UGA

By ddawg

August 13, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

First!

By Scott

August 13, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

The defense should be fine. I just read where Reshad Jones has gained 35 pounds this offseason. WOW, that it hitting the gym hard. He is going to be a force this season…

By Luda

August 13, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

Let’s play already! It’s been like 10 years since we beat VT.

By CllinchPanther

August 13, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

The defense will be fine. Problem is UGA never gets any recognition from sports writers. They still think Miami has the nations best “D”, especially Brent Musberger. CMR’s defenses have been in top 10 almost every year, no need to think it will change now.

By gator the dog catcher

August 13, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

I agree, Willie is great! I hope he stays for many years!!!

By Jason

August 13, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

Kade Weston has been running in front of Atkins most of camp. Im pretty sure barring an upset he’ll be the opening day guy next to Owens.

By ga dog

August 13, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

chip, tks for the info, i have read in your past reports the defense is stout and that brandon miller looked good in the 3 on 3 but i am reading other reports where middle backer is a big question, my mlb should be the toughest,meanest, nastiest player on the team, one that the coaches take out of a scrimage because he hurts everyone he hits, the dogs have had a couple of those in past, and i am sure miller has heard of them all but i am beginning to doubt situation again, what are you seeing,tks

By lawdawg

August 13, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

I can say with confidence that our secondary will be outstanding, albeit with some early hiccups. We have incredible depth and talent at safety (get Reshad on the field, please!…but Byrd is right there with him talent-wise) and almost as much at corner…they’re just young overall. I do think that Bryan Evans needs to return as fast as he can because he and Asher are our best corners. Our linebackers’ play hinges on whether Brandon Miller becomes a dominant force in the middle (or gets better at Sam), but they have great speed that will help cover up their youth. Defensive tackle is another deep position, and with Owens, Weston, Atkins, and more, one of our strengths. Defensive end is my biggest worry, but I have faith in Battle and Howard, and if Jarius Wynn and a couple other guys step up this year, our depth will be fine there too.

So, in a nutshell, we have more talent and speed than last year overall—we just need leaders to develop and harness our youthful potential. If this happens, combined with a much more productive and less turnover-prone offense. We have the potential to be a top 10 defense nationally.

By Pat

August 13, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

LBer will be the key and with what I see as the lineup, I am worried. I hope he proves me wrong but #12 at MIKE is a leap of faith right now.

By NASCARfan

August 13, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

Chip,

I think, in in-game situations, Willie Martinez has not been an asset.

I think that is a very fair assessment. He hasn’t been all that great at in-game adjustments, and in some cases, half-time adjustments.

I think he tends to be far too conservative and that leads to long drives by the opposing team, regardless of whatever the turnover situation is.

I also think that last year, at some point (after the Kentucky loss, perhaps?), he and Coach Richt had a come to Jesus meeting and that is the reason for not only the defense’s in-season improvement in the last three games, but also in Willie Martinez’s improvement as a defensive playcaller. He didn’t seem to be as conservative as he once was.

I also think that one of the reasons why Coach Richt decided to become a true head coach instead of a glorified offensive coordinator is because of Coach Martinez’s tendancy to be a very conservative playcaller on defense and to make sure that he can monitor the defense during games to ensure that Coach Martinez makes in-game adjustments where needed.

The thing is, Coach Van Gorder was a better defensive coordinator because of his unpredictability as a playcaller and his ability to make in-game adjustments as well as half-time adjustments.

I know I’m not the only one who believed that Coach Richt picked the wrong assistant to be the DC (many of us would have liked to see Coach Garner as DC). I do believe that over two years, Coach Martinez has improved some, but still, the tendency is there to wonder if, when presented by inconvertable truth by other teams (like if how you blitz a QB, he’ll get rattled), he’ll still play it conservative and sit in his favored zone schemes. I also think that his tendency to be conservative has everything to do with the fact that he was a secondary coach before he became the DC. He is conservative because he doesn’t want big plays and wants to keep the plays in front of him. Linebacker coaches and d-line coaches are better suited to be DC’s because they tend to not be as conservative and will take advantages of the other team’s weaknesses through the blitz if they have to.

I also think Coach Richt realized that Coach Martinez is not Coach Van, and that’s why he’s taking a greater interest in the team as a whole.

By Luke

August 13, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

I think the D will be fine. Too many good athletes. Does anyone know when season tickets will be sent?

By MIKE

August 13, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

I think the defense is going to be fine. we’ve got lots of depth. My biggest concern is the OLine.

By I-DOG

August 13, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

If R. Jones keeps bulking up like that you can pencil him in at Left Tackle!

Actually, he was a little light for a safety coming out of hs, so this is good news… just don’t put on another 35.

That is a formidable group of athletes on D. I think this group can be as good or better, but it depends on two pieces. LB and DE. The secondary should be very good and the DT position should be solid at worst.

I know we have a lot of “potential” at DE and I am excited about that but when you lose a Moses and Johnson, the question is can we get consistant pressure on the opposing QB with just a four man rush? If the answer is yes, and then we bring a linebacker or secondary man on a blitz on occasion, that, this D will be very good.

If we can’t pressure with the front four, it could be trouble.

By D-money

August 13, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

If Miller, Ellerbe, and Dewberry are the starting LBs…who’s heading the depth chart. That might end up being a weakness if on of them gets injured…

By D-money

August 13, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

If Miller, Ellerbe, and Dewberry are the starting LBs…who’s heading the depth chart. That might end up being a weakness if on of them gets injured…and Reshad Jones needs to see the field ASAP! He’s a beast.

By D-money

August 13, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

If Miller, Ellerbe, and Dewberry are the starting LBs…who’s heading the depth chart. That might end up being a weakness if on of them gets injured…and Reshad Jones needs to see the field ASAP! He’s a beast!

By ConyersDawg

August 13, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

Nascar, I have seen you post many of times on here, this in not a flame but you my friend are an idiot!

Here Chip just told you what our D did and ranked nationally after the whole that Stafford’s freshmen mistakes were making and you flame on CMR. The reason I quit posting in here were during the season people ripped Martinez when he wasn’t the one out there missing tackles. You will see the fear of runners and receivers this year with Johnson, Bryd, Jones, and Banks laying the Wood!

I copied this post from a Ok. St. view of our Dawgs. Very Interesting:

“Subject: Note from the Oklahoma State

Interesting thoughts coming from someone at OK St after a little research: > >

I was just doing some research on our season opening opponent Georgia. Pretty scary stuff.

The last five seasons, Georgia has won a total of 53 games. Big-12 power Texas in that same five year span won just 56 games. Oklahoma won just 55 games. So, Georgia is (in the terms of total recent wins) certainly on par with the best that we have seen in the Big-12 of late.

Very impressive job recently by the Bulldogs in recruiting. Summarizing the last four recruiting classes by OSU and Georgia (rankings per Rivals):

2007:

9 Georgia: 12 4* recruits, 10 3* recruits. 28 Okla State: 4-4, 16-3

2006:

4 GA: 2-5, 14-4, 12-3* 22 OSU: 6-4, 18-3

2005:

10 GA: 11-4, 8-3 42 OSU: 1-5, 13-3

2004:

6 GA: 1-5, 11-4, 8-3* 37 OSU: 3-4, 7-3

Without a doubt, Georgia will be the most athletically talented opponent our Cowboys will see in 2007. If you look at the last four recruiting classes (the guys who should be playing as true Fr/So/Jr/Sr’s), there are only two schools in the nation who have had Top-10 (per Rival’s) recruiting classes in EACH of the last four years. Those two schools are USC and Georgia. By comparison, defending National Champion Florida, along with Big-12 powers Texas and Oklahoma have all had Top-10 classes in only three of the last four years.

If you mathematically average the last four classes, Georgia averages

7.25 in the Country. By comparison, Oklahoma averages #8.50. Texas

averages #10.0. Oklahoma State averages #32.25.

Speaking of Oklahoma State, the Cowboys enter the 2007 season with 14 players who were rated 4* (again, Per Rivals) coming out of High School. That number (the best I can tell) is an all time record for the Cowboys to have on one squad. Georgia in their last four recruiting classes has signed 51 players who were rated 4* or higher.

I guess my point is to think OSU will go to Georgia and win because we have an offense that can put some points on the board may be a looking at things a bit optimistically. The Bulldog team we’ll open our season against is every bit the athletic equivalent of the best we see in the Big-12 in any given year. Playing in Athens will be every bit the challenge that places like Austin, Lincoln, College Station and Norman have been over the years.

I’m looking forward to the game with Georgia, but trust me when I say we’ll have to play our very BEST game and hope to catch the Bulldogs playing on an “off” day to open the season with a victory.

There is a dynasty brewing on the east coast called the Dawgs!

By War Eagle

August 13, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

The only severe breakdown UGA has experienced on defense lately was last year. The offense was so-so and defense -played more. UGA will be good not great this year, but will always be selfish in points when the situation allows as in Auburn last year.

By Big Dawg

August 13, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

Chip,

A good article, but I was looking forward to seeing a practice update.

Nascarfan I have to to agree with you on Coach Martinez being to conservative it was especially evident in the Tennessee game last year and Yes there was a come to Jesus meeting after the Kentucky debacle last year.

By shane

August 13, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

coach willie does his job,at least most of the time,that is,he keeps the team in a position to win. we only got blown out by one team,tenn,other than that all the games were close. as far as not giving up big plays and keeping everything in front of you,that is a good thing. at least someone made some good adjustments at half time in our last two bowl games. we shut down wv and vt in the second half and were in position to win at the end. i am more concerned with getting the guys prepared before the game,we sometimes give up too many first half points,like the florida game last year. i think the d will be good again this year,more speed,but we may get burned early. i am more worried about giving up big plays than in the past.

By Bradley G

August 13, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

I saw where Brandon Miller was quoted as saying, “We may not know where we are going but everybody is running hard.” If CMR says our defense will go as Miller goes, and Miller doesn’t know where he is going, then aren’t we in big trouble?

By NASCARfan

August 13, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

Conyers, suck it you unbelievable moron.

I didn’t flame on Coach Richt.

And my assessment of Martinez was fair and balanced.

HE IS, or has been, too conservative. His lack of in-game adjustments are there to be seen by those who have eyes.

He’s not the coordinator that Van Gorder was, in that Coach Van was less predictable in his playcalling and Coach Van was far less conservative.

Did I insult Coach Martinez? Did I offer anything but a little insight into the situation?

Yes, I believe Coach Gardner would have made a FAR superior DC. I know I am not alone in that fair assessment. I also think that Coach Richt taking a greater interest with the team as whole is too big a coincidence to dismiss when you consider Coach Martinez’s DOCUMENTED conservative tendencies as a playcaller and his sometime inability to adjust his defenses to what opposing offenses are presenting him.

Dude, I was cool, calm, and unbiased in my assessment of Coach Martinez. Not once did I flame on anyone. But I have no problem taking it to you. You stay away from the blog, you say? Then please, by all means, stay away from the blog. Please, don’t let us stop you from leaving. Your presence will not be missed.

So long, farewell, Auf Wiedesehn, adiu!

By shane

August 13, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

conyersdawg,thanks for that article,very intresting,i hope that guy is right. nascarfan,calm down son,save your wrath for the techies and gators,c-dawg is on our side.

By Michael G.

August 13, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

Lay off Coach Martinez. In last year’s Tenn. game, they scored 35 points off of UGA turnovers with all of them occuring in our own territory. The offense, led by Stafford put us in the most back-breaking situations all year long. Anyone doubting that should go back and look at the S. Carolina game from last year. Stafford threw 3 terrible picks and we were bailed out by our defense, who, by the way, threw a shutout against S. Spurrier. The only correlation about the defensive “improvment” the last 3 games of the season would be when Stafford did a better job of protecting the ball. Football is really quite simple when you break it down like this: If you turn the ball over, you lose; if you don’t, you win.

By A--ville Ranger

August 13, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

First off if Rashad Jones gained 30lbs in the off season he cheated or it’s fat.I’m surprised Wynn isn’t listed on Chip’s list of starters.Richt seemed so high on him in the spring.Hopefully it’s that others exceded expectations more than Jarius disappointing.

By medtech dawg

August 13, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

It looks to me too often our linebackers are blocked out or making tackles downfield after the play has passed them by. Tony Taylor realy stepped up and took over at the end of the year. These are all players every team in the country recruited.

In the bowl game against West Virginia two of those long runs occured after the backer on that side rushed outside of the d-end, or lined up on the outside of the d-end leaving a huge opening.

It just seems too ofted in the last two years I don’t see the lindbackers filling gaps and making plays.

By P-Dawg in Tulsa

August 13, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

My only concern on D is the lack of experience. I just don’t know how many points that will cost us in the 1st 2 games. Baring injury, I think our D will be solid as a rock once we are past Alabama. Hands down my biggest concern is O-line. I hope Searels gives in and gives us an assessment at some point. Maybe we could get Bobo’s assesment of the O-line?

By Michael

August 13, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

Nascar fan, if a blitz were the magic formula, then wouldn’t everyone use it? Sometime the other team’s offense has the audacity to actually pick up a blitz and turn it into a big play. Now if you look at the UGA defense the last several years, you will see that we have had a dominating defensive front that can put pressure on the other team’s QB without bringing more players than necessary. Look at Joe Lee Dunn and the defenses he leads. Offensive coaches lick their chops when they play against him, because they know that if a blitz is picked up, big plays are easy to come by.

Coach Martinez is an asset to UGA and will continue to be a leader of a great defense again this year.

By 2N4YEARS

August 13, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

One way to look at it is the ‘overall’ D-Fence. 258 ypg. The other way to look at it is how many games did our ‘D’ give away? Vandy, Kentucky, Colorado & MissSt. Our O-fence rallied back for the COL game. Our ‘D’ also looked horrible against TENN in the 2nd half, as well as the 1st quarter of the FLA game. The worst our ‘D’ ever looked in the VanGorder era is a 34-13 loss to LSU in the SEC Championship game. I’m not sold yet. I think Willie can turn things around, but I doubt he’ll ever be as good at those stops when we need them most like VanGorder was.

By knoxdawg

August 13, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

To many good athletes not to be good - how good remains to be seen - experience means alot and they will have to perform early - last years defense did get put in alot of bad situations by the offense - my question is, will the offense be better and stop the turnovers? - make the opposition drive the length of the field to beat you

By Michael G.

August 13, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

2n4yrs.

Defense threw back to back shutouts last year for the 1st time since ‘80. Tennessee scored 35 points off UGA turnovers in our own territory, Florida scored 14. I don’t care how great the defense is, you turn the ball over (especially in our own territory) you are not going to beat anybody. Lay off the D. They have been really good for a really long time, and save for the LSU game you mentioned, they have kept us every game we have played under Richt.

By Concerned

August 13, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

Luke-

They were mailed out August 10th.

By ConyersDawg

August 13, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this

Nice comeback nascar, if your a dawg fan you are my brother. We will have to agree to disagree. Yes the defense has had some let downs on long drives. That is not due to conservative play calling.

There is nothin gconservative to getting turnovers through the air which is what Martinez has this defense doing and what Van Gorder didn’t.

The facts are the facts and Martinez has done better then Van Gorder imo and the stats don’t lie.

By MQ

August 13, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this

THE DEFENSE WILL BE SOLID AGAIN. WILLIE MARTINEZ IS A GOOD DC. OTHER THAT THE BRAIN FART OF AN OCTOBER WE HAD IN ‘06(WHICH WAS AS MUCH THE OFFENSE’S FAULT) THE D HAS BEEN VERY VERY SOLID.

By A--ville Ranger

August 13, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this

Michael G 2n4years Summed it up well.Yes the overall numbers looked good.That stretch in the middle of last season where the defense failed in the clutch time and time again can’t be overlooked when assessing the job Martinez did.I noticed nobody cared to comment on Jones adding 35 lbs of muscle over one year.I’ll say again if it’s true he cheated.It’s not possible to go from 175 to 210 that fast without getting fat or using drugs.

By conrad hill

August 13, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this

I think the defense will be very strong this year as long as geno atkins and jeff owens cause some havoc in the middle to help take some pressure off of those inexperienced DE’s. and I really want to see Reshad Jones on the field a lot this season.

By conrad hill

August 13, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this

I think the defense will be very strong this year as long as geno atkins and jeff owens cause some havoc in the middle to help take some pressure off of those inexperienced DE’s. and I really want to see Reshad Jones on the field a lot this season.

By AltamahaDawg

August 13, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this

I’m glad Coach Martinez stoped turning the ball over after the Kentucky game too. Or was it something else that occured about that same times?

By NASCARfan

August 13, 2007 6:10 PM | Link to this

I’m NOT saying he isn’t a good coordinator.

The numbers speak for themselves for crying out loud.

I’m AM saying that he’s conservative. How could ANYONE say any different? He is. It’s true.

I AM saying he has been, in the past, a bit predictable and slow at making in-game adjustments. He HAS been. I think we can all agree on it.

How is that an attack?

And my voicing the opinion that Coach Van was a superior DC is an opinion I know the VAST majority of people here share. And exactly for the reasons I said. Someone mentioned a falloff in Linebacker technique under Coach Martinez and his assistants (overpursuit, lining up wrong, etc.). Who coached the linebackers previously? Coach Van.

Also voicing my opinion that Coach Gardner should have been the choice for DC is also an opinion I’m not alone in, and I’m sure many of y’all, like me, also think Coach Gardner would have been a BETTER DC than what Martinez has been. Not saying that Martinez is bad, he’s not. He’s good. He’s a good DC. He’s not great. Charly Strong is great. John Tenuta is great. Coach Van Gorder was GREAT. Are any of y’all going to say that Coach Martinez is in their class? Because if you do, you’re crazy.

I, and I know many other, happen to think Coach Gardner would have been a GREAT defensive coordinator. He has that fiery temperment that Coach Van had. One wonder if Coach Richt prefers Coach Martinez because Coach Martinez is a little more low-key, much like Coach Richt is.

So, once again, not attacking, just making pointed observations from an unbiased position.

But I can see how some of the crazies could see that as an attack.

Also, Michael, I wasn’t advocating blitzing on every down. I know a little more about football than you seem to think. It was just an allegorical example. Florida beat Tennessee by beating the crap out of Ainge. The year before, LSU beat Florida by beating the hell out of Chris Leak. So in those games what does Coach Martinez do? Call the most vanilla, conservative gameplan possible, sitting back in his favored zone schemes. Why let two talented QB’s pick you apart underneath like that when other teams have shown you that the way to beat them is by bringing constant pressure? It made no sense then, and it makes no sense now.

Honestly people, ask yourselves, the numbers may say that last year’s defense was great, but in the last two years under Coach Martinez, can any of y’all REALLY say that the defense looked as good as it did under Coach Van Gorder? Once again, this is not an attack, but look at it with an unbiased eye. Does the defense look as sharp, swarm as much, hit as hard, make as many tackels, have as good technique as they did under Coach Van?

If you ask yourselves that honestly, the answer is no, they don’t. In fact, because of poor technique (which is a coaching issue) I can remember quite a few more things like missed tackles, missed assignments, and the like over the last two years than what I ever saw in the four years previous.

That’s just an honest assessment. Once again, the defense has been good and Coach Martinez has been a good DC. Both nothing about the last two years has been GREAT.

That’s just being honest with yourself.

By Tally Dawg

August 13, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this

Nascarfan…do you have a job?

By Tally Dawg

August 13, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this

Nascarfan…do you have a job?

By Tally Dawg

August 13, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

Nascarfan…do you have a job?

By Dorsey Hill

August 13, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this

Nascar,

You really ought to stick to racin’.

Tell me a down and distance situation; the score; the field position; the offensive personnel on the field; the defensive personnel on the field; the quarter; the time on the clock; the call that Martinez made; why it was a bad call and the call you would have made and why.

Until you can do that, please STFU!

Or go into coaching so some idiot like you can tell you how you do everything wrong.

I am so sick and tired of fans blaming coaching on everything. Outcomes are in the end determined by the players.

If Tiger Woods yanks one in the woods do you blame Hank Haney? If Tiger wins a major should Hank Haney get the trophy?

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. This coaching staff almost always has a plan than can be sucessful. We were in every game in the 4th Q last year. If we’d had Coutu we would have beaten Vandy and UK and been 11-2 with not a real good squad. So again, please STFU.

By Buck in the NW

August 13, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

Lets be a little careful when we start throwing blame around. The Tenn. game wasn’t lost by Stafford. He didn’t step on the field until they had us beat. Joe T. was the QB when the wheels came off. SC game. yep, 3 int’s. but remember that he got us out of a couple of tough situations with his running. I’m probably the only person today that never thought Van Gorder was anything but a better than average coach. No, a very good coach but not an elite coach…..Martinez? for me , the jury’s still out and I’m looking forward to ‘07 to watch the effect all over the field CMR will have

By Huskdawg

August 13, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this

Dorsey and Tally, guys, save your fire for the enemies. NAS is a really passionate Dawg who speaks his mind. I’m not a stat guy and never will be, so I won’t be giving you personnel, field postition and all the other stuff. WM is a good coordinator. But, like NAS, it APPEARS he doesn’t have the fire and passion like VG showed you during every game. It also seems he doesn’t blitz as much as VG did. Not saying his game plan is better, it just appears to me, only a fan and definitely not an expert, that he really likes zone coverage and I personally don’t think he is as aggressive. Could be wrong, that’s happenned a few times in 43 years. Anyway, like Conyers said, if you’re a dawg then you’re my brother. No need to attack one of our own.

By Brad

August 13, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this

I saw Marcus Howard at a Mark Richt thing here in Charleston when he was a recruit. He just a boy then. Good lord he is a monster now. I am excited to see what he does to Blake Mitchell. And guys… …be nice!

By NASCARfan

August 13, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this

Oh Dorsey Hill, you’re one of those, huh?

The never question the coaches because you’re not a coach type of fan? One of those staunch loyalists who believe everything is hunkey-dorey and no one deserves criticism.

You know the difference between you and I, Dorsey? Is that I’m going to impune your fanship or your right to your opinion, as wrong as it is, or call you any less of a fan because of it. I happen to think there are many forms of fandom, and all of them should be considerate. We can disagree, we can argue, we can get angry. But as much as a disagree with Conyers, and I do disagree with him, I’m not going to tell him to shut the f@ck up, you complete and utter @$$hole.

I’m going to bust his chops, I’m going to call names and try to push buttons, because, well, that’s just me.

But I don’t want him to shut the f@ck up. His opinion matters, no matter how wrong it is. And as wrong as he thinks I am, he won’t tell me to shut the f@ck up.

But you, Dorsey Hill, because you don’t seem to get it, I suggest you take your own advice for a while and put yourself in timeout. So go sit in your corner until you realize that while we can make fun of each other, bust on each other, and call each other names, telling someone else who’s a fellow Dawg to shut the f@ck up is just not nice.

Dumb@$$.

By Chip Towers

August 13, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this

Hey guys and gals. Sorry I’ve been a little bit out of the loop today. Just had some stuff I had to take care of. Everything will be back to normal tomorrow, including practice notes. Carter actuually should have his up on the site shortly… .

Great debate going on here. Georgia’s defense is clearly a fluid situation with a lot of factors involved. Overall, there really are a lot of talented players on that side of the ball. Did you see where CollegeFootballNews.com selected safety Reshad Jones first-team for its All-America Redshirt Freshman team. LB Darryl Gamble and TB Knowshon Moreno got honorable mention. Doesn’t mean much really but nice to know other folks are paying attention… .

I’ll try to get to some of your queries tonight and early tomorrow so feel free to fire when ready. C-ya!

By NASCARfan

August 13, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this

meant to say NOT impune your fanship or right to your opinion.

Sorry for the misprint. I just want it to be clear that while I may be a ballbuster, I’m not a Nazi Dawg like Mr. Dorsey Hill over here.

By AltamahaDawg

August 13, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this

Our offence wasnt near as good as it was under coach van either.

Im not going to get into any kind of a debate over coaching styles, comparing one DC to another is pretty silly. Completely different team and players.

I will say this, 3 more FG made last year and NOBODY would have even noticed how conservative the D was.

I imagine the come to Jesus meeting went something like this, “hey coach thanks for the job, but if I only had to prepare to face the other offence, I think it might go a bit better”.

By NASCARfan

August 13, 2007 7:40 PM | Link to this

And also, Dorsey Hill - Nazi Dawg, I don’t need to come on here and qualify an opinion like this what down adn distances, or time on the clock or any other ridiculous things you want.

When you look at the Dawg defense over the last two years and compare it to the Dawg defense under Coach Van, there are differences that aren’t inheirantly quantifiable, Dorsey Hill - Nazi Dawg.

So much like Justice Potter Stewart, when it comes to deciding whether these defenses have been as good in technique, as good at being in the right places in the right time, as good as the previous four years under a different DC, “I know when I see it, and the [defenses under Martinez] involved in this case are not [as good].”

So please, stop being a Nazi, so I don’t have to call you Nazi Dawg anymore.

By Buck in the NW

August 13, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this

My question is: why has it taken 3 yrs. for Miller to start to play? That bothers me……Altahama, just to let you know, a meeting did take place and it was a lively one. Not an expert but it did appear that we could have used more pressure in several games in ‘06. People think “blitz” when you say that but stunts(more of) different combinations and the hard part is we know the way the QB’s were handled left a little to be desired but on the “D” it’s harder to pinpoint. Pressure may be the word.

By Palmetto State Dawg

August 13, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this

Chip, how about Quinten Banks? How is he looking so far. My biggest concern is the O’line. Are we that bad?

By DawgFan

August 13, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this

You can’t have it both ways on the turnovers. Part of the reason we gave up less yards last year was because we turned the ball over and shortened the field for the other team. So yes, consider the turnovers in looking at how many points we allowed. But those same turnovers tend to hide problems with respect to yards against the D. Bottom line: against UT, Vandy, and Kentucky, we couldn’t stop the other team in the second half. Turnovers aggravated those situations, but the D bore its fair share of the responsibility. To Martinez’s credit, he righted the ship and they played lights out the last three games (and in the second half against UF).

By DawgFan

August 13, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this

Turnovers result in less yardage for the opposing team because they don’t have to drive the ball as far. So yes, consider turnovers in looking at our scoring average for the D, but you can’t just ignore them in the same breath when you look at the yards against that same D.

By Buck in the NW

August 13, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this

short change of subject: on dawgpost.com, Coach Ball says that if we had the game on the line and had to throw the ball, T. Brown would be the back on the field because of his experience. Caleb King would have to insert himself deep into the line up to play this season. They won’t play him if he can’t get enough carries. COACH BALL USED THE TERM “THROW”. I FIND THAT TO BE VERY INTERESTING……..back to “D”

By Boots

August 13, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this

All I know is that our defense has consistently kept us in most games over the past years in the CMR era, and part of Richt’s job is to have the right coaches in the right positions. I think we are doing pretty well. D was shaky at times last year (TN) but awesome at other times. You know, it is just the nature of having teams with 18 to 22 year olds. It will happen, and it is part of what makes the games so much fun - unpredictable outcomes. Stressful but fun.

Gentlemen, let’s all take a breath and settle down. Save your energy to help kick a little cowboy butt in a few weekes.

Animaldr, I was up to see my son & daughter this week and was watching them get ready for rush. Nothing finer than remembering the glory days of the 80s, sitting on the porch on Milledge and watching the girls stroll by. ALMOST as much fun as Saturdays in Athens.

By godawg

August 13, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this

The talent is DEFINITELY there the EXPERIENCE is not. Hopefully we can hang on, let the offense put some big points on the board while the D gels. We’ll be fine by Alabama. Same goes for the Oline but I’m not as worried although the chicken’s D will give them a trial by fire. GO DAWGS! WOOF!

By BT

August 13, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this

I was embarrassed that we lost to Vandy and Kentuck last year but the worst defensive performance was against Tennessee. I felt every time they had the ball that they would score. It looked as if coach Martinez didn’t have his squad prepared at all! Tenn’s QB had all night to throw because our rush had no bite what so ever! To watch them come to Athens and riddle the defense like that, I felt like I went back to the Goff years. We cannot look that way again!

By Huskdawg

August 13, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this

Watchin the Ole Miss game from last year. DAM…..WTF were some of those calls. Man, it just seems we paid the refs more than the other team did. This is a business, and believe me, everybody gets paid. Now, we definitely had more talet then Ole Miss, but Good Lord, would we have won that game if the calls had been different?

By cooter11

August 13, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this

dogs fighting! Some here may need a therapist. If so, try Therapist Finder @therapistfinder.com

By AltamahaDawg

August 13, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this

I’m sure there was a meeting, lots of them. I’m just saying its pretty coincidental that our D started looking better about the same time the O stop tripping on thier own foot. Maybe he was conservative, maybe he wasnt. I think that is WAY too fine of a line to be drawn. Pretty generic term to me. Maybe injuries played a part. Maybe we needed to compensate early, and as the offence started to jell, we could take a few more chances? I dont know. We also had great cover guys and superior outside rushers, so prabbaly did sit back in zone more. I’d be wiling to bet, we do things a bit differently depending on the personel this year. I do know this; our defense never didnt have us in a position to win, with only minimal help from the other side. I’ll stick to my point, NOBODY complains about that D one bit, if we had scored 5 more points last year. So now in hindsight, we can look at games and say he shouda, coulda , woulda. HMM. We shoulda been able to score a few darn points in the second half of a ballgame too. Obviously its a team effort, but it does puzzle me sometimes when folks try to conjure up complicated explaination when its pretty simple what happened. We didnt exactly lose those games in a shootout.

Personally, I like the guys demeaner. Everything I have read, heard, or seen, every person on that team and staff, says he is one of the most fiery guys on the practice field. All that demonstative stuff BVG did on game day never did a thing for me. BVG also lost a few games too when his boys just couldnt stop anyone.

By AltamahaDawg

August 13, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this

dawgfan, while TO might skew yardage one way, I’d be willing to bet we lead the league in 3 and out as well. I think we had one of the highest percentages of punting it inside opponents 20, so the are your defending yards right back.

By TallyDawg

August 13, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

Independantly wealthy or retired?

By cdawg

August 13, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this

Gentlemen please…..We are going to be fine… I agree with alot of assessments by everyone you all make good points..BUT one thing i would like to point out is the TENN game from last year look at the box score and it speaks volumes..TIME OF POSS 2ND HALF:TENN 23:31 GA 6:29 PLAYS: TENN 48,GA 22 TURNOVERS:TENN 1,GA 4(ALL COMING ON OUR SIDE OF THE 50,AND THE BLOCKED PUNT BY TENN FOR A TOUCHDOWN AT WHICH POINT WE RETURNED THAT KICKOFF FOR A TOUCHDOWN…Agreed our defense struggled at certain times but with those kind of stats who wouldnt….Bottom line is our timm of poss was the 2nd wosrt in the sec and our turnovers were 109th in the country and we went 9-4 with a freshman QB…and our defense was still ranked in the top ten!!!SO GIVE IT A BREAK!!! MY ASSESSMENT IS FOR THE YEAR EVEN OUT THE TIME OF POSS AND JUST WIN THE TO RATIO FOR THE YEAR AND WE WILL BE FINE…WE WILL WIN OUR FIRST 3 GAMES AND THEN LOSE TO ALABAMA….WE WILL THEN WIN A THE GAMES TO THE END AND EITHER LOSE TO AUBURN OR TECH..AND YES WE WILL BEAT FLORIDA….WE ARE MUCH BETTER AND I MEAN MUCH BETTER THAN PEOPLE THINK TO MANY AHTLETES TO MUCH SPEED A GREAT QB AND RECIEVRS OUT TO PROVE SOMETHING..THERE I SAID IT ………..GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO DAWGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGSSSSSSSSSSSSS..WOOF WOOF

By Buck in the NW

August 13, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this

Aren’t we in the year of 2007? WM is going to be the “DC” so I think we should consider doing what we’re asking the team to do, that is focus on the ‘07 season. In the up coming season I would like to see the “D” put more pressure on the other teams QB. ‘Pokes QB is use to pressure and their “OL” know how to block so WM will have to be creative. Lets see what he does.

By Big Dawg

August 13, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

Fellow Dawgs last year is last year and is water under the bridge so to speak. Everybody is entitled to their own opinion, but it is not an opinion that Coach Richt had a real come to Jesus meeting after the Kentucky game and that is why the defense was more wide open and less predictable in those last 3 games. Enough of that so lets concentrate on this years team and the immediate challenge that OK State presents with that great offense that they have. Go Dawgs

By Gen Neyland

August 13, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this

My goodness…The way some of you Dawgs are nipping at each others ankles tells me the heats gettin’ to ya. Relax…The Alpha-Dawg will realign this here chicken fight, called a blog, soon. He is watching…Until then, carry on…

By adawgfan

August 13, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this

cdawg??? Loose to the Bees??? There’s no way we beat UT and UF and loose to the bees. You need to rethink your win loss columns

By SamoanDawg

August 14, 2007 12:40 AM | Link to this

NASCARfan, I think Richt chose Willie as DC b/c Martinez used to coach with or under Van Gordor, or vice versa, if I’m not mistaken. Therefore, Martinez knew the system.

In my humble opinion, Coach Gardner is a good coach, but I don’t know if he was ready to be a DC yet, at the time. He’s definitely a DC material now, or even a HC.

I blamed all our losses to the O last season. 3 WORDS: Too Many Turnovers. Our D played good, but not consistently as I would’ve liked.

We’ll be fine on D. I’m relying on the front four to anchor our D this season.

I’m glad to hear the battle going on between Weston and Atkins. Weston’s pride is probably torn. That’s good, I hope they’ll both wreck havoc against them Pokes.

By ConyersDawg

August 14, 2007 1:08 AM | Link to this

Were conservative on defense, that’s why we more takeaways under CWM, then we ever did Van Gorder.

You want to see an aggressive attacking defense then watch this year now that there is speed like crazy on that side of the field.

Not many D-Cor in the country that year after year stay one of the top 15 in the country. I will take that every year.

Buck, explain pressure. We shut out 2 teams last year. C. Johnson was very dominating at times and offenses were very creative in how to deal with Q-mo. IMO, that’s why our lb’s and secondary made so many big plays.

People who know me know that as good as Tra Battle was sometimes he was always messing up in big times of the game. 2 missed tackles on the long WV runs in the Sugar, his missed assignment against Allbarn in Athens 2 years ago on the 4th down play. Over pursuing against Tenn. Hard hitting safeties will reestablish how we like to see football played in Athens.

By Sautee Dawg

August 14, 2007 1:23 AM | Link to this

Hey Chip, thanks for the info. noticed you left Reshad Jones off your starting line-up. maybe not a starter yet but i bet he gets into the Oak St. game in the 1st quater.

By shane

August 14, 2007 3:36 AM | Link to this

man you guys get all het up don’t you. the d was pretty good last year,but i was disappointed in johnson and moses. i think those guys should have put much more pressure on the qb,maybe they read their press clippings before the season. battle did the best he could,but was undersized and a step slow. he may have screwed up a time or two but he was usually around the ball. we may have some run-stopping safetys this year,but i want to see run-stopping lbs, if the linemen do their job,occupy the blockers and get some penetration,the lbs should fill the gaps and make some tackles. if the front seven do this and the dbs cover their men,then a vanilla d works just fine. everyone on the d must work together. from the article on okst it seems that they run many different plays,so we may not be able to pick up a key and assume a particular play will be run. i think we will have to mix it up a little if this oc likes to change on the fly. show blitz and drop back into coverage,run a zone blitz,show zone and switch,show man and switch to zone,whatever may cross them up. we can’t overpursue because i think they will use a lot of misdirection,they have probably heard all about our speed. there are two ways to counter speed,misdirection,and run right at it. our linemen and lbs will have to stay at home. we will probably see a lot of screens and draws too,at least you would from me going against a quick d line. this oc carries three playbooks and some of our guys are still learning one. should be intresting. hopefuly we will pound them and run the ball down their throats.that’s the best d,play keep-away.

By Buck in the NW

August 14, 2007 4:24 AM | Link to this

conyersDawg, I used the term pressure as an overall way to look at the “D” in ‘07. I was thinking about the Ky. game in ‘06. I wonder what the game plan will be for the 1st two games and I posted before a couple of games(last season) that the other team would pick on Battle in big play situations. I do believe that something cause the transformation in CMR’s way of thinking and this was a part of it. Outside of CMR himself, I’m so glad that Callaway got himself a good new HC. job. I’m not supposed to nor do I understand what WM thinks about Defense. All Dawgs, love him or hate him, need to understand that he’s the “DC” for ‘07 and hope he makes the right calls. We have some many new players that it’s hard to recognize or compare the two teams. Let’s go ‘07.

By JamesD

August 14, 2007 7:37 AM | Link to this

Our D has been fine as of late. Just look at our national rankings. The games lost last year were because of turnovers and lack of offences. Against Ky and Vandy there was no reason our O didn’t put up at least 40 points on the board. The D cannot play for 90 minutes straight without giving up a few points. As for this year, we will have to wait and see what happens. Best Guess, Rough start as inexperience causes problems, athletic ability hold us in the games until leadership can develop. At the end of the season Uga should have another top 15 ranked defense.

19 days guys, my nipples are so hard.

By 82dawg

August 14, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this

Lack of experience and leadership on defense will cause a very rough road in the first half of the season. Lack of an experienced offensive line will again put the defensive on the field way too often. Potentially starting three freshmen on the O-line again means that they could easily suffer more shoulder injuries before they reach physical maturity. Thus continuing the cycle of inexperienced offensive lines. No matter how I turn the depth chart, I still cannot see how this team can be better than 9-4.

By Bubba and Earl on the 50 yrd line

August 14, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

Good god! That trio of linebackers scares the you know what out of me. Athletically they may be unmatched in the SEC, but they have been underwhelming so far at UGA.

By joe

August 14, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

After scanning all the previous posts, seems to me too many of you are thinking the dawgs will play this season like Vandy or KY normally does. D should be ok, but like Mike said, the O-line is the biggest concern by far. If they can’t hold off everyone’s D, there won’t be much of a running game and Stafford won’t have much time to pass…that would equate to an average year, so that is where the focus needs to be…4 freshmen and 1 senior won’t cut it in the SEC. What happened to all the Jr’s and Sophomores??

By JBDAWG

August 14, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

JBDAWG This is the order of average ranking in the last 5 years (2002-2006) from the AP and Coaches Polls. I averaged the two polls (gave a ranking of 26 if the team ended up being unranked)

USC 2.7 Ohio St 6.3 Texas 7.8 Oklahoma 9.4 UGA/LSU 10.3 Miami 12.1 Michigan 13.1 Auburn 14.2 Florida 17.2 Penn St. 17.9 Notre Dame 18.3 Alabama 21

As you can obviously see…Georgia is a “Top 5” program during the last five years…and on the way up instead of on the way out!

“The data doesn’t lie”…but what do I know I’m just a dumb ole Georgia redneck making a lot of money!

By DawgByte

August 14, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

I’m getting to this discussion a little late, but here’s my take:

I observed three areas of concern in 2006 related to our defense.

1. Our DE’s struggled with mobile QB’s that rolled out of the pocket. I can’t tell you how many times in the Colorado game both Moses and Johnson got sucked inside only to be burned by the QB rolling out and dumping off to the TE. Same thing happened in the Kentucky game. It was uncanny and troubling.

2. Tackling - You can throw blame all over the field, because everyone on our defense struggled at times on the tackling front.

3. DT’s being able to shut down the run. Ouch, well documented and a cause for Alka-Seltzer going into 2007.

Is the sky falling? NO! Loads of talent in DBland, solid DT’s that just need to pick it up on run defense. LB’s are also not a concern of mine. If Miller doesn’t cut it Washington and Curren are there to pick up the slack. On the outside we’re looking fantastic. DE’s may provide some heartburn moments, but as long as they can contain and send the plays towards the middle and provide a few sacks… their job is done.

As many people have pointed out, this team’s offense sets the tone for the D and this years offense rests in the hands of the OL. These rash of injuries are causing me to get plugged up.

Prediction: TB came on in Fall camp last year and ended up starting the season. Same thing will happen this year, only he’ll eventually be replaced by our new starting RB - Knowshon Moreno. By the 4th game of the season the order will be as follows:

1. Moreno
2. Lumpkin
3. Brown
4. King - redshirted

By SeattleDawg

August 14, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

TB’s: Just got my UGA Football Media Guide. As H.S. Seniors, this is how our 4-deep TB’s were rated by Rivals: Lumpkin: #2 TB in the U.S. Brown: #4 TB in the U.S. Moreno: #10 TB in the U.S. King: #8 T.B. in the U.S. That’s depth. Meanwhile, Rivals had Stafford as #1 QB in the U.S. and Cox as #7.

By AltamahaDawg

August 14, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

Dawgbyte, I’m sure you noticed that midway through the second quarter, we adjusted something to shut that down and Colorada never threatened with that play again.

By DawgByte

August 14, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

AltamahaDawg - Was it our adjustments, or Colorado not going to the TE as frequently? My guess it was a little of both. Nevertheless, that game wasn’t an isolated instance, or I wouldn’t have brought it up. Would I like Moses and Johnson back again, Oh yeah.

The other night CSS was running the 2004 game in Jacksonville - incidently the last time we beat the Gators. I watched Pollack in the 4th Qtr. run parallel with the line and bring down the RB for a 4 yard loss. It was like David was shot out of a cannon. Two players later he’s making a solo tackle 25 yards deep into our secondary on a Florida WR. If I ever hear another journalist say that guy didn’t have natural athletic skills I’m going to write their Momma and say bad things about them!

By Dawggonegoodtime

August 15, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

Rennie Curran will be the second coming of Pollack!! Just another reminder in life…that its NOT about the size of the Dawg in the fight!!!