AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > February > 27 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USJohnson NFL’s next great star?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
THE TUESDAY COUNTDOWN….
10: I feel asleep. Did Ellen DeGeneres ever make a funny?
9: And when did Al Gore swallow Jabba The Hut?
8: Gary Sheffield says he won’t cooperate with baseball’s steroid investigation because it’s a “witch hunt,” commenting: “If this was legitimate and they did it the right way, it would be different.” Um, legitimate?
7: Hey, Gary, I’m sure baseball is open to suggestions on how to run a drug investigation. My guess: Sheffield - like Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Jason Giambi, Rafael Palmeiro, et. al - would like completely immunity. Then maybe they’ll talk. And actually, that wouldn’t be a bad idea.
6: Melissa Etheridge, backstage while clutching Oscar: “This is the only naked man that will ever be in my bedroom.” Now THAT’S funny.
5: Dale Murphy, one of the nicest guys in the world, generally steers clear of controversial topics. That wasn’t the case on an XM radio interview, when Murphy said he believed Bonds, McGwire and Sosa used steroids (those were the players he was asked about) and, when asked about Hank Aaron’s home run record probably falling, added: “Well, I’m not that excited about it. Let me put it this way, when Cal Ripken broke Lou Gehrig’s record, I pulled my kids into the living room, and said, ‘You gotta see this.’ This is not going to happen with Barry. It doesn’t mean anything to me, ya know, Barry is a great talent, and would have been a great talent without getting involved in this kind of stuff, in steroids, and all the stuff like that. People have said, ‘Dale, he hasn’t failed a drug test.’ That doesn’t matter to me anymore. It’s what I see, what I’ve read, what I’ve heard, and what I can see with my eyes. That’s my opinion, and a lot other people have that opinion as well. You get back to the record: He’s a Hall of Fame player and would have hit a lot of home runs without it, and now that he’s breaking the record, I don’t think he went about it the right way.”
4: By the way, Gary: The witches didn’t have a union.
3: So Calvin Johnson weighed 239 pounds at the scouting combine (12 heavier than expected) but ran a 4.35-second 40-yard dash in a pair of borrowed shoes. It’s dangerous to predict greatness for an NFL draft pick. But if this kid isn’t the next great star, I’ll be stunned.
2: If the Thrashers don’t make the playoffs, my guess is Don Waddell gets fired. But after the acquisitions Keith Tkachuk and Alexei Zhitnik, this team should be a lock. And if it misses the playoffs, look at the coach (Bob Hartley) before the GM.
1: And then there’s the Hawks, who might have made a significant move to move into the playoff picture, if only Billy Knight were alive today.
Permalink | Comments (44) | Post your comment | Categories: Quick Hit
Comments
By Dr.Doom
February 27, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this
Schultz,
The lesbian got one good one in: She walked past Martin Scorsese and somehow a screenplay she wrote was in her hands. She asked him to hold on to it while she finished the show. You had to see to it to get the real humor.
By Bryan G.
February 27, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this
I love Murph for saying that. You know, he was stuck on 398 homers. If he took ‘roids and cheated like Bonds, etc., he’d have hit 500 and been a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame.
It sickens me to know that one of the greatest players of the 80s and maybe the nicest guy to ever play will not be in the Hall while bastards like Bonds will get in. That is a travesty.
By D Ellis
February 27, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this
Billy Knight-Will you please make a play for Kevin Garnett to play along side J.J. and J. Smith.???PLease for the love of Hawks basketball…..please get a big man.
By Ramble ON!
February 27, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this
Your right about CJ…how could RB complete less than 50% with him as a receiver. Impossible, he had to be paid off!!!!
Way to speak up DALE!
By Dr.Doom
February 27, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
D Ellis,
Knight is not going to draft a big man,he’s too stupid. The hawks will never be competitive until they get a white GM.
By prophet7070
February 27, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this
Hey Dr. Doom. Yeah, like the good ‘white GM’ they had with Babcock!! Actually we don’t need a black or white GM, but a GM that is grey- 1. Grey matter between the ears 2. Grey-seasoned and successful enough to know how to build a team, not just collect talent.
By Mr C.
February 27, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this
White GM!!!! What an a*****. I will take it Pete Babcock was a yellow GM. Maybe Get white players too to satisfy u.
By Thrash
February 27, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this
Fire Hartley either way.
By rian
February 27, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this
I thought for a second that Jeff forgot to throw a black man under the bus this week. Then I saw the Billy knight comment at the end. Phew. Close call. 7 straight weeks of racism continues on THE TUESDAY COUNTDOWN!
By Dr.Doom
February 27, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this
Mr.C,
The players don’t have to be white. The cockfighters in the old south were’nt white. As long as the brains behind the organization is white and we get the best high jumping,ball dribbling negroes we can find and everything will be all right!
By preston
February 27, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this
Some people just want to be heard and not seen, like the ones that hide behind these blogs and make the most idiotic statements.
By think about it
February 27, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this
Just a thought if hitting home runs was about muscles any guy from golds gym could do it. Steriods or no steriods you still have to hit the freaking ball. Besides hitting the ball Barry Bonds also has to endure numerous base on balls which takes the bat out of his hands. Just a thought give those at bats back to him the record would have been broken long ago. Hey Dale did let you kids watch mquire break the record.
By CJ
February 27, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this
Calvin will be great as long since he doesn’t have to play against UGA anymore. Has a player with #1 pick talent ever been so less than ordinary against his rival? What does it say about Demario Minter and Paul Oliver that they shut him down completely his entire career?
By Ramble ON!
February 27, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this
CJ has been smoking from Odells pipe!!!!!!!moron. All it says is RB was bought and paid by the fleabags.
By DW
February 27, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this
Think about it, your point would be valid if he were chasing the all time hit record. The combo of being able to get the bat on the ball along with the added muscle mass and body weight helps turn a warning track or deep fly ball into a homer. Also, I believe roids do more than just make you a musclehead. It helps a 35+ year old with energy levels and such… or so I’ve read.
By Peyton Walters
February 27, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this
Dr. Doom spreads her poison all over the AJC Web site. Do you go pick on the parenting blogger, too? It must be the remains of J.B. Stoner you spend your time hugged up with.
On topic: I wiish Dale Murphy weren’t a lone voice in the wilderness among former players on this issue. Perhaps steroids shrank their nads.
By Tyger
February 27, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this
Wow, just visiting this blog and see why I never venture here. This is cyber-trash.
By gt45
February 27, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this
CJ, You are an idiot. Give the man credit. He can’t catch the ball when the ball doesn’t get there. Ya’ll shut down Reggie, and that’s the end of the story! Every other defensive coordinator that looked at the Clemson game did exactly the same thing. You are still so sick that he picked Tech over UGA you’ll hate him the rest of your life. Your corners are very good, but I’m sure things will be different on the next level.
By Dan
February 27, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this
Now CJ I am an unbiased Yankee so I am not really sticking up for a tech guy, but he sure didn’t have a very good passer to get him the ball, which leads me to my next comment. WR’s are grossly overated as impact players. On a stellar day they may get their hands on the ball 10 times. and yes defense have to plan for them, but only after game planning for the QB and RB. Two solid receivers will always be far more productive than a great one and a journeyman. See exhibit 1 patriots.
By ga_tech_92
February 27, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this
Calvin is the Truth. RE: UGA - As good as CJ is and has been, you cannot catch what isn’t thrown. He caught more than his fair share of the passes thrown to him in every game. UGA put pressure on RB, which was the smart thing to do, thus taking CJ out of the mix. But…you go on and think that it was all the DB’s work. I think it’s more reasonable to suggest the UGA D overall put a game plan in action to take RB out of the game. Some suggest RB was paid off, that seems strong to me, but anything is possible…however unlikely.
By Steve
February 27, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this
I have to agree with CJ … why is Calvin Johnson getting so much pub when Georgia stopped him so easily with man up coverage … and yes, Minter and Oliver were man up with no safety over the top if you watch most of the plays of the last two years. Maybe it was becase of Reggie Ball, but Johnson never impressed me against really good defenses.
The problem with the Hawks is that they don’t realize that ‘athletic forwards’ are a dime a dozen. If you merely select the best athlete in the draft every year, you will almost always end up with 2’s and 3’s.
To win an NBA Championship you really need to have either a dominate point guard or dominate center. The Hawks haven’t done a good job of bringing in either. Marvin Williams is going to be a very good player in the league, but we just didn’t need another SF/PF player, and the same goes for Sheldon Williams who is not really an NBA center.
Billy Knight has done a much better job than past GM’s in the draft, but his trades and free agent acquisitions are significantly worse than the others and he had more money to throw around.
As for Waddell .. sure the moves might help stabilize the Thrashers for th playoffs, but he is sacrificing the future just to make the playoffs. There is no way the Thrashers win it all this year, and we gave up too much for the future just to make the playoffs. The city has waited patiently for a playoff team, and one more year would not have killed anyone if we can build a pool of youth like the Braves of the 80’s.
By bob
February 27, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
CJ will be a great one - just not on the Falcons. After 4 years with ball, having to catch Vick would be a travesty.
By David
February 27, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this
Steve are you crazy?! Quote: Maybe it was because of Reggie Ball, but Johnson never impressed me against really good defenses.
Oh really? What about VT and Miami?
By big tone
February 27, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this
dr doom is a complete racist, someone should have told her that its 2007. s people like her is the reasonthis country is in the state that it is in today.have a nice day dr doom.
By tokyobrave
February 27, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this
To think about it: You are 100% correct that it takes amazing ability to square up a ball, hit it precisely at the right moment and on the right part of the bat. No doubt. Here’s the rub: roids help heal a person faster than those that do not take them. When Bonds (and McQuire,Sosa et al) were juicing, they would be able to come back from injuries - especially the nagging type - that allowed them to continue play and get more AB’s - even with all the walks. Further the strength that the juice allowed the muscles to generate power clearly enhances the ability to get a bat through the zone faster and with more force than they would have without the help. Look at Sosa, Bonds, McQuire - when they came off the juice - they broke down. Bonds is just now coming back. How long did it take to “heal” his knees? McQuire retired, Sosa is trying a comeback - good luck, Sheff never really came back last year did he?. There is no doubt that these guys were great before - and that this stuff was not illegal. But to me and many other fans of the game, the substances enhanced their ability above and beyond regular ability to the point that they were able to play longer, swing faster and create more power in a swing that drove balls out that normally would have fallen short of the fence. IE to the other extrene is in fact Murphy. No juice and his last two years, the ball just didn’t carry and he couldn’t sqare it up, generate the bat speed and injuries curtailed his effectiveness. I agree 100% with Murphy - and in fact did the same thing with my kids (and for Randy Johnson’s perfect game a few years ago) - this Bonds thing just stinks.
By Jay Bird
February 27, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this
I think Calvin Johnson will be a great pro…if he has someone who can throw him the ball. He never had that in college and still put up great numbers. I am a UGA fan but have a ton of respect for him. He is a great kid and I wish him nothing but the best.
As for the Thrashers, how can anyone say Hartley needs to be fired? A coach can tell a player to do something but if the player doesn’t do it, it’s not the coach’s fault. Hartley is the best coach this franchise will ever have. People have to realize that Atlanta is not a traditional hockey market and a lot of coaches/players have no desire to play here. I really like what I saw last night after a slow first period. Zhitnik played really well and Tkachuk brings an element to the team we didn’t have before. He can control the puck along the boards and create space. Kovy will benefit greatly from Tkachuk’s work. My prediction, Thrashers win the division on the last day of the season with a huge win over Tampa.
By Steve
February 27, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this
David, seriously, if VaTech and Miami defenses were so good, then why did Tech, with Reggie Ball at QB, ring up over 30 on them?? This is the same GT team that only scored 10 against ND and 12 against UGA’s middle of the sEC defense.
Let’s also not forget that UGA put up more points on VaTech than any ACC school other than GT. The point is, VT and UofM deenses putup solid numbers, but the ACC was littered with thoroughly craptastic offenses this year.
If you still want to believe that VT and UofM were good defenses, then you can’t use the Reggie Ball excuse. If Reggie was good enough to deliver to CJ against those d’s, then he should have been good enough to deliver against anyone on Tech’s schedule. You can’t use both arguments.
The problem I see is that CJ never showed up against better than average cornerbacks. As long as the team had good cb’s they could contain him. If they didn’t, even if they had a solid overall D, then CJ would tear them up.
He still put up good stats for having such a lousy QB, but he is getting alot of good pub and no one seems to be pointing out how easily he disappeared in many games. If people do point it out they blame it on everyone and everything but CJ, which is just ridiculous.
He is the best receiver prospect in the draft, but he does have weaknesses. Even the announcers in the UGA game were shocked at how he was unable to get off the line against UGA and they completely took him out of his game. Another fact they pointed out was that he was getting called for alot more push-offs in his last two years than before. Either the refs had tightened down on it, or he was having to push off more to get open. Personally, I never saw him make a cut that faked anyone out or got him any separation. He has great hands and catches the ball well in traffic, but in the NFL he had better be able to get some separation.
All that being said .. as a Falcons fan I sure hope Tampa Bay doesn’t get him.
By gdawginkalamazoo
February 27, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
Way to go Murph! About time some of the stand up guys make a statement about it. Like it was said above, a shame that one of the greats of the 80’s might not make the hall and a few cheaters will.
Sheff you doth protest too much dude.
I do give Giambi credit for being honest about it. Too bad the rest of them have denied it too much to be honest about it now.
This is one Dawg fan that will give props to CJ. We were very fortunate the RB played while CJ was there or else it could have been a lot different and not in a good way for us. Glad he is gone and good luck to him.
By David
February 27, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this
I don’t know when UGA fans will learn that your opinion about Tech players means about as much to the rest of the world as Bin Laden’s on USA’s Foreign policy. Johnson is an amazing talent that will do well in the NFl.
By Pepe
February 27, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
Techies - Stop crying about the haters and lumping all the UGA fans together. The majority of UGA fans recognize CJ’s tremendous talent and wish him the best in the NFL (as long as it’s not in the NFC South - unless the Falcons move up to get him).
By MoWreck
February 27, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this
Calvin WAS NOT shut out by Demario Minter and Paul Oliver, he was shut out by Reggie Ball.
By Chris
February 27, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this
ANYONE WHO SAYS CALVIN JOHNSON IS “UNIMPRESSIVE” IS AN IDIOT! SAYING THAT IS LIKE SAYING HERSCHEL WALKER WASN’T IMPRESSIVE. PUT YOUR UGA ALLIANCE ASIDE-HE’S GOT SO MUCH NATURAL ABILITY AND IS ONE OF THE BEST RECEIVERS TO EVER PLAY, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER HE WAS USED ENOUGH. REGGIE IS THE REASON HE DIDN’T DO ANYTHING AGAINST GEORGIA. I DON’T THINK SO MANY EXPERTS IN THE GAME ARE WRONG WHEN THEY SAY HE’S THE BEST. THE ONLY REASON YOU DON’T LIKE HIM IS BECAUSE HE PLAYED FOR TECH-PERIOD. GET OVER IT. sometimes players don’t beat their rival, thats the way it goes. wasn’t quincy carter supposed to be great? he went 0 for 3 against Tech. you saw in the gator bowl what happens when a good quarterback gets throws to Calvin, and when a BAD quarterback throws to him, he still shatters records!!
By Jake
February 27, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this
Calvin Johnson - ARE YOU KIDDING ME? The guy couldn’t haul in a pass against a mediocre UGA secondary, and you are predicting greatness??? Seriously, Jeff - put down the tofu and lose the sock/sandal combo.
By Not Disappointed
February 27, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this
I look forward to watching Calvin Johnson of the years. Rock On!!!
By Chris
February 27, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this
ANYONE WHO SAYS CALVIN JOHNSON IS “UNIMPRESSIVE” IS AN IDIOT! SAYING THAT IS LIKE SAYING HERSCHEL WALKER WASN’T IMPRESSIVE. PUT YOUR UGA ALLIANCE ASIDE-HE’S GOT SO MUCH NATURAL ABILITY AND IS ONE OF THE BEST RECEIVERS TO EVER PLAY, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER HE WAS USED ENOUGH. REGGIE IS THE REASON HE DIDN’T DO ANYTHING AGAINST GEORGIA. I DON’T THINK SO MANY EXPERTS IN THE GAME ARE WRONG WHEN THEY SAY HE’S THE BEST. THE ONLY REASON YOU DON’T LIKE HIM IS BECAUSE HE PLAYED FOR TECH-PERIOD. GET OVER IT. sometimes players don’t beat their rival, thats the way it goes. wasn’t quincy carter supposed to be great? he went 0 for 3 against Tech. you saw in the gator bowl what happens when a good quarterback gets throws to Calvin, and when a BAD quarterback throws to him, he still shatters records!!
By yattaman
February 27, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this
Steve are you kidding me, are you saying that Minter and Oliver are good CBs (They are not NFL quality). Lets look at how he performed against NFL talent (Kelly Jennings 1st round pick 2006) 6 catches 89 yards. (Jimmy Williams 2nd Round pick 2006) 5 catches for 123. (Carlos Rodgers you know the one that laid Reggie Brown the ** out….. 1st round 9th pick) 4 catches for 66 yards and a touchdown. I can go on and on….I guess you know more than NFL personnel…Keep your day job…..
By yattaman
February 27, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this
Steve are you kidding me, are you saying that Minter and Oliver are good CBs (They are not NFL quality). Lets look at how he performed against NFL talent (Kelly Jennings 1st round pick 2006) 6 catches 89 yards. (Jimmy Williams 2nd Round pick 2006) 5 catches for 123. (Carlos Rodgers you know the one that laid Reggie Brown out….. 1st round 9th pick) 4 catches for 66 yards and a touchdown. You talk seperation, he ran a 4.35….I can go on and on….I guess you know more than NFL personnel…Keep your day job…..
By D-Cider
February 27, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this
Jerk Schultz, I lost interest, have you ever written a decent column?
By Najeh Davenpoop
February 27, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this
I don’t care who you are a fan of, you are insane if you think Calvin Johnson won’t be a great NFL player. It’s not just about his 40 time (the most overrated attribute of any NFL player) or any of his other combine results. Wide receivers, more than maybe any other position, are dependent on their teammates (specifically the QB) for success. As we all know, Georgia Tech might as well have had Helen Keller at QB the last few years when they played UGA. UGA succeeded in keeping Calvin in check because #1 couldn’t throw it within 5 feet of him. Georgia Tech’s passing offense under Reggie Ball was a discontinuous mess, and quite frankly it’s amazing that Calvin put up the numbers he did with such an inept QB and offensive coordinator.
Assuming he doesn’t go to the Raiders, where Greg Knapp will probably play Calvin at offensive tackle, Calvin is about as close to a sure thing as you will possibly find in any NFL draft. Let’s just hope Tampa Bay finds a reason to pass him up.
As for the Hawks, I’d rather have a dead Billy Knight as GM than a living Pete Babcock.
By Navigator
February 27, 2007 7:28 PM | Link to this
I don’t think CJ will last past #4 in the draft. Tampa Bay (#4) is already ordering his cap size. Whoever said that UGA stopped CJ, was right. If they had put no one on him, Ball couldn’t get him the ball. At the end of the season, Ball psyche was so shot, any other coach would have replace him.
By Calvin the Great
February 27, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this
You UGA idiots trip me out! especially Jake, what a freakin’ moron.
Until you watch a half of a Tech game or the Sportscenter Top 10 that night, don’t try to act like you know what you’re talking about.
I guess you never saw “The Catch”, one handed and 3 yards behind him against NCSU his freshman year…or the Clemson game the same year or the ‘05 Miami game or the Gator Bowl, do I need to keep going…?
Anyone with any sense whatsoever knows that Calvin was the BEST wide receiver and big game performer in college football this year and probably in the previous two…period!
The reason, and ONLY reason he did not do anything in the Clemson and UGA games is because Reggie was running around like a 7 year old playing backyard ball.
NO ONE CAN CONTAIN CALVIN so get over yourself and recognize talent you morons.
Most fans, including Tech fans, can appreciate the good and classy players in David Greene, David Pollack and D.J. for example, that have played at UGA. Grow up.
By ron
February 28, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this
The Falcons need excitement, fans, dependable receivers, dependable throwing QB. It is obvious- trade Vick to Oakland for their spot in draft, draft CJ, and let Schaub pass to him! It solves a lot of problems for Mr Blank. It creats excitement, fans, and gets rid of a cancer!
By Jake
February 28, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this
To: “Calvin the Great”. Every athlete has had “the catch” once or twice in their lives, get over it. By the way, did you say it came against NCSU? It might have been more impressive had it been in basketball. Last time I checked, the ACC wasn’t exactly known for great defenses. (VT supposedly had the #1 Defense in the ACC? Peach Bowl, enough said). CJ is good, maybe great - but he hasn’t shown me that he’s going to be a “legend”. It takes more than a 40 time to become a legend…and what happens if he plays w/ another shotty QB in the NFL? Same results?
By superlou
February 28, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
Hey Dr. Doom FYI, it was a WHITE GM (Pete Babcock) who completely screwed up the Hawks in the first place!! But I wii say that BK hasn’t made it any better.