schaub type and trade?
By YankeeDawg
January 15, 2009 10:52 AM | Link to this
MB, I didn’t notice that you started to comment post blog, cool.
If you were the Lions would you take Stafford or one of the OL’s? And if you took an OL, what would you do about the QB issue? Swing a trade for Cassel? Try and trade for Sanchez? Find another Matt Schaub type and trade?
By Howie in Augusta
January 15, 2009 10:57 AM | Link to this
Being a UGA and Falcon fan but also being a Detroit Lions fan I certainly hope Matthew Stafford is the #1 player overall - His success (esp. early) will depend largely on the next qb coach there - I just dearly hope the Lions don’t screw this up as they have everything else this decade….Wherever Matthew goes I wish him nothing but the best and I appreciate the effort and the skills he displayed while at UGA…..Best of luck and God Bless U Matthew!!!!! P.S. There’s a pretty good receiver up there in the motor city many of you may have heard of - an ex-yellow jacket/engineer
By Halsey
January 15, 2009 10:59 AM | Link to this
And people saying that Stafford is nothing but a guy with a strong arm are wrong. That’s what simpletons said about Flacco last year. Simple minded people just can’t see that having a strong arm doesn’t stop a QB from having other qualities. Stafford put up better numbers this year than Peyton Manning did as a true junior. More passing yards, more TD’s, fewer INT’s, better passer rating. Look it up if you don’t believe it.
By Reality Check
January 15, 2009 11:00 AM | Link to this
Mark, you rave about that hot pass to Moore, but let’s not forget that interception he threw which was underthrown to Moore, a very easy pass for most QBs….
By Mark Bradley
January 15, 2009 11:00 AM | Link to this
You know what I’d do if I were the Lions? Trade for Vince Young.
By JMar
January 15, 2009 11:02 AM | Link to this
As I read your scouting report, it sounds an awful lot like the scouting report given to Matt Ryan, the only exceptions being a strong arm and understated (rather than patent) leadership qualities.
By KeenInsightClaude
January 15, 2009 11:02 AM | Link to this
Claude…are you sure you have the right blog? Buddy I really like unicorns but this ain’t the place to discuss it.
Bottom line: Stafford could have used another year. He should have taken Matt Ryan’s example…although Ryan benefitted from having an NFL QB coach as his college coach which Stafford would not have had. That being said I am glad he is gone…UGA fans will be loving Cox come next fall.
By Dorsey Hill
January 15, 2009 11:07 AM | Link to this
Stafford’s short comings are not the ability to read defenses. Did you ever see Stafford look to the sideline and ask what play to call? No. Why? Because he was required to call the play based upon defense he saw. In this regard he did quite well. Of the better defensive teams in America year in and year out is VT and while struggling in the first half, Stafford threw some balls only a hand full of people on the planet can make in the second half and we won the game.
Where Stafford stuggles is in consistency which reflects in his sometimes poor accuracy which is a by-product of generally poor footwork. Put simply, he throws off his back foot too much or, inversely, he throws off his front toe too few times. Especially when pressured. The reason for this is likely due to the fact that he trusts his arm strength so much that he never cleaned it up completely.
The other quality that seems to be lacking is what I call “swagger.” Certain qb’s just give off this aura of invincibility that lets their teammates know that they are always in the game even when things are down. While we have had some good comebacks against better than average teams, any time we fell behind a really good team, it seems we had no chance to come back.
In the end I think Stafford would have been much better served if he had to sit for a couple of years before being thrown into the fire. Having to get in the games early on and having no one in the program whose skills are comparable to your own limited his growth. If the NFL team that takes him, takes the time to get him where he needs to be before throwing him to the wolves he will be an all-pro QB in the NFL.
By Michael Scharff
January 15, 2009 11:09 AM | Link to this
Mark, I continue to maintain that Matthew has some good and some great physical tools (i.e., rocket launcher arm). I think that he became much better as he progressed in learning to throw the ball away rather than taking a sack. I also continue to maintain the following: He made me wince EVERY time he ran the ball ,either by design or due to a busted play. He NEVER learned how to properly slide. I also know what his stats were for the 40, but I don’t think he ever looked that fast on the field. Mark, I don’t know that you have to be loud and boisterous to be a strong leader. That being said, I have seen in person every home game Matthew played since he started, as well as most of the away games. IMHO (and I know that there are Matthew supporters who would hang me if they could for my saying this),he has never shown Tebow-style leadership. I don’t recall Matthew ever once giving a passionate heart-felt speech about taking the Dawgs on his back and leading the way. I HATE the Gators, and Tebow may not have the arm that Matthew has, but Tebow has that magical ability to rally the troops and make it stick.
By GeoffDawg
January 15, 2009 11:11 AM | Link to this
Don’t know if the Lions would be a good move for Vince Young. If he goes on one of his random walkabouts in Detroit, he’s liable to get shot.
By dawgfan1911
January 15, 2009 11:16 AM | Link to this
Mark you said Stafford care more than Ryan Leaf. If that is the case, why didn’t he get better with his accuracy on deep balls and checking down when there is nothing open? Is it the coaching at Georgia or his inability to work on his accuracy. I think he will be a really good QB for the right team. The only problem is that that team is not the Lions. He needs to be with a good qb coach and offensive coordinator. Look at Ryan and the coaches he has around him. Someone tell me why no one at Georgia taught Stafford how to become a more accurate passer, and how to check down when nothings open. We had som many wasted plays this year. If he cared, he would have gotten better, unless the coaching was not there. I hope he does well, but he will have a rough few years and I wish he would have stayed in school not for my own selfish reasons but to improve on some things.
By SimpleDawg
January 15, 2009 11:16 AM | Link to this
I am reading a lot of stupid comments from people who either, don’t understand how many factors impact QB play in a football game and probably never played any football, just like to read their own opinions and belive their own blather, or are Techeads - which means all of the above.
Stafford will do fine in the NFL given time to develop. As smart as Matt Ryan is, and as impressed as the Falcons were with his ability to read defenses and understand the offensive concepts, even he still made throws at times that made you scratch your head and wonder who he thought was going to catch that pass.
System QBs are guys like Gino Torreta from Miami, Danny Wurffel - UF, Tim Couch - UK, Klingler & Ware - Houston, all Texas Tech QBs, Akili Smith - Oregon - guys who played in systems with a lot of receivers flooding zones and running all over the place like a fire drill. Put them in a controlled environment and they wilt under the weight of pressure to perform against a sophisticated defensive scheme.
Arm strength, size, and past experiences matter….they become very important. Stafford has those things; he can refine the rest.
By Dennis
January 15, 2009 11:17 AM | Link to this
Perhaps not Ryan Leaf but a very capable Heath Shuler. Doubt him to be a Ryan or Flako. He may be okay if he does not have to perform next year.
By Mark Bradley
January 15, 2009 11:17 AM | Link to this
I know, I know. But I still like Vince Young.
By Princeton Fan
January 15, 2009 11:20 AM | Link to this
You return for your senior season for ONE!!!! good reason—-The Chance to win a NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP. Anyone here believe Stafford was going to win a National Championship with Georgia?? I don’t, and a whole group of experts, publications and MOST IMPORTANTLY, because they don’t like losing money,Las Vegas saw no chance. You might also stay for a senior year IF you wanted to win multiple championships, BUT once it sets in that there is NO chance to win one championship—let alone multiple—get out of Dodge. AND I don’t want to hear about SEC Championships. Like the Braves silly string of 14 Divisions with ONE!!!! World Series, I believe realization has finally set in National Championships are what people will remember 25 years from now. Besides money, your ability to put imprint on the game is what sets your final legacy to the game. If Stafford had returned, his legacy would have been—I’m VERY SURE— ONE SEC Championship and a decision over Tebow. Good Luck Matthew!!!
By Texas DAwg
January 15, 2009 11:21 AM | Link to this
Bama Dawg say hi to your sister for me oh…sorry I forgot she is your wife now and by the way your momma is the idiot!
You stated “If you can’t support a group of young men who are doing their best to support UGA and win football games, why don’t you go cheer for another team”
How is it that the OU QB, Tx QB and FLA QB are comming back but yet Stafford is leaving and he is doing his best to support UGA????
THe OU QB is giving up millions…why…his words not mine “I want to lead my TEAM to the NC”. Says alot about a young mans character when the TEAM comes first!!!!
I do support UGA and I say good ridance to players that don’t want to be part of the TEAM…
HASLEY YOUR POST SAYS IT ALL AND YOU MADE MY POINT: I could care less about a players prospect about being a PRO!!!! you said “Does Greene’s SEC titles makes him a better prospect” NO IT DOES”T BUT IT DOES MAKE HIM A BETTER QB AT GA THAN STAFFORD!!!
YES I WOULD LIKE TO SEE our players do well in the NFL…but I also want them to do well for UGA
By uga_b
January 15, 2009 11:21 AM | Link to this
Stafford 2008: 3459 yards with a 61.4 completion percentage
Greene 2002: 2924 yards with a 57.5% completion Greene 2004: 2508 yards with a 58.5% completion
Offensive Scoring: 2002: 450 pts 2004: 335 pts 2008: 409 pts
Defense Points Allowed: 2002: 212 2004: 198 2008: 319
Offensive Pts vs. Def Pts Differetial 2002: +238 2004: +137 2008: +90
As you can clearly see, in 2008 our defense gave up over 100 points more than in 2002 and 2004. The offense however scored only 42 points less then the best team we have had at Georgia this millenia.
Lastly, Stafford accounted for 25 passing TDs which beats Greene 22 in 2002 and 20 in 2004.
Yet, “fans” kill him for not “winning” a championship. Yes, “air quotes”.
By Mark Bradley
January 15, 2009 11:23 AM | Link to this
Stafford’s completion percentage improved every year, for what that’s worth. (And I’d say it’s worth something.)
By murfdawg
January 15, 2009 11:23 AM | Link to this
This is amazing how many people/experts can criticize a 21 year old who is getting ready to make $85 million. I would suggest only people who make over $5 million a year(sportswriters excluded) can nit pick Stafford. This is like criticizing Miss America because she has a mole on her ankle.
By Meanwhile...Mel Kiper combs his hair
January 15, 2009 11:23 AM | Link to this
After factoring in arm strenght, size, accuracy, and the “intangilbles,” the biggest factor may come down to where he is drafted.
If it’s Detroit, I wouldn’t be surprised in the least if he’s another Joey Harrington. It might cost him some millions, many millions as a matter of fact, but if he slips down to the three spot and Kansas City, he’s still got money in the bank AND a chance to grow in much more functional franchise.
By Depressed Detroiter
January 15, 2009 11:24 AM | Link to this
The Detroit Lions have zero, nada, zilch interest in drafting Matthew Stafford with the 1st choice. They realize,like we do, that young Matthew barely exhibited the toughness needed to beat Vandy and South Carolina to let alone step in and play for the worst NFL team in history. The Lions will draft Antonio Smith.
By will
January 15, 2009 11:24 AM | Link to this
No one can really say what stafford can do in the NFL. He hasnt played behind a line at UGA since his “freshmeat” year. Stafford has ability ant talent, but what he lacks is consistency in making good decisions. Also, i think he lacks an edge in being an emotional leader, like getting the team pumped up and showing how bad he wants to win.
By KeenInsightClaude
January 15, 2009 11:28 AM | Link to this
…and who cares if Stafford bailed us out of a few 3rd and 20’s!? If you get your self in bad down/distances 100 times, you are bound to get a first down occasionally just by screaming “500!” and hoping one of your receivers happen to run underneath it. Good teams minimize the number of 3rd and 20’s they get into and don’t need a QB with a cannon for an arm to get them out of it. I’ll gladly trade a Stafford arm for a single 3rd and 20 in every other game we play. You are praising the circuit city salesman for selling a TV when the company is bankrupt!
By Okefenokee Dawg
January 15, 2009 11:29 AM | Link to this
Bradley, you ignorant slut, it’s Superman!
By Princeton Fan
January 15, 2009 11:30 AM | Link to this
murfdawg, Read my earlier comment. You return for a senior season because you have a LEGITIMATE chance to win a National Championship. Tebow, McCoy, Bradford and possibly Sanchez are coming back to win the REAL prize and NOT the SEC,Big 12, and PAC 10 Championships respectively.You don’t risk what Stafford has at stake to win the Sugar Bowl
By ApopkaDawg
January 15, 2009 11:30 AM | Link to this
Stafford was a really good QB for GA. He made a lot of people say, “Wow” when would throw a frozen rope to one of his many open receivers. The question marks for Stafford while he was at UGA were 1) did he throw a catchable ball? Until this year, our receivers could’nt handle the “hot potatoe” that Stafford rocketed toward them. 2) Stafford believes a bit too much in his arm. This belief led to many throws into triple coverage and forcing the ball into impossible spaces. 3) Can he see the whole field? How many times did UGA fans have to sit there and watch Stafford zero in on one guy and completely ignore his 2nd and 3rd receiver standing all by themselves? Field vision was a big problem for Stafford at UGA. Stafford has all the tools and I wish him all the best in Detroit. Also, I don’t blame him for leaving early. With the NFL kicking around a new bargaining agreement and the economy about to take an even bigger nose dive, get the money while you can. I think UGA fans are going to get real plesant surprise from Joe Cox. In many ways, I think we will be better off. Remember what happened the year after Domonique Wilkens left UGA basketball team…we went to the Final Four.
By Mark Bradley
January 15, 2009 11:33 AM | Link to this
I don’t think Sanchez is coming back to Southern Cal. Press conference this afternoon, and the LA papers say he’s gone.
By uga_b
January 15, 2009 11:34 AM | Link to this
KeenInsightClaude, um…we were the most penalized team in the nation for awhile. Holding and false starts will also move you back on offense putting you in long yardage situations. That and stupid personal fouls.
Please let us know if you need anymore football tips! We are happy to help!
By Dawg Fud
January 15, 2009 11:39 AM | Link to this
i understand how people feel that stafford needed another year but he should not be staying in college - it’s a sensible business decision to leave. there is a lot of money on the table and he will go top three. prospects don’t get any better than that.
stafford is taking his stock and going to cash while the market is still strong. i bet more of us wish we would have done that a year ago.
By DBCOOPER
January 15, 2009 11:41 AM | Link to this
Stafford was smart in my opinion. How can you do any better than 1st pick? Probably 40 million up front. Don’t you go to college to learn skills to earn a living? That kind of money can take care of his great grand children if he is wise. His comparison to Leaf or George are ridiculous. He is as good now as half the QB’s in the NFL. He was a better college QB than the kid from Auburn who’s at Washington, better than Gerard at Jacksonville, better than Pennington at Miami , Cassell at New England just to name a few. Who by the way didn’t win any Championships either. How about Hassleback at Seattle?
Georgia will be fine without him and he will be fine too.
H
By 1992dawg
January 15, 2009 11:43 AM | Link to this
Stafford will never be a good NFL quarterback. He makes to many bad decisions!! In big games against good defensive teams he threw 2-3 pics a game. He is not mentally strong enough to compete well in the NFL! When he is pressured he loses composure!! Over rated just like the Dogs are every year!! Gergia will not make it to a SEC Championship game as long as Meyer is coach at Florida!!
By Meanwhile...Mel Kiper combs his hair
January 15, 2009 11:45 AM | Link to this
Stafford’s best chance to succeed as a pro? Hope to God the Detroit Lions, as an organization, have some college eligibility left, and that they drop down into the Big 10 next year, thus sparing Stafford from the death knell of his career before it even starts.
By Dawg Fud
January 15, 2009 11:47 AM | Link to this
1992dawg
how do you now what it takes to compete in the NFL and how mentally tough were you at age 21?
not trying to be a jerk, just posing some quesitons. stafford has learned only a fraction of the game.
i am sure a pro QB coach and OC are salivating at the opportunity to teach him everything. he will soak it up like a sponge. some people are just better pro QBs than college QBs…and vice versa.
By Rob
January 15, 2009 11:49 AM | Link to this
I’ll give you 2 examples of why Stafford would have been better off to return for his Senior year: Matt Ryan & Joe Flacco. Arguably 2 of the best rookie QB’s in the history of the NFL. Did you hear that? The history of the NFL and that’s a lot of QB’s!!! Both of those guys stayed their Sr years (Flacco was a 5th year Sr) and look what their maturity did for them. Stafford is too young to be effective right away, throws way too may interceptions & misses too many open guys. I wish him well and hope he proves me wrong but another year in college would only make him better. Ryan & Flacco, nuf said!
By GradyGrad96
January 15, 2009 11:49 AM | Link to this
People who think Stafford underperformed at UGA just have issues. They have no response to the fact the o-line was decimated by injuries - this is Stafford’s fault. They have no response to his ability to read defenses - it’s Stafford’s fault Tebow and Bradford and others have to look to sidelines to change plays. They have no response to Stafford’s numbers when playing on a team where the defense was just awful - Willy being a terrible coordinator is Stafford’s fault.
For those same people that have Cox as the second coming I have a question. If Cox was so great, why was he never able to push Stafford out of the starting job?
This team will not see 10 wins next year. It will be lucky to get 8. The only thing this team has going for it might be the o-line. Defense will be bad again. I don’t see any pass rushers that have just emerged out of the ethos. I don’t see King or Samuel as anywhere near Moreno. I don’t see an improved secondary. And frankly, I’m starting to have doubts as to whether or not Richt can deliver even an SEC-East champiionship.
Yes, I said it. I’m not enthused with his coaching this season. Oh wait, I forgot. That was Stafford’s fault.
By Dawg Fud
January 15, 2009 11:50 AM | Link to this
DBCOOPER
Jason Campbell, Auburn, now with Redskins won a conference championship & sugar bowl in 2004.
By KeenInsightClaude
January 15, 2009 11:50 AM | Link to this
Oh…thanks uga_b. I had no idea how a team would get into a third and long situation—I really thought that they just liked that down and distance and chose to start from there all the time. I appreciate the explanation and you are absolutely right. If the lions plan on having as many Holding, False Start, and Stupid Personal Fouls penalties next fall as the 2008 Dawgs, then they could really not pick better quarteback than Stafford.
By Harry Rand
January 15, 2009 11:51 AM | Link to this
Your probably right on with your analysis but I hope and pray he does wind up with the Jets instead. Who knows he may wind up St. Louis.
By uga_b
January 15, 2009 11:55 AM | Link to this
Happy to help. The Lions like to get down by 21 and then pad CJs receiving stats in the 4th qtr. So he will get to sling it around there too.
By Dean
January 15, 2009 11:59 AM | Link to this
I wish him luck but my gut tells me that mathew Stafford will be another one of those highly drafted QB’s that will be either out of the league in 6-8 years or a third stringer on some team. I enjoyed watching him in Athens but just don’t see him as having the package that it takes to be a good NFL quarterback. I hope I’m wrong and he has all kinds of success, just not against the Falcons.
By Reno 911
January 15, 2009 12:05 PM | Link to this
Not that I’m jealous, but I don’t think Mark’s pal Leland is worthy of genius status because he asserts that Stafford knows how to “close down” a win because his team’s never lost a game they were leading by 21 points in the fourth quarter. How many times does a 21+point fourth quarter comeback happen in college football? Anyone? Ridiculous. And if you were giving credit to someone for not allowing another team to come back from 21 points down, how about crediting a defensive player? You know what quarterbacks do when they’re up by 21 in the second half, let alone the fourth quarter? Exactly what the coaches tell them to do, hand off three times in a row, and hope that nets the ten yards required to earn the chance to hand off another three times in a row. Not giving up fourth quarter leads of 21 points is probably the dumbest measure I have ever heard used of a quarterback’s talent or performance. “great job handing off, son, you’re going to be a terrific pro. …man, did you see the way he handed that ball off in the fourth quarter? he didn’t fumble the snap once, either. what a prospect.”
By Voice of Reason
January 15, 2009 12:05 PM | Link to this
Zugie45 Ellerbe is a senior… therefore he has to leave. Don’t throw him in the mix with the ones who are opting out.
By GradyGrad96
January 15, 2009 12:06 PM | Link to this
KeenInsightClaude, first that’s kinda funny. Second, you mention “Holding, False Start, and Stupid Personal Fouls penalties next fall as the 2008 Dawgs, then they could really not pick better quarteback than Stafford.”
So, I’m guessing you are attempting to say all these items were the fault of Stafford as well. Do you get your insight from Professor Trelawney at Hogwarts?
By Mark Bradley
January 15, 2009 12:09 PM | Link to this
I believe Leland was kidding.
By Stan
January 15, 2009 12:12 PM | Link to this
I find it interesting that of this years big name college quarterbacks… Tim Tebow, Matthew Stafford, Colt McCoy and Sam Bradford… the one who accomplished the least this past season is the one going pro.
By BOBU
January 15, 2009 12:13 PM | Link to this
One other intangible about Stafford. For some reason, in the past 25 years or so, SEC QBs with names other than Manning basically have not done real well in the NFL. Or at least I can’t think of any right now; maybe someone can. I have no idea why, and it makes no sense; but it might be a consideration if I was drafting a QB.
By DBCOOPER
January 15, 2009 12:15 PM | Link to this
I forgot Campbell won the SEC at Auburn. I do however, remember he was not half the
By DBCOOPER
January 15, 2009 12:15 PM | Link to this
I forgot Campbell won the SEC at Auburn. I do however, remember he was not half the
By Reno 911
January 15, 2009 12:17 PM | Link to this
Vince F Young???? MB, seriously, you’re killing us. Youre’ going to take someone who can’t top their jersey number on the NFL’s Wunderlic test, (and their jersey number is 10) and you’re going to expect that person to read hybrid coverages during a seven step drop and drop 15 yard ins over the linebacker? Did Young lead some comebacks at Tennessee last year and the year before? Yep. But dude has serious limitations. NFL Qb requires arm, legs, and all of that, but what it requires more is brains and character. Everybody loves what Young did against USC in the Rose Bowl four years ago, but unless NFL defenses are going to start playing like college defenses, VY isn’t the guy to build a team around.
By GradyGrad96
January 15, 2009 12:18 PM | Link to this
Campbell didn’t win anything for Auburn. Their 2 running backs won. Campbell was along for the ride.
I’m guessing the folks down on Stafford are probably the same people who said Weinke was going to be a great pro-QB because he was older and more mature than other QB’s coming out of college. Yeesh!
By Mark Bradley
January 15, 2009 12:20 PM | Link to this
Vince Young? Who said anything about Vince Young? I meant Vince Evans. Or Vince Ferragamo. Or Steve Young.
No, actually I meant Vince Young. I just like the guy and think he has a real chance in the right setting.
By Beelo
January 15, 2009 12:21 PM | Link to this
I know alot of you are wondering if Stafford made the right decision of going pro and will judge it on his success at that level. But… The bottomline is.. If he is picked overall #1 it doesn’t matter what kind of career he has, he would have made the right decision… I know folks will say differently, as a player there are(should be) two goals.. Money or/and Championships. The honest hard truth is a big Contract is the major goal of most guys coming out(and I would argue of ANY of us) college.
Good Luck in Draft mr. Stafford!
By TommyP
January 15, 2009 12:23 PM | Link to this
Georgia averaged 32 points per game with Stafford at the helm last year and this year.
In his 3 losses this year, he set records in the loss vs. Tech, had a bad game vs. Florida and had a decent game vs. Bama (of course, when you’re down 31-0 with no running game, it’s pretty hard to put up great numbers at that point).
The ones that bemoan the fact that Stafford has no titles or championships, I believe he led his team to the #2 ranking last year. Only one QB last year led his team to a higher plateau.
Horrible WRs his FR and Soph years and then he had no help from a team standpoint from the defense his junior year.
Big improvement from year to year…check the numbers.
There’s a reason all of the NFL scouts rank him as the #1 player coming out.
He’s pretty damn good.
By gratefuldawghead
January 15, 2009 12:24 PM | Link to this
T-Martin won Tennessee’s National Championship after Manning so there is hope! Their top running back Jamel Lewis was out hurt for the year also. I will take Wins over “ability’ any day. David Greene still one of the winningest QB’s in college football history.
By Reno 911
January 15, 2009 12:25 PM | Link to this
I retract my rant, then. Have never mastered the art of reading inflection and facial expression into blog text. Can’t we have an agreed-upon format for sarcasm, in that case?
By Jon
January 15, 2009 12:26 PM | Link to this
Both of the Manning brothers were the most celebrated college QB’s of their time. Did either one of them turn Pro after their Jr year?
By ordinary fan
January 15, 2009 12:27 PM | Link to this
kid’s got arm strength and can really zip the ball but he makes too many mistakes. prototype size for NFL QB but stafford more often than not makes a bad read on the defense and forces the ball too much. UGA had athletes at WR and RB positions and with the weapons he had, Stafford should have won more games and at least be finalist for Heisman or one of the QB awards. Detroit should pick up massive OL Smith from ‘bama instead.
By KeenInsightClaude
January 15, 2009 12:28 PM | Link to this
GradyGrad…the implication (albeit sarcastically) was that Stafford would be better prepared for a bunch of 3rd and longs than any of the other QB’s coming out.
Top notch on the Harry Potter reference though—you should write for the Simpsons or Sportcenter with 10 year old topical humor like that…ooh how about this…after you thought of the Prof Trelawny joke did your head bust open like a melon at a Gallagher show? ZING!
By KneeJerk
January 15, 2009 12:28 PM | Link to this
see J.P. Losman
By Jon
January 15, 2009 12:29 PM | Link to this
Both of the Manning brothers were the most celebrated college QB’s of their time. Did either one of them turn Pro after their Jr year?
By Mark Bradley
January 15, 2009 12:31 PM | Link to this
So we’ve gone from Thor to Hogwarts to Gallagher: Who says these blogs aren’t a repository of high culture?
By Halsey
January 15, 2009 12:33 PM | Link to this
Some guys here continue to blame Stafford because UGA had a disappointing season. If team success was a direct reflection on how good a QB was, then Buck Belue is the greatest QB ever to play at UGA. Better than Greene, better than Stafford, better than Fran Tarkenton, better than Zeier. I can assure you that Buck himself would tell you he’s not the best UGA QB ever.
By KeenInsightClaude
January 15, 2009 12:35 PM | Link to this
Here Here Mark Bradley
By GradyGrad96
January 15, 2009 12:35 PM | Link to this
Campbell didn’t win anything for Auburn. Their 2 running backs won. Campbell was along for the ride.
I’m guessing the folks down on Stafford are probably the same people who said Weinke was going to be a great pro-QB because he was older and more mature than other QB’s coming out of college. Yeesh!
By Reno 911
January 15, 2009 12:38 PM | Link to this
Vince Ferragamo. my favorite blog. thanks MB.
By Mark Bradley
January 15, 2009 12:43 PM | Link to this
I don’t think many people thought Chris Weinke was going to be a great pro quarterback. A serviceable one, maybe.
You’re welcome, Reno 911.
By RedandBlack
January 15, 2009 12:43 PM | Link to this
Stafford did actually pick the best time for himself to go to the NFL this year rather than next year since there is really no one else that rates anywhere near his ability at quarterback. Next year he would have more competition with Colt McCoy, Bradford, Tebow, etc.
I do believe that the Dogs will do great with Joe Cox and Aaron Murray in 2009 at QB. They will throw less picks than Stafford. Go Dogs!!!
By Alan
January 15, 2009 12:44 PM | Link to this
I am a UGA Alum. I think that Stafford was a great QB at Georgia. For those that say he never got better @ UGA, WTF?? He improved dramatically from his 1st to 3rd years. I think his biggest weakness is timing on the deep ball and inconsistent footwork. Those things are fixable in the right situation. He has plenty of strenghts.
That being said, from a developmental standpoint, he should have stayed. If he is going to be the #1 pick, then I don’t blame him for going, because how can you improve on that? Might as well get paid to learn instaed of going to class.
Satfford is an NFL talent. Quite frankly, I feel he has a bigger UPSIDE than Bradford, McCoy, Tebow or Harrell in the NFL. I think Bradford, Tebow, and McCoy are better “college” QBs than Stafford. Harrell is just a system guy. Anyone with average D1 talent and the ability to make quick decisions can put up numbers at TT. The debate is will Detroit be the place where he reaches that UPSIDE or does he bust out. I agree with the earlier post that talked about it all depends on where he goes, and who he ends up playing for.
KM easily made the right choice, but I am not sure about Asher, and who is Reshad Jones getting advice from?? He needs to stay for 2 more years!!!
By D.Ellis
January 15, 2009 12:48 PM | Link to this
If Chad Pennington is a winning QB in the NFL, then Matt Stafford can be a winning QB in the NFL.
3,500 yards and 25 TD’s when you split the spotlight with a 1,000 yard back is very good.
-What do you think his numbers would have been at OU or Texas or TT?
Stafford won’t go down as the best much like Dan Marino will never go down as the best……but dude was good…..very very good.
-however the Lions wold be crazy not to trade down and pick up an extra first round pick. They need WAY more than a QB.
Stafford will be a very good pro. If Trent Dilfer can win a super Bowl anything is possible.
-my bet is if Jerry Jones wasn’t in the mess he was in with that roster he has and the money he has tied up in Romo he would trade down in a heart beat for Staff.
By Jon
January 15, 2009 12:51 PM | Link to this
MB, what about my question about the Manning’s? Did either of them turn Pro after their Jr year? Also, are there any successful QB’s in the NFL now that left early? McNabb maybe? I don’t know, just asking…
By GradyGrad96
January 15, 2009 12:54 PM | Link to this
KeeninsightClaude, great Gallagher reference.
By FREE MIKE VICK
January 15, 2009 12:57 PM | Link to this
Another cracker trying to play QB in the NFL…..Can you say crash & burn?
By Mark Bradley
January 15, 2009 12:57 PM | Link to this
Both Mannings were seniors. Donovan McNabb was a senior. Matt Leinart was a senior. Vince Young was a redshirt junior. Michael Vick was a redshirt sophomore. Ben Roethlisberger was a redshirt junior.
By Meanwhile...Matt Millen's new gig: combing Mel Kiper's hair
January 15, 2009 12:59 PM | Link to this
Stafford has all the tools you’d want in a pro quarterback, but his success is still a crapshoot that boils down to four words: Avoid the Detroit Lions.
I’m not saying Detroit has no hope, but the team’s new marketing plan is to rename Ford Field “The Lion’s Den” and rename the franchise the Detroit Christians.
High culture and historical reference, all on a sports blog. Who would’ve thunk it?
By Go Dawgs!
January 15, 2009 1:08 PM | Link to this
FLACONS SHOOD TRAYD RYAN 2 DETRIOT THEN PIC STANFORD FIST OVER ALL HE WOOD DO GOD HEAR IN FRONT OF DAWG FANS AND U NO THE FALCONS WOOD HAVE NOTHER WENNING SESSAON WITH STANFOD AT QB SOME 1 NEEDS 2 TELL MR BLANKS BOUT THIS
By D.Ellis
January 15, 2009 1:17 PM | Link to this
@ GO DAWGS-IN THE FAMOUS WORDS OF KEITH JACKSON…WHHHHHHOOOOOOOAAAAA NELLY….lets calm down on the trade Matt Ryan talk my fellow DAWG fan…but I like the enthusiasm.
By Mark Bradley
January 15, 2009 1:21 PM | Link to this
I’m not sure of many things, but I’m sure of this: The Falcons won’t trade Matt Ryan.
By Wyld Byll Hyltnyr
January 15, 2009 1:22 PM | Link to this
Stafford is to football what Darryl Dawkins was to basketball. His football career will follow the same tragejectory as Dawkins’; sonething fun to watch once and a while, but little real accomplishment.
By BILLY JACK
January 15, 2009 1:27 PM | Link to this
GO DAWGS-DUDE I HOPE YOU ARE IN THE THIRD GRADE-YOUR SPELLING IS HOPELESS-DID YOU SAY TRADE MATT RYAN?GET OFF THE BLOGS AND HIT THE BOOKS-GEEZ!!
By NC Dawg
January 15, 2009 1:30 PM | Link to this
Let’s talk about his kid from NC named Joe Cox. I think he is going to surprise a few people next year as the starting QB. He and MoMass played together in high school and many people forget about Cox’s abilities. I am almost sure next year’s team will finish with a record better than 10-3.
Ferragamo…love it!
By Meanwhile...our language devolves before our very eyes
January 15, 2009 1:32 PM | Link to this
Trying my best to give the benefit of the doubt here: is Go Dawgs! the intellectual heir of ee Cummings?
And will Obama prevent Spell Check from being subjected to Go Dawgs’ posts, under the new guidelines for the definition of torture?
By Go Dawgs!
January 15, 2009 1:33 PM | Link to this
I NO THIS WITH MATT STANFORD THE FALCON CAN WHEN THE SUPERBOWEL! NUFF SAID
By PTC DAWG
January 15, 2009 1:35 PM | Link to this
I’m simply flabbergasted by SO CALLED DAWG fans down on Stafford. You need to find another team to root for.
By KNelson
January 15, 2009 1:36 PM | Link to this
Go Matty ! Now listen to all of the pup fans say “Here comes Cox”! Apparently Cox isnt as good as Matty otherwise he would have been the stater. Expect Matty to be another Heath Schuler ! Next year better than 9-3 ? Please !! Florida will be better, Alabama will be better, Tennessee can only get better and Tech will take you again! Same dream , just another year pups !
By GradyGrad96
January 15, 2009 1:36 PM | Link to this
Mark, suffice it to say, people either like Stafford or hate him. Seems to be very few in the middle. Personally, I think he has the ability to do well.
I know coming back to UGA and playing another season was not going to do much for him. The defense will prevent them from winning the east, yet again. And then people will complain that he didn’t do enough to prevent the defense from having to actually do what they are suppose to.
By D.Ellis
January 15, 2009 1:39 PM | Link to this
I think Joe Cox will be decent. However his down fall could be that…and I say this as a die hard DAWG fan…..the un realistic fan base of UGA will scream for A. Murray if and notice it is a lower case if and not a BIG if….if UGA loses to Ok-State on the road in week 1. Ok-State’s offense is nasty. On the road for his first start against a team that JOE COX will have to be dang near perfect to beat because Ok-State IS going to score is a tough road to travel. Just my opinion.
By Brian G
January 15, 2009 1:40 PM | Link to this
Stafford has incredible arm strength….Cant connect on the deep ball? most of the time it was him overthrowing a receiver who slowed down. Let Stafford throw to a true NFL receiver, and that ball will end up as a touchdown.
My only complaint against Stafford is when he throws off his back foot from too much pressure. This hurt him in a lot of games.
Give him an NFL line to give him some more time, and he will succeed.
By KNelson
January 15, 2009 1:40 PM | Link to this
Go Dawgs, May we all assume you are in fact a UGA graduate? Or are you Drunk ?
By DawginLex
January 15, 2009 1:41 PM | Link to this
Alabama 31 points to UTAH ????
31 yards rushing ??????
Stafford needs to be drafted by Indy,NO or some other team with an established QB to learn under. No way he should start as a rookie.
Can be a great QB in the right system but needs tutelage.
He was a good QB in college and should have stayed for his senior year and he could have become great and been more ready for the NFL.
By George
January 15, 2009 1:41 PM | Link to this
Stafford will be a bust in the NFL. Mark my words. Name one game that we have won during his career at Georgia that we weren’t supposed to… (Dont say Florida in 2007 as half their team was hurt and their D was terrible).
No Heart, Bo Brains, No Championships…
By Mark Bradley
January 15, 2009 1:43 PM | Link to this
You’re right, GradyGrad. And I never really realized it until today.
By BirdDawg
January 15, 2009 1:50 PM | Link to this
Stafford could certainly use another year to develop his game but financially this is the right move for him. He will be the top QB in the draft this year. Next year he might be 2nd or 3rd behind Bradford and McCoy. He will not be a Matt Ryan his first year (who is?) but will progress more like David Cutler at Denver. Stafford does have arm strength and touch. Yes he does have good touch. His only problem is thinking he can throw every ball into tight coverage. He will make a good NFL QB. Hate to see him go but wish him the best. If he goes to Detroit he will need some luck.
By Lowcountry Bulldawg
January 15, 2009 1:54 PM | Link to this
Remember Matt Ryan had 17-18 picks his Senior season. And we are questioning Staffords desicion making? Stafford does get lazy with his mechanics,but guess what? With NFL caliber coaching fundementals will be corrected. This will improve his downfield passing and thus improve his completion percentage. Stafford will be a way above average pro. People question the leadership, well you get respect by being out on the field which Stafford was during his days at UGA. Stafford will not be expected to be the leader of the team, he will be a Rookie. Give him 2-3 years in a solid situation and he will flourish.
By Josh
January 15, 2009 1:55 PM | Link to this
Stafford to Calvin Johnson. Interesting…
By GradyGrad96
January 15, 2009 1:57 PM | Link to this
George, while placing all the blame for Stafford on not winning these games, answer me this question, where was the coaching and the rest of the team? Stafford had a heck of a game against Tech this year. Why not blame him for the loss?
Seems to me everyone down on Stafford had expectations that he would lead the team to 4 sEC Championships,4 heismans and 4 national championships. You think you were sold a bill of goods and got taken.
Go back and review the teams and the seasons. Stafford did a heck of a lot with very little. When did he have a complete team around him? Maybe the 07 season where they choked at UT. At some point people need to look past the QB and realize this is a top-down problem. This team frankly has not been coached that well over the past season. That does not fall on Stafford.
Again, if Cox was so great why was Stafford the starter the whole time? And there are no cup-cake early games this season. Starting out in Stillwater, Oklahoma is not going to be a cakewalk.
Oh, and I guess while we are at, let’s blame Stafford for the poor UGA basketball team, Smoltz going to Boston, Falcons losing to Arizona, global warming, that idiot in Iran, Chavez in Venezuela, and oh, how about the crappy AtlantaSpirit Group as well.
By Glenn
January 15, 2009 2:03 PM | Link to this
It all depends on if Matthew can handle the speed of the NFL . The NFL is so much faster than college football . Also if he has an offensive coordinator that brings him along and doesn’t put to much on his shoulders to fast . Conservative play calling & a respectable running attack & I think Stafford will do fine . That is a big if . The Lions are such a dysfunctional franchise . If they didn’t place Kitna on the IR & let him finish the season they would have probably won four games . But then again thats probably why they did it . First pick is sexy but boy have a lot not lived up to that billing .
By GradyGrad96
January 15, 2009 2:05 PM | Link to this
Wait, I stand corrected. All of this is not Stafford’s fault. A co-worker just corrected me. This is Bush’s fault.
By Lew
January 15, 2009 2:06 PM | Link to this
Considering his offensive line and an overall weak receiving corps (too many drops!) he was the best QB in the SEC! Tebow is a great college player on a better team. Matthew will be a great NFL QB— in time and on a decent team.
By D.Ellis
January 15, 2009 2:06 PM | Link to this
@ George-He went to Auburn as a freshman and beatdown the #5 Tigers at their place 35-17….and had 85 yards rushing.
-Thats one.
By uga_b
January 15, 2009 2:12 PM | Link to this
Honestly, I am not sure what QB would be acceptable to Dawg fans but I assume it involves some cross of Montana, Brady, Elway, and Marino. Maybe even Kurt Warner. Elway’s are and 2-minute offense. Brady and Montana’s chamipionships and gamesmanship. Kurt Warner’s accuracy. And all that on top of a Dan Marino base.
Maybe then we wouldn’t throw somebody under the bus who completed a measley 60% and only averaged around 2 TDs a game and almost had 2 (count them 2) 1,000 yard receivers.
I feel bad for Joe Cox because unless he throws 500 yds a game with 6 touchdowns and no incompletions except to throw the ball away, these jackals will act like he should be playing for an intramural squad.
While we are at it, Knowshon’s not that great because he never lead the nation in rushing. Herschel was a bum. Bo Jackson shouldve played fullback. Can’t wait for some recruit to come in and never get tackled.
My God.
By Pitbull
January 15, 2009 2:14 PM | Link to this
Bradley, you are writing this article as if you have the qualifications to even know what it takes to be an NFL qb.
There have been a slew of successful NFL qb’s over the decades that varied in ability and personality to the extent that they had very little in common other than that they were successful.
You are barely qualified to type on a keyboard.
Go back to sleep.
By Phil
January 15, 2009 2:15 PM | Link to this
For all of you that say Stafford would be crazy to turn down mega-bucks this year, would you really want to be stuck in Detroit for 5 years or whatever? We’re talking about the worst franchise in all of professional sports. The city is one of the worst, if not the worst places to live in America. He is going to be miserable there. He could have gotten those same mega-bucks again next year and maybe ended up with a better franchise. Yes I know the bad teams pick first, but do anything you can to stay out of that hell hole Detroit.
And I’m only hitting the post button one time, I don’t know why it always posts twice!
By Michael Scharff
January 15, 2009 2:15 PM | Link to this
I have seen very few comments on Matthew’s leadership abilities, other than mine and Dorsey Hill’ss (and Dorsey, I agree with you 100%). Folks, Matt Ryan showed all during the regular season that he had the fire and desire to lead. Then, for some reason, he got a serious case of the “yips” against the Cardinals (of course, the next week, Delhomme was much worse than Ryan, and he has a LOT more experience on the big stage). I’ll say it again. I have been to the majority of Matthew’s games in person. When we palyed Auburn in 2007, and again against Hawaii, all the pieces came together, including Stafford’s leadership. I don’t know if any team in the country could beat us if we played consistently as we did for those two games. I’ve only seen Tebow play live three times (and, I cringe to think, I will have the “pleasure” of seeing him again in October…). He was not at 100% when we played in 2007, and it showed. This year, we got 100% healthy all-Tebow, all-the-time (plus Percy et. al.), and the difference was frighteningly clear. After the loss to Ole Miss, the young man made a vow to his Team and to the Gator Nation that he would take the Gators on his back the rest of the way, and he delivered, pure and simple.
By Phil
January 15, 2009 2:16 PM | Link to this
For all of you that say Stafford would be crazy to turn down mega-bucks this year, would you really want to be stuck in Detroit for 5 years or whatever? We’re talking about the worst franchise in all of professional sports. The city is one of the worst, if not the worst places to live in America. He is going to be miserable there. He could have gotten those same mega-bucks again next year and maybe ended up with a better franchise. Yes I know the bad teams pick first, but do anything you can to stay out of that hell hole Detroit.
And I’m only hitting the post button one time, I don’t know why it always posts twice!
By You Know Its True
January 15, 2009 2:18 PM | Link to this
If the Detroit Lions would get rid of Reggie Ball then they would win.
By Mark Bradley
January 15, 2009 2:23 PM | Link to this
I don’t think anyone could fault Georgia’s receivers the past two seasons. They’ve been outstanding.
By NCDawg
January 15, 2009 2:26 PM | Link to this
Without an improvement in accuracy, he won’t stay long.
By cursive
January 15, 2009 2:34 PM | Link to this
Very nicely written Mark. The biggest problem with Stafford that I noticed was that as good as he was, and as many games as he won he lacked that “fire” for winning that the great ones have. There were too many three-and-outs in which I’d see him smiling on the sideline two seconds after coming off of the field. He didn’t always play like he WANTED to win, and when the Dawgs didn’t he never seemed terribly upset. Maybe I’m off base?
By GATORZONE
January 15, 2009 2:42 PM | Link to this
Cursive, I could not agree more. I thought that about him all 3 years…
No heart.
By Old Dawg
January 15, 2009 2:42 PM | Link to this
First, I don’t think Stafford is ready for the NFL. He really needs another season of prep for the next level.
That being said, he proved his ability to bring a team back in the loss to Alabama. If we remember correctly, the offensive line and defense struggled in the first half against Bama. The defense played better in the second half and Stafford made some amazing throws. No, he didn’t pull of a complete comeback, but his abilities were showcased.
Field position, turnovers and terrible defense lost the Florida game. Before Stafford’s interception was returned 88 yards the game was close. After that, the flood gates opened.
Against Tech, Stafford had a great first half and good fourth quarter. After stopping Tech in the first half, the defense disappeared. If a team scores 42 points and passes for over 400 yeards it should win. Thank you defense!
The guy has tremendous talent and he has made some amazing plays. But he needs to get in better shape, learn how to make better decisions on his progressions and, most importantly, how to fire up an entire team.
By Brian Hunt
January 15, 2009 2:44 PM | Link to this
Stafford will be an average NFL quarterback, and right now there are a lot of teams that would like to upgrade to average (Panthers, Chiefs, Lions, Rams, 49ers, Bills, Raiders, Titans, Jags, Cleveland, Cincinati, etc.)
By Zeb
January 15, 2009 2:44 PM | Link to this
Hey GradyGrad, you failed to mention it’s Stafford’s fault for Katrina, my dwindling 401K, the failing porn market and the fact that George couldn’t get laid in a vietnamese w******* house.
By Meanwhile...Detroit becomes Dante's Tenth Circle of Hades
January 15, 2009 2:44 PM | Link to this
As much as he might get slammed for it, I hope for his sake he pulls an Eli Manning if Detroit picks him at number one.
Even with Calvin Johnson to throw to, as one poster suggested, Detroit would be for Stafford a slow, unending, descent into the abyss. I’m not sure even one of those extremophiles that live at the bottom of the ocean could survive in an environment as dark and dank as the current Detroit Lions, much less a college junior who will be touted as being the savior of the franchise.
By BravesAreDone
January 15, 2009 2:50 PM | Link to this
I never was a big fan of Stafford. Never thought he did much of anything for Georgia.
By Dawgfan
January 15, 2009 2:56 PM | Link to this
Being a Dawg Fan I am very angry that Stafford left early as well as the others. When you sigh these guys and work with them for years you expect them to stick around to “Finish the Drill”. Now we have 4 players that are leaving which will destroy a program. You can’t keep trying to rebuild every 2 years at the key positions. I really appreciate the fact that Oklahoma’s QB wants to stay even though he was supposed to be the top QB. Florida’s QB wants to stay and “do it again”. I will never feel the same about the players that left early. I don’t care how they do in the pros and really wish they had gone to another school.
By singndablues
January 15, 2009 2:57 PM | Link to this
Stafford is not a NBL (natural born leader). His natural talent will only take him so far, just not far enough for him to be a major difference maker on a pro team. I hate to say it because I am a GA fan but Stafford may have a “Joey Harrington” type career at Detroit.
By BILLY JACK
January 15, 2009 3:02 PM | Link to this
Mark I will tell you exactly how it is going to be to have Matt Stafford as your QB-Sometimes the lions fans will say WOW i have never seen a QB throw a pass like that and sometimes they will say why did he throw a pass like that.I love him but he frustrates you QB with big arms think they can fit a football in any area see-Brett Farve-but some times its better to throw it away and go on to the next play.He will have a big learning curve and could get hurt playing behind that line.GOOD LUCK MATT-you could have used another year.
By Ed
January 15, 2009 3:03 PM | Link to this
I never was able to shake the feeling that Stafford’s a little overrated. Great arm, but inconsistent and erratic at times. I wish him all the success in the world, but if I were an NFL exec, he would scare the heck out of me as a top 5 pick.
By Suds
January 15, 2009 3:06 PM | Link to this
Tools without intangiables will make Stafford another Rex Grossman.
By GradyGrad96
January 15, 2009 3:12 PM | Link to this
Zeb, thank you for adding those all important points. I also forgot about the tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes he caused. At this rate though someone is going to blame him for putting the universe together with black holes, when he should have left them out of the equation.
But that gets into a whole other plane of discussion. For those not aware, I am not referring to one of those people-toting flying machines.
By Flip
January 15, 2009 3:13 PM | Link to this
Whatever type NFL career Stafford has, he will be one wealthy young man.
By big o
January 15, 2009 3:16 PM | Link to this
I’m Shocked you had time to focus on this Bradley with all your time spent kissing Frank Wrens A* these days.
By Tom
January 15, 2009 3:16 PM | Link to this
Staff just giot bumped to #2 QB taken with Sanchez’ announcement.
By MountainDawg
January 15, 2009 3:19 PM | Link to this
Stafford has the talent & potential to be a Pro-Bowl caliber QB in the NFL. He does need to cut to about 220-225 lbs (max) to help his mobility & increase wind/endurance. He’ll also need to improve his accuracy & defensive reads. However…under the tutalage of a good OC/QB coach & with time, Stafford should be a stud in the NFL.
By big o
January 15, 2009 3:21 PM | Link to this
I’m Shocked you had time to focus on this Bradley with all your time spent kissing Frank Wrens A* these days.
By David
January 15, 2009 3:39 PM | Link to this
How many true juniors are franchise QBs in the NFL?
Answer: NONE
When you get drafted that high, there is too much pressure to play them early. Matt Stafford hasn’t shown enough maturity although he has improved each year. I just think he needs one more year to “grow up” and learn what it means to lead.
By GATORZONE
January 15, 2009 3:47 PM | Link to this
I liken Mr. Stafford to Jeff George.
GREAT ARM, TREMENDOUS BUILD, ALL THE INTANGIBLES…
NO HEART!
By Dawg Tired
January 15, 2009 3:47 PM | Link to this
Trying to predict how successful a college quarterback will be in the NFL is a crap shoot. Simply can’t tell. He could be great, he could be terrible, he could be average. As far as I know (which obviously doesn’t mean much) he does not have the problems Ryan Leaf had (drugs, etc.).
I don’t know about his work ethic. He seemed less than disciplined at times (less than stellar mechanics, lazy in getting feet set, etc.).
BYW, absolutely ridiculous to say Bobo has no glue about playing quarterback or coaching the position. He was a starter at a high level in the best football conference in the NCAA. I assume that the writer saying he (Bobo) knows nothing was apparently an all-state QB and starter in college and has coached at the highest level of college football. Otherwise, I’m assuming he knows nothing. Which assumption makes more sense?
By Dog in Fla
January 15, 2009 3:48 PM | Link to this
Stafford will be a great pro quarterback.
He may be saddled with bad teams such as Archie Manning was, but he will be great if his body can hold up under the pounding.
The good news for him is that the Lions will have the easiest schedule next year and that certainly helped the Dolphins. And how many times did we Georgia fans wish he had Calvin Johnson to throw to in college? So Stafford reviving the Lions or the Chiefs is a better possibility than not.
If Ryan and Flacco can pull it off, even on better all-around teams than the team Stafford will end up on, there is no reason in the world to think that Stafford cannot pull it off and be as good as, or even better, than Ryan or Flacco, or both.
Maybe not Dan Marino good, but plenty good.
GATA Matt!
By Halsey
January 15, 2009 3:50 PM | Link to this
I don’t think the Lions are necessarily that bad a situation to go to for Stafford. They have a young, hypertalented go to WR, a solid looking young RB, they drafted an OT with their first last year, and an extra first rounder this year. Yeah, the Lions were terrible in 2008 and have been for a long time, but Stafford won’t be playing for the Lions in the past. Organizations can change and improve. Just ask Cardinals fans.
By Halsey
January 15, 2009 3:56 PM | Link to this
Hey GATORZONE, if someone has “NO HEART!” that means they don’t have “ALL THE INTANGIBLES”. ;)
By Dawgs2009
January 15, 2009 3:56 PM | Link to this
Stafford never had any heart. I never once seen him get in someone’s face after a bad play or “rally the troops”.
If he had 1/4 the heart of Tebow, we would be SEC Champs!
I hope he gets cornholed in the NFL!
By notadawg
January 15, 2009 4:14 PM | Link to this
Financially speaking, Stafford made a wise decision in coming out early He is the best of the lot of quarterbacks in this year’s draft. Next year he would be one of many with McCoy, Bradford and Tebow among others. Will he be a great pro quarterback? If so he will be the first Georgia signal caller since Fran Ta rkenton to have any success in the professional ranks. Stafford has shown he has talent but does he have leadership?
By willie
January 15, 2009 4:18 PM | Link to this
Stafford was not a good college QB because in college you must be two dimensional—run and pass. I can only remember one QB that made it and that was Dan Mareno. Of course if he played for a lesser conference then who knows. If CMR does not look for 2d QB then UGA will always be hoping to be SEC champs and never NC. I have not seen enough of Joe Cox. Will he push the DAWGS over the top or not? However with MARTINEZ the team could score 90 points and lose. Give MARTINEZ A PAY RAISE FOR INCOMPETENCE. Give CMR another million or two for just being ordinary. What the he**!
By Mark Bradley
January 15, 2009 4:20 PM | Link to this
I’m fairly certain the Lions couldn’t do worse with Stafford than they just did without him.
By LynnHalseyTaylor
January 15, 2009 4:21 PM | Link to this
Physical intangibles…
“What’s a girl to do?”
By PhiloBeddo
January 15, 2009 4:25 PM | Link to this
Right turn Clyde
By Mr. Britt
January 15, 2009 4:41 PM | Link to this
All these people who say that Stafford needs to stay another year are just selfish. Y’all don’t care about Stafford at all. You don’t care that he could lose $20 Million if he stays.All you care about is watching something exciting on saturdays.
By TXDawg
January 15, 2009 4:43 PM | Link to this
I don’t know who that imposter was on the blog earlier but I’m here now!
You heard it hear first Jason Garrett will take the Detroit Lions job and trade the 1st round pick back to the Cowboys for Tony Romo (his boy), and Jerry Jones will bring the hometown boy (Stafford) back to play in his GAZILLION dollar stadium…that thing is humungous!! Jerry has a history of drafting GA Bulldog QBs too. Basically, my prediction is like GA’s chances were at the beginning of the season of winning the MNC. It’s possible, but not probable. Makes for good reading too, right MB? LOL
Anyway, if I have to keep reading all these fickle Dawg fans blog about how horrible Stafford was, I will puke. Most of them were the same ones cheering and defending him throughout his career. Stafford grew at GA, one key point to reiterate is that he suffered from a freshman Offensive Coord. Don’t fault BoBo either, he was lucky to have a Stafford to cover his growing process too. As for Stafford not being able to throw. I can guarantee you this. For every bad pass you point out, I will point out 4 that were good. There is no perfect QB coming out of college, not even Matt Ryan because he still has issues too. Stafford is what Mel Kiper said he would be on the front of that magazine about 4 years ago…….A #1 Draft Pick.
So stop with the bitterness and support your local Bulldog (smile)!!
By No more beatings
January 15, 2009 4:50 PM | Link to this
Thank goodness for Matt going pro. He will no longer have to take any more beatings from the gators. Get out while you can. better to be 1-2 than 1-3 against the gators.
By Tech75
January 15, 2009 4:53 PM | Link to this
Getting into the fray late….
I think a pro QB’s success is based on how well they adapt mentally to the pro game, and how fast their data acquisition and decision-making processes are once the ball is snapped.
It matters not how strong the arm is if you don’t throw the ball to the right receiver at the right time….
I have my doubts about Mr. Stafford’s abilities in that area.
And Mark - I have vast doubts about Vince Young in that area. He just hasn’t got the right personality to play QB in the pros, nor do I believe he has even the minimum processor power required.
Same as MV7, unfortunately. Multi-million dollar athletes with $1.00 brains.
Is it true that VY scored the lowest in history on the Wunderlic ?
Or was that Jeff George I’m thinking about?
By Dr. Morpheus
January 15, 2009 4:55 PM | Link to this
Time will tell. I’m going to guess that Matt will be a successful NFL QB. He’s smart, talented, and he’s not a wuss like some of the talented college QB’s who failed to make it. But none of us really know how this will work out.
By gabeaux
January 15, 2009 5:07 PM | Link to this
He’ll be no better than David Greene.
By Sautee Dawg
January 15, 2009 5:14 PM | Link to this
Mark
Good to hear from you Stafford will make a great NFL QB, he has the smarts to read a defence, which is lacking in most qb’s in the NFL, and the 20 to 35 yard pass he completes more than any QB. Needs some work on the screen and the tightend short passes but anywhere in the mid range 20 to 35 he’s got the best arm since Elway. Hard part in NFL will be matching up his skills and finding a coach he gets along with well. As you know when you get to the NFL you don’t have to do anything after you’ve been paid, so we’ll see how that goes, but i think he put’s up big numbers maybe not 1st year but 2nd. Lot of the stats are for his 3 years don’t take into consideration the dropped passes we suffered through a season ago or the missed assignments by recievers, couple all that with a new coordinator and young injured O-line, I think Stafford done a fine job for UGA. Maybe lacking a little in his leadership of the team but, that may be the same thing you referred to about keeping quite with the media. Maybe he just don’t want to speak or don’t want to be a verbal leader, can’t remember John Elway or Joe Montana speaking all that much either, they sure spoke on the field though, maybe Stafford will do the same. But anybody that’s doubting his QB ability, i wouldn’t bet against him.
By Resevoir Dawg
January 15, 2009 5:15 PM | Link to this
One thing that I believe Stafford has over Bradford and Tebow is the ability to read defenses. It seems that Florida and Oklahoma require their QB’s to look to the sideline once they’re at the line of scrimmage. Stafford is fully capable of running a no-huddle and calling his own plays. That puts him ahead of his peers.
By david
January 15, 2009 5:17 PM | Link to this
Bradley, why can’t you guys at ajc write something good about a UGA player and then in the same sentece castigate the the guy?? Is your filthy jealousy on the players go year round. M. Stafford will be agreat pro and be the # 1 draft choice.I guess it really chaps you that he is about to sign for 180 mil. and a signing bonus of 80 mil. Also, K. Moreno is the best back in the draft-bar none. It’s quite evident that the SEC is the elite conference in the country and has been for many, many, many years and the ACC is scum, but of course you can’t see that or accept it. It’s a shame the crap and jealousy you exhibit in your articles. These are 17-21 year old kids, remember that!
By Marchfb
January 15, 2009 5:18 PM | Link to this
I’m a huge Stafford fan and understand him leaving due to the money to be made in the NFL, especially with possible rookie salary caps next year. However, look at all of the top NFL QB’s - the Manning Bros, Matt Ryan, Tom Brady, Rothlesburger, McNabb - all stayed for 4 years in college. The weaknesses mentioned in the column could certainly be sharpened in a senior year.
By Jeff
January 15, 2009 5:24 PM | Link to this
Please do not compare Greene and Stafford. We NEVER lost to UK or Vandy under Greene. We NEVER go DESTROYED with Greene. See UF, Alabama, and UT(06 and 07) with Stafford.
Stafford has great ability, but he doesn’t seem to know how to rally our team when things aren’t going well against a good team.
Too many costly turnovers in big games. Too little touch. Too little leadership. Going to a bad team will not help. I see Stafford as a good backup, but not someone a team can count on every play in the NFL. Way too inconsistent. Unbelievable one drive, AWFUL the next.
One plus for Stafford is that he seems to be durable. Kind of like Ben R. with the Steelers. The Jets would be a great option.
I don’t blame Stafford for leaving AT ALL. No way I would EVER pass up a chance to be the #1 pick in the draft. I do wish him the best of luck.
Also, I have a theory that some of the Stafford haters don’t like him because he is not a “hometown” boy like Shockley or Greene. People can not get over that fact.
By Jeff
January 15, 2009 5:25 PM | Link to this
Please do not compare Greene and Stafford. We NEVER lost to UK or Vandy under Greene. We NEVER go DESTROYED with Greene. See UF, Alabama, and UT(06 and 07) with Stafford.
Stafford has great ability, but he doesn’t seem to know how to rally our team when things aren’t going well against a good team.
Too many costly turnovers in big games. Too little touch. Too little leadership. Going to a bad team will not help. I see Stafford as a good backup, but not someone a team can count on every play in the NFL. Way too inconsistent. Unbelievable one drive, AWFUL the next.
One plus for Stafford is that he seems to be durable. Kind of like Ben R. with the Steelers. The Jets would be a great option.
I don’t blame Stafford for leaving AT ALL. No way I would EVER pass up a chance to be the #1 pick in the draft. I do wish him the best of luck.
Also, I have a theory that some of the Stafford haters don’t like him because he is not a “hometown” boy like Shockley or Greene. People can not get over that fact.
By Thom Brenneman
January 15, 2009 5:33 PM | Link to this
mmmmfhgu…phhrr…mmphhr…Sorry, had something in my mouth from last Thursday. If you have the LUCK..to spend 15 MINUTES!!!..WITH MATTHEW STAFFORD…YOUR..LIFE!!!!!…WILL BE CHANGED..FOR THE BETTER!!!…FOREVER!!!!
By st simons
January 15, 2009 5:33 PM | Link to this
45 to 42 ! hahahahahahahah
By God is watching us.
January 15, 2009 5:34 PM | Link to this
Bradley, if you dont watch yourself, you’re going to become my favorite troll coddling troll coddler.
By Honest Lee
January 15, 2009 5:38 PM | Link to this
Seems like many dawg fans are still trying to convince themselves that Stafford is a better QB than Tebow. I wouldn’t trade 1 Tebow for 50 Staffords. Sure, Stafford has a strong arm, but compare their completion rate, overall efficiency rating, winning percentage, leadership skills, champioship totals, and Stafford loses any comparison. What good is a strong arm if you can’t complete your passes?
For what it’s worth, Joe Cox looks like a solid player who will probably make less mistakes than Stafford and care more about winning.
See you in Jax!!
Go Gators!! 2008 National and SEC champs!
By MountainDawg
January 15, 2009 5:45 PM | Link to this
Resevoir Dawg @ 17:15 - Good points! Stafford has a stronger arm then both of them (as well) & is bigger than Bradford. While Tebow is a better athlete (who has the size, talent & heart to play QB, FB, TE, LB or even Safety in the NFL), Matt’s a better pure passer with a cannon arm. I’d give Matt the edge over Sanchez in arm strength too. Stafford just needs to get in top shape for the combine & work on passing accuracy.
P.S. - You jokers comparing Stafford to Bobo & Greene are nuts. While Greene was more cerebral & Bobo more accurate, Stafford has much more talent & potential then both of them!
By Ted Striker
January 15, 2009 5:45 PM | Link to this
I was going to weigh in on this prodigiously pontificated treatise earlier but it’s darn tricky to shoot tequila and type at the same time. And spell good.
Not much to add on subject — you guys have covered it all. But MB, I’ll say this. Had I known you were going to employ the phrase “ingrained diffidence” your column, I’d have skipped reading my word-of-the-day calendar.
Okay, time to go. There’s another bottle of Sauza Tres Generaciones hiding around here somewhere.
By Thom Brenneman
January 15, 2009 5:46 PM | Link to this
As GREAT as an on-field player as Matthew Stafford is..and he is GREAT!!…Off the field…this young man..who is only 21 By The Way!!!!!….can KILL anyone at Scrabble…he has visited many..MANY third world cities in ALABAMA…TENNESEE…FLORIDA…and drank many formerly virgin girls…out of their clothes. Tim Tebow has done the same with many….MANY..young men in Gainesville!!!..I LOVE TIM TEBOW!!!…IF I CANT HAVE HIM..NO ONE CAN!!………Blam BLAM!!!!!
By Dr. Morpheus
January 15, 2009 5:59 PM | Link to this
BTW, Thor does take the Man of Steel- check the myths, a god beats a mortal every time.
By God is watching us.
January 15, 2009 6:05 PM | Link to this
sure, striker, we believe you were shooting tequila with your free hand when you typed.
Alonis moriset never did say what she was doing with the one hand in her pocket while she played the piano, flicked a cigarette, or showed a peace sign……
By Mark Bradley
January 15, 2009 6:07 PM | Link to this
“Ingrained diffidence”? Holy cow. Did I say that? I meant “engraved invitation.” Sorry.
By TXDawg
January 15, 2009 6:11 PM | Link to this
I’m a Marvel Comic fan too but Thor might be too much of a “Girly-Man” to beat Superman…..lol. I mean, what’s the deal with that Hammer. Superman uses his hands for crying out loud! He could easily freeze Thor with his frost breath too. I’m still laughing at the “Girly Man” reference…lol…he should be the mascot in place of that lame Bee for the North Ave nerds.
By God is watching us.
January 15, 2009 6:15 PM | Link to this
Sure, mark, we believe you didn’t mean to write “vas deference” while you took shots of tequila with the hand not in your pocket…..
By James Adams
January 15, 2009 6:15 PM | Link to this
Mr. Formerly Fro,
remember, before you start worshiping at the throne of Tebow; Danny Wuerffel was a better college quarterback than Peyton Manning.
By Mark Bradley
January 15, 2009 6:22 PM | Link to this
My rankings: 1. Thor 2. Superman 3. The Hulk 4. The Thing 5. Wolverine
By gator teach
January 15, 2009 6:22 PM | Link to this
Hey….”God is watching us”….apparently you don’t know how to use spell check or the internet. Her name is spelled…. Alanis Morissette.
BTW….if I had to choose between Percy Harvin or Matthew Stafford has the better NFL player…hands down for #1.
We’ll miss him! I wish him the best of success! Another BTW, next year the Gators have their entire first string defense coming back next year! I look forward to another “throw down” with the Dawgs in Jax!
Go Gators!!!!
By gator teach
January 15, 2009 6:25 PM | Link to this
Hey….”God is watching us”….apparently you don’t know how to use spell check or the internet. Her name is spelled…. Alanis Morissette.
BTW….if I had to choose between Percy Harvin or Matthew Stafford has the better NFL player…hands down for #1.
We’ll miss him! I wish him the best of success! Another BTW, the Gators have their entire first string defense coming back next year! I look forward to another “throw down” with the Dawgs in Jax!
Go Gators!!!!
By Mike T.
January 15, 2009 6:34 PM | Link to this
but all these people who act like Stafford didn’t contribute to our program in a positive way are stupid
Perfectly said!
By Sautee Dawg
January 15, 2009 7:02 PM | Link to this
Honest Lee
Tebow not in comparison to Stafford, Not the pocket type passer that NFL desires, his drop back take off running up the middle won’t be as successful in the NFL. Sure it has worked well in Fla, but to really get the most out of him he would make a great tightend. Has the size, speed, and don’t mind butting heads with the linebackers and safties, just don’t see him being as successful as Stafford at QB. Great team leader though and will be great addition to any team.
By Najeh Davenpoop
January 15, 2009 7:26 PM | Link to this
A quarterback is only as good as his offensive line and his coaching staff, so there’s no telling whether the system in which Stafford ends up will facilitate his development as a passer. But from what I’ve seen he’s clearly the best quarterback in this draft class (even if Bradford entered the draft) and if everything goes right he will be a solid pro. He reminds me a lot of Jay Cutler — a strong-armed gunslinging type who may not be the most consistent player but who can complete throws that most NFL QBs can’t. I’d definitely pick him in the top 5 if QB was a big need.
By Knowshon Hauls
January 15, 2009 7:42 PM | Link to this
I’m tired of people saying ‘Stafford has no heart.’
How do any of us know what was said or done Stafford on or off the field? Just because he doesn’t get fired up every single time the Dawgs get a first down (like Tebow) doesn’t mean he doesn’t care about the team. If you want to critique his technical skills go ahead, just cut out this subjective BS.
By Seriously
January 15, 2009 7:43 PM | Link to this
Which 34 idiot UGA fans said the Stafford would be the best fit for the falcons. He will never be the qb that Matt Ryan is already!!!! Once again, delusional.
By IceDawg
January 15, 2009 7:46 PM | Link to this
Greene and Shockley were better collegiate quarterbacks than Stafford. What good is a strong arm if you can’t connect with the receiver or you do not throw it long that much? One more year at the college level could have really helped Stafford hone his skills. I would be really surprised if he makes it at the professional level especially with what he has shown in his brief time at UGA. That three outstanding QBs, Bradford, McCoy and Tebow are going to remain for their Senior year makes you wonder about Stafford’s decision, was it the right way to go. Oh,well, doesn’t matter. He’s gone, that was his decision to make and I hope he does well.
By Ken
January 15, 2009 8:06 PM | Link to this
As noted, lesser QBs at UGA have done more. I don’t like putting down a coach. However, for all the crap CWM has received, BoBo deserves more. He took a 5 star QB and wasted him. His offenses have been predictable and lacking creativity. Why did we not see Moreno and Samuel or King in the backfield together this season. Why didn’t we see some direct snaps to Moreno? How many times did we see the “go route”? Too many!! How many did Stafford hit? Not nearly enough of them. I bet less than 1 out of 10.
I think Cox will be fine as starter. UGA will win 9 or 10 games, but no SEC championship. Why? Because the hated gators will beat us. Why? Because they have a dynamic offense and better coaching on offense. Our players are as good as any. The difference is in the coaching.
What are Bobo’s credentials? He had one good season as UGA QB. Before that, everybody wanted to run him out of time. Anybody else remember his Junior year and how bad he was? Why would a top rated quarterback want to come to UGA and learn how to be a Pro QB from Mike Bobo? Please, somebody tell me. Did Bobo have a meaningful pro career if any? No. Has any other team asked to interview him for open coaching positions? No. Why?
By Another over rated QB from UGA
January 15, 2009 8:12 PM | Link to this
That will not make make it in the NFL. What did Matt do at UGA? NOTHING! Comming soon to Athens Georgia…..David Green and Matt Stafford ok used cars! WOOF WOOF
By ZTLGuy
January 15, 2009 8:23 PM | Link to this
Nah, your list is wrong Bradley.
Superman was not immune to magic. Thor’s hammer Mjolinar was a magic hammer. Goldilocks wins.
Abomination and Namor would both kick Thing and Wolvie’s butts
By lamar
January 15, 2009 8:38 PM | Link to this
MARK, ARE YOU STUPID??? NOT THE BEST QB IN THE SEC EAST?? IF NOT WHO WAS??? OH LET ME GUESS, YOU THINK TEBOW IS EVEN THOUGH NOBODY IN THE NFL WANTS HIM & IT IS PLAIN STAFFORD WILL BE A 1ST ROUND PICK!! WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR WHEN TEBOW COMES OUT , HE WILL BE COMING OUT AT THE SAME TIME AS BRADFORD, MCCOY, ETC. TEBOW WILL NOT EVEN BE PICKED IN THE 4TH ROUND, YOU WATCH! BUT WE ALL KNOW TEBOW IS COMING BACK BECAUSE OF THE FEEDBACK HE GOT FROM THE NFL. HE ALSO THINKS BY HIM COMING BACK THEY WILL WIN THE SEC , WELL IT TAKES MORE THAN A GUY NAMED TEBOW TO DO THIS, ASK GA A TEAM THAT HAD 19 PLAYERS TO INJURIES THIS YEAR BECAUSE IF THEY DIDNT LOSE THESE GUYS THEY WOULD HAVE HELD ON TO THEIR #1 RANKING! BY THE WAY, WAIT TILL TEBOW LEAVES, THEY WILL STRUGGLE REAL BAD TO WIN!! HELL THEY DONT HAVE A QB AFTER HIM. AT LEAST GA RECRUITED THE STATE OF FLORIDAS BEST QB IN MURRAY, HELL HE TURNED DOWN THE GATORS!! THE REASON WAS HE WANTED TO PLAY AT THE NEXT LEVEL & HE KNOWS AT FLORIDA HE DONT STAND A CHANCE!!
By Bookman
January 15, 2009 8:40 PM | Link to this
I liked the Flash. I liked Batman. I liked Green Lantern. Never got the superman thing because it was like, he was god or something, completely invulnerable, so where’s the drama? Yeah, they tried to nuke superman and all he got was a mild scrotal rash.
I did notice that Popeye was a superhero, and something green made him stronger, while something green made superman weaker, but neither was good enough for olive oil. She betrayed the both of them with Brutus. She’d show up at his house in a white house intern outfit….
By iamSTAFFORD
January 15, 2009 8:56 PM | Link to this
ENOUGH ALREADY! I, Matt Stafford, am tired of hearing all of you economically challenged poor people jibber-jabber about me having enough money to buy your first born! Ain’t nothing but jealousy…(buncha old geezers hating that my 1st year salary already surpasses your lifetime earnings):) AND REMEMBER….I’M ON YOUR MIND…I DON’T GIVE A FLYING FRIG ABOUT YOU LOSERS!!!!! I’M RIIIIICH BEEEEEOTCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
By Too much machismo?
January 15, 2009 8:58 PM | Link to this
Is there simply too much machismo on this board to lend support to Thom Creed as the best superhero?
Thom Creed? Who’s Thom Creed?
By Meanwhile...if I were Stafford
January 15, 2009 9:03 PM | Link to this
If I were really Matthew Stafford, I wouldn’t be wasting my time on this blog. Instead, I’d be on every Detroit area blog I could find, pushing for the Lions to trade the number one pick to someone, anyone, that needs a quarterback.
By hop
January 15, 2009 9:04 PM | Link to this
stafford has only one quality and that is a strong arm,but tha anology in baseball is good for football as well.
if you cannot hit the” BROADSIDE OF A barn”, one is not going to be very successful. a 100 mile an hour pitch does one little good if you cannot throw strikes.
stafford is not a leader and does not inspire or elevate his team mates. he never won a championship of any kind and did not step up in big games!
he will be an average qb,but will hang on because of the very few quality passers in the nfl.
By Mark Bradley
January 15, 2009 9:05 PM | Link to this
I liked Green Lantern because of the oath he recited when he recharged his ring. I liked the Flash because he kept his costume in a ring. I liked Batman because he had the best villains. (Other than Spidey.)
By Lee
January 15, 2009 9:07 PM | Link to this
The ideal situation for Stafford, for that matter, any college quarterback, is to get drafted to a team that has an aging qb with a couple more good years left in him.
Unfortunately, the worst teams pick first and most of the time, it doesn’t have a storybook ending like Ryan and the Falcons.
Speaking of the Falcons and hot shot QBs, one has to wonder what Bartkowski could have accomplished if he went to a better team like the Cowboys.
The two biggest drawbacks I see in Stafford is a lack of touch (remember those fade routes) and inaccuracy on the long, sideline routes. Both of which, I might add, can be remedied by practice, practice, practice.
As far as the Tebow vs Stafford debate, if I were a college coach, I would pick Tebow over any QB out there. I also saw Tebow drop the ball into the receivers hands 40 yards down field, so don’t say he doesn’t have the arm. For the past couple of years, Tebow has had the intangibles that Stafford didn’t.
By iamSTAFFORD
January 15, 2009 9:11 PM | Link to this
MARK BRADLEY….you filthy little buzzard! you started this commotion and now you want to talk about SUPERHEROES? YOU’LL NEVER MAKE THE BIG TIME!!!!!
By Ramguy
January 15, 2009 9:18 PM | Link to this
Mark my words Stafford will be a better NFL QB than he ever was in College. He was always going to be the number one QB taken this year regardless what Bradford and the rest decided. Bradford was never going to be taken as the 1st QB in the draft. ESPN may have wanted it to be that way but it was never going to happen.
By Too much machismo?
January 15, 2009 9:19 PM | Link to this
Even with the pedigree of none other than Stan Lee, no one is willing to get within a ten foot pole of superhero in waiting Thom Creed?
“Who’s Thom Creed?” bloggers are claiming? This must be the “Don’t ask/Don’t tell” section of the blog.
By UGA CLass of 81
January 15, 2009 10:00 PM | Link to this
I’m sure Stafford gives a rat’s a@@ what all of you “football experts” think. He didn’t do what YOU wanted him to do and now he’s useless. Give me a break. Half of you couldn’t run 50 yards if your life depended on it. With typical UGA fans like these, no wonder he’s leaving. He’ll be laughing all the way to the bank……even if it’s with the Lions.
By ghost dawgI
January 15, 2009 11:01 PM | Link to this
I don’t see why so many people are so down on Matt. He reminds me of K. Warner when he was with the Rams. I think he is the best qb Ga. ever had by far and i hate like hell he’s leaving. No disrespect to Joe but its doubtful many people will fear Ga’s offense lie they did with Matt qb. I hope he goes the rams.In 2 or 3years he could be all pro. Any of you idiots ever see pro qbs made stupid looking plays. If you havn’t you don’t watch pro football- even the best do it all the time. As for tebow, i wouldn’t trade Matt for 10 tebows. Tebow is an egotistical bore who is afraid to turn pro.
By Isle 12, Row 54
January 15, 2009 11:11 PM | Link to this
Vomit your stats comparing David Greene to Stafford. QB numbers should reflect how many catchable balls the receivers drop. Greene’s completion stats should have been much higher if Terrence Edwards only had hands instead of boat anchors to catch with.
By The Fight Realtor
January 16, 2009 6:58 AM | Link to this
Unfortunately, the indelible image for me is Stafford hoisting the keg over his head his freshman year. He looks pudgy and unmotivated. It’s probably not fair to do this, but the comparisons to Tebow are unavoidable. Love him or loathe him, Tebow has racked up both personal AND team accomplishments. Stafford has shown flashes of brilliance, but flashes of brilliance buried among bone-headed miscues usually doesn’t translate to a very good NFL quarterback.
By Life Will Go On!
January 16, 2009 7:29 AM | Link to this
If Stafford had played in the Big 12, he would have had numbers better that McCoy, Harrell, and Bradford. You people seem to have forgotten all the dropped passes during his first and part of his second season. Mo Mass himself had a horrible sophmore season. There were drops this year too. AJ flipped the ball to an Alabama D-back and was interfered with before the interception in the Fla. game - and he dropped a TD pass that was perfectly thrown against UT. I bet David Greene wishes he had an arm like Stafford’s!!!
How smart is Stafford? He’s smart enough to know that the chances of all the other top-rated QB’s leaving early were slim and now he’s a shoo-in for a top spot!
By Chris
January 16, 2009 9:05 AM | Link to this
Ryan Leaf, Todd Marinovich, take your pick. Spectacular arm strength, spectacular inaccuracy. High and wide. Low and away. Greatly underachieved his potential. Looking forward to the Joe Cox era.
By longtimeSEC FAN
January 16, 2009 9:32 AM | Link to this
lamar——- Your prognostications are as good as your ugag English—“he don’t stand a chance”.
By JackP
January 16, 2009 10:28 AM | Link to this
You homers already have this guy as THE quarterback on a pro team. Reality says he will ride the bench in a learning status for several years just like Shockley. Even then he may never make it. Stafford does not make good decisions nor does he have the arm and accuracy to be a successful pro QB. He is not the next Joe Montana as some of you think. Get real folks. I hope Stafford earns a degree because he will need it when he enters the job market in the real world in the near future.
By Chris
January 16, 2009 10:36 AM | Link to this
Best QB ever at UGA? You’ve got to be kidding. He’s behind Eric Zeier, Fran Tarkenton, and probably even Buck Belue, Jeff Pyburn, Matt Robinson, and Ray Goff for that honor. OK, just kidding about the last four, but not the first two.
By JackP
January 16, 2009 10:36 AM | Link to this
Stafford will join the same ranks as other former GA QBs Shockley and Greene as bench warmers with a very short career. These 3 ought to give it up and get a real job and give up the world of fantasy they currently live in.
By Political Foreskin
January 16, 2009 11:08 AM | Link to this
Shockley , who can run and block, should be in the backfield behind Ryan. The threat of a full back throwing a reasonably accurate bomb is nearly indefensible, and would give Ryan that extra half second to spot a guy downfield.
By NEWS FLASH
January 16, 2009 11:11 AM | Link to this
To the people that don’t understand why some of the QB’s look to the sidelines and some don’t, i will clarify.
First NFL QB’s would look to the sidelines but they don’t have to cause they have speakers in their helmets, coaches talk to them telling them what defense they are facing.
Second given UGA’s lack of offense this year maybe Stafford should have looked to the sidelines to better understand what defense he was facing.
By Guyana Dawg
January 16, 2009 11:36 AM | Link to this
i don’t know him personally, wasn’t in the huddle - but it seems Stafford lacked the fire to win championships, carry the team on his back.
i too question whether he was ever truly at Georgia, or was just waiting his turn to be a pro. i am interested to see how UGA will do next year and beyond without him.
i hope he is afforded the opportunity to sit a year before starting in the NFL.
By Go Dawgs!
January 16, 2009 12:48 PM | Link to this
HEY MARK BRADY WAT DO U THING THE FLACONS WILL DRAFT TIS YEER I HOPE THEY GO DEFENCE CUZ LAST SESSION THERE WHERE NOT N E GOOD
By Husker Homer
January 16, 2009 12:56 PM | Link to this
Joe Ganz is much better than Matt “the second coming of Christ” Stafford.
By webhead
January 16, 2009 1:19 PM | Link to this
If someone takes Stafford no.1 they will regret it for years to come. Other than a strong arm he has no NFL talent.Pro defenses will eat him alive.I would take Matt Ryan over Stafford any day of the week.Has he ever hit a pass over 40 yards?Jeez. By the way Thor can’t wlip The Hulk much less Superman.Can believe you write sports!
By webhead
January 16, 2009 1:21 PM | Link to this
If someone takes Stafford no.1 they will regret it for years to come. Other than a strong arm he has no NFL talent.Pro defenses will eat him alive.I would take Matt Ryan over Stafford any day of the week.Has he ever hit a pass over 40 yards?Jeez. By the way Thor can’t wlip The Hulk much less Superman.Can believe you write sports!
By JB
January 16, 2009 4:02 PM | Link to this
He will be a complete flop want make it 3 seasons
By shane#1
January 16, 2009 6:35 PM | Link to this
Teams that run a spread O signal plays in from the sidelines, giving the QB only a couple of reads, usually the SS and strong side DE. Some systems onlt make the QB responsable for the safety. In a pro-type offense like UGA runs the reads are more complicated and the QB has more options when he changes the play at the line. Pro style QBs are usually valued more in the pros because they take more snaps under center and they are much more experenced at reading defenses. Many spread QBs are almost always in the shotgun. I agree with Pete Carroll about the importance of a QB getting four years of experence in college. Ryan is a good example of how much another year to mature and learn at the college level can help a QB in the Pros. I wish Matt had stayed, let Sanchez go to Detroit!
By bank walker
January 16, 2009 8:02 PM | Link to this
Stafford lives in the same neighborhood as Jerry jones and Troy Aikeman. His family has major NFL connections. Some team was gonna give him a shot regardless of how good he was, I believe. I personally don’t think he will be any better in the NFL than he was in college. I don’t think he has the drive and ambition to be great. He was fed with a silver spoon!
By Terry Mcguirk
January 18, 2009 6:24 AM | Link to this
There’s just no way Thor beats Superman- and I like Thor. And Spiderman doesn’t crack the top five? C’mon!
I wonder if Joe Cox can continue the prestigous tradition at Georgia- lose three games every year no matter what the expectation.
By michaelgee
January 18, 2009 11:03 AM | Link to this
The Mark Bradley kiss of death. Your prognostication skill set is dicey Mark, but you already admitted as much in the past.
Comparing Stafford to his neighbors is weak, comparing Stafford to Matt Ryan is lame, comparing Stafford to John Elway is silly.
Matthew Stafford is Matthew Stafford, and his rookie performance will fall far short of Matt Ryan, Elway or his neighbors.
Stafford will get a shot in Detroit but will have everything to prove, that is the only comparison to Matt Ryan you can make at this time. Matt already proved his worth.
I will ask this, how many games would Stafford have won at UGA this season without Moreno?
By Moreno
January 18, 2009 11:40 AM | Link to this
I will answer this: Weak, lame, silly are terms you should only uae when you describe ducks, decks, or DickVandyke’s talent.
Try the new enhancement pill that’s been proven to enlarge, sir. Then start whistlin’. (so we’ll all know)
After four hours, please call your doctor if you havent gotten laid, it means your gay and he’ll prescribe some alternate lifestyle marital aids and really cool bars for relaxation.
moron
By nativefralcon
January 19, 2009 9:20 PM | Link to this
Mark I think Stafford would have been a lot better if he had stayed another year, mainly for his accuracy. He is a lot like Joe Flacco and Jamracus Russell has a cannon for a arm but accuracy is sketchy. If he gets picked no. 1 overall by the Lions he will be rich, but I think he will become Joey Harrington Number 2. Shwartz is a good defensive minded coach, so was Marinelli but the GM was one of Matt Millens friends, its not going to change much. Also the weather sucks up there. If I was him. I would try to not look his total best and let Mark Sanchez of USC pass him and get the Chiefs job at the Combine. I think Stafford would do alot better there and have a carreer then go to the Lions and be sack bait, and become Sack shocked just like Joey Harrington. :( Stafford has a great arm but his accuracy sucks compared to Matt Ryan and if he just stayed one more year he could have worked on that. Kind of Ironic though, UGA QB throwing to a Georgia tech Wide Receiver. I hope him well but unless they get a real GM there like Dmitroff or Parcells.It will be the same old Lions. :(
By monty
January 20, 2009 10:53 PM | Link to this
Stafford I’ll be the 1st to admit needs to improve on touch(screen pass) and on floating a ball and leading a receiver on deep throws(that seems to be something you are born with) being able to anticipate a receivers speed and knowing how much to lead him.) THat said, Stafford seems to be able to make the big play when he needs to. He throws the deep out better than anyone. I remember a kid the Falcons drafted who had a gun but couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn in his first few games and they gave up on him, seems like he went to Green Bay and became one of the top 5 QB’s of all time.