AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > August > 22 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USDump Duckett, start Stafford
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
10: If the Falcons can get a No. 3 receiver for T.J. Duckett, they should trade him. If they can get a backup safety for T.J. Duckett, they should trade him. If they can get a bag of chips for T.J. Duckett, they should trade him.
9: Nice guy. Has talent. Doesn’t get it. Not sure if he ever will.
8: And if Duckett ever does wake up and realize what he can be, it probably won’t be in the Falcons’ offense, which operates better with a slashing running back, and a fullback who can block and catch. Duckett is neither.
7: Meanwhile, the Hawks may finally be close to completing the Al Harrington trade. Billy Knight has narrowed his choices to the eraser and the decoder ring.
6: This newspaper stripped the announcement that Joe Tereshinski will start against Western Kentucky across the top of the newspaper. If you were looking for stories about world war and overthrown governments, I think they were on page 17.
5: Hey, I only work here.
4: Marion Jones’ statement on testing positive for EPO at the recent U.S. track and field championships: “I was shocked when I was informed about the positive A sample. I have requested that the testing of my B sample be expedited.” OK, maybe I missed it. Bit did she deny anything?
3: The Little League World Series continues today. Nice to see an event where the only juicing involves actual juice boxes.
2: My two bits occasionally parallels Mark Richt’s two bits. But not in this case. If Stafford is the future, doesn’t it make sense to start him vs. Western Kentucky and other early season opponents, reasoning that by late in the season he’ll be a better quarterback?
1: I’m assuming things must have been pretty one-sided in Richt’s double-secret closed practices. Because as far as I can tell, Tereshinski’s one career highlight is ALMOST beating Florida.
Permalink | Comments (10) | Post your comment | Categories: Jeff Schultz, Quick Hit
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By Erroll
August 22, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this
I agree with you 100% about Duckett. He has been a huge disapointment with the Falcons. And to hang on to him because we’re afraid he may be better playng for a different team is just plain stupid.
By Glenn
August 22, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this
Regarding #2: No, it doesn’t make sense to start him. It makes sense to play him when the opportunity is right, and I’m sure MR will do just that. After all, he has done this before.
By Paul
August 22, 2006 05:36 PM | Link to this
TJ Duckett is still one of the best short yardage backs in the game.
He’s not built to carry the ball the whole game… that’s why we have Dunn. You have Duckett for 4th and inches and goal line situations.
If we trade Duckett, we’ll be punting every single 4th down situation. And when you didn’t invest in a field goal kicker, those goal line situations get even hairier.
Do you go for it on 4th and Goal or bring in the inexperienced field goal kicker… I don’t like it!
By L. M. Hull
August 22, 2006 06:01 PM | Link to this
Dear Paul, Who were you watching last year? Couldn’t have been the Falcons. I don’t know how many times Duckett was stuffed on 4th and inches, but it was a bunch!
By Jeff Schultz
August 22, 2006 07:52 PM | Link to this
L.M. — Thanks for saying what I was going to say. It’s funny how Duckett has this reputation of being a great short-yardage back when, in fact, he isn’t. Dunn actually is better in short-yardage situations because he can read the hole and hits it quicker. Duckett SHOULD be a strong short-yardage back. But he’s slow to read and slow to move his feet. He does a lot of side-stepping. It’s scary to think how good he can be if he ever wakes up, but how long can you wait? JS
By Peter
August 22, 2006 10:30 PM | Link to this
Can’t believe you trashed my girl Marion “big booty” Jones. Next thing you know you’ll be dogging my boy Justin Gatlin.
You must, repeat MUST have more faith in people Jeff.
By Michael
August 22, 2006 11:57 PM | Link to this
How many times do people complain about trading the backup to a Pro Bowl running back? Warrick Dunn is fairly effective in short-yardage situations. I can remember times last year when Duckett was put in and stopped behind the line. Size doesn’t always mean power. Georgia’ Thomas Brown could probably power over a lot of 230 lb. linebackers. Brown and Dunn can both also elude big guys. My biggest concern is what cute title can replace the “DVD” offense.
By Brad
August 23, 2006 07:04 AM | Link to this
I think CMR views the WKU game as a preseason test for Cox and JT3. He seems to be leaning towards a redshirt for Stafford unless the top 2 really stink it up. Too many horses in the stable and too much to learn to try to force Stafford into the issue. He’ll get his chance. If you’ll remember most Dawg fans were really hyped about Cox when he was recruited. Comparing Stafford with Cox, it’s much easier to get excited about what could be rather than what remains to be seen. For all we know, Cox could be the best or worst of the bunch. It’ll be fun finding out. I hope it’s versus WKU that happens rather than USC!
Hey, if you’re interested in saving on gas, check this out. No bull-
http://4ecorp.ws/southscape/
By Elliott
August 23, 2006 04:05 PM | Link to this
Michael — Considering the Ron Mexico events of last year, perhaps it should just be called the “VD” offense.
By Elliott
August 23, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this
Michael — Considering the Ron Mexico events of last year, perhaps it should just be called the “VD” offense.