UGA

By Michael Cox

October 15, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this

Stafford is “potentialy the best to ever play at Georgia”!However,…potential holds the clipboard. Stafford has not “won” a game for us yet, but has kept us in games at times. As a UGA fan without the “redcoated” sun-glasses I believe he has not lived up to his billing. Average to good right now.

By Jeff Patton

October 15, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this

“F” Tim Tucker and Chip Towers for showing the 98-2001 graduation rates like it is recent! ESPN actually did a story showing Georgia on top with graduation rates the last 5-6 years!

GO DAWGS!

By baloney

October 15, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this

Stafford is an average or slightly above average QB.He has a big arm,no touch, and apparently not alot happening betwixt the ears. And he validates that comment by looking…….well goofy.

By Georgia Fan

October 15, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this

There is probably something in between “great” and “getting by” isn’t there Chip? I would say he’s playing very good. Good enough to be the #1 passer in the Southeastern conference right now. I don’t see as many wild and desperate throws as I’ve seen in the past. When he throws it is with a purpose. And his game management skills are simply excellent. The moron who said he has never “won” a game for us knows absolutely zero about the game of football and should stop pretending otherwise. Ultimately quarterbacks are judged by championships though. If he leads us to an SEC title or more I will call him great.

By Over rated

October 15, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this

Stafford is a good quarterback, not a great one, great ones make the people around them better, he has yet to do that. He seems to have lost the team aspect of his game and is solely interested in throwing not passing for 300 yards regardless of outcome, he is careless with the ball as evidenced in last weeks game with UT. He is not looking off defenders and is a very easy read. He has actually turned Knowshon into Noshow because he is not getting the ball to him. We need to establish the run and then we can see how Stafford performs in situations where he has to step up. At best UGA is a mediocre team and we are set up to lose at least 2 more games, unless Boo-Boo and Martinez get these guys FIRED UP!!!!

By Jonathan Grizzell

October 15, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

I think that Stafford is doing fairly well. There are only two statistics that I look at when I make that determination. Wins and losses, and turnovers. He has a good win/loss record but he has mad a lot of turnovers. I would give Stafford a grade of 88 as a quarterback. I may be able to give him the “A”, if we begin to get some quality O-line help for him.

By Jonathan Grizzell

October 15, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this

I think that Stafford is doing fairly well. There are only two statistics that I look at when I make that determination. Wins and losses, and turnovers. He has a good win/loss record but he has made a lot of turnovers. I would give Stafford a grade of 88 as a quarterback. I may be able to give him the “A”, if we begin to get some quality O-line help for him.

By Jonathan Grizzell

October 15, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this

I think that Stafford is doing fairly well. There are only two statistics that I look at when I make that determination. Wins and losses, and turnovers. He has a good win/loss record but he has made a lot of turnovers. I would give Stafford a grade of 88 as a quarterback. I may be able to give him the “A”, if we begin to get some quality O-line help for him.

By Stevedez

October 15, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

He won the Alabama game last year with a 25 yard strike to Henderson, must have forgot that Cox

By calm Dawg

October 15, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this

Just manage the game and beg the recievers to learn how to hold on to the ball…Stafford’s best is yet to come, hopefully Dawgs are ready for another 7 -GAME winning streak like last year.Remember they out scored Alabama 31-10 in the second half,(although much to late). Go Dawgs

By ON THE BRINK

October 15, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

Chip,

I watched the GA-TN game again and Stafford actually did play well, in fact really well. On one of the interceptions in the endzone it was clearly a mis-comunication and the other one was, a bad play call, a bad read on Staffords part, and the defense read the play.

Mark my words, Stafford is on the Brink of a big break out game. He has hit his stride as well as the o-line.

I do not know if anyone realized it or not but AJ Green though he had several catches did not play a very sound game. NOT his fault, he just showed he was still a freshman. And I am not referring to his dropped TD. His routes and lack of understanding the plays hendered his production.

GA will score 45 against a good Vandy team. We will have to call of the DAWGS, litterally.

By Mike

October 15, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

I remember saying that Buck Belue was not very good at anything except knowing how to win. This is a quarterback’s job. Belue did it well.

Stafford has a great arm and has had countless passes dropped after hitting the receiver in the mouth with the ball. His reads and play-calling ability at the line of scrimmage are excellent. He has had a few picks and has made a few bad decisions along the way, but so has everybody. Namath had one of the highest interception percentages in the history of pro footbal and is in the Hall of Fame. Yes, Stafford is one of the best. We seem to hang the “great one” tag on those whose team’s win championships. If Georgia won a national championship with him, everyone would say he’s the best. He’s already just fine with me.

By hatfieldgeoff

October 15, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

Stafford has played very well. The problem with the offense is that with the offensive line lacking experience we are probably running the ball a little too much. Against Alabama, South Carolina and Tennessee we should have thrown the ball more often, maybe a 65%-35% split. Our redzone problems need to be addressed. I think it is the play calling. Start going for the endzone from 30-40 yards out. We have got to start making more big scoring plays if we are going to beat LSU and FLA. Stafford is accurate and his arm can be very effective from that range. If we throw more we will start getting more from Moreno and King as well.

By 7straight

October 15, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

Stafford has excellent tools and makes better checks at the line than any QB Georgia has had…..I don’t think he attains “greatness” until he develops some touch—-remember David Greene and the way he would get on a roll, completing 8, 12, 15 passes in a row?—We haven’t seen that from Stafford—witness the four fade passes on the goal line last Saturday—-not his forte—poor play calling—-Georgia’s greatest QB is Buck Belue, because the team he led won EVERY GAME in 1980. That’s the final measuring stick.

By Goofy Primadonna

October 15, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this

He’s not even from around here (Texas). I guess he knew Colt McCoy would beat him out so he chose Georgia.

By Satchmo

October 15, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this

Whatever it is that the other Matt (Ryan) has, our Matthew yet to be. Montana, Elway, Unitas , all had ‘IT.’ Too many guys with great arms , never fulfill their potential, because they are missing the ” IT.’ Time will tell, for our Matthew.

By 82DAWG

October 15, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this

I love having Stafford and feel he is always right on the edge of greatness. However, he is not…quite…there yet. He is a junior and playing good, but not great. I can bet you he is going to be a knockout pro QB, but really, you have to say that David Greene, a player without Staffords physical gifts, was further along as a junior (really as a sophmore) than Stafford is right now. Still, I do love having him in the Red & Black each Saturday!!!

By lawdawg23

October 15, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

I agree with Georgia Fan. Stafford will play at the next level. CMR would not turn an idiot loose to freely call audibles. He is a very good quarterback so far this year. Maybe there is a “great” quarterback lurking beneath the surface; he certainly has several great opportunities to prove it before the season ends. Go Dawgs!

By George

October 15, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

Way over rated up to this point. Still poor decsion making for a 3rd year starter. Bobo is not helping matters with his erratic play calling. Don’t get me wrong he is good…. but definately not great….Yet.

Go DAWGS!

By Doug

October 15, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

I have often wondered why Matthew Stafford is the UGA quarterback. Of course I don’t know his leadership ability, style, connection w/players, etc. But what I see is a quarterback who continuously throws off his back foot, continually throws into double and tripple coverage, continually forces the ball, makes his receivers contort their bodies to catch the ball, and wouldn’t know “air under the ball” if he could spell it. He is lucky to only have a 61.7 percent completion rate. Cox, on the other hand, is a very accurate thrower. Yes his arm isn’t as strong, but he is much more accurate. He is more like a righ handed David Greene. I think our offense would be more effective, more efficient, better in the red zone, with Cox as our quarterback.

By M.A.S.

October 15, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

Miachael Cox, Trust me brother. Stafford is a great player and was probably the “highest recruited” player to play at Georgia. He is NOT the best player to ever play at Georgia. Herschel is the best player to have played at Georgia and he has a natl championship, Heisman and his jersey retired. Know your history son if you are a bulldog brother.

By ON THE BRINK

October 15, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

Chip,

I failed to mention that Stafford has never thrown a good fade pattern in three years, the key word is “good”.

His biggest weakness is early in the season when the defensive rush is closing in he bails out to quick or rushes his throws.

Just ask Richt or Bobo.

By correct

October 15, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this

Stafford has done all a qb could do to “win” games for UGA..he has done it with work-in-process offensive lines..and he has an unbelievable amount of drops in big games..the reason Georgia doesnt have a couple national titles in the past 6 years is completely because of dropped passes at crucial moments in big time games..and this year penalties have been the problem costing big plays, scores, etc..

By KnowshonHauls

October 15, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this

I know Staff is a top NFL QB prospect, but I’ll take David Greene over Stafford any day of the week. Of course, Greene also had a solid offensive line and better receivers. And we had better defense at that time as well. Stafford plays pretty well considering what he’s got to work with.

By aaron

October 15, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

let me tell you how much faith i have in matt stafford. i’d trade matt ryan and his potential for matt stafford and his potential any day of the week for the falcons. stafford is an excellent QB and he will be a pro bowler if he happens to land on the right NFL team. he’s got a missle launcher for an arm and he’s among the most accurate college passers i’ve ever seen. all you haters should just zip it, he might be leading your NFL team to a super bowl in 5 years.

By R

October 15, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

Some of you, including Chip’s colleagues, must not notice that on virtually every play there’s a defensive player in Stafford’s face, arriving there untouched. Matt is far from perfect, but he takes a beating and still manages to play very well. Imagine what he could do with a veteran, above-average offensive line.

By JustMyOpinion!

October 15, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

One word. ALABAMA! He was scared sh!tless!

By GeoffDawg

October 15, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

Overrated - you idiot. TN was the first 300 yard game of his career. Not because he’s not capable of more but because Georgia runs an extremely balanced offense.

Michael Cox - what do you call Alabama last year?

By MoDawg

October 15, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

Chip, To me, a good-to-great QB is measured by more than just stats, he is measured by what he means to his team and their success. It’s hard to argue with Stafford’s success at UGA and the fact that his stats are up this year is an indication that he is learning how to rely on more than just his arm. He might have the best arm in D-1 football, but it’s his improved decision-making (the interception to the DE this weekend not withstanding, and I completely agree with your assessment of that above) and it’s obvious that the team has rallied around him as a leader. Just like how we judge good coaches by not only their success, but also how they carry themselves and lead the team, we should measure Stafford by how well he carries himself and leads/represents the team. Using these as a measuring stick, I’d say Stafford is a fine QB and I, for one am extremely happy he is our QB at UGA! I hope he returns for his senior year and improves even more than he has this year. Maybe he, by himself has not “won” us a game, but football has never been a one player sport. He is the on-field leader of this team and is doing a great job, so far!

By Heyberto

October 15, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this

Stafford has looked great… but in the age of the spread offense, he doesn’t have the numbers that those spread qbs do, despite being the better qb, raw talent wise. Georgia runs a much more balanced attack, and when the pass opens up, as it did this past weekend, Georgia exploited the team it played because that was what yielded the most results.

By 82DAWG

October 15, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

If Cox was the better QB, he would be under center. For every fan who was not happy with the starter, the backup is always their favorite option.

By Kennesaw '73 Dawg

October 15, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

I purposely did not believe the hype about Stafford when he came to UGA. I decided to watch him on every single play and decide for myself about how good he was. As it turns out, he is an average QB. Not as good as others in even in the SEC. Yes, he can throw the ball HARD, I grant you, but not all that accurately especially beyond 15 yards out. He is fairly accurate at short-range passes but can’t hit the receiver on long-range passes worth shucks! I cringe every time he throws long because the odds of it being caught by the receiver are not too good. Since he has been the QB, I have seen him throw passes at the receivers feet in front of them, to their right, to their left, over their heads and everywhere else. I personally would like to see what Joe Cox can do. Looking back to last year and watching several of the Hawaii games and how Colt could pass the ball, I wished then that Stafford could be as laser-beam accurate as Colt was.

I don’t think anybody will be hyping Stafford for the Heisman in his career. I’ll be interested in seeing how high he is drafted when he turns pro. My bet is that he isn’t drafted as high as some people think.

By GeoffDawg

October 15, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

One other thing to illustrate your obnoxious ignorance over rated - you speak of carelessness because he had two picks against TN? Leaving out the fact that only one was his fault, he only had one pick this entire season going into this game. Do you even watch football? Are you sure you didn’t mistake this for a rugby blog?

By Doug

October 15, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

I have long wondered why Matthew Stafford is the UGA quarterback. Of course I know nothing of his leadership, relationship w/players, etc. But what I see on the field is a QB who constantly throws off his back foot, constantly throws into double and tripple coverage, always forces the ball, causes his receivers to contort their bodies to catch the ball and wouldn’t know “air under the ball” if he could spell it. It is only having good receivers that he has a 61.7 percent completion rate. The fact that that rates high in the SEC just shows that this is not the passing conference it once was. Joe Cox, on the other hand, is a much more accurate thrower. Cox is a right handed David Greene, arm not as strong as Stafford, but much more accurate. With a quarterback as accurate as Cox we would be even more efficient on offense, be more efficient in the red zone, and Moreno would have more rushing yards. Joe Cox should be our quarterback.

By Andrew

October 15, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

I continue to be surprised about how hard fans have been on Stafford. Since he has been at Georgia he has played behind a young line that has had to be constantly reshuffled and his receiving corp has been subpar. Despite this issues he has improved week to week and year to year. In addition, he has played a better than everyone’s hero Tim Tebow in big games—-just go check the win loss record. Better yet ask the pro scouts. I just hope he stays another year. The OLine will be dramatically better next year. If he stays for his senior year, the debate will be over. He will dominate.

By BCD

October 15, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

I think Stafford’s numbers to date are very good considering he’s working behind a patchwork OL and one of his best receivers is a true freshman. Stafford’s numbers should improve as the OL jells and as Green matures. Before the UT game he had ONE Int. having 3 half way through the season is improved over his stats last year.

I don’t think you can downplay the net effect of our OL on his passing game. 1) He gets sacked or hurried more. 2) He’s not trusting them as he should and it disrupts his rhythm. 3) They are not opening up the run game as much so teams are not having to commit as many people to stop KM.

As the season goes on, Stafford’s numbers will go up. I expect his best game against LSU and UF, baring loss of another major player. We are at the precipice of breaking out on offense and really putting a quality team away like we have some of the cupcakes that we played. Like last years team, our best games, and his, are ahead of us. We will be scary good come end of November. I just hope we manage to be in a position to play in the SECC.

By SimpleDawg

October 15, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this

I hear people talk about how over-rated Stafford is, but most of these people either don’t know or don’t understand that he hasn’t had a great group of receivers, yet. This year’s group is the best group he’s had….and the best is a freshman. He always compared to Bradford at Oklahoma, but if watch OU play, Bradford has receivers wide a* open on almost every play. His numbers reflect the absence of defense as much as his own ability. Stafford has had bad games against really good defensive efforts, and he’s had good games against really good defensive efforts; but most of the bad games were when he was a freshman. He has played very well this year; the UGA offense is not a QB win the game philosophy…it’s a tailback win the game philosophy. Great receivers can make an average QB look good, but no one looks good trying to throw to receivers who can’t get open. And no one completes too many passes from the seat of his pants. Let’s see what he does against the teams he’ll face over the second half of the season. If the line protects him and the receivers get open and CATCH THE BALL when it’s thrown to them, then the Dawgs will run the table. If opposing defenses have to be concerned about the pass, then Knowshon will run wild. Of course, none of this happens without a great performance in each game by the Offensive Line….how many left tackles do we have?

Go Dawgs!

PS - Tech gets rolled by Clempson this weekend.

By jerry

October 15, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

I think it is a big mistake to allow Stafford to make all the calls and checks. Just damn ridiculous. He knows more that the coaches? Is this a Bozo decision? Like Willie’s decision to remain “aggressive” despite the penalties?

By TexasDawg

October 15, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

The bottom line is that Stafford is a good QB but has he won the SEC yet? Has he had a game where we were down and he brought us back…if he would have brought us back in that ALa game that would have been impressive…He manages the game but where are the sparks….the great comeback victory…he hasn’t even won the east yet…hope this changes this and next season! Go Dawgs!

By Ted Striker

October 15, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this

I’ve just read through a lot of comments on this thread saying Stafford is overrated, hasn’t performed, isn’t up to standards, etc. Wow.

It goes to show some people wouldn’t recognize a quarterback if he hit them with a pass from 70 yards away — two times in a row.

By Peter

October 15, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this

Chip, Love your coverage of the Dawgs, but come on, you’re better than the average AJC writer: “Me and a couple of my sports writer buddies…” Try “A couple of my sports writer buddies and I…”

Keep up the good coverage.

Peter

By E.T.

October 15, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

I have never seen a quarterback have as many passes dropped as Stafford.If all his passes would have been caught, he would have at least 500 more yards on his stats.Plus it’s a shame that he will never play behind a solid O-line like Bradford or McCoy has.Who knows how good he would be.

By Michael Scharff

October 15, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

Chip, I’ll politely stay out of this conversation, thanks. When I gave my opinions on Mr. Stafford last week in reponse to Mark Bradley’s similar column, I was pilloried by several other correspondents. I do not wish to go through that experience again.

By DawgFan24

October 15, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

Chip

Let me pose this question. If you were a college football coach, which quarterbacks in the league would YOU pick over Stafford as the leader of your team?

IMO, Stafford takes a lot of undue heat, when all he has done over the past 3 years is consistently get better, and emerge as the team leader. The kid obviously has an NFL future, and because we lose one game, now his stats are taking a hit?

By Jack

October 15, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

You people are ignorant. 8 TD’s and 3 int’s - 7 and 1 before this past week. 62 percent completion rate, and 250 yards a game passing. He can make every throw in the book. He calls his own plays at the line, and he is a surprisingly effective runner. I understand you are disappointed in the Bama game but you guys need to get a life.

By Supes

October 15, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

I don’t care how talanted a QB is, without a solid O-Line you will never reach your true potential.

It’s actually a great deal more. You need playmakers at the skill positions, and good playcalling by the OC.

Taking all of that in, that Bobo has pretty much “had to grow” with Matt Stafford as an OC, that our O-line has been a work in progress and injury plagued the last 2 seasons, I thnk Stafford has done an excellent job.

If he was playing for Mizzou,I know he could make all the reads/throws that Chase Daniel does and everyone would be saying he’s the next coming of Tom Brady. Where you play, what system you run, even what conference (defenses that you face), all of those things affect the overall stats and perception.

All I know, is all the draft experts who know a lot more than us about NFL talent have Matt Stafford rated as the number 1 QB prospect when he comes out, this year or next. He’ll be the first QB taken. That tells me all I need to know about his talent and potential, however he’s yet to win an SEC Championship at UGA.

David Greene won one but played with a better overall team with more experience.

I sincerely hope Matthew stays at UGA for his senior year. Only then will we able to tell how good or great is he going to be. Maybe it’ll all come together for him. More stable O-Line, Playmakers at WR (Green, T. King, etc) and another year with Bobo as his OC.

By ha

October 15, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this

ha ha ha. next year is totally the year! all we need to do to win games is have good protection, open recievers, and wideouts who catch the ball. someone hire that guy, he is football wise beyond his years. get on the phone with richt, he could use your input. morons.

By Ignorance is bliss

October 15, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

Where can I get some of the Stafford kool-aid all of you are drinking, we have not won the SEC with him at the helm, he is truly not the leader you would expect to have at QB, he is too busy posing for the camera, give me a David Greene any day, The best thing that could happen to UGA is Stafford going pro….

By YUP

October 15, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

Stafford is our quarterback, and I support him. Period! It does our team no good for a public debate about his skills, even if it is done under the guise of supporting him. Shame Chip. We Dawg fans are too critical of our own. Matt could quarterback for 90% of the college teams in America, and I for one am glad to have him.

By Michael

October 15, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

Lets get this out first, yes i am a UGA Fan. I personally believe that Stafford is the best QB in the sec, and before i get drilled i did say best QB. I would give Tim Tebow best athlete but not QB. Stafford has all the tools, just ask the Payton family and all the nfl scouts, im sure they would give you the same answer. His stats arent as good as others but that is becouse of the offensive style. Look at the difference in all the other qb’s teams and see what there pass/run % is compared to ours. Watch and see if Stafford has to look down at his call list on his wrist like every other qb has to do in college football. Its obvious that Stafford has the smarts and tools that are required to be a big time qb and it will only be time before the UGA hatters realize it.

Have a nice day

By 82DAWG

October 15, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

Kennesaw ‘73 Dawg Please list the QBs in the SEC who are better than Stafford who have not already won a Heisman Trophy.

By David

October 15, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

Stafford still has a lot of room for improvement but he has NEVER had an experienced OL in front of him and he has never had a good group of receivers. MoMass is stepping up this year and AJ is dangerous and it is coming through in the statistics. My only problem with him is he still gets too lazy at times and throws too much off his back foot. But other than that, he will continues to get better and is still only half way through his junior year.

By no dog

October 15, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this

How many of your competitors would love to have him? If he were for sale, would not last long…

By DirtyDawg

October 15, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this

I have mixed emotions about Mr. Stafford…if he plays like I know he can, we win out and he turns pro…if we slip up somewhere along the line and either don’t make the SEC playoff, or don’t win it, then he’s still got something to ‘play for’ by coming back next year - also with all those, supposed, world-class QBs in the Big 12 and elsewhere, many of whom, I guess, will be coming out next year, it might not be the best time to turn pro.

Either way, you folks keep bad-mouthing Matthew, it’ll make his beating the be-Jesus out of Florida, LSU, and Alabama (in a re-match), that much sweeter. If this kid had an offensive line that didn’t have to ‘over-achieve’ every week, there wouldn’t be a debate at all

By the way, he did bring us back against Alabama - despite the constant pressure - but we let ‘em score more in the second half that made the difference, both in the score and in the strategy.

By jfergNCdawg

October 15, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

Chip, Imagine if Stafford had the luxury of most QB’s of coming in, redshirting and learning and maturing for a couple of years. He’s be a first year starter, redshirt Soph, and we’d be singing his praises.

That being said, he’s done all that you can expect of him. He’s won games and he’s improved year to year. If he can improve his last weakenss, trajectory, he’ll be great! Trajectory will allow him to thread more needles, especially in fade routes. As for now, my assessment is he’s better than most! and that is good enough for Tiger….

By dbc

October 15, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

I’ve been hearing for two plus years now that Stafford’s best game is “yet to come.” I think the jury is still out. I think his accuracy leaves a lot to be desired. His best game was last year at FLA IMHO. Let’s see how he does against FLA and LSU this year and then have this discussion. From a team standpoint, the coaches need to sit this team down and show them a replay of last years FLA/Auburn/Hawaii games. The intensity this team shows stinks. A flash here or there, but mostly they look like they’re sleepwalking through games. And so do the coaches.

By Maniac is accurate

October 15, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

He keeps getting better. He’s an excellent quarterback and by all appearances a fine young man. That said, I don’t think he’s NFL ready yet. Hope he sticks around another year. I like watching him play.

By Andy

October 15, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

For all of you idiots that don’t know the difference in playing QB in the SEC and all of these other confrences with so many bad!!!!!!!!!!!! defences. He leads th SEC! in total yards, and by the way who won the hysman last year.

By Bham dawg

October 15, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

All it will take is an injury to Stafford for folks to realize what we have. He is a great quarterback playing behind a young wounded inexperienced line. I hope he stays healthy and leads us to an SEC championship.

By DawgSpanky

October 15, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

He’s overrated like the UGAy program has been in recent years. Unless UGAy can find and pay another Crazy herschel, it will continue to be a mid-tier football program. The rest of the country doesn’t know and doesn’t care about UGAy football.

By Steve C.

October 15, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

I am not real good at rating college talent like most of you blogging bozo’s. You should be asking Thomas Dimitroff. Stafford is very good as a Junior. That is my opinion.

By wreckmaniac

October 15, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

Runs better than he throws. Too short to throw well.

By 82DAWG

October 15, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

Stafford has lead “drives” to UGA victories twice. Has everyone forgotton the OT game at Alabama and the last minute drive against Vanderbilt in Nashville last year? Or do those not count?

By 77DAWG

October 15, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

A BAD TIMING. Staford is a great QB and this will come out one a decade. HOWEVER, nedd receivers at a right time(green should be a soph, Moma should be a junior). OL is too green, got to everage Juniors now. Martinez is …NO

By Sicem

October 15, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

Given better protection and better play calling he would have given us a national championship already. I just hope he comes back next season and plays behind a more seasoned O line and maybe Bobo will figure a few things out like the coach cant play quarterback through the guy on the field.

By dbc

October 15, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

To Andy:

Only a true idiot with a limited knowledge of football would spell Heisman “hysman.” Take a spelling course.

By Larry M

October 15, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

Chip: is there any reason we didn’t get a practice update yesterday? What about today? I find that far more interesting than questions about why offensive linemen won’t answer questions directly….

By CHARLOTTE DAWG

October 15, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

I’m disappointed on how Stafford usually doesn’t hit receivers in stride, often causing the receiver to change directions, slow down, or leave his feet. This causes potential big plays to only be good to average plays. He’s done it at times but more often that not, just missing the target a tad bit.

But Stafford is doing a good job overall. He stayed in the pocket a long time last Saturday to let the play develop, knowing his young O-line was going against some UT studs and knowing he was going to get hit. And hit he was! A few vicious hits! But Matt kept getting up and showed he’s a tough QB. I admire him for that. Most QB’s would get happy feet, rush the throw or tuck it and run for only a few yards, or get run down after retreating out of the pocket. Stafford did not.

I’m also proud of the O-line, especially of Boling. But lets remember. Just b/c Stafford didn’t get sacked is not a complete testament to the o-line. That was because Stafford was willing to take some punishment in the pocket. Many other SEC QB’s wouldn’t have had the toughness and presence of mind Stafford had and would have been sacked several times with our line. Still, the line was better and seemed to have a rhythm in the end. And UT’s defense is pretty stout. They just can’t get off the field due to their offense and the players naturally get tired.

And I think the fade route interception was the WR’s fault. Poor execution. Was it Michael Moore? I think so. That guy continues not to impress me. He seems to be good for a dropped pass and a wrong route almost every game. Perhaps he practices well or is a good blocker. Other than that, I don’t know why he’s in there really.

So if Staff can improve on his accuracy and not get frustrated when we are down, Georgia will have a hell of a QB. We already should feel lucky to have him. He’s not ready for the NFL which is good news for us. Perhaps his Senior year will be the year we’ve all been waiting for Matt to have. But he’s already a solid QB. And I’ll take a big QB any day that can’t run as fast. Logan Gray, though a team player and contributor, would have been broken in half with some of those hits. But Staffy is a big boy!!!

By dhj_1962

October 15, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

anyone mention the depleted o-line? great defense, great qb, freshman wide-out, great rb and still 5-1,the test is coming with the rest of the schedule. dont be disappionted if Ga don’t win out. it wont be because other teams are better, it will be from injuries to the o-line.

By BASEBALL KEN

October 15, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

I once thought Stafford would be the ONE to lead us to a national champ. I don’t think so now. He hasn’t showed us the ability to win a game by himself yet, per Eric Zeier, or D.J. Shockley. Aaron Murray will be the ONE. We will have to wait a couple of more seasons.

By BASEBALL KEN

October 15, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

I once thought Stafford would be the ONE to lead us to a national champ. I don’t think so now. He hasn’t showed us the ability to win a game by himself yet, per Eric Zeier, or D.J. Shockley. Aaron Murray will be the ONE. We will have to wait a couple of more seasons.

By AltamahaDawg

October 15, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

What a perfect situation, a junior QB who is as good or better than any in the SEC right now in most aspects BUT with enough faults that its not even a question if he will return for his senior year.

BTW anyone checked out the kind of year Murray was having lately? or Ealey? exciting stuff.

By Mike

October 15, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

Hey 7 Straight - David Green also had some pretty good receivers and some great offensive lines. Sadly, Green has only been scout team material in the pros - and will soon, sadly fade away. I can guarantee you that the pros are drooling over Stafford …

By Southern Eagle

October 15, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

He is a decent college QB and playing better this year but will probably become a better QB in the NFL. He really hasn’t had a great reciever to throw to and defenses are taking Green out of the offense since the ASU game. OL line is young too. He may be sonwhat better as Senior but the NFL is where he will shine.

By TC Bulldawg

October 15, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

I have never answered on this blog before but after reading the comments, I can’t take it anymore. As for Cox’s stupid comments about not being a clutch player, not only was the pass in 07 vs Alabama great, but I also think about the GT game in 06 when he led us down the field as a freshman. Not only did we score, but we converted the two point play. Staffor has “only” been 22-5 as a starter. I guess we’ve also forgotten watching all those games where the announcers would make a statement like this: “Well, that’s the 8th dropped pass today by Georgia receivers.” We’ve also forgotten that several times over the last two years he was playing behind one of the youngest offensive lines in the country and many times he was running for his life. So, if you want to compare him to Colt, them look at the defenses that Colt has played versus the ones Matt has played against and also the quality of the defensive lines his guys have had to block and the experience of his offensive line. I’ll take our guy any day.

Also, some of you talk as if we should have won the SEC title evry year. As a lifelong Dawg, I remember going 6-5 and always dreading playing “the big boys” because we would always be the underdog and usually for good reason. When we won the SEC on 2002, that ended a 20 year drought. Oh, and if you want compare the two, ask David about the year he was sacked 45 times for a league record. David was very good, but I also remember the Tennessee game we lost at Athens. David was off that day, Shock was on, but CMR left David in and we lost to an average Tennessee team. He also experienced receivers with the “droppsies” that day.

Always amazing to me. These are 18-21 year old kids playing in front of 90k-100k screaming fans and we expect them to be perfect when the truth is that 98% of us would stand there and wet our pants in the same situation. Is this a great country or what?!!

By WestPalmDawg

October 15, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

Here’s my oberservations:

You have two types of college quarterbacks, great college quarterbacks and great pro quarterbacks. David Greene and Ty Detmer are two examples of great college quarterbacks. That list is seemingly endless (recently Troy Smith, Chris Leak). The other list is a little bit more presitgious. Some college quarterbacks games are on such a high level, that playing with people who have less skill than them can actually drag them down, statistically speaking. In this case Stafford. Playing with a marginal offensive line (God Bless Stacy Searles), a just-now-improving receiving corp, and a tight end that drops everything in sight, Stafford will be one that comes out of school and has almost instant success in the NFL (depending on what team he plays for).

You have a few that you can count on 2 hands that turn out to be great in college and great in the NFL (Dan Marino & John Elway for example).

So i think the answer to the question is a little of both. Stafford can show signs of collegiate brilliance at some times, he obviously has the physical skills to make throws and plays that others can’t. It’s about his teammates stepping up around him and making him that much more elite.

I think he still goes Top 5 in 2009 draft. But that’s just me.

By Southern Eagle

October 15, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

He is a decent college QB and playing better this year but will probably become a better QB in the NFL. He really hasn’t had a great reciever to throw to and defenses are taking Green out of the offense since the ASU game. OL line is young too. He may be somewhat better as Senior but the NFL is where he will shine.

By hawkman

October 15, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

I think that most of you are taking for granted what Stafford is doing. I believe he is doing a phenomonal job, there is only one quarterback that may be as good or better athletically, that is Tebow. Stafford is a pro quarterback playing a college game. What a wonderful guy to have running your team.

By Halsey

October 15, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

Listening and reading to talk about Stafford just demonstrates how little most people know about quarterbacks. People saying Stafford is not a very good QB are the same ones who said Matt Ryan was a bad pick by the Falcons and Eli Manning was a bust.

By VaDawg85

October 15, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

Chip, I don’t believe in cuss words (like the guy in the second blog to you regarding the Graduation rates. But I agree 100% with him. What and WHY are you writing a HUGE HEADLINE around graduation rates from 1998 (TEN years ago) and 2001 (EIGHT years ago?) Lets get real here. That is SO OLD and the rates have gone UP not down since Richt arrival. Otherwise, you do a fantastic job and I respect your hussle and insight to the Dawgs!

By VaDawg85

October 15, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

Chip, I don’t believe in cuss words (like the guy in the second blog to you regarding the Graduation rates. But I agree 100% with him. What and WHY are you writing a HUGE HEADLINE around graduation rates from 1998 (TEN years ago) and 2001 (EIGHT years ago?) Lets get real here. That is SO OLD and the rates have gone UP not down since Richt arrival. Otherwise, you do a fantastic job and I respect your hussle and insight to the Dawgs!

By VaDawg85

October 15, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

Chip, I don’t believe in cuss words (like the guy in the second blog to you regarding the Graduation rates. But I agree 100% with him. What and WHY are you writing a HUGE HEADLINE around graduation rates from 1998 (TEN years ago) and 2001 (seven years ago?) Lets get real here. That is SO OLD and the rates have gone UP not down since Richt arrival. Otherwise, you do a fantastic job and I respect your hussle and insight to the Dawgs!

By Knows a thing or two

October 15, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

As someone who used to play the position and who has no ties to UGA, I find both the question and most of the comments posted to be moronic - including those of supposed UGA fans who think he has underacheived. Anybody checked out who his starting offensive line is? What a mess - and he still is leading the conference in passing (including leading the reigning Heisman Trophy winning QB at Florida - talk about over-rated). If Tebow’s so good, how come he’s not leading the league in any categories except rushing attempts by a QB?. Let’s be honest (what a concept!).

Anybody actually believe Tebow will be a first round draft choice in the NFL? If so, better think again.

Stafford is one of the top talents at QB -big arm, changes plays at the line and almost always gets UGA in the right play/formation (fewer than 10% of QBs in college do this), leads the SEC in passing, etc.

But if you really want to know how good Stafford is, don’t pay attention to the haters and idiots here and elsewhere who say he is over-rated. Pay attention to the NFL scouts who can’t wait until he becomes eligible to be drafted.

He will be one of the first players selected and I’ll take the bets of any and all of these haters who believe otherwise.

Also, Chip, anybody besides you know anything about football at the AJC? Your “colleagues” you mentioned should switch to the classified ads department because it doesn’t sound like they know squat about football.

By TommyP

October 15, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

Wow… I’m shocked by what several are saying on here.

He’s had an excellent year so far.

The fade route that was picked was not his fault. Blame that on the receiver that either didn’t run the correct route.

The one that was picked on the screen I guess could be blamed on him but how many times did Bobo need to call it????

Great TD:INT ratio, calls his own audibles, putting up the yards, has people in his face on almost every play, good mobility….what’s not to like?

Guys…this is a BALANCED offense. He doesn’t get to throw it all the time.

Wow… that’s my only reaction.

His freshman year was rough and he made strides last year. He’s made a lot of strides this year.

By gomdawg

October 15, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

Georgia has by far the best Qb in College football you people are so STUPID, with a young line and the best fullback in college football out ,very young receivers that will just get better what the hell do you want to ask of a Qb. I still say what in the hell is wrong with R. Jones he is the one thats not playing good at all. does anybody agree with me on R. Jones ????????????????

By mcdawg

October 15, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

i think Stafford is having an outstanding year but i think the frustration w/ Stafford by some stems from the inconsistiency in the offense as a whole over the past three years

By goallinestalker

October 15, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

How soon we forget the days of Quincy Carter,DJ Shockely,David Greene etc…Stafford has the arm strength to make every throw in the game!! As far as touch see the Alabama last yr…Georgia Tech his frosh. yr. touchdown to MM for the game winner. His body of work at UGA is still the real measuring stick for succes…Greene,Shockley…never had a back like Moreno nor a receiver like Aj Green…The reality is we have yet to ask him to carry this team on his shoulders…Players like Tom Brady,Terrell Davis…carry the same enigma as Stafford does. I was in Sanford Stadium when in the 2nd qt. Greg Talley took a seat and in came Eric Zier the savior of Georgia football He received a standing ovation and well lets just say expectations never were truly met. David Greene could manage the game and not get you beat. I honestly would take Staff over all the former…Kids like Murray don’t just commit to programs alot of his desire to play between the hedges is directly related to one Matt Stafford! Bottom line players play coaches coach…Let me leave you with this last thought… imagine if Dooley who had the best player in the modern era in Hershel Walker would have just ran him when needed? Letting Buck Belue throw it all over the yard would not be smart coaching….I will Stafford any day over the Big 12 qbs….22-5…and they play a little D in the SEC..

By Will

October 15, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

I watched the re-run of the Ga-Tenn game and think Stafford played well. And I think he is a very good qb. He made a comment on the Mark Richt show however that startled me. Something about he couldn’t imagine leaving “here” w/o throwing for 300. I guess that means this is his last year, which by the way would be a big mistake. I think his problems are that he tends to focus on 1 receiver which leads to easy picks and looks a little scared in the pocket at times.(see Alabama). But overall there hasn’t been another qb behind center since Eric Zeir that I would rather see back there. So there you go………

By Chip Towers

October 15, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

Jeff Patton: Sorry you feel that way about us reporting on graduation rates but we’re going to keep doing it because that’s our job. First of all, we just didn’t pull that report out of thin air. The GSRs are released each October for the latest period available. The period was for four classes of freshmen that entered UGA between 1998-2001. They had six years to graduate so the late year possible was 2007. The numbers are what they are and all schools are subjected to the same study… . We also reported Georgia’s APR back in May, when it comes out each year. The APR, or Academic Performance Rate, is a measure of the most recent, ongoing academic situation. The Bulldogs are atop the SEC in that category, which, again, we reported when it came out… . Like it or not, our job as sports journalists is to report on all aspects of college athletics, good, bad or indifferent.

By Chip Towers

October 15, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

Some good points made by Jonathan Grizzell and On The Brink. …

As Grizzell said, Stafford hasn’t had a chance yet to pplay behind a truly superior offensive line. If he hangs around another year I think he’ll be behind one of Georgia’s best of the modern era… .

And like Brink, I really believe the Bulldogs are right on the cusp of really busting out offensively. In reality, that should have been something like a 36-6 game against Tennessee.

By Old O Line Dog

October 15, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

Football is a SIMPLE GAME.

What’s the main difference between David Green’s tenure (sophomore year especially) at UGA and what Matthew Stafford has been able to accomplish thus far?

An experienced, upperclassmen laden offensive line that can control the line of scrimmage and pound the ball in when needed. When you can force the opponent to respect your run game, the play action pass becomes more effective.

It’s that simple.

Case in point - the fade routes. Throw one to keep the defense honest and maybe get a score, but to throw as many as they did shows a real lack of faith in their ability to pound it in the red zone.

On a positive note - the O line was finally able to get it together late in the game and eat clock. Or was it just that the O coordinator gave them the opportunity?

Matthew Stafford may be the greatest QB who has ever come through UGA without the benefit of a tough, tested O line for his entire career.

UGA must correct this - if not for him then for the next QB.

And yet - they still ended up in the hunt for the Championship last year.

By ccdawg

October 15, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

Stafford’s gift has been his fault. In the past he has tried to force plays, throw into double coverage, with his big-time arm. I haven’t seen as much of that this year with a few exeptions. He is good right now but has his chance to prove greatness against LSU & FL. Ultimately, greatness is dependant on championships and Stafford can prove his by helping UGA get one this year. If not he falls into a category with Eric Zeier a good QB with great numbers but no SEC championship ring(which is the #1 goal).

By Igor

October 15, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

Haven’t read all these, but to the idiot who posted first - I guess you were sleeping last year when we were at Tuscaloosa.

By FL DAWG1

October 15, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

Hey Goofy get your facts straight. Stafford has UGA ties, that’s why he choose UGA over Texas. Stafford was born in Tampa, Florida to John and Margaret Stafford. He lived in Dunwoody, Georgia while his father attended graduate school at the University of Georgia.

By ace

October 15, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Stafford has played with a bunch of average at best receivers the last two years at UGA. If you took away all those drops his completion % would be phenomenal. All he can do is throw it he can’t catch it. UGA needs another receiver coach. He has proven over the years that he doesn’t have a clue what he is doing. They can’t catch, their route running is horrible, and you can go on and on! Don’t blame Stafford , 99% of the teams in America would love to have him.

By Stafford = barely Better than Reggie Ball

October 15, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

Once again, people are glorifying an overhyped uga player. True, there are some good statistics, but the most important one is completion percentage. If you look at Stafford’s career completion percentage versus that of Reggie Ball, Staffor is only about 7% better! I would expect a great quarterback, and an nfl caliber quarterback, to be far better than 7% higher than Reggie Ball!

By DC Dawg

October 15, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

Matthew Stafford’s play is a reflection of the entire UGA football team: talented but undisciplined. He is under the microscope because he’s the signal caller, but if you look at his mistakes, they are the same type of mistakes the entire team is making…the common thread is lack of discipline. Penalties are the obvious ones, but look at everything else too - dropped passes (how much better would Stafford’s stats be w/o 4-5 drops a game?), throwing downfield into double coverage, running the wrong routes, letting receivers get behind coverage, and the list goes on. But what I love about the Dawgs this year is that Stafford doesn’t HAVE to be a Colt McCoy or Chase Daniel to win games. It’s okay if he has a mediocre game, they’ll still have a chance to win. The key to the Tenn win was the 10 min drive in the 4th quarter where we just pounded the running game. Texas or Missouri can’t do that, they depend too heavily on their QBs. Colt won the game for Texas last Sat…and Chase lost it for Mizzu. The Dawgs don’t have that problem and that’s a good thing. They should be the most dominant team in the country right now and respected throughout the media. But they’re not because everyone knows that the lack of discipline will catch up to them sooner or later…it did with Alabama (penalties, drops, blown coverages) and it will again if they’re not careful. Stafford and the Dawgs can be great, we just need CMR and company to step up to the challenge and bring some discipline to this talented team.

By hold em

October 15, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

Its a good thing you all take great pride in how great the SEC’s defenses are, cause your offenses are terrible

By BirdDawg

October 15, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

Stafford is having a very good year so far, but not great yet. If the offensive line jells, and I believe it’s starting too, he will finish with a great year. He is also starting to manage the game on the field like David Green did, but with a bigger arm. I would love to see him come back for his senior year and rack up on the awards.

Hey does anybody else notice that when Chip writes a blog about Georgia football, fans jump all over it immediately. When ajc writes a blog about Tech, only a dozen or so respond. If ajc wants to cut costs, the Tech reporters would be a good start and keep Tony B.

By Stillman College FL. Dawg

October 15, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

82 dawg, Cox is the better QB. I love Ga. But the truth should be told, CMR put him in because of pressure from Alums, pocket investors and so on. he is VERY OVERATED, VERY, He had good recievers, still does, granted they drop a few but he missed more than the recievers did. Kennesaw, I agree with you, my opinion watch next year when cox takes over and these so call fans start cheering. CMR screwd this one up like other times. Simple Dawg, I coach football Stafford is beyond overated, what about the times he had a chance. Only thing he’s good at is throwing kegs, I hope he declares early. Mark my words, if he does: Watch out for COX. the best qb on the roster.. BET THAT..

By GeoffDawg

October 15, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

LOL! The only thing that Stafford and Reggie Ball have in common is that they both play a big role in beating tech. A few big differences: Stafford throws lower percentage passes downfield a whole lot more often then Ball ever did, Stafford doesn’t need to use his fingers to count to four, and Stafford hasn’t had an all-world receiver like Calvin Johnson to save his butt over and over again.

By Dawg4Life

October 15, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

Half of you people on here need to actually WATCH these games that you are talking about. Stafford has a passer rating of 147…. Like Chip writes, UGA is leading the league in almost every offensive category. All of these in a run first offensive scheme, and 3 starting O-linemen out (if you count the TE). Stafford has never had an experienced OL, or receivers to help him out. He has progressed well from year to year, and is playing great. You are looking at the strongest arm since Elway every Saturday you watch a Georgia game. You people that are hating need to get a clue.

By Dawg4Life

October 15, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

Half of you people on here need to actually WATCH these games that you are talking about. Stafford has a passer rating of 147…. Like Chip writes, UGA is leading the league in almost every offensive category. All of this in a run first offensive scheme, and 3 starting O-linemen out (if you count the TE). Stafford has never had an experienced OL, or receivers to help him out. He has progressed well from year to year, and is playing great. You are looking at the strongest arm since Elway every Saturday you watch a Georgia game. You people that are hating need to get a clue.

By Red Dawg

October 15, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

Stafford has been good not great. He may have the physical skills but has not come close to performing at the same level as Daniels, Bradford, McCoy, or Sanchez. Yes the line has not been great but the line had nothing to do with the two picks he threw in the red zone against UT. Furthermore, on intermediate and long routes Stafford rarely hits his receivers in stride so what could be a game breaking play instead is simply a first down. I love the Dawgs and I think Stafford is a good kid but he is way overrated based on his performance to date.

By toemeetsleather

October 15, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

forget GW…we are going to give the puppies and KnowSHOW/fattyQB a whuppin’ between the twigs…YELLOW FEVER RULES

By Gary

October 15, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

Unlike the rest of the bloggers here, I’m no expert on college quarterbacks. (note sarcasm) But every sports program and football analyst on every network the Dawgs have played on have all marveled at the talent of Stafford. They all talk about him as a sure fire pro quarterback.

So pardon me if I’m confused by some of the “experts” on this blog “popping off” about Staffords abilities and decisions. This guy is good and the only reason we have been able to overcome the inexperience of our offensive line is his leadership and performance. Remember last year when everyone said he had to get his completion % up over 60? Well guess what, he has.

This guy is now the best quarterback in the league and one of the best in the country. We should be proud he’s a bulldog, not pointing fingers at him. As the line gets better, so will his numbers and so will our record.

By TNJeff

October 15, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

Stafford - tons of talent

BUT

He ain’t no David Greene

Big body - small brain

UGA should have beaten TN by 45 points. This is a TERRIBLE TN team. This may be the most underachieving team at GA in a long time & I think Stafford in particular is the most responsible.

GA keeps winning yet falling back in the polls because they play down to the level of their opponent & have zero impressive wins. Regardless of assurances otherwise, Style points DO matter.

By Supes

October 15, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

BirdDawg, the tech blog will get busy around thanksgiving week, and if there is some kind of controversy (at some point during the season). That’s about it. Don’t make more of it than what it is:)

By GeoffDawg

October 15, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

Yellow fever sounds like a bladder infection.

By TvilleDawg

October 15, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

I’m a big Stafford fan. Imagine what the guy has had to deal with. A typical freshman year learning the system, and then two back-to-back years with a weak offensive line.

Stafford set 08 goals of improving his completion percentage and reducing his turnovers. I think he has succeeded very well in these categories.

The Alabama beatdown was not all Stafford. It was a team effort. Aside from that one game, you are looking at a pretty good field general.

I hope the trend continues from last year, that as the year progresses, the team will get better and better. No better place to start than this week vs Vandy.

By jason

October 15, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

I thought staff had a good game sat. The thing I see with him is a developement of bad habbits. Throwing off the back foot, rushing throws, etc. These habbits are contributed to the OL problems we have had. We may very well have the best tandem at UGA ever in staff and knowshon. We will never trully know because we have yet to field an expirenced OL to aloow for growth and developemnt of the two. Now before some fans start their howling, I’m not saying we don’t have talent, just inexpierence and a knack for injuries alog the line.

By ken

October 15, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

A good show horse will never make a good work horse. Matt has no field awareness. Too many times he is a one trick pony. He makes his mind up in the huddle to whom he is going to pass to. I don’t know how many times open receivers are never found. This show horse always seems to have his bllnders on.

By not speaking

October 15, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

Larry M Chip probably didn’t have practice updates because nobody would answer any questions.

By dawgfacedboy

October 15, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

I think he’s made the natural progression a QB should make. His freshman year he was overmatched most of the time and didn’t make good decisions (consistently). Still won 9 games in the SEC. Sophomore year, gets a little better in these areas, wins 10 games (wins over Fla. and Auburn and a BCS bowl win). This year he’s gotten better than last. He’s developed more touch on his passes, better decisions, game mgmt. etc. What is expected of this kid? Take away 3-4 drops a game and his stats would look much better.

You can’t put up McCoy and Bradford numbers in the SEC.

By Kendawg

October 15, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

I, for one, am quite happy that Stafford chose Georgia. It is hard to believe that we run a balanced offense and he still leads the SEC in any passing category. As the offensive line gets better, look for UGA’s stats to get better. Whether he goes pro after this year or after next year, I predict he will be the first QB taken in the draft. For all you UGA haters, I’m willing to bet on it. Any takers?

By TNJeff

October 15, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

Gary 11:25 am

How surprising that the “experts” on TV broadcasts are hyping the quarterback for the game they are covering. So usually these broadcasters dismiss the talent of various players so as to diminish the interest in the game. Interesting concept - In addition, these broadcasters should know more about his talent than the die-hard fans who have been watching his every game every year and seen his progress or lack-there-of?

You’ve been duped!

By GeoffDawg

October 15, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

What’s with all these incredibly unsubstantiated posts about Stafford’s brain? The guy makes checks and reads defenses at the line better than 90% of the college qbs out there. He’s only thrown three picks this year and one of them was clearly not his fault.

Publicly calling out the intelligence of a college athlete is pretty low. I’ve seen friendlier remarks from Obama propaganda.

By GeorgiaBoy

October 15, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

Most of you guys are total morons. Your comments show that most of you all don’t know anything about football, I think the term is called “armchair quarterback.” Stafford has improved from freshman year until now. He’s thrown only 3 interceptions, you guys act like he’s thrown 10. He’s completing over 60 percent of his passes. I agree that he falls in love with his arm and wants to “Brett Favre” it at times, but nothing wrong with believing in your skill. Remember, these guys are basically kids playing a kids game. Chill out. And to Michael Cox, didn’t Stafford throw the game winning TD at Alabama last year? And yes, Bobo’s playcalling sucks a hairy pair.

By daawgfan1991

October 15, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

D C Dawg, I disagree with your thinking as it pretains to Staffords play. If he plays ok, they could win, but in order for the Dawgs to win it all, he has to play great. His fundamentals are not what they should be at this point in his career. He is throwing off the wrong foot as usual and he does not lead his receivers. You will see better offensive production from Joe Cox next year because he does not have as strong as arm as Stafford, but his accuracy is much better. A J will have a better year as so will the other receivers. Most Dawg fans are ok with sec champoinships and 10 win seasons. I on the other hand, am looking for a national title and I think this situation at UGA will be siniliar to what Tenn did in Peyton’s last year he graduates and Tee Martin steps in and leads the team to a national title. Mathew’s lack of growth can be blamed on the fact that Georgia offensive coaches are not that good. I respect them very much, but the game plans are vanilla. They are easy to prepare for. Georgia refuses to utilize their roster of talented skilled players. They dont understand that they do not have the type o offensive line that will allow them to push big defensive lines like Alabama, LSU. We will see what happens the rest of the year.

By daawgfan1991

October 15, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

D C Dawg, I disagree with your thinking as it pretains to Staffords play. If he plays ok, they could win, but in order for the Dawgs to win it all, he has to play great. His fundamentals are not what they should be at this point in his career. He is throwing off the wrong foot as usual and he does not lead his receivers. You will see better offensive production from Joe Cox next year because he does not have as strong as arm as Stafford, but his accuracy is much better. A J will have a better year as so will the other receivers. Most Dawg fans are ok with sec champoinships and 10 win seasons. I on the other hand, am looking for a national title and I think this situation at UGA will be siniliar to what Tenn did in Peyton’s last year he graduates and Tee Martin steps in and leads the team to a national title. Mathew’s lack of growth can be blamed on the fact that Georgia offensive coaches are not that good. I respect them very much, but the game plans are vanilla. They are easy to prepare for. Georgia refuses to utilize their roster of talented skilled players. They dont understand that they do not have the type o offensive line that will allow them to push big defensive lines like Alabama, LSU. We will see what happens the rest of the year.

By WildBill

October 15, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

I played Qb in HS. Stafford has taken a LOT of hits, and lots of tough ones. Against Tenn, early in the game, he threw, actually tossed two at the feet of his receivers. I’m sure he was warmed up, but those throws didn’t look like it. He likes to throw bombs, but the short passes give him fits. Old Fran Tarkinton threw those shorties better than any in the game, and had a good career doing it. Its hard to see Stafford getting better with the competition he is facing, unless he gets great protection.

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

October 15, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

Stafford has played well up to this point. Stafford and the UGA offense really should have hung 45 on UT and didn’t. That is my concern. I honestly could care less what Stafford does as a pro. David Greene is a Practice Player in the pro’s. Does that change how I feel about his time at UGA? Hell No! Stafford thus far this year has proven that he still needs one more season at UGA. He is a little closer to reacher those Mel Kiper expectations but is not yet there. Also the same can be said for Moreno. For every big play he makes he still has room for improvment. Moreno has yet to put together a signature game this season. He has some nice plays, but he needs a complete game. The beauty of this season is at this point I would dare say Moreno and Stafford are back in 2009!

GOOO DAWGS!!!

By murfdawg

October 15, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

Chip,

ME and my buddies are disappointed in your opening statement. You are better than that.

Stafford is a “really good qb”. He does a lot of things extremely well and is a leader on the field. The problem today is everyone has to be GREAT. You are not a great qb unless you win every game and throw for 500 yards, you are not a good coach unless you have wone a MNC,you are not a good OC unless you put 50 on every team every week, you are not a good DC unless you hold the other team scoreless and minus yardage. That is Stafford’s problem. The expectations of todays fan are UNREALISTIC!!!

Fans are paying $40-150 for a ticket, paying $4 a gallon for gas, losing 25% a week on their 401k have to have something to criticize. Sportswriters are looking for that sensational story to get their name on everyone’s blog. We have turned into a nation of naysayers and ignorant critics. How shallow does a person have to be to criticize a 20 year old playing a game?

Evidently, the fans who are most critical have never played competitive sports (because your opponent will make a good play once in a while)or they don’t have a son who has been involved in competitive sports becauese if they did they would temper some of their comments.

Hopefully, Stafford will lead UGA to a SEC championship and national championship and everyone will be happy.(maybe)In two years Stafford will be making $85 million playing in the NFL and the fans will still be criticising the next 18 year old who throws an interception. Life goes on. Go Dawgs!

By VR Dawg

October 15, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

Stafford and Bobo:

Please never call a fade route again - especially on 3rd down. They rarely ever work because they have to be executed almost perfectly. They may have a higher probability of drawing a flag, but the way we are playing we would be called for a push off.

By BirdDawg

October 15, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

UGA fans should be thrilled to have Stafford. You have to look no further than Auburn and Tennessee to see what happens when you don’t have a good QB.

By OG

October 15, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

He’s a very good quarterback at best. He’s not great, but good.

By WSP Dawg

October 15, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

Chip and Everyone,

I honestly think Stafford is doing a great job, not just good. Certainly he could dump it underneath a little more; no doubt. But with the offensive lines he has had, he’s been much better than simply good. I think people tend be unfairly more critical on the quarterback position without looking at the larger picture.

Perhaps one of the reasons why he has struggled dumping it underneath is not because he’s stupid (which is completely ridiculous) but because of his uncanny arm strength. Other quarterbacks haven’t necessarily had the option of throwing a 40 yard dart on their back foot as pressure is coming, because they simply don’t physically have that option.

I have a lot of faith in Stafford this year an d hopefully next.

By WSP Dawg

October 15, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

Chip and Everyone,

I honestly think Stafford is doing a great job, not just good. Certainly he could dump it underneath a little more; no doubt. But with the offensive lines he has had, he’s been much better than simply good. I think people tend be unfairly more critical on the quarterback position without looking at the larger picture.

Perhaps one of the reasons why he has struggled dumping it underneath is not because he’s stupid (which is completely ridiculous) but because of his uncanny arm strength. Other quarterbacks haven’t necessarily had the option of throwing a 40 yard dart on their back foot as pressure is coming, because they simply don’t physically have that option.

I have a lot of faith in Stafford this year and hopefully next.

By toemeetsleather

October 15, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

forget GW…we are going to take a whuppin’ to the puppies and KNOWSHOW/FATTY QB between the twigs..YELLOW FEVER…GO ENGINEERS!!

By AltamahaDawg

October 15, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

1991, are you overlooking that Matt Stafford is going to be the UGA QB in 2009 as well?

By T'VILLE DAWG

October 15, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

Ther is always a segment of this world that will never be satisfied, remember perfection does not come in the human form,if that’s what you want you’ll always be dissatisfied. Why not just enjoy the game for what it is. A glass half empty of water is in fact half full and it’s only how you choose to look at it. Now get off of Stafford’s back, who can play well caring around all of these complainers and quit spoiling the season that we all wait so long for.

By MoDawg

October 15, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

GeoffDawg, don’t give bladder infections a bad rep by equating them to Technerds. It is so obvious which are the Techies that visit this site. Stafford is better than any QB they have had in as long as I (or they)can remember. What we are reading is pure jealousy. They are funny little insects, aren’t they. Gardner-Webb? REALLY????

By GATOR CHOMP

October 15, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

I’ll take Tebow over that overrated lozer Stafford anyday “Book It” Tebow will be the better NFL player between the 2,Im taking all bets. GO GATORS!!!!!!!!!!!

By Dogbyte

October 15, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

Stafford has played well, but could play better. Ga. has played well, but could play better. Connection?

By AltamahaDawg

October 15, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

The third possibility is that the glass is just too big.

By ccdawg

October 15, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

Some “fans” amaze me. Look at the stats. UGA is 1st in Total Offense, 1st in Passing offense and 3rd in scoring(33 ppg) in the toughest conference in America and Stafford and Bobo get this kind of heat? There are definitely some areas both can improve on (throwing into double coverage, and red zone play calling) but would you trade our offense for Auburns or Tenn’s or any of the others in the SEC. Ultimately, Stafford’s “greatness” is to be determined by the outcome of the rest of this season. If he plays as he has and we beat LSU, FL and Bama in the dome to win the SEC he will be considered great but regardless he is progressing much better than say Quincy Carter who blew his talent all away and got worse year by year.

By Gator Bill

October 15, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

Hey “Knows a thing or two”:

Here’s something you don’t know: Tebow leads the SEC in passer rating and is tied for the lead in TD’s thrown. He’s thrown 10 td’s with only one pick and recently threw 200+ passes without an int.

What part of that is over rated?

By Ted Striker

October 15, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

Turn out the lights, close the thread. When someone tries to compare Matthew Stafford and Reggie Ball, all hope of intelligent discussion is lost.

By dogfan

October 15, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

Seems like a lot of you “experts” are too enamored with Stafford. Some of that may be because he came in highly touted which in turn probably lead to some unrealistic expectations. All I know is that Coach Richt - who has coached two (2) heisman trophy quarterbacks as well as the winningest quarterback in the history of Division 1 football and who obviously is more of an expert at rating quarterbacks than any of you yahoos - thinks a lot of him. At the end of the day it’s not about statistics - it’s about wins and losses and in that category he’d have to be considered great.

By carswell ogilvie, jr. (C.O.2)

October 15, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

TRUE DAWG FANS, QUIT WHINNING…..WE’RE A GOOD FOOTBALL TEAM AND WE GOT ONE OF THE BEST COACHES IN THE NATION. I LIVE IN ALABAMA AND I HAVE BEEN CATCHING IT FROM A LOT OF FRIENDS. THEY ACT LIKE THEY NEVER WON A GAME BEFORE. ALSO, THEY WILL TELL YOU THEY HOPE THEY NEVER HAVE TO PLAY THE DAWGS AGAIN THIS YEAR. C.O.2

By daawgfan1991

October 15, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

David Greene PLayed the quaterback position better than Stafford. I like both guys, but Greene was more accurate, just as much as a leader, was unbeatable in road games,and he was a solid guuy to have in the locker room. His arm strength was not as big as Staffords but he got it where it needed to be.

By Gary

October 15, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

Yes TNJeff, these guys watch college football for a living, and not just the dogs. So when they make those types of comments, I listen. I know they are hyping the game, but they don’t have to hype the quarterback. And they aren’t saying those things about the other team’s qb. Just because you are a fan of the team and watch the games doesn’t mean you know jack about football or how good or bad players are. The best ones to evaluate that are the coaches and players who compete against them. Not fans who just want to see their team win and point fingers when they either don’t win or in this case, didn’t score enough points to suit them.

By FL DAWG1

October 15, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

Hey Gator Chomp, what is FL going to do when Tebow is gone? I’m not hating, just wondering if the Gators have any up and comming QB’s. Georgia is signing 2 elite 11 QB’s in this class, plus we have one more year with Cox and also have Gray for a couple. I have not seen any of the backups for FL playing this year.

By KneeJerk

October 15, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

Stafford has all the physical tools to play at the next level. To say he will or won’t be a good QB at the next level is purely guesswork. I will say this however…his success or lack of it at the next level will have an affect on UGA recruiting QBs. Stafford was “sliced bread” coming out of high school. If Mark Richt can’t further his development, why would you want to follow Stafford’s footsteps? By the way, who was the last successful NFL QB developed by Richt? Brad Johnson???????????

By Joe (Acworth)

October 15, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

Anyone who doesnt think Matt Stafford is the best quarterback to ever play for Georgia (including our beloved Eric Zier, David Greene, and DJ Shockley) know absolutely nothing about the true fundamentals of football. There is a reason he is the #1 qb prospect as a Junior. He has ever skill set you would ever want in a QB. This year he finally has more than 1 playmaker at the WR position. Can you just imagine how good he would be with 5 Srs on the OL?

For crying out loud, look at his record as a starter. Who as a better one? Only very few and they CERTAINLY dont have to play 8 or 9 SEC teams/defenses every year.

Dont be knuckleheads. You need to appreciate Stafford now. We may never have another one better than him.

1 Player cant win a Football game/championship by themselves.

By Len

October 15, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

He is just getting by. He does just enough to make him look pretty good but he is another strong armed, flat footed slow white quarterback that will not make it any farther than college. He seems to get rattled when the team gets behind and can not make the simple throws needed to score.

By KneeJerk

October 15, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

Uncle Rico knows more about playing QB than some of you guys.

By Kendawg

October 15, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

Brad Johnson has a Super Bowl ring. He won it as the QB of the Tampa Bay Bucs. Not a bad reference.

By Kneejerk

October 15, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

Joe- you start by saying “look at his record” and finish by saying that “1 player can’t win a football game/championship by themselves”. Which one is it? Are you an Obama speechwriter?

By piermontdawg

October 15, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

i think he is a damn good quarterback. if this o-line remains somewhat intact, and gels, he should like this joint up!! i also do not think he is ready for the nfl and will return for his senior season, along with knowshon.

By MrGrego

October 15, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

White Bread, he is as exciting as wallpaper paste Stafford? Give me a break. This is the SEC, I think he would be better off plaing in the WAC….

By simpleton's page

October 15, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

Matthew Stafford is 22-5 as a starter. Tim Tebow, while a good QB and this is not to knock him, is 13-5. The 2006 that Stafford started for was barley above mediocre on a talent level. This page shows how many people know nothing about football. Anyone who knows the game, knows wins and losses are how you grade someone.

By BobDog

October 15, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

THERE ISN’T ANOTHER QB IN AMERICAN THAT I WOULD WANT TO TRADE STAFFORD FOR.

By mark

October 15, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

Fla fans- what is it that makes you so sure that Tebow is going to be a great pro QB??? Is it the fact that so many NFL teams are using the same gimmick spread offense he runs in college? Or is it your belief that he’ll still be able to run against NFL defenses the way he does now??

Kneejerk- Vinny Testaverde-1986 was the last Heisman winning QB to amount to anything in the pros. Tom Brady was an unknown 6th round pick. Your argument holds no water. Carson Palmer and Peyton Manning were the last two stud QBs to come out in the last 10 years that are still studs today. Your argument holds no water.

By Ed

October 15, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

I think that Stafford is a pretty good QB and I’m glad he’s on our side. What keeps him from being GREAT in my opinion is lack of accuracy and touch. He had a receiver (Green I think) wide open for a TD in the Tennessee game and tried to bore a hole through him when no defenders were around. His pass probably should have been caught, but still it was hot and the receiver had to stretch high and wide for the ball. He could have lobbed it in for an easy 6. A similar thing happened early in the Florida game last year, except MoMass stretched his arms out and made a great fingertip snag and took it to the house. But if you remember, that pass wasn’t exactly on the money either.

Don’t get me wrong - I like the kid, glad he’s at UGA, and hope he sticks around. But I think the accuracy issue will keep him from being “the next Elway” unless it is resolved. He sure has all the other tools.

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

October 15, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

Joe from Acworth,

The David Greene you refered to left UGA as the record holder for MOST WINS EVER for a NCAA QB. Don’t be so quick to dismiss what that young man meant to the program. Zier with a better coach might have found himself in a better situation also. Lord knows Zier played with a hell’uva lot of talent in Athens from 91-94.

GOOO DAWGS!!!

By PBR=America in a can

October 15, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

Teblow would be lucky if he is half the NFL QB as Rex Grossman.

By Dr. Morpheus

October 15, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

Dawg fans should kneel by their beds every night and thank God that Matthew Stafford plays for us. When the offense jells, which could happen as early as Saturday, the other side better hold onto their hats. And for the record, our D stacks up favorably, as well- the passing yards against us stem from the fact that teams have not been able to run on us.

By Call it Like it is

October 15, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

Oh Brother,

Here come the Tebow (wish he were our quarterback) haters.

Face it GA!

Until you can win the SEC over and over, and get a new National Championship, you do not have a lot to talk about.

Stafford has done okay. It is not always the quarterback’s fault. Look at your banged up offensive line and tight end.

Dang, I hate GA, but I got to give the guy and the team some credit.

Enough Said!

By Kim

October 15, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

Matt Stafford is one of the best things UGA has going for them. When he played high school football he had an extremly strong arm, and his receivers that were only 5’7” caught everything that he threw at them!

By KneeJerk

October 15, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

Mark- Who said anything about a Heisman? I was referring to further developing incredible talent. Eli Manning, Phillip Rivers, Drew Brees are just a few “studs” that came into the NFL that are still “studs”. I’m not sure where you were going with that, but…. I referenced Brad Johnson being the last successful QB that Richt has developed, because it was so long ago (pre-1993). Didn’t Richt come to UGA as an offensive mind?

By simpleton's page

October 15, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

Matthew Stafford is 22-5 as a starter. Tim Tebow, while a good QB and this is not to knock him, is 13-5. The 2006 that Stafford started for was barley above mediocre on a talent level. This page shows how many people know nothing about football. Anyone who knows the game, knows wins and losses are how you grade someone.

By PBR=America in a can

October 15, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

How many SEC and national championships has Teblow won as a starter? How many 10 win seasons has he had as a starter? How many bowl games has he won as a starter? Chris Leak was a better QB than Teblow. I wouldn’t trade Stafford for Teblow and Harvin put together. And to all the fair-weather Georgia fans that are talking bad about #7 ask yourself how many games Stafford lost for us… I can’t think of any. He is a good QB that is on the brink of being a great QB. The only stat that matters is how many games they have won as a starter.

By jeremy

October 15, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

Chip, good topic to get some responses. I just love how some of the folks on here actually think they know better than CMR and the other coaches (“Doug” talking about how Cox should be QB instead). There are so many wannbe coaches and experts on here that is is comical. Stafford is a very good QB and I have to believe that any school in the country would start him if they had him including USC and Florida. He is mobile, has a great arm, his accuracy is much better than ever, his confidence is better, and decision making is continually growing. Last I looked his record is 22-5 as the starter. I also dont forget that he has 2 years of college football under his belt. Additionally, David Greene was a RS Sophomore (3 years in the system) before he won the SECC in ‘02. That team also was stacked on O and D. Shockley was a senior when they won the SECC, and Zeier never won it. Give Matthew this year and next before we either crown him king or burn him at the stake (Nice balance, eh?).

GO DAWGS!!!

By UgaMatt

October 15, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

Ok, first off, any comments about Stafford not having much going on between the ears is laughable to anyone that knows what’s going on. People like say, oh Peyton Manning, Carson Palmer, Troy Aikman, Tony Romo, and Kirk Herbstreit, who have all, on the record, said that Stafford’s knowledge of the game is great.

So far this season, Stafford has a 143.1 QB rating, is completing 61% of his passes, and is on pace to throw for 16TD’s and 6 INTS. For comparison, Greene’s Senior year, he had a rating of 148.4, completed 60.3%, and had 20-4 ratio. Shock’s senior year, he had a 148.3 rating, 55.8%, and 24-5 ratio. In Greene’s case, that Senior year he had Fred Gibson and Reggie Brown, and Shock’s senior year he had a Senior dominated O-line.

Stafford’s doing fine. He has good games and bad, like every other QB on earth. Let’s see how he finishes the season before we pass judgment.

By Huh?

October 15, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

One thing that almost no one understands about Stafford is that he is able to take more risks than most quarterbacks because of his great arm. His completion percentage suffers and every now and then it results in an interception, but not that often anymore. But when it works it is a thing of beauty. He has made throws that David Greene could only make in his sleep, and I like David Greene alot. Are the coaches to concern themselves more with his completion percentage or scoring points and winning the game? Bottom line: Its worth the risk. Completion percentage is for pansies. Please grow a pair.

By sean

October 15, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

If Stafford played for USC or FL he’d have incredible numbers. GA bad luck with the OL injuries coupled with aweful play-calling has hurt Staffords credentials. Dont forget all the drop balls the past 2 years.

By Joe Cox

October 15, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

Stafford is GREAT, GREAT at spooning. We had a good long spoon after the Alabama game to help him get ready for TN.

By Denver Dawg

October 15, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

(1) Stafford looks average to good compared to the other great QBs I’ve watched this season. I don’t care about his potential (because he’s about to leave), I just care about his production today.

(2) Stewart Mandel of SI.com said this about Georgia in hismost recent articel: That Georgia’s preseason No. 1 ranking placed a gigantic chip on its fans’ shoulders. I get far more incredulous e-mails from Dawgs fans than anyone else. News flash, guys: You haven’t beaten anybody yet. You got crushed by the one good team you played. Beat Vanderbilt, LSU and Florida, and I’m sure your team will be properly rewarded.

Amen to that.

(3) Dawg fans still wonder, while Dorsey Hill AND AltamahaDawg are bvtt fvcking, which one is typing these entries?

By GATOR CHOMP

October 15, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

i love tebow’s jean shorts on my face after his workout

By WildBill

October 15, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

I like Stafford. He has a gun, I agree with all of you. So did Larry Rakestraw back in the OLD days and hd didn’t rise to a high level. BUT, sometimes you gotta have touch, and be really accurate and have that touch to lay it in when needed. Heck, I have a hemi in my truck, but you know what, I never use it. Its not the same exact principle I know, but lets agree that a great qb has to have balance, in those checkoffs, and those touch passes. Everything is gonna be all right, but I admit I am still concerned about those dang penalties.

By Stafford2CarolinaPanthers

October 15, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

I think Matt Stafford is a great, but young quarterback. He is intelligent and extrememly knowledgeable at this point, but will pleasantly surprise us all one day at how good he really is.
I also think his offensive line needs to do a better job protecting him. He has been put on his a$$ too many times already this season.
I look forward to watching him for years to come in the NFL.

By Dan

October 15, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

I think the biggest question mark aboout Stafford is his maturity level. I think he has just as much talent as a Matt Ryan or Jay Cutler. But the difference is that Ryan and Cutler are mature leaders whereas guys like Vince Young and Matt Leinhart just don’t have it mentally. If you’re mentally tough, you can make it through the bads days at the next level. So far I’ve been impressed with how Stafford has played this year, especially behind that makeshift line. He pretty much carried the team vs. the Vols. So time will tell if he turns out to be a good pro prospect.

By 35 year old drunken UGA sidewalk alumni

October 15, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

Hey!! he beat Alabama in the second half! UGA is #1… go dogs! wooof

By YAD

October 15, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

Joe Cox is the better QB. Therefore, Coach Richt plays Matthew Stafford.

Makes sense to me!

By Typical dawwgs fan

October 15, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

UGA has the greatest college football tradition of all time… 21 SEC championships, 13 national championships… oh wait thats Alabama. MY BAD

By Lorenzo Washington #97

October 15, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

I think Stafford is a dam good quarterback… I enjoyed ripping his head off a few weeks ago.. 41-30 leg humpers! ay

By Red Dawg

October 15, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

I like Stafford…he is a good kid and also very overrated based on what he has done on the field. For those who say he is better than DG/DJ/Zeier who have lost your mind or have no clue about football. Yes Stafford has the physical ability to be better than all those before him but he has not done it on the field period…in fact not even close! Again Stafford is a good QB but anyone who puts him in the same class as Bradford/McCoy/Daniels for on the field results is NUTS! Stafford must improve his comp %, TD #’s, and throw a better intermediate/long ball which means hitting them in stride!

By Exley DAWG

October 15, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

Most of you seem to hit the nail on the head, very good but not a great quarterback.

Win the SEC and you will get respect. Sorry Matt but so far Id take David Green over you anyday. Do any of you youngbucks remember when Green set the record for consecutive pass attempts without throwing a pick. Something like 267 attempts. Green showed command of the team (leadership), an ability to handle adversity (hob-nail boot), and amazing touch on his passes. Im behind you Matt but you need to keep working on your game.

By sobedawg

October 15, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

Stafford is 22-5 as a starter at Georgia!!! and he also orchestrated one of the greatest wins over Florida in decades. Give this guy a break…there is more season to play. He’s also undefeated vs. Tech and Auburn and was named MVP of a bowl game. And he’s guided us to a BCS victory which was a huge boost for the Dawgs….gheesh!

By Unbiased

October 15, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

I think I can provide a valuable unbiased opinion. I am not from the South nor do I live in “Gods Country”, and I am not a Georgia or SEC fan.

I have watched all of Georgia’s games this season and watch other teams (non-sec) as well.

I think Stafford looks pretty good. He has a rocket arm and for a young quarterback he has managed the games pretty well. He has thrown into coverage on occasion, but who doesn’t. His receivers have dropped some passes that doesn’t help much.

My only real critic would be he needs to develop a little more of a touch and learn to take something off it. Overall I’d say not Great, but better than most, very good at times, potential for being Great.

He isn’t yet a top 5 QB, but I’d say he’s solid top 15 maybe even 10.

No Heisman this year, but next year he could be a real possibility.

By romedawg

October 15, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

Stafford is a top-notch passer. He was thrown to the wolves in his freshman year, has had make-shift lines the last two, problems with wide receivers catching the ball. You can say he needs touch, but his receivers in high school caught the ball. You can’t compare him to the Big 12 QB’s, they’re 75% pass offenses, he’s not gonna have the gawdy numbers those guys do. He’s coming into his own, with our line down, I bet you seen a more unbalanced offense. It’s now his show!! Let’s see what he can do. GO DAWGS!!!

By lamar

October 15, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

HEY CHIP HEY CHIP****

IF YOU SEE MIKE BOBO ASK HIM HAS HE FORGOT HOW TO CALL A SCREEN TO THE BACKS OUT OF THE BACKFIELD! GA HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE OL SO WHEN YOU GET WHIPPED UP FRONT YOU NEED TO THROW SCRRENS TO YOUR BACKS OR SWING PASSES TO THEM!!! IN THE UT GAME THEY CALLED FOR 2 ! WENT FOR 37 YDS & THE OTHER 9 ! GA CWILL NEVER BE A GREAT OFFENSIVE TEAM AS LONG AS BOBO IS CALLING THE PLAYS! ALSO MARTINEZ GOT GA BEAT PLAYING SOFT COVERAGE IN THE 1st HALF OF THE BAMA GAME, HE MADE A ADJUSTMENT AT HALF TIME BUT IT WAS TO LATE!! WHAT DO YOU THINK?? GO DAWGS!

By gdawg

October 15, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this

One thing is certain a lot of Tech and Florida fans are making statements about Stafford. He is an excellent QB and some criticism should go to the receiver who turned right rather to the left as Barnhardt should have recognized. Stafford is doing fine and will do a great job at the pro level. some of you so called fans just do not understand the game. Go Stafford.

By Nosey Dawg

October 15, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this

Chip…. I would like to know what kind of a grip does Matt have on the football. Does he have great aim and what brand of jockstrap does he wear. Lastly, what is his shoe size. sniff …sniff .. sniff

By harleydawg

October 15, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this

tc bulldawg, hell yes this is a great country, you speak the gospel, people who have never stepped on a football field and think they know, can speak their opinions here and there are dozens of them obviously hopeful stafford stays for his senior year and a dominate off line

By steve

October 15, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

Call it like it is: “Until you can win the SEC over and over, and get a new National Championship, you do not have a lot to talk about.”

When was the last time we had back to back SEC champs?What can you talk about?The SEC is to tough to win every year..

You are a looser!!!!GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!

By chazz

October 15, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this

You can’t argue with the numbers. There have been some awkward plays called (but what do I know). There were some key drops. I say that because if the ball is caught, a rhythm is established, and he adds to the numbers. Occasionally, there have been times when it appears he wants to get to much or force something. A whole lot better in that department before. Overall, he is playing smart with a yong o-line. I hope like hell he stays around for another year, but in my opinion he is the most likely college qb to succeed in the pros.

By TNJeff

October 15, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

GARY 1:06 pm

Back on-line again.

Good points - Living here in TN as a Dawg fan, I know all about fans complaining & discontent with quarterback/s.

I’m not wanting Cox to replace Stafford. Just frustrated with the fact that this pre-season hyped #1 contender is turning out to be only a slightly better-than average team led by a slightly better-than average quarterback.

Lots of blame to go around because I think GA is talented enough to be putting away pathetic teams like TN.

By ron sapp

October 15, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

Matt Stafford looks like Tom Brady one play and then like Jimmy down the street on the next. Like the Georgia offense generally, he’s very inconsistent - misses an open receiver, then throws one like few others can.

By Eric C.

October 15, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

This is just me…and with all due respect to Vandy…I feel like the Dawgs are going to put a whipping on the Commodores this Saturday. I normally am reserved with my predictions…but with the way the offense was clicking against UT and with the way Vandy struggled at MSU (107 yds)…I’d say we cover the 15 pts easily. Vandy claims MSU threw them a curve ball by playing a defensive scheme they weren’t prepared for…but that is BS. A good team adjusts.

UGA 37 Vandy 10

By Pesci

October 15, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

For all of you nay-sayers and everyone else that thinks Stafford isn’t a good quarterback, HE’S THE NUMBER 1 RATED Jr. PROSPECT FOR THE NFL DRAFT!!!!! If he isn’t doing something pretty darn amazing, the NFL scouts would still be looking at him, but not with as much of a glint in their eye as they are right now. We’ll see Nov 1, what Stafford is truly made of, as it will come down to a battle of Stafford vs Tim “The Hardest Working Man in College Football” Tebow (Why hasn’t that nickname stuck after his press conference after the Ole Miss game?) for the win, and probably the SEC East Championship.

By scdawgfan

October 15, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this

if he had alabama’s o line blocking for him he’d be a shoe in for the heisman. i think he’s the best qb in college football but has an average line blocking for him at best. same goes for knowshon too.

By Zeb

October 15, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

Alt, Cuz, Shane, Kali….and the rest of you vets out there….it’s good to hear from you. I don’t know about you guys, but how are we gonna do this. We are just not puttin’ teams away. What the hell are we gonna do with the rest of this schedule???? Our lines are so banged up that I think they may put Stafford at right tackle! WTF!!!

By murfdawg

October 15, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

I have been watching college football for a long time and I guess I have seen some great qbs.I don’t watch the NFL, so I don’t get too confused as to when a qb was a great college qb.

Andy Johnson was my favorite qb at UGA. He lost to AU and Pat Sullivan in 71but came back to beat Tech in the last seconds. Ray Goff was a good qb and I will always remember him beating Bama and Fla in 76. Buck Belue won a national championship, rallied the team down by 20 to beat Tech. David Greene won more games than any other qb in college history. The list goes on and on.

My point is, how do you really judge a GREAT QB? each one brings something different to the table. Mathew Stafford has a little from each one ot the qbs mentioned above.Andy Johnson was cool and a leader in the huddle. Ray Goff was tough and refused to lose.With Buck Belue at qb, you were never out of a game. David Greene won 42 games. Stafford is 22-5.Who was the best? Who was Great? I don’t know. But I do enjoy Saturdays in Athens and watching Mathew Stafford. I wish some of you guys would chill out and appreciate the talent of this young player.

By StingDoc

October 15, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

BirdDawg posted: “Hey does anybody else notice that when Chip writes a blog about Georgia football, fans jump all over it immediately. When ajc writes a blog about Tech, only a dozen or so respond. If ajc wants to cut costs, the Tech reporters would be a good start and keep Tony B.” I, for one, have noticed that many of the numerous dawg bloggers you cite sound like ungrammatical, hate-filled rednecks with perhaps a 6th to 12th education. Most of the Tech bloggers, more numerous than you say, are intelligent, thoughtful posters except for some of the “bad” dawgs who infest the website spewing hate and illogical trash.

By Buzzfan1936

October 15, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

M.A.S. said Hershel is the greatest player to ever play for Georgia. Some of us oldtimers might say that Charlie Trippi and Frank Sinkwich from the 1940’s would challenge for that honor. Stafford is a fine QB. I painfully remember his final drive against Tech as a freshman to beat us. I give the Dawgs credit for winning 7 straight against us. Most of those games have been close, but you were able to win. I think our turn is coming. If not this year, soon. Anyway, Good Luck Against Vandy. I hope you win.

By AltamahaDawg

October 15, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

Denver Dawg, why do I get the feeling that you tend to be the one that always thinks the food was sh1tty?

Can’t back up your point, so revert to homosexual personal insults huh ?

What is the saying , a man raises his tone to disquise the weakness of his arguments.

6 weeks in a row!

By monty

October 15, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

I agree with some who say he doesn’t have a lot of touch on the ball. He rarely if ever feathers a ball over a linebacker’s head, although he can throw the deep out better than probably most in college football because of arm strength. He has won some big games, and he definitely would fair better with a better O-line.

The only QB I might rather have than him in college football might be Tim Tebow. Tebow looks flashy, maybe because of the type offense they run, But when Tebow has been pressured he has looked pretty average.Tebow throws a more catchable looking ball. You seldom see balls go bouncing off of receiver’s hands like you do with Stafford.

Stafford is a more throw it down the field type of QB, more vertical than dink and dunk. I do think you see his real potential when he runs the hurry up offense and he is turned loose to just throw every down.

By Dave

October 15, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this

I see his QB rating is not in the Top 25, but neither is K. Moreno’s rating as a RB. Only in Georgia can the Dawg fans promote them both as Heisman Hopefuls. They will be next year if they stay, but not this year.

By ITWILLNEVERBEBETTER

October 16, 2008 1:02 AM | Link to this

The same people ripping Staf were ripping Greene, D.J., and Cox, the games He started,the last few years. They will rip every Q.B. we ever have. That is all They know about Q.Backing. Staff and the rest are and were Great,iMo.. GO DAWGS! G.A.T.A.! SIC UM! T.H.W.T. and the rest!

By ............................................BuLLdawg

October 16, 2008 2:20 AM | Link to this

Georgia Tech is not in the Top 25 of the USA Today Coaches’ Poll.

Not in the Top 25 of the AP Poll

Not in the Top 25 of the BCS Poll at www.CollegeBCS.com

Not in the Top 25 of the Harris BCS Poll.

Not in the Top 25 of the Anderson-Harris Seattle Times Poll

Not in the Top 25 of the Wes Colley unbiased Poll.

Because Tech is Number 111 in Passing Offense.

Number 112 in Kick-off returns.

Number 50 in Turnover Margin.

Number 43 in Sacks Allowed.

Number 93 in Punt Returns.

Number 63 in Scoring Offense.

By Jaydog

October 16, 2008 7:16 AM | Link to this

Stafford is a GREAT quarterback. He’ll show that in the NFL. What keeps him from being the great QB that he is? He’s missing a good O-line. Without it, he creates some greatness on is own. If he had it, we’d be able to see him really do what he can do with that arm and his decision making.

By muttfann

October 16, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this

The best thing Stafford could do for his team and his career is improve his deception. His head fakes are nonexistant or really bad. He also gives a poor pump fake.Improve these small things and the double coverage fades away.To his credit, play action handoff fake is good.

By ray de boer

October 16, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

He’s playing well for a guy that looks a dime short ,and Richt should be questioned for allowing a mentally challenged quarterback call his own plays

By ray jack

October 16, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

it shows how sadly lacking the situation is at q.b. when Rex Neanderthal Stafford is considered the top NFL prospect!!I bet when he waks on campus his knuckles scrape the ground

By ray jack

October 16, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

it shows how sadly lacking the situation is at q.b. when Rex Neanderthal Stafford is considered the top NFL prospect!!I bet when he walks on campus his knuckles scrape the ground

By ray jack

October 16, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

it shows how sadly lacking the situation is at q.b. when Rex Neanderthal Stafford is considered the top NFL prospect!!I bet when he walks on campus his knuckles scrape the ground

By ray jack

October 16, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

it shows how sadly lacking the situation is at q.b. when Rex Neanderthal Stafford is considered the top NFL prospect!!I bet when he walks on campus his knuckles scrape the ground

By MoDawg

October 16, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

Nice comments (all 4 being the same, that is) ray jack. Whose knuckles are scraping the ground??? ha,ha,ha,ha!!!! Read the note stating it might take up to 5 minutes for your comment to appear before you get frustrated at the “computer-thingie” and hit “Post” multiple times, meathead! What a freaking moron!

By Fleischman

October 16, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

This just in… Alabama has sacked Matt Stafford again… sick em meow meow!

By joe_h

October 16, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

Stafford will never satisfy UGA fans unless he wins a national title. He’ll never put up huge numbers because of the offense he’s in. He’s been plagued his entire career by receivers who can’t catch the ball and mediocre to p** poor offensive line play, and we as some godawful playcalling from Bobo.

So UGA fans will continue to whine about Stafford because he’s not throwing for 5000 yards and 50 TDs a season, or winning a national title every year. Personally, I say to hell with every single one of these useless swine. Keep winning Stafford, that’s all you’ve got to do. You can’t make receivers catch the ball, or the OL play worth a damn, or the defense to be worth a sh*t.

By muttfann

October 17, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

Stafford will win this week,GO DAWGS!!!!

By greg y

October 19, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

GA is once again not living up to all it’s preseason hype. Every year we hear about all these great recruits and all the skill players we have. GA will not be in consideration for the NT until it can consistently get better offensive and defensive lines to go along with all these highly regarded skill players. Yes, GA has had several significant injuries at these positions this year, but every team has to deal with injuries.

GA started went into this year with mainly sophmores and freshman on the OL However, it seems most people felt our skill players were enough for GA to have NT consideration. Well, I think we are seeing that w/o a strong OL and DL, GA is not that dominant team everyone expected. GA has an OL that is OK on the pass, but gets very title push on the run. Moreno is special and makes most of his yards on his own. King and Samuel cannot.

GA has no pass rush from the DL. The only pass rush is when we blitz and that exploits the weakness with our defensive corners. With the exception of Asher Allen are corners are getting burned or out of position on many passing situations. Why does GA recruit so many DCB that are 5’8” or 5’9”? These guys always seem to get exploited by teams with larger wideouts and tightends.

Also, CMR seems to have got back into his mild mannered ways. I would like to see more emotion from him on the sidelines. CMR might be trying to restrain himself since his team is already the most penalized team in the nation.

GA will be lucky to be 9-3, more than likely 8-4.