Bleacher Report - Articles by Brian Roberts

Recapping Georgia's Painful Season: Say It Ain't So Dawgs, Say It Ain't So

Brian Roberts — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 02:00:47 -0500

There have been few times in my 22 years that I have been upset with how the Bulldogs' season turned out. And despite all the offense, the 10-3 record, the bowl victory, and all the memories, I am hurt.

It isn't the kind of hurt you feel when your girl breaks up with you. It's the kind you feel when your best huntin' dog dies.

I came to campus this fall with hopes as high as the clouds above.

The Dawgs looked more promising than any team in the nation. They finished the 2007 season second in the nation. They returned a bunch of guys, one named Stafford, the other Moreno. Another stellar recruiting class. A preseason number one. Even the cover of Sports Illustrated.

What could go wrong? Well, how about everything.

To me, the roller coaster started when Trinton Sturdivant, arguably our best lineman, went down for the year with a torn ACL. Yeah, this can't be good.

This was only the beginning of the plague that swept through the Bulldog locker room. No fewer than 10 players in the two deep on the depth chart were lost for the season. That number does not include the players lost at any given point during the season.

These injuries left both the offensive and defensive lines, as well as the linebacker corps, decimated.

If that wasn't enough, it got worse.

Until the Rennie Curran forced fumble in the end zone, it looked like the "Ol' Ball Coach" had gotten us again. Two weeks later, the Crimson Tide and College GameDay marched into Athens.

Some friends of mine and I got up at 7:30 am to experience something that had not happened in Athens in 10 years. The signs around Myers Quad were priceless. The mood was awesome, until Lee Corso called UGA onto the stage only to spurn my Dawgs. The pregame tailgating was as good as the day would get.

Alabama Crimson Tide 41, Georgia Bulldogs 30. Blacked out at home.

I have never seen Athens in such disarray as after that loss. The next day on campus, not a red or black shirt in sight.

Things improved over the next month, with big wins over Vanderbilt on Homecoming as well as a beatdown in the Bayou. Then came the memory that wasn't for me—my first trip to Jacksonville actually having tickets.

We stayed across the river from the stadium and rode the ferry over. I can honestly say I have never been more ready for a game in my life. It was a battle of wits before the game. And for the most part, it was peaceful.

I sat 20 rows up, 50-yard line. No lie. These were amazing seats to watch any game from. And then the happiness ended. It ended just as fast as Blair Walsh's field goal hit the left upright. It only got worse. Until a drunken Gator fan puked on another Gator fan. Then it got even worse. Apparently in this game a much bigger problem occurred.

The Bulldogs lost confidence on defense.

This, to me, created the biggest problem the Bulldogs dealt with all year. The boys barely pulled out W's against Kentucky and Auburn, both games giving up tons of yards. It takes inspiration to play great defense. This is a trait past defenses have excelled in. Ultimately, a win is a win, and that was the consensus around campus.

Then the cold, rainy day in late November. It was doomed from the beginning. A damaged defense, a seven-year win streak, and a blown halftime lead later, everyone who had a pulse lost their Thanksgiving leftovers. That was, of course, unless your name was Johnson, Dwyer, or Jones. Or in my case, every single annoying Tech fan in the Peach state.

It came and went like a routine trip the dentist office. You know, the one where you find out you need a root canal, and it goes terribly wrong, and then they let you go home and your cute little niece hits you in the face with a wiffle ball bat. (Don't ask.)

But a New Year was approaching, and resolutions aside, the Bulldogs needed a win in Orlando to bring momentum to the 2009 season. Admittedly, it wasn't until the third quarter that I safely let go of the remote and the threats of changing the channel on the Dawgs. It wasn't the prettiest W the Bulldogs had ever posted, but I'll take it.

And there I sat, eyes all over the web, glued to ESPN. Hell, I couldn't help it. Every second of every day, I found myself worried about which coach we were going to lose to border rivals. First Tony Ball, then Stacy Searels, and then Rodney Garner.

If that wasn't enough, there were rumors going around campus that both Staff and Knowshon were leaving for the riches of the NFL. This coupled with the fact that the Gators were playing for all the marbles forced me on medication.

Then that dreadful nightmare of a dream came true on the 7th of January, 2009. Oh what a day. Pins and needles I sat all day, waiting to find out what I had to look forward to in '09. Sure, I read all the Facebook groups dedicated to the return of 24/7, some of which read, "One Million Strong for the Return of 24/7."

I stayed curious until 3:00 pm, when I found myself and several buddies huddled around a laptop on campus watching as two of the University of Georgia's greatest offensive weapons forfeited their remaining years of eligibility for the NFL.

That night I found myself with a very familiar pain creeping into my jaw. As I watched Brandon Spikes hold up that crystal, I longed for a quick swing of the wiffle bat to the face. Congrats to all Gators.

Six Candidates to Wrap Up Georgia's 2009 Recruiting Class

Brian Roberts — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:12:05 -0400

The Bulldogs are putting together another stellar recruiting class under coach Mark Richt. Georgia has been in the consensus top 10 every year Richt has been at the helm. Some of this year's headliners are Quarterback Aaron Murray, Offensive Guard Chris Burnette, Running Back Washaun Ealey, and Tight End Arthur Lynch-Fontaine.

With 15 commitments for 2009, the Bulldogs are looking to put the finishing touches on the class. Who will they be?

Here is my take on who the Bulldogs should wrap up the 2009 class with.

1) Branden Smith: 5'11"/171/4.4 Atlanta, GA (Washington High)

The Atlanta native rose up the recruiting rankings as fast as anyone. He now finds himself among the elite cornerbacks in the country. Smith does it all, making an impact on offense, defense, and special teams. He possesses great speed to go with great ball skills and a knack for the big play. Smith fits the typical mold of a true corner on the next level.

Smith has visited Athens many times over the last year, and do not look for that to stop. He has stated he will take all of his visits. Look for him in December when he will make it up to Athens for one of his official visits.

2) Bobby Massie: 6'8"/335/5.1 Chatham, VA (Liberty Christian Academy)

Massie is, well, MASSIVE. The Lynchburg product brings a big game to go with his frame. Massie is currently the top prep school player in the nation according to Rivals.com. He has incredibly quick feet and the ability to lock on to his target at the point of attack. A true offensive tackle at the next level, look for him to make an impact immediately.

Georgia has been recruiting Massie from the beginning and look to continue until signing day.

3) Orson Charles: 6'2"/230/4.55 Tampa, FL (Plant High)

Charles hit the scene this year when he transferred to Florida power Plant High School and teamed up with current Bulldog commit Aaron Murray. He is extremely athletic and plays a number of positions for his team.

Look for Charles to grow into the tight end mold in college. He shows the ability to get separation from linebackers and the size to overpower smaller DBs. Charles owns great hands and red zone ability as well.

Aaron Murray has been working on Charles from the beginning. Look for the Dawgs to face off with the Florida schools for his signature.

4) Marlon Brown: 6'5"/205/4.5 Memphis, TN (Harding Academy)

The talented Brown is an underrated athlete. He is an elite football and basketball recruit who will be looking to play both at the next level. Brown owns the size offensive coordinators drool over. At 6'5" and 205 pounds, Brown can go up and get it. He has also shown that he can spread the field with his speed.

Georgia will be losing starter Mohamed Massaquoi next season, and the Bulldogs have made wide receiver a priority in the 2009 class. Brown has visited Athens a number of times. Look for him to make another trip to Athens before it is all said and done.

5) Darren Myles: 6'0"/175/4.49 Atlanta, GA (Carver-Atlanta High)

At the Tuscaloosa Nike Camp, Darren Myles took home the "Top Defensive Back Award" and has not looked back. This safety from Atlanta has great ball skills and a quick break in run support.

Myles has a great frame and top-flight speed. With a year of collegiate workouts under his belt, do not be surprised if Myles grows out of his position. He has become one of the top safeties in a deep class.

Myles has shown that he may be too good for the Dawgs to pass up. A visit to the Classic City is not out of the question.

6) Jarvis Jones: 6'3"/226/4.6 Columbus, GA (Carver-Columbus High)

Jarvis Jones has been one of the most sought-after recruits in the Southeast. Holding numerous offers from all across the country, Jones finds himself sitting pretty on many recruiting boards.

Jones fits the typical mold of an elite linebacker and could grow into a pass rushing defensive end depending upon the scheme. He makes plays at the point of attack, but what separates him is his ability to tackle downhill.

Although it would seem that Georgia is done at linebacker for this class, the Dawgs have made it know they will not quit until the ink dries in February.

Others to watch

Stephen Hill (6'4"/190/4.4 Lithonia, GA)

Andre Debose (6'0"/170/4.44 Sanford, FL)

Donavan Tate (6'2"/205/4.5 Cartersville, GA)

Sam Montgomery (6'4"/240/4.44 Greenwood, SC)

Falcons Use Bye Week to Improve Secondary

Brian Roberts — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 11:49:51 -0400

The Atlanta Falcons came into 2008 with arguably more issues than any other team in the NFL. Unless you have been living under a rock you are aware of the Falcons woes, namely Michael Vick and Bobby Petrino.

Concerns for 2008 included a new coaching staff, a new quarterback, a young offensive line, and a mostly inexperienced secondary. To add insult to injury, we said goodbye to two-time Pro-Bowler and often outspoken DeAngelo Hall.

Enter Mike Smith, Thomas Dimitroff, and the "New Look" Falcons.

Smith and Dimitroff hit the free-agent market and made moves in the NFL draft to take on these issues bunches at a time. Adding the likes of Michael Turner, Matt Ryan, Curtis Lofton and re-signing Grady Jackson.

Fast forward and as we enter week seven of the 2008 season the Falcons are 4-2. Yes, you read that right.

The second youngest team in the NFL, the same team coming off a season full of turmoil, the same team that ended the 2007 campaign with four wins overall, has four wins in just six games. Don't ask how or why. The "New Looks" have bottom line just gotten it done.

The Falcons rank 20th in the league against the run, they are 24th against the pass, and 15th in scoring defense.

In week four, the secondary gave up 294 yards through the air to the Panthers' struggling quarterback, Jake Delhomme. Final score: 24-9, Panthers.

Then again in week five against the Packers, the Falcons gave up 313 yards to first-year starter Aaron Rodgers in a nail-biter. Final score: 27-24, Falcons.

Last week in the aptly named "Gone in 11 Seconds" against the Bears, Kyle Orton torched the secondary for 286 yards. Final score: 22-20, Falcons.

Unfortunately for Falcons fans, tickets apparently lack the appropriate "people who are pregnant or with back problems, motion sickness, or heart problems should not ride" warnings needed to watch these games.

Three of the Falcons' top four tacklers are defensive backs, with veteran Lawyer Malloy leading the way with 38 stops. The others are second-leading tackler, safety Erik Coleman with 36, cornerbacks Brent Grimes with 31 (fourth), and Chris Houston with 16 (ninth). Each has one interception apiece.

Malloy, a four-time Pro Bowler, is the only starter with significant starting time. In a secondary lacking experience, Malloy needs to bring some experience to the younger guys looking to make an impact.

The next few weeks will be a true test for this secondary.

After a bye week, Atlanta will host Philadelphia and Donovan McNabb, the league's fifth best passer and one of the most diverse offenses in the NFC.

DeSean Jackson has proven his ability to stretch the field.

Reggie Brown, who established himself as McNabb's go-to-guy prior to an injury that has kept him out much of the year, should be back and making plays.

If Chris Houston and Brent Grimes can keep Jackson and Hank Baskett in check, look for the Eagles to rely heavily on Brian Westbrook.

In week 10 the Falcons take on the Saints in a game that could determine who is in the driver's seat in the NFC South. This will prove to be the biggest test to date for the Falcons' secondary.

They take on the league's best passer in Drew Brees, who has completed 71 percent of his passes, while throwing for 1,993 yards and 12 touchdowns. The real test will be on keeping the Saints' big play-makers, Reggie Bush (41 catches, 361 yards, 3 TDs) and Devery Henderson (32.1 yards/rec, 385 yards, 2 TDs).

Reggie Bush's ability to stretch defenses could determine how the Atlanta secondary performs on play action favorite Henderson. Look for safeties Malloy and Coleman to have big games.

If that is not enough, Denver comes to town in week 11. The Broncos spread the ball around to a bevy of receivers. Leading this core of receivers is Brandon Marshall (43 catches, 521 yards, 3 TDs).

Three other receivers (Eddie Royal, Brandon Stokley, Tony Scheffler) have over 250 yards receiving with two touchdowns. The offense runs off the arm of Jay Cutler, who has been as good as any this season, throwing for 1,694 yards and 12 scores.

With the Broncos looking to multiple offensive targets, look for the Falcons to play much of the day in Nickel coverage. Look for Rookie Chavis Jackson or David Irons to step up.

In order for the Falcons to continue the success through the first six weeks of the season, the secondary has to be more effective against the pass. With better competition on the table in the coming weeks, the Falcons must grow up fast and continue to bring respect back to Atlanta.

Georgia Football: Tailback U?

Brian Roberts — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:43:37 -0400

The University of Georgia—is it Tailback U?

From the legendary days of Herschel Walker, Garrison Hearst, Terrell Davis, and Robert Edwards to the modern days of Musa Smith and Thomas Brown, the Bulldogs have had their share of productive backs.

Yet with all the bright spots over the years, the Dawgs have only had nine running backs go for 1,000 yards or more.

That trend is sure to change.

The coming-out party of redshirt freshman Knowshon Moreno seems to have started a evolution of sorts for the Bulldog backfield.

The four-star back from Belford, New Jersey shocked many pundits by rushing for 1,396 yards and 14 touchdowns after spending the fall of 2006 on the scout team—all while sharing the backfield for much of the season with senior Thomas Brown (779 yards and 10 touchdowns). Moreno posted 100-plus yards six times while scoring at least a touchdown in eight games.

If that wasn't enough, he saved his best for last. During the seven-game winning streak to end the season, Moreno tore up defenses for 872 yards and 11 touchdowns on the way to a final ranking of No. 2 for the Bulldogs.

Meanwhile, Georgia keeps rolling in top-tier talent.

The recruiting season of 2007 saw the Bulldogs sign another nationally ranked running back to their repertoire—enter Caleb King. Like Moreno, King was also ranked a four-star running back by Rivals.com.

The talented King finished his career at perennial power Greater Atlanta Christian after a solid career at Parkview High School in Lilburn, Georgia. King totaled 4,643 yards with 44 touchdowns despite missing most of his senior season sidelined with a broken leg.

With the injury came questions. After gaining 20 pounds while injured, many thought King would lose the elusiveness that made him a successful back. That talk soon ended when King proved during fall camp that he had not lost a step.

After the injury to Kregg Lumpkin during the Vanderbilt game, the backfield seemed to be in jeopardy for the Cocktail Party in Jacksonville. King, who looked to be heading for a redshirt, had been so successful in practice that Coach Mark Richt looked pressed to keep him off the field.

King ultimately ended up redshirting during the '07 campaign, saving that all-important extra year of eligibility.

During spring practice the coaching staff saw the Caleb King of old, as he finished with 31 yards on six carries in limited time. Bulldog nation took a collective sigh of relief, easing all worries on whether the Bulldogs would be in good shape if Knowshon were not able to tote the rock.

The 2008 recruiting season brought three new names to the fold: Richard Samuel, Dontavius Jackson, and Carlton Thomas.

Samuel, out of Cass High School in Cartersville, Ga., is Coach Tony Ball's first five-star recruit and Coach Richt's second elite back (Lumpkin). At barely 16 years old, Samuel took over at running back in only his third year of organized football, rushing for 1,342 yards and 19 scores during his junior campaign.

During his senior season, Richard could do nothing but outdo himself, totaling 1,429 yards on 164 carries and 24 scores on his way to all-state honors. Samuel enrolled at mid-year and finds himself third on the depth chart, likely avoiding a redshirt.

Then there is Jackson.

Dontavius Jackson, the Heard County High School standout, was pinned a four-star running back by Rivals, much like his counterparts. A four-year letterman at the Franklin school, Jackson had productive sophomore and junior seasons, totalling 3,836 yards before having his senior year cut short by a wrist injury.

Before the injury, Jackson was able to play just half of his senior season, rushing for 241 yards on 12 carries. Like his fellow signee Samuel, Jackson enrolled at mid-year and participated in spring.

Still plagued by the wrist injury, Jackson is likely headed for a redshirt, finding himself fourth on the depth chart. As crazy as last season proved to be, though, anything can happen.

Need speed? Call Thomas.

Rounding out the 2008 class of backs is Carlton Thomas. The scat back from Frostproof High School in Florida has speed for days. The minuscule back (5'7", 170) was the lowest rated of the backs at three stars, but don't let that fool you. Thomas rushed for 2,386 yards and 24 scores and was a terror on special teams.

Don't believe me? Watch his highlight tape. Thomas is underrated and likes it that way. The Under Armour All-American should be used in many different ways during his time in Athens. It may be sooner than many think.

With an abundance of talent already enrolled, Richt now looks to the future.

His latest catch is Washaun Ealey out of Emmanuel County Institute. The 2009 back is rated as the 11th-best back in the nation and one of its top players.

The ECI star rushed his way to a title and into the record books in 2007. Ealey rushed for 2,982 yards and a Georgia state record 58 touchdowns on his way to capturing the single A state title.

Just an upcoming senior, Ealey looks to stay healthy and make an impact on his way to another state title before enrolling in Athens.

The trend of Georgia Bulldog football might be changing. With lofty expectations directed towards the Dawgs, look for Coach Richt to continue to bring in quality football players.

Georgia looks to be in good shape at the running back position for a few years, and with the talent that resides in the state of Georgia, look for Mark Richt and his coaching staff to keep the top in-state talent from deviating.