Blog that kick

By Jason Oreilly

July 26, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this

Noriaki Kinoshita? It’s interesting no one has made a bigger deal out of a Japanese player. Congrads PETA for your catchy jingles, I had a headache for the rest of the day. The plane that arrived exactly as the gates where opened was a nice touch though.

By DekalbDog

July 26, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

Should go with “Shock” for this season! Let’s groom him now!!

By BREW

July 26, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this

I like Shock. I noticed last year that when he scrambles he keeps his head up until he crosses the line. He’s not a tuck and go at the first sign of trouble guy. That’s hard to teach a young QB. I’m not sure he’s ready for this year with another new system but he’s going to be a good one. Are we smart enough to keep him and give him a chance to season it the $1,000,000 question.

By Shelia York

July 26, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this

Why not give Shockly a shot to start? He can run and he can throw. He doesn’t have a bunch of hang ups that even Vick seemed to have. Vick would just give up and run. I think he would do a great job for the Falcons. It just maybe that the answer to the problems have been there all along. Give him a shot Blank.

By Shelia York

July 26, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this

Why not give Shockly a shot to start? He can run and he can throw. He doesn’t have a bunch of hang ups that even Vick seemed to have. Vick would just give up and run. I think he would do a great job for the Falcons. It just maybe that the answer to the problems have been there all along. Give him a shot Blank.

By Derryck

July 26, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

DJ is a great competitor! He wants to win, and when the game is on the line he can come back. He may not wow anyone with his mechanics or his accuracy. I am not comparing him to John Elway, but, he has that mentally! Winning is the most important thing, and he can win. He only lost one game his intire college career, and that was the defensive cordinator’s fault. Trust me, he wants to win, and he can win football games!

By DNice

July 26, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

Joey is all that and then some. Give him a chance. Oh wait he had two chances with Detroit and Miami (LOL). Woof Woof Woof hold it down for Vick for 6 games then he will be back. These charges will go away so fast cause something is very fishy and you will see. Show some pics otherwise this would have been out 5 years ago. No one can keep something that quiet for so long.

By Harry Ballzonia

July 26, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

Get real you UGAy homers. The guy has only played one meaningful year of football since high school. He has never played in an NFL game. Before Vick got in trouble he was going to battle Redman (who hasn’t played in the NFL for a few yrs.) for 3rd STRING. Take off your rose colored glasses. I guess Greene should be starting over Hasselback in Seattle too, huh.

By Mike

July 26, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this

I like that DJ has the attitude that he intends to compete for the #1 job. He had a good college career…not great by any means. He only did enough to barel be drafted. Lets rewind a few years to another QB he did little to impress the NFL scouts…. then gets drafted in the 6th round. He worked his way up the depth chart to #2 and got his chance due to an injury. When BLedsoe went down a few years ago all of the New England faithful thought their season was over. 3 superbowl rings later this 6th round draft choice will be a hall of famer. Not saying DJ will be a Tom Brady… but you can’t judge people due to where they were drafted or what they accomplished in their college years.

By Brian

July 26, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this

I am one of the biggest Dawg fans in the world, but Shock is just not ready to be a starting QB in this league. He needs a few more years of grooming before he may be ready. Give Harrington a chance. He may surprise you.

By confubitated

July 26, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this

GO DAWGS!!!!111 LAWLS!!1

By John R

July 26, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this

Shockley was a draft day steal. He may have only started full-time one season in college, but he’s (IMHO) the ‘real deal’. I’ve watched Shockley develop since he and David Greene shared QB duties for UGA. He has the intelligence and ability to not only be a pro QB, but he also has an unselfish leader quality. The only thing he is lacking is experience. Heck, the seasons been whacked already so why not let him gain some playing time and see what he is really made of?

By AirForceflyr

July 26, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this

Craig,

Thanks for the Shock update ! Keep’em comming !!

By adolf oliver knipples

July 26, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this

WELCOME TO THE SHOCK AND AWE ERA!!!!!!

OMG, HE’S SO GONNA ROCK!!!!!!!!!!

SHOCK, OH SHOCK, YA WHAT? SHOCK A LOCK, POP A LOCK, SHOCKY SHOCKY SAY WHAT? YA SHOCK!

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO DAWGSSSSSSS!!!

By AirForceflyr

July 26, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this

Craig,

Thanks for the Shock update ! Keep’em comming !!

By adolf oliver knipples

July 26, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this

WELCOME TO THE SHOCK AND AWE ERA!!!!!!

OMG, HE’S SO GONNA ROCK!!!!!!!!!!

SHOCK, OH SHOCK, YA WHAT? SHOCK A LOCK, POP A LOCK, SHOCKY SHOCKY SAY WHAT? YA SHOCK!

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO DAWGSSSSSSS!!!

By adolf oliver knipples

July 26, 2007 11:52 PM | Link to this

I think Shockley is on the way to greatness. He’ll be starting by week three and win his first two playoff games later in the year.

We are all witnesses.

By Singletary

July 26, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this

All football, all the time.Let’s do it.

TMoore, I was SOOO disappointed in your report on ESPN today. No balance; no concern for due process. AFter what I saw at Camp Chaos today, maybe… just like an accused pedophile teacher —- MV7 can’t operate and earn his check. You or another analyst harkened back to the civil rights era. Whites and the establishment were wrong then.

You are wrong now. I don’t like excluding MV7 from camp before his guilt OR INNOCENCE is ascertained, but the decision’s been made. Let’s move forward without any more incendiary diatribes. Please let the process play.

You should do your job. We’ll do our “fan job:” to talk about football, and let’s see if we can extract a season from this.

By Brian K

July 26, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this

I would love to see Shockley be the starter of the Falcons while Vick is out or let go. Harrington has had 2 chances to prove he is a NFL starter and hasnt done s** with either chance. How many chances does it take for people to figure out that he is a BUST and will never be a NFL starter. Same thing with David Carr minus the 2 chances. They both suck and are BUSTS!!!! Im a big Dawgs fan aswell and also dont think DJ is ready to be a NFL starter but I rather see him get experience and take his bumps and brusies and we might lose then have to watch Joey lead us to one of the worse records in the NFL. If we are going to suck I rather see DJ get the experience. If they let Vick go after this year the only way im renewing my season tickets is if DJ is our starter.

By HOP

July 27, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this

vick will never play a down with the falcons again.

it is time to move on. i like dj but don’t think he is the real deal. falcons must get a frontline qb next year and they should be able to do so, after they finish near the bottom in o7.

this should put them near or top pick in the 08 draft.

By Salty Dawg

July 27, 2007 2:07 AM | Link to this

Hey, and Shock is a college graduated unlike the previous starter. Oh, and he preferred to move the ball by passing first. And, to the guy who said he did nothing, yeah, winning the SEC in 2005, was nothing. Lets see, the SEC has won the NC in 1992, 1996, 1998, 2003, 2006. Yeah, that’s a nothing league compared to the ‘Great” ACC.

By falcon80

July 27, 2007 2:36 AM | Link to this

Right or wrong, like it or not, Mike has played his last down for the Falcons, likely his last down in the NFL. It’s the Imus effect. If you are “mean” to the mainstream media (Bonds, Carlton, Imus), or if you don’t fit their template of PC (Imus, Rush on ESPN, Harold Reynolds, Cosell, etc.), then you will be destroyed. Simple as that! The only difference between the references above and Vick is that they may have it right in Mikes case. I’m a long time season ticket holder as well as a long time (white) Vick supporter. Can’t support him any longer. Whatever happened to letting a man being judged “not on the color of his skin, but on the content of his character”?

By BuLLdawg

July 27, 2007 3:58 AM | Link to this

.

.

DJ Shockley will hit the field before David Greene. Starter ? Why that concern when he hasn’t played in the NFL except for his great Preseaon games’ performances last season ?

.

.

By Chris

July 27, 2007 4:46 AM | Link to this

Shock needs to start plain and simple. Harrington has PROVEN he WILL LOSE in the NFL Shockley has PROVEN he can WIN in college football while proving nothing in the NFL obviously. So why not give Shockley a shot. We’re not winning any Super Bowls with Harrington, but who knows what Shockley might do if given a shot.

By Chris

July 27, 2007 4:52 AM | Link to this

BRIAN What are you talking about? Give Harrington a chance?? Is that some kind of stupid ignorant joke? The man has already had SEVERAL chances and he failed every single one of them. The man is simply not an NFL QB. We don’t know whether Shockley is or not, but he’s the one that deserves a chance, and he’s the one that could surprise some folks. Harrington’s had his chance, it’s Shock’s turn.

By Techfansblamingtherefs

July 27, 2007 5:33 AM | Link to this

Hey Harry,

How is Joe Hamilton doing?

How about Godsey?

Reggie Ball?

stfu nerd.

By Nikki

July 27, 2007 5:47 AM | Link to this

I know Harrington is the starter for thr Birds. As far as I’m concerned, Harrington is just a band-aid until DJ gets his shot. I want to see DJ under center by midseason. Shockley needs a fair shot at the QB position before the team drafts Brian Brohm as has been speculated. NO! Darren McFadden, please!!! He’s the thunder back we need to go with Norwood’s lightning. As far as DJ disappearing goes, I’m guessing Vick did the same thing since Vick is a little shorter than DJ. My fear is that the falcons will draft another QB in the first round next year before Shockley gets his shot. I have no faith in Harrington. The only bright spot I am holding on to going in to this season is thinking DJ will get his shot later in the year. If he doesn’t, then I’m not sure I’ll renew my season tix next year. Well, maybe if they draft Darren McFadden. ;)

By Lane

July 27, 2007 5:56 AM | Link to this

Was not a Shockley fan until his senior year, because of his “happy feet”. His performance from the Auburn game through the end of the season was excellent. Have never seen anyone improve that dramatically. Feel, he will be a better qb than Vick because of his intellect and decision making ability. He deserves much more than a shot - Falcons have a winner in camp!!!

By Steve

July 27, 2007 7:14 AM | Link to this

Last year at training camp Shockley looked terrible. He missed throws on every route he needed to make. I hope he comes up big but It’s a joke to think he will compete right away for the #1 spot. He would be a lack of options and I know he wouldn’t want it like that. He has too much pride. Let’s all hope Joey does a good job. If coach thought he could help Mike the dog fighter he should be able to work wonders with Harrington and Shockley. Go Falcons!!!

By 59bulldawg

July 27, 2007 8:12 AM | Link to this

I just hope Petrino lets DJ compete for the job instead of simply annointing Harrington. DJ’s the ant-Vick … a class act all the way! Plus he’s a scramber with a more accurate arm. Although not blessed with Vick’s raw talent, I’d think DJ be a natural fit for a team built around Vick’s skill set. Whether or not DJ can be a starter in the NFL I don’t know … but I’d like to at least see him given a real opportunity to compete. And if that happens, I wouldn’t bet against him.

By tony

July 27, 2007 8:16 AM | Link to this

No One - I mean No One on this earth knows if DJ Shockley is ready to be a starter until he is given the opportunity to play his 1st game as a starter. No one knew how well Tom Brady, Rex Grossman and Jake Delhomme would play as a starting QB until they were given the opportunity to prove themselves. I rather see DJ as our starting QB because I believe he will give us the best chance to win consistently. He’s the only one I rather watch anyway.

By ShockJock

July 27, 2007 8:26 AM | Link to this

Shockley is a better Vick. He’s a thrower who can scramble and make throws happen. He is a high character guy- he sat on the UGA bench till his senior year. He gets the team concept. Harrington will start the season, but Shockley will finish it for sure.

By DKU

July 27, 2007 8:28 AM | Link to this

Harrington is a good player. Detroit’s team is a trainwreck (# 2 pick in this years draft) and he came off the bench to win 5 games for a crap Miami team. DJ could not even beat out Greene for the starting job at Georgia and has never played in a live NFL setting. Greene is also riding a bench these days, so get a clue.

By 2N4YEARS

July 27, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this

Vick will miss most —if not all—of this season. Petrino will start the season w/ Harrington. By the time the Falcons are 2-4, only then will Petrino send Shockley in. ‘IN’ is where he’ll stay, with the Falcons finishing w/ 8-9 wins. That’s my prediction.

By 2N4YEARS

July 27, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this

DKU : You can hate UGA, be jealous or whatever if you choose, but to say Shockley “can’t even beat out Greene” shows your ignorance. Mark Richt didn’t bench Greene because he was ‘WINNING’ —as in WINNING more games in NCAA History! More than the Payton Manning, his brother, Vick & Harrinton. As a coach you don’t bench someone when they’re winning, regardless of how good your next QB is. If Shockley would’ve been a year ahead of Greene, Greene woud’ve probably never gotton the chance to set that record. So, looks as if you’re the one that needs to ‘get a clue’.

By Jay

July 27, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this

With the reputation our offensive line has had the past few years, Joey should be injured by game 2 and Shockley will be running for his life by game 3.

By GaBreed

July 27, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

Joey was great in college and I don’t think he’s lost his talent but he has lost his mojo (confidence, swagger, it factor). I believe that he can regain it. BUT if he fails us Falcon fateful this season, 3 strikes your out. I feel that DJ’s decision to stay at UGA behind Greene gave him more intangibles that benefit his pro career. He sponged from Richt’s offensive mind while watching execution by Greene and character was being strengthened by humbling himself to the team concept so rarely found in big time QB prospects. The NFL combine proved that he has one of the strongest arms in the league & the mental aptitude to convert Petrino’s blueprint into action. I think DJ is the future for our team and no one ever saw him coming. Character does matter in the ultimate TEAM sport. Go Birds!!!!

By Johnson is a Johnson

July 27, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this

Right now the Falcons need a system QB to work and learn and execute Petrino’s new system. For all his natural God-given talents (if not intellect), Vick is not a system QB. He never has been and doesn’t have the self-discipline to ever become one. Throw in the latest round of idiocy, and I welcome Joey here. He’s cut from the same class as Schaub and he may surprise a few people. We won’t have all the exciting ESPN highlight coverage of our QB’s athleticisms, but we just may have more W’s at the end of the season. My question is this – what major improvements have been made to the Falcon’s porous under-achieving defense in the past 7 months?

By william

July 27, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this

Every one should get use to not seeing Vick in an Atl. Uniform, i really doubt he will ever play pro ball again. There are more charges forth coming from other States, possibly Texas and Arizona, after a dog fight in Texas a man who was at the fight and won heavily just happened to have a home invasion that night and was killed and robbed of nearly 100,000 bucks, not many people knew the man won that much money and it sounds like some friends of the looser decided to recoup the money on there own, what are the chances of this happening on that same day/night..M.V. has been on the radar screen for a long time and when he started crossing state lines he got the Feds involved. Time for the Falcons to seriously find another QB for the long term future. A lot of these guys really need an older big brother to hang out with and maybe there Agent should help and suggest such, just to keep them out of trouble.

By Jim P.

July 27, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this

With Vick off the team for now, Why are there still protesters? The rest of the Falcons had nothing to do with the dogfighting. We need to support our team (as long as Vick stays off the field) and let them know that we have their back. With Vick gone, so should all the protesters. Its not fair for the rest of the team.

By Harry Ballzonia

July 27, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this

Hey Salty,

What does the SEC winning NC’s in the 90’s have to do with DJ Suckley playing for the Falcons. This is THE NFL. This is Big Boy Football.

Did you guys not read the article. He didn’t look very good.

Maybe when Harrington gets bored and wants to play the piano, Suckley can actually get some PT. Until then, he should get used to holding the clipboard.

By CL

July 27, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

The only qb to have a 0.0 QB rating in a game come on give me a break. Bad mistake to pick him up. He has good in college but thats it. Start Shockley if you want the dome to be packed. Harrington is a wash up and will continue to be one. Trust me on this if Harrington starts the season just count on watching highlights because they wont be playing on TV.

By sl

July 27, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

Get over it. DJ is not starting the season at #1. Trust in Petrino. Not your UGA allegience. This is the NFL, not the SEC. While DJ may get his shot at some point, stop all this UGA HOMER, SEC, College Football nonsense. Finally, stop living in the past, I doubt many of you even went to college, let along UGA. Please….

By Nique

July 27, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

The teams best option would be to let D.J. Shockley have a honest chance to beat out Joey (which i believe that he could or at least be really competitive with him) This would do a number of things, 1. if he could beat out Joey, it would Unite the city behind the QB position,(which is something that hasn’t happened in years) provide strong support for the team from the city again, allow the Qb who I see as the eventual Qb of the future for this franchise (Unfortunately, since it should be Vick unless he’s indicted, but the city of Atl doesn’t want him, never did & never will)to go ahead & evolve him now as a Qb, (better sooner than later) & lastly give the falcons the best chance to win this year, by allowing Petrino to implement a large variety of the playbook that he came to Atl to display, (DJ’s not Mike, BUT THEN AGAIN NO ONE IS!) He however is the same style of Qb, only more willing to throw & reads defenses better. I mean if we really think Vick is done (which i personally hope he isn’t)or even question it, why waste time with someone that i don’t think fans or the franchise think is the long term answer or someone that Atl sees as a franchise Qb or even a Qb to build a franchise around? I think most people realise that Shockley will be given that chance or at least deserves that chance to be Atl’s franchise Qb, at some point, SO WHY WAIT? Play shock now & see if he can be that guy!

By william

July 27, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

(Most) Dogs will turn out the way you raise them, i have been training dogs for nearly 35 yrs and i have seen good and bad in every breed. I have a 12 yr old American pit that was raised to be a house dog and she has never snarled at any one or anything, she is protective of the house but thats the way i trained her. I could never and would never put her in a pit to fight but i am a 110% animal lover, i could never stand to watch my dog be hurt in those so called fights…If you have that much money (Millions) and you can’t find anything else to do in your spare time go down to he boys club, currently there is thousands of young boys who could use a big brother to take them to a Movie are ball game, just some one who will take up some time with them, take them to a park and play catch with them, they just need a good role model, i advise every who has the spare time to help these young boys, it will be the biggest thrill for both of you..I started doing this several yrs ago and haven’t regreted one min i have spent with these young boys, there are so many kids out there that don’t have a dad who will spend 1 hour a month with them doing anything, many live with older Grand parents who can’t get out and do much with them. Give it a try, maybe some of these rich ball players should be doing this and they wouldn’t be out getting into trouble and they will feel better about them self..Hanging out at strip bars at 3 AM in the Morning and dog fighting will only bring them trouble, there is so much good they could be doing if they only would, if i can spend 20-30 bucks a week carrying one to a movie or something i know they can.

By Tired of race!

July 27, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

Nique, it would really be nice as you say for the city to be united behind the QB of this team. Unfortunatly I don’t believe it will ever happen as long as we (the fans in general) still see in black and white and not red.
I hope I’m wrong.

By RU4real

July 27, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

Anyone would be better suited to play quarterback for this team than Joey, but not Shockley, do not do this stand up guy like this, he deserves better, it would be only a matter of time before he became the brunt of your insults. Joey has lost big everywhere he has been and his passing percentage is only a hair above the quarterback you love to loathe. He is know for being very eractic and jittery in the pocket, if the offensive line is consistently as poor as it has been in the past it will be like Chris MIller all over again. Despite the imminent concussions it will not be long before we hear just how much of a cerebral quarterback he is and how well prepared he is for each game, this is football not obtaining a Harvard MBA. This is the same team that did not allow the previous quarterback to audible, unthinkable. Where have all you UGA, give Shockley a chance people come from? Were you not the same people that booed him when he came into games? and said how dumb Quincy Carter was even though he broke all of your records as a freshman. Times have changed but this is still the South. I can not fault those who see the world in black and white because racism is a learned behavior, your parents and grandparents taught it to you it lies between your skin and your soul and only requires something as simple as lack of production from your quarterblack um, quarterback to bring it out. That is why they say sports is a microcosym of life. May we all have our day in court.

By DavefromChattanooga

July 27, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this

Good Lord! If I had the time to write a book about pit bull attacks I’d write a book about pit bull attacks. LOL! Time to kill, huh? Bye Mike the Gangsta’ … Hello a true QB (Harrington, Shockley or Redman)

By Don Imus

July 27, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

“Unite the city” behind Shockley means appease the blacks. I dont give a crap if a Martian is our QB as long as he is the best QB we have (and doesnt kill dogs). So lets tell it like it is about this “unite the city” stuff.

By Gary

July 27, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

DJ is a smart quarterback who allows the Falcons the option to run or pass. He may not be as fast as Vick but he can throw the ball more accurate and just as far. He can keep the defense on their toes allowing the receivers to get open. The Falcons have never been real strong at protecting their quarterback which could keep Harrington on the ground since he is not so mobile. The Falcons for some reason forget to look into their own backyard. They have a few Georgia guys that can make this team and do good things for it, if allowed. Look at Brookings. Give Shock the chance and for Arthur, his reputation is good, he is a winner and would be a crowd favorite.

By crazy-rnl

July 27, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

Are all of Shock fans crazy ? Coaches view and evaluate every little detail on the feild day in and day out. It was NO ACCIDENT that DAVID GREENE started, and WON more games than ANY other colege QB. Greene will get his shot some day (like Brady)and will prove to be a winner. I think that Shockley’s patience @ UGA says a ton about his character. I support DJ, but please lay off your racially biased BS about an “honest” chance to start. He’ll get his shot throughout PRACTICE and PRE-SEASON. And so will David Greene,(which i wish we had here) Greene in Red & Black !! By the way Brady, Montana, Marino, and many more are alot slower than all these “running” QBs,, but far more successful. I’ll take cool calm composure with a quick mind over Shock or Vick all day every day!!!!

By Steven

July 27, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

I think D.J. should be the guy period.

By Nique

July 27, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

Unite the city means bringing in a face at Qb who the city of Atl will embrace, believe in, support, & recognize as a collective unit that this is a guy who is not only talented, respectable as a person, has roots here in the state, is a winner, could realistically turn into the face of the franchise, would be able to fill the seats of the dome, cause no off the field problems, bring leadership at a position that requires it, be a leader on the field, off the field, & in the locker room! It’s crazy that so many people fussed during the Vick blog’s about African Americans using the race card, because all i see on this one is the opposite! My argument has NOTHING TO DO WITH RACE, believe it or not, everything & everyone doesn’t think & function like that! I am sad to sad this exactly what the writer of the post tired of race was saying & they were right! & HEY crazy-rnl WITH YOUR RACIST QUOTE “but please lay off your racially biased BS about an “honest” chance to start” Let me define for you a honest chance to start, since you obviously don’t get it! A honest chance to shot means having a open competition at the Qb position once your starter goes down. Letting the Qb’s play it out on the field, in training camp, & through the preseason instead of when the news about Vick comes down anointing Joey the starter! Joey has never played a game in Petrenio’s system just like Shockley hasn’t so how does the organization know that Joey’s a better fit for the system without waiting to see how both & for that matter all three get a chance to get on the field & execute the game plan? THEY DON’T KNOW, BUT YET INSTEAD OF LETTING THAT HAPPEN & GIVING D.J. A HONEST CHANCE AT WINNING THE STARTING QB POSITION, they GIVE IT TO HARRINGTON, WHICH ISN’T FAIR! That’s not racially biased BS, that’s factual information! I mean do they know Joey’s a better fit based on his GREAT track record in the NFL? I think not! This is not a crack on Harrington, i actually think he’ll do fine, but i would appreciate it if the organization would provide & open up a competition for the starting Qb job, it might turn out that Shockley is the best Qb for our city, our team, & the new coach’s offence!

By 59bulldawg

July 27, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this

Well said Nique!! I couldn’t agree more!!

By shane

July 28, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

shock is a great guy,so lets not throw him to the wolves. give him a chance to learn the new system and improve his accuracy and his touch on the football. shock is smart and very coachable,let’s hope the new coaching staff will work with him on his footwork and his passing. accurate passing and touch can be taught,shock is a hard worker and will improve. the talent is there,it just needs a little fine-tuning. i wish reeves had never been fired,vick would listen to him. he would have been great for shock also.

By voiceofreason

August 6, 2007 6:54 AM | Link to this

I followed Shockley closely throughout college. It seems many are forgetting that while he played “behind” David Greene for several years, he actually played in just about every game, typically the 2nd half (even when the game was on the line). Remember the many questions and criticisms about coach Richt’s 2 QB’s alternating system? Shock’s only year as the official starter resulted in an SEC championship. One of Shock’s greatest strengths is his leadership ability and intelligence. He thrives under pressure…he’s what some call “a gamer,” or a player who thrives under the pressure of being in real situations where immediate action is required. He’s got a rifle-arm, he’s twice as accurate as Vick, he makes good decisions under pressure. Never underestimate intelligence and discipline — those are a couple of Shock’s greatest attributes. It’s true that there will be many things he will have to learn — but intelligent people learn very quickly. That is, after all, the definition of intelligence. Most fans across the nation don’t even know who D. J. Shockley is, but I believe that if he’s given the chance this year, he will be a household name by the end of the season. He’s a pleasure to watch, especially when the game is on the line. He’s never emotional, even in the tightest spots…discipline on display. These are my observations of Shock over the years, and I’ve watched closely. The person who posted that Shock was booed by fans does not know what he/she is talking about. I haven’t missed a Georgia game in ten years, and I can’t remember even one instance of the fans booing one of their players…I think that’s more reserved for the NFL. What I do recall, however, is the huge ovation given Shockley last year when he entered the first pre-season game. Truth is, based upon a watchful eye, you won’t truly see how good Shockley is until you put him in a game situation — that’s where he thrives. But I would not put it past the Falcons to sit him out and not use him…They never know what they’ve got til it’s gone…Favre comes to mind.

By rg

August 7, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

voiceoftreason, I’d long held to your belief about the Favre thing, but then espn ran an article the other day stating that he was traded because his behavior as a rookie was unacceptable, and so rather than run the risk of a Ron Artest-like situation (or perhaps a Mike Vick situation), they traded him.

Just some interesting info I did not know until recently and thought I’d share.

As for Shockley… I’m a huge UGA fan. And I think both arguments on here are pretty good:

For the anti-Shock folks, (1) he IS good, (2) he DOES do well when the Falcons have given him a chance in practices and pre-season (even this article says after a rough start he got in the swing of things, and (3) he IS a leader and a winner.

For the pro-Shock folks, (1) he IS still very green, (2) Harrington IS better at this point, and has never had an offense as good as this Falcon offense around him, and (3) ending arugments with barking and Go Dawgs will never sway the nay-sayers.

All that said, I hope to see Shockley when the backup job, and if Harrington can’t get it done in the first half of the season, I do hope Petrino will let Shockley step in and get some regular season game experience if the season is gonna be a wash anyway.