Bleacher Report - Articles by Joshua Hammonds

Lions Try To Lock Up Stafford

Joshua Hammonds — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 19:44:56 -0400

The National Football League’s official site is reporting that the Detroit Lions are in negotiations to finalize a contract with former Georgia QB Matthew Stafford.

A deal could be reached as soon as Wednesday night, NFL.com’s Steve Wyche reports.

the Lions do have a back-up plan.

MLive.com is reporting that the lowly Lions have completed contract terms with Wake Forest linebacker, Aaron Curry.

If the team can’t reach an agreement with Stafford, they will sign Curry and take him with the first overall draft pick, according to a league source.

The Lions have set a Friday deadline, the source said.

Stafford’s agents also represent Baylor OT Jason Smith, who the Lions are also reportedly considering if they can’t strike a deal with Stafford.

Team spokesman Bill Keenist denied a report earlier Wednesday that a contract was imminent, the Detroit Free-Press reported.

Matthew Stafford Likely To Sign Contract With Detroit Lions

Joshua Hammonds — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:58:49 -0400

Lions general manager Martin Mayhew says the chances are very good Detroit will have a deal done with the No. 1 pick before the NFL draft begins Saturday.

Mayhew declined to say much else during a news conference Tuesday. The Lions have taken great pride in staying quiet about their plans.

“I hope nobody expects me to say anything earth-shattering,” Mayhew said in his opening comments.

Mayhew said the list of candidates to take first overall Saturday has narrowed, but he wouldn’t talk about specific players when he was asked about Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Detroit is expected to draft Stafford, Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry, or Baylor offensive tackle Jason Smith with the No. 1 pick, hoping one of the college stars will help turn around the NFL’s first 0-16 team.

Messages seeking comment were left with agents for Stafford, Curry, and Smith.

Mayhew said there has been some “moderate interest” from other teams seeking a trade for the No. 1 pick.

Top Five Reasons Why Matthew Stafford will be a Detroit Lion (with Video)

Joshua Hammonds — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 21:24:16 -0400

NUMBER 5 REASON~ Detroit's Offense I have heard all about how Detroit needs to build the Defense and all, but you have to "learn to crawl before you can walk" and the Offense is the nucleus that builds a successful program. Yes, as we all know the philosophy, "Defense wins Championships"(and the Defense did rank dead last in the NFL) but the Lions have start becoming competitive on the offensive side of the ball first. For example last years "Detroit Stories" were the Miami Dolphin and Atlanta Falcons. Both of those organizations had horrid offenses and defense in the year prior to the 2008 NFL season. But both teams addressed the Quarterback position first and foremost, with the Dolphins signing Chad Pennington and the Falcons drafting Matt Ryan. With those crucial moves both teams turned a losing season into a playoff run campaign. The Detroit Lions need to address the offensive side of the ball more importantly than the defense, especially with the Free Agency help they have received on Defense thus far. Quarterback is the most important position on the field, and Detroit could seriously hurt themselves in passing on a talent like Stafford. Stafford can make all the throws that is asked of him, and while some inconsistency comes with the Stafford package, he still has the natural ability "strength wise" to hang with any QB in the league. Check out this 58 Yard Touchdown Pass that Stafford makes with ease....(watch in HQ)

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Its The Caleb King Show (with Video)

Joshua Hammonds — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 17:54:39 -0400

OK, let me be the first to say that I don't believe that we will see another "Knowshon" type back for at least another generation to come. Moreno was electrifying, and downright nasty to opposing defenses. He played with a sense of "pissed" off urgency and determination that I don't believe even the Great "hand over your heart" Hershel Walker had. He will surely be missed by the Dawg Nation. Oh how I wished that Knowshon could have given us another year to dance and jive to his on field energy. With that being said, and I'm probably crazy for saying this, but I don't believe that Georgia will be entirely hurt by the departure of "24". And I have many reasons to believe such a insane and crazy notion, but mainly I believe it to be true for one important reason.....CALEB KING.

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Georgia Bulldogs 2009 Recruiting Class Recap (with Video)

Joshua Hammonds — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:45:22 -0500

With another Signing Class in the can, the Georgia Bulldogs addressed many pressing issues and filled many holes on both sides of the ball. The Dawgs were hit hard this past off season with the departure of QB Matthew Stafford and RB Knowshon Moreno. Losing two skilled players of that caliber will be tough to fill, but as we all know its the nature of the beast. Georgia has gone from a team that rebuilds to a team that RELOADS. Here is the future of Georgia Football. Meet the Recruiting Class of 2009

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How Georgia Will Win The 2009 SEC Title

Joshua Hammonds — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 19:22:07 -0500

These are my ridiculously early 2009 Georgia Bulldogs Football prediction. Yes, I believe that Georgia will do better than most think. Last year, they had the big head and they couldn't handle the hype.

But this year, there will be no national media attention on hand in Athens. There will be no Bulldogs on the "front cover" of preseason magazines. There will be no mention of a "Blackout" or talk of ,"can the Bulldogs really negotiate this years schedule?" The only thing that will be on the Bulldogs this year, is a big, huge chip on their shoulders. They are gonna be out to prove not only the media, the nation, and even its own fans wrong, but also they are out to prove to themselves that they can win.

But that is only the emotional standpoint of next season... lets look at the more realistic standpoint.

@ Oklahoma State (9/5)

I do believe that, UGA fan or not, I wouldn't want any other coach in the nation leading my team on the road than Mark Richt (aside from Jacksonville). Dawgs win big against OK State.

South Carolina (9/12)

Georgia will handle S. Carolina, though it will be close as always, this is in Athens and Georgia will remember what happen the last time UGA wasn't focused on the Gamecocks. With no Jasper Brinkley and having a felon thug in Stephen Garcia at QB....the Cocks will have no one to answer for UGA. Dawgs win 17-14

@ Arkansas (9/19)

The Razorbacks ranked 144th in ppg allowed in the NCAA, with 31.2 points allowed (not FBS). For those who don't know what that stat means, basically your local high school football team could score on Arkansas's Defense.

On the road, and even with a few injuries Georgia might have at this point in the season.....the Dawgs should have their Second Team Offense in by the 4th quarter. Dawgs will roll 35-7

Arizona State (9/26)

ASU will come into the loudest and most hostile environment they have ever seen. They will have nerves, anxiety, and revenge on the mind......but great teams can handle all those emotions, but this not traditionally even a good team.

With no QB, no RB, and no O line ( ASU will have to replace the whole line this year) they will have no answer to the Dawgs defense. Dawgs win by 2 TDs.

Louisiana State (10/3)

LSU comes to Athens riding a three game losing streak to the Dawgs.....UGA should be favored in this one, and probably will be.....and that could spell trouble for them. Talent for talent.....Georgia should win this game, but if history shows us, Georgia doesn't bode well with as the favorite....Dawgs lose this one close.

@Tennessee (10/10)

Again I say, this team will be more worried about how to keep Lane Kiffin's mouth shut than actually playing a game this season. Look for the Vols to play gimmick football this year, and that will only get you so far. Dawgs win this one, and if Kiffin doesn't shut his mouth, Coach Richt might not ease off the gas on this on. Dawgs win 28-10

@ Vanderbilt (10/17)

Vandy had a nice Cinderella story last season.....but the clock has struck midnight and the ball is over for the Commodores. Georgia will improve their record on the road in SEC stadiums. look for the Dawgs to come out slow and flat in this one...kicking many field goals, but the Dawgs eventually win this one 31-14.

@ Florida (10/31)

Ahhh yes......the Florida game, if this one hasn't mirrored a Ike and Tina relationship I don't know what would.

As I have said before, every win Georgia has had in 18 years as come by having the bye week. That will help Georgia tremendously, helping guys heal up the banged up injury, and helping with the play scheme against Florida.I believe that Richt wants this game more than anything......he will remind them of the Butt Whipping the Gators gave them last year. The Dawgs always have the talent to match Florida, but its whoever has the edge this year that will come out victorious......Florida had it last year.The Dawgs will have it this year. Its Rocky versus Apollo, but this saga will end up like the sequel. Dawgs win a knockdown dragged out fight. Dawgs win 28-24 and gain control of the EAST.

Tennessee Tech (11/7)

...When this team plays against teams in the SEC they get killed, plain and simple. This should be a good game for Georgia to recover from the Florida game, and to get ready for Auburn the following week. Dawgs roll 42-10

Auburn (11/14)

Also is riding a losing streak against the Dawgs......but the difference between them and LSU is one team has a coach that has won a national championship, and the other has......Gene Chizik.Maybe Auburn will have a identity on Offense by week 10, but my guess is that it will take more than a season for the Auburn Tigers, War Eagles, and Plainsmen to buy into the Chizik experiment. Dawgs extend the winning streak. UGA wins by 17 @ home.

Kentucky (11/21)

The Wildcats are like night and day......they can beat you or the can just lay down and roll over. For the past couple of seasons I have been nervous every time the Dawgs play the Wildcats. They are so inconsistent with their play scheme. Georgia knows that with a win in Lexington they will have won the SEC EAST.....need anymore motivation? Georgia will beat Kentucky in a low scoring game, and win the SEC EAST crown for the first time in 3 seasons.

@ GA. Tech (11/28)

Thanksgiving weekend might mean turkey and stuffing to most of America, but in Georgia it only means one thing... "Clean Old Fashion Hate", the Georiga/Georgia Tech Weekend.Some would like to say that the win Tech had against Georgia last season has resurrected this rivalry.

I beg to differ......Tech's win last year broke a 7 game losing streak, but streaks eventually end. This will be the last game of the season for both teams. Last year will be on the minds of both teams.But Georgia will have more riding on this game than Tech will( a BCS bowl bid or, dare I say, National Champ Game bid).....Georgia will win in Atlanta and send the Nerd Herd back to their bio labs. Dawgs win 24-14.

SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME (ATLANTA, GA)

Alabama (12/5)

Georgia will hopefully be coming into this game firing off on all cylinders, and with minimal injuries. They will need it coming up against a undefeated Alabama team vying for a National Championship Game berth. There should be a ton of emoitions on both sidelines.

Georgia will remember last year's "Blackout" that turned into a "Knockout" by the hands of Bama. Alabama will remember how close they came to getting a chance to hoist the crystal ball last year, but instead lost to the Gators in the SEC Champ game.It will be the well mannered Richt, versus the hot headed Saban. It will be Julio Jones against A.J. Green for the best WR in the country. It will be the Dawgs versus the Tide in the DOME. Georgia will be the underdog for sure, and they will embrace it.This game should be neck and neck by the final minutes of the Fourth Quarter with Georgia scoring the game winning field goal as the clock runs out. Dawgs beat the Tide 20-17 to win the 2009 SEC Championship.

Now these are just predictions and most predictions are and could be wrong, but this layout of the up coming season is not that far fetched. The Florida and LSU game is a toss up. Either way Georgia will be at worse 10-2. Georgia will have A.J. Green, Marlon Brown, Kris Durham lining up at WR (all of which are 6'4 or taller) also having a "Dark Horse" in Michael Moore(not the film marker) the Dawgs should handle most secondary's in the SEC .The Dawgs will use a running back by "committee" with Caleb King and Richard Samuel.They should form the Thunder (Samuel) and Lighting(King) combination that Georgia will need in order to compete in the SEC.

The Defense should be much improved with Jeff Owens coming back, Rennie Curran the best LB in the SEC by season end, and the Defensive end position should get a bigger boast with Demarcus Dobbs, and Justin Houston having more experience, also the return of Roddick Battle will be huge.

Unfortunately Georgia's secondary will still be the Achilles Heel of the Defense. Hopefully with the help of incoming Freshman Branden Smith possibility of playing early, the Secondary can improve a bit, but don't expect Georgia to be leading the SEC in interceptions and Passing Defense.

And lastly, Joe Cox.....ahh yes, Joe Cox.....is he Stafford, Shockley, or Greene?? No he isn't. He is not anywhere close to the athletic arm strength of Stafford, the speed of Shockley or the poise in the pocket of David Greene. But what the kid does have that, Joe T. never had was.....A) an accurate arm B) footwork C) deceptive speed D) Knowledge and smarts of the game. Joe Cox will never be mentioned in the Heisman talks, he will never be consider a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or even a 4th round Draft pick. He will not make the highlight reels on ESPN. The only thing that Joe Cox does have is the "will to win"....thats all the kid has ever known how to do. He will surprise and shock people.He will never put the Dawgs in the position to lose. He will lead Georgia to the EAST title in 2009, and I fully trust in Joe Cox. This Dawg fan, for sure, will be pouring some of that Joe Cox "Kool Aid" come September.

Why a "Tim Tebow" Is What the Georgia Bulldogs Need

Joshua Hammonds — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 01:32:21 -0500

This will possibly be the most difficult entry that I have ever written in my entire life. As I sit and really ponder what I have been thinking, what I am about to actually declare will forever be held against me by my fellow Dawg fans. But here it goes...

I remember the 2006 Georgia football season like it was yesterday. So many new faces, so many things to be excited about. Georgia was coming off of an SEC Championship and a Sugar Bowl appearance. Sure, we were in a "rebuilding" year, but we had the most touted QB coming out of high school in Matthew Stafford, and all were in awe of what this kid might do.

By week three the Bulldogs seemed to be riding high with this new phenom of a QB. I remember being at the UAB/Georgia game for Stafford's first official start of his college career...and shaking his hand as he made his way through the Dawg Walk, and instantaneously I thought to myself, "That's the one...that's the future Heisman winner, that's the one who is going to bring us a National Championship."

That was week three...and I had no idea about some kid down in Florida by the name of Tim Tebow. But by week six...I began to take notice, as did the rest of the nation.

I had many Gator fans, at that time, who swore up and down that this "Tebow kid was the best player in the country." Of course, being the crazy fan that I am...I would constantly disagree and dog the kid.

I would always be caught saying, "He is not a real QB...all he does is run up the middle," or "Just wait 'til next year when he doesn't have Chris Leak to run the offense for him." I was always dogging Tebow, saying he would never be the QB Stafford would be.

Now flash forward to 2009, and my, what a tell of two tales it has been, huh? Matthew Stafford has had a very good career statistically, but he has not led Georgia to any Championship games...let only won them (granted it's a team effort). He has taken home the Chick-fil-A Bowl and the Capital One Bowl MVP trophies.

Tebow, on the other hand, won the Heisman in 2007 and came in third place the year after. He helped lead his team to SEC Championships in 2006 and 2008, and also was a big contributing factor to Florida bringing the BCS National Championship in 2006 and 2008( Leak was really the main reason UF won it in 2006.) Tebow also won the 2008 BCS National Championship MVP award.

But all that aside...this is not why I wish Georgia, the team I have loved all my life, had a Tim Tebow. I wish Georgia had the kid because of what he brings to the game.

When people see Tim Tebow, they see...heart, they see passion, and they see a will to LEAD his team into a war. Sure, he is a great ambassador to the game of College Football. He goes on missionary trips to Third World poverty-stricken countries to help and preach the word of GOD.

Those things are great, but I had newfound respect for Tebow when I saw his press conference after the Ole Miss defeat.

He stood up to the mic and said, “To the fans, the Gator Nation, I’m sorry. Extremely sorry. But I promise you one thing: A lot of good will come from this. You will never see a player, in the entire country, play as hard as I will play the rest of the season. You will never see someone push the rest of the team as hard as I will push everybody the rest of this season. And you will never see a team play harder than we will play the rest of the season. God Bless.”

With those words Tebow put the pressure and responsibility of the entire Gator season squarely on his shoulders...and as tonight proved and has shown, Mr. Tebow delivered on his promise.

Georgia had a very talented and gifted QB in Matthew Stafford, but what they needed was that little bit extra. That extra gear in a QB that when the game, or the season, for that matter, is on the line...you know the man is going to deliver.

What Tebow has is something I don't believe I have ever seen in a football player. Sure, we all want to win the game...but at what cost? Would you put your name or reputation out on the line for the team? Tebow apparently would have and has done just that very thing.

Now I know Matthew Stafford is going to be the better NFL QB, and he is more than likely going to make a ton of money versus what Tebow might be able to tally up. To compare Stafford to Tebow in terms of Pro-Pocket passer is like comparing apples to oranges. But as a Georgia fan...what do I really care where Stafford ends up in the Draft or how much money he signs for?

Nonetheless, I am thankful for the years that Matthew Stafford has given the University of Georgia and all the memorable plays and games won. But maybe, just maybe things could have been a little different for Georgia had Mark Richt taken a short trip down to St. Augustine to watch a kid play ball that went by the name of...Tim Tebow.

Because this Georgia Bulldog fan was wrong about Tebow......way wrong!

Matt Ryan For President 2012

Joshua Hammonds — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 11:36:10 -0500

Before I get into why I believe Matt Ryan is the greatest thing since sliced bread. I just want to laugh in the face of all the boneheads who complained and advocated that the Falcons should have taken Glenn Dorsey instead of Matt Ryan.What has Dorsey done this year??I haven't heard his name on ESPN or NFL network once since the Draft. The Falcons were in such disarray from the Michael Vick scandal and then their coach walking out in mid-season last year, it was time to "clean house" and start over.You don't build your team with a star DT.A tackle is not going to change the season around for you. The teams success starts with the captain, the general, the man who orchestrates the momentum and drive of your team...the QUARTERBACK.

Matt Ryan will be one of the best QB's to ever play the game. I would have to say he reminds me of Tom Brady. Ryan rarely makes the same mistake twice. He will definitely bring championships to Atlanta.Nevermind the stats or the arm. Matt Ryan is a winner. He is a leader on and off the field. Unlike the great Dan Marino (who never won a SB), Ryan has an excellent supporting cast to help make him better.He has a dangerous weapon in Pro-Bowler Rowdy White, and Michael Jenkins has now emerged as a excellent "go to" guy. Couple that with Michael "the burner" Turner toting the rock and you have all the elements on offense to take where you need to go in December and January.

Now the Falcons are staring the playoffs dead into the eyes. Unfortunately, my prediction is for the Falcons to go as far as the NFC championship game, because they lack the dominant defense to win a championship. GM Thomas Dimitroff will try and load up his defense with the '09 Draft (maybe a LB in Rey Maualuga or the huge 'Bama NT Terrence "Mount" Cody).Either way Dimitroff has proven that he knows what it takes to build a "system" of success. Look for the Atlanta Falcons to be your next big team "to beat" for the next couple of years. BANK ON IT.

And finally there are some nay sayers out there who want Vick back in Atlanta. Some who still sport their Vick jersey in and around Atlanta. Some who say, "No. 2 won't ever be what No. 7 was."Well I can't argue with that... Matt Ryan will never ever be the man, nor the football player Vick was..and thank the ALMIGHTY GOD for that. The day Arthur Blank made his historic phone call to Matt Ryan was the turning point for a team, a city, and its fans."

That day Matt Ryan, with just a smile and a thumbs up, brought HOPE and CHANGE to the city of Atlanta.

Matt Ryan For President 2012

Joshua Hammonds — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 04:14:28 -0500

Before I get into why I believe Matt Ryan is the greatest thing since sliced bread. I just want to laugh in the face of all the boneheads who complained and advocated that the Falcons should have taken Glenn Dorsey instead of Matt Ryan.What has Dorsey done this year?? I haven't heard his name on ESPN or NFL network once since the Draft. The Falcons were in such disarray from the Michael Vick scandal and then their coach walking out in mid-season last year, it was time to "clean house" and start over.You don't build your team with a star DT. A tackle is not going to change the season around for you. The teams success starts with the captain, the general, the man who orchestrates the momentum and drive of your team.....the QUARTERBACK.

Nevermind the stats or the arm. Matt Ryan is a winner. He is a leader on and off the field. Unlike the great Dan Marino (who never won a SB), Ryan has an excellent supporting cast to help make him better.He has a dangerous weapon in Rowdy White and Michael Jenkins has now emerged as a excellent "go to" guy. Couple that with Michael "the burner" Turner toting the rock and you have all the elements on offense to take where you need to go in December and January.

And finally there are some nay sayers out there who want Vick back in Atlanta. Some who still sport their Vick jersey in and around Atlanta. Some who say, "No. 2 won't ever be what No. 7 was."Well I can't argue with that....Matt Ryan will never ever be the man, nor the football player Vick was..and thank the ALMIGHTY GOD for that. The day Arthur Blank made his historic phone call to Matt Ryan was the turning point for a team, a city, and its fans.

That day Matt Ryan, with just a smile and a thumbs up, brought HOPE and CHANGE to the city of Atlanta.