"sighs" Pollack needs surgery

[BengalPimp]

Damn, first I heard about this. Seems like that's going to be about it for Pollack. All the more reasons why we need O-dawg back next year. I swear we (fans of the Bengals) have the worst luck with our team... In some way or another our hearts always seem to get broken.

Get well soon!

Forget about Odell. He's not coming back. I think Marvin made that reasonably clear, and besides, if he tests positive again or misses another test - which seems rather likely - it's immaterial.

I'd say there's only about a 1/3 chance he plays for the Bengals ever again, and about a 20% chance he plays more than 16 games for us.

seriously, and I dont know how many times i've said this, but i'll say it once more---I dont know how the hell some of you people think that O'dell would even be anywhere close to where he was as a rookie. Do you HONESTLY think that all the drugs/drinking/not playing/not practicing/not training wont take a toll on his body? The dude made MANY mental mistakes, but made up for it with his Physical abilities. With him abusing his body with drugs/alchohol those same Physical abilities have diminished, and he hasnt played nor practiced, so how can anyone think that he wouldnt make the same Mental mistakes?

I'm sick and tired of hearing about O'dell, the only thing I would like to hear, is that the guy got his act together, other than that......until any of us hear that....stop talking about the dude.

[HoosierCat]

Some "refutation."

Personally, I think it would be better for both the Bengals and Pollack if David just moved on. He may be the nicest guy on the planet, but the bottom line is that he's been nothing but a tease and a disappointment from the moment he was drafted. Dumb rookie holdout, constantly hurt, now what? He misses '07 too? So we can look forward to what? Maybe he can get back to trying to learn to play LB in '08? Assuming he doesn't bust a toe kicking his dog or something.

And what do the Bengals do? Jeanty is a solid player but unlikely to ever be a star. If there's a standout SLB prospect in the draft or a veteran in FA who is interested in coming here, do they pass them by in hopes that Pollack might come on in 2008 or 2009?

For the record, I think the same goes for Chris Perry. Someone mentioned elsewhere, what do we do if Rudi gets hurt. Nothing against Watson, he could fill in for a bit but we are thin at the position now, all because Perry just can't stay well.

Time to move on.

[Kazkal]

Seems like marvin won't give up on him

[HoosierCat]

Seems like marvin won't give up on him

Probably not. But at what point does it become counterproductive for the team? You only need to look at the now-annual offseason soap opera in Green Bay to see how the will-he-won't-he effect can screw things up. Of at KC, where a key offensive linean retires at the last minute, leaving the club hanging.

[SkinneymulleT]

Damn, first I heard about this. Seems like that's going to be about it for Pollack. All the more reasons why we need O-dawg back next year. I swear we (fans of the Bengals) have the worst luck with our team... In some way or another our hearts always seem to get broken.

Get well soon!

Forget about Odell. He's not coming back. I think Marvin made that reasonably clear, and besides, if he tests positive again or misses another test - which seems rather likely - it's immaterial.

I'd say there's only about a 1/3 chance he plays for the Bengals ever again, and about a 20% chance he plays more than 16 games for us.

seriously, and I dont know how many times i've said this, but i'll say it once more---I dont know how the hell some of you people think that O'dell would even be anywhere close to where he was as a rookie. Do you HONESTLY think that all the drugs/drinking/not playing/not practicing/not training wont take a toll on his body? The dude made MANY mental mistakes, but made up for it with his Physical abilities. With him abusing his body with drugs/alchohol those same Physical abilities have diminished, and he hasnt played nor practiced, so how can anyone think that he wouldnt make the same Mental mistakes?

I'm sick and tired of hearing about O'dell, the only thing I would like to hear, is that the guy got his act together, other than that......until any of us hear that....stop talking about the dude.

Your right! Look what it did to michael irvin's, babe ruth's and mickey mantle's career! I know baseball is not really a sport, more of a game.

[BengalsMan3203]

Good News for David and Company.

The sugrey they are going to do isn't on the spine... Rather is a plate they are goign to attach to it and make it stronger then it was before the injury.

So hopefully we'll see him back in 2008.

[oldschooler]

Some "refutation."

Personally, I think it would be better for both the Bengals and Pollack if David just moved on. He may be the nicest guy on the planet, but the bottom line is that he's been nothing but a tease and a disappointment from the moment he was drafted. Dumb rookie holdout, constantly hurt, now what? He misses '07 too? So we can look forward to what? Maybe he can get back to trying to learn to play LB in '08? Assuming he doesn't bust a toe kicking his dog or something.

And what do the Bengals do? Jeanty is a solid player but unlikely to ever be a star. If there's a standout SLB prospect in the draft or a veteran in FA who is interested in coming here, do they pass them by in hopes that Pollack might come on in 2008 or 2009?

For the record, I think the same goes for Chris Perry. Someone mentioned elsewhere, what do we do if Rudi gets hurt. Nothing against Watson, he could fill in for a bit but we are thin at the position now, all because Perry just can't stay well.

Time to move on.

That`s just stupid.

They already have a 1st round draft pick and $7 million invested in him.

So what if it takes him a little while to get back on the field.

It`s not like he would take a roster spot on the IR.

Of course you do what you have to do to field a winning team.

But you don`t just cut ties with a talent because he can`t help you right now.

At this point, the Bengals have nothing to lose and everything to gain, if Pollack can

work his way back onto the field ANYTIME in the future. And Perry too...

[oldschooler]

Mort just said on ESPN, that the Doctors were actually ENCOURAGED

by the MRI results, and said they would not fuse the disc back together

but would put a small plate on the cracked disc.

He said they were "cautiously optimistic about Pollack`s eventual return."

Apparently this type of surgery doesn't increase the likelihood of paralysis down the road,

and if that is in fact the case then Pollack isn't through playing.

[HoosierCat]

That`s just stupid.

No, it isn't. You can't hold starting spots open for a guy who might be able to play (or in this case, might be able to get back on the field and resume learning a new position) in a couple years. Perry's situation is marginally better since he's a backup, but it's become clear we just can't count on him.

They already have a 1st round draft pick and $7 million invested in him.

Sunk costs fallacy.

At this point, the Bengals have nothing to lose and everything to gain, if Pollack can

work his way back onto the field ANYTIME in the future. And Perry too...

No, they have plenty to lose, namely the chance at getting better players at both positions.

[membengal]

For my part, I think they need to get more players for those spots, and IF Pollack and Perry can get back, the more the merrier. But you don't not address it and hope for the best.

I would look OLB in the first round this year, and IF Pollack gets back at some point, you have quality depth or better. ML is all about the depth in any event.

[oldschooler]

No, it isn't. You can't hold starting spots open for a guy who might be able to play (or in this case, might be able to get back on the field and resume learning a new position) in a couple years. Perry's situation is marginally better since he's a backup, but it's become clear we just can't count on him.

Please explain how they`re holding a starting spot for Pollack at the moment.

And Pollack has shown he knows the position already. Go back and re-watch the Chiefs

game from last season, and the Playoff game. You know the two games at the end of

the season when he was healthy and had 13 tackles and 3 sacks in those two games.

Pollack seemed like he was the only Defensive player on the field against the Stealers.

Plus Marvin didn`t just give him the starters job, he earned it.

Sunk costs fallacy.

How do you figure that if Pollack retires that the Bengals aren`t out his signing bonus.

You do realize that they would have to take the cap hit all at once don`t you ? Unless he

waits til after June 1st to retire. Even still the cap hit would be spread out over the '07

and '08 season. There is no fallacy in that fact.

No, they have plenty to lose, namely the chance at getting better players at both positions.

How did you come to such an asinine conclusion ?

[HoosierCat]

Please explain how they`re holding a starting spot for Pollack at the moment.

So Rashad Jeanty is the future at SLB? Why do we need Pollack then? And if Jeanty isn't the future, why wait two years to find out if Pollack is?

And Pollack has shown he knows the position already

Pollack has shown he can be a solid situation pass rusher, nothing more. Hell, we already have a better player in that role now in Rbert Geathers.

How do you figure that if Pollack retires that the Bengals aren`t out his signing bonus.

You do realize that they would have to take the cap hit all at once don`t you ?

Where did I say anything about the cap? The sunk costs fallacy refers to your contention we can't cut because we already spent so much on him. But what we spent in the past is immaterial; it's gone, can't be recovered.

How did you come to such an asinine conclusion ?

Unlike you, I've got a brain.

For my part, I think they need to get more players for those spots, and IF Pollack and Perry can get back, the more the merrier. But you don't not address it and hope for the best.

I would look OLB in the first round this year, and IF Pollack gets back at some point, you have quality depth or better. ML is all about the depth in any event.

Agreed.

[oldschooler]

So Rashad Jeanty is the future at SLB? Why do we need Pollack then? And if Jeanty isn't the future, why wait two years to find out if Pollack is?

So you think if the Bengals let Pollack rehab, that there is no way that they

can draft or sign other LB`s ?

And maybe Jeanty is the future, maybe Pollack is, maybe someone else is.

Jeanty is still very young and has played great this season. Depth at every position

is a great thing to have regardless who starts though.

Pollack has shown he can be a solid situation pass rusher, nothing more. Hell, we already have a better player in that role now in Rbert Geathers.

And you`ve came to that conclusion after watching him play in a grand total of 16 games ?

Wow, why are you wasting your talent on a message board then ?

Where did I say anything about the cap? The sunk costs fallacy refers to your contention we can't cut because we already spent so much on him. But what we spent in the past is immaterial; it's gone, can't be recovered.

I never said they couldn`t cut him. I said they`ve already gotten a 1st round draft pick

and $7 million invested in him regardless of if they stick with him or not.

David Pollack has a high motor, big heart, fire, desire and a great character that can`t be coached.

They have nothing to lose and everything to gain by letting him work his way back.

Unlike you, I've got a brain.

Nice come back. Thanks for showing everyone that you`re an a-hole that

actually doesn`t know how he came to such an asinine conclusion.

[Stripes]

Nice come back. Thanks for showing everyone that you`re an a-hole that

actually doesn`t know how he came to such an asinine conclusion.

You've failed to state why his conclusion is asinine. That's a bland label for what appears to be a valid point, and the bland comeback was therefore very fitting.

Whether Pollack comes back or not, OLB should be a top priority for the Bengals this offseason. They can't sit in limbo while Pollack takes his time with a decision this important. Money is a non-factor.

[oldschooler]

Nice come back. Thanks for showing everyone that you`re an a-hole that

actually doesn`t know how he came to such an asinine conclusion.

You've failed to state why his conclusion is asinine, and the bland comeback was therefore very fitting.

I didn`t know I had to break out a chalk board and draw people a picture.

I never made the asinine statement that if the Bengals put players on IR, allow them to rehab,

that that somehow limits them from signing and/or drafting other players at said positions.

The Bengals drafted Henry and Tab Perry after re-signing TJ. They drafted Bennie Brazell and Reggie

McNeal after re-signing Chad. They drafted Chris Perry and re-signed Rudi to a long term contract afterward.

They drafted Andrew Whitworth after re-signing both their Offensive tackles.

So taking the fact that the Bengals have starters signed long term at positions, yet they still drafted

players at those positions, I asked how he came to such an asinine conclusion that the Bengals

can`t go after players.

And that question deserved more than a personal attack. Ecspecially seeing how I didn`t

attack him. I attacked his thinking.

[Stripes]

Nice come back. Thanks for showing everyone that you`re an a-hole that

actually doesn`t know how he came to such an asinine conclusion.

You've failed to state why his conclusion is asinine, and the bland comeback was therefore very fitting.

I didn`t know I had to break out a chalk board and draw people a picture.

If you're going to pull insulting terms like "asinine" out of your butt, then yes you would be well advised to explain why. Otherwise, all that can be assumed is that you're ignoring the argument at hand in favor of immaturity.

I never made the asinine statement that if the Bengals put players on IR, allow them to rehab,

that that somehow limits them from signing and/or drafting other players at said positions.

I don't speak for Hoosier, but yes you didn't make this claim.

The Bengals drafted Henry and Tab Perry after re-signing TJ. They drafted Bennie Brazell and Reggie

McNeal after re-signing Chad. They drafted Chris Perry and re-signed Rudi to a long term contract afterward.

They drafted Andrew Whitworth after re-signing both their Offensive tackles.

So taking the fact that the Bengals have starters signed long term at positions, yet they still drafted

players at those positions, I asked how he came to such an asinine conclusion that the Bengals

can`t go after players.

You're only observing this scenario from the Bengals' perspective. I believe the meat of Hoosier's point is that it's very unlikely Pollack will ever end up a major contributor for this team, and it'd be better for his OWN sake if he just called it quits. I'd be inclined to agree with that, as he did break his neck after all.

And that question deserved more than a personal attack. Ecspecially seeing how I didn`t

attack him. I attacked his thinking.

Specify. Otherwise, the crude one liners will always be taken as offensive. Emoticons go a long way.

[oldschooler]

If you're going to pull insulting terms like "asinine" out of your butt, then yes you would be well advised to explain why. Otherwise, all that can be assumed is that you're ignoring the argument at hand in favor of immaturity.

I didn`t know a better word to use for such a ridiculous statement.

He still never answered, he just fired back with a "because unlike you I`ve got a brain" and yet,

even though I asked a question that was on topic, I`m ignoring the argument at hand and I`m immature.

I don't speak for Hoosier, but yes you didn't make this claim.

Like I said, I didn`t know I had to draw people a picture, or point out the obvious.

You're only observing this scenario from the Bengals' perspective. I believe the meat of Hoosier's point is that it's very unlikely Pollack will ever end up a major contributor for this team, and it'd be better for his OWN sake if he just called it quits. I'd be inclined to agree with that, as he did break his neck after all.

First off, he suffered a "mild fracture" in his neck.

He was never paralyzed or anything like that. He has the heart and desire to try and come back.

He has the backing of his family, his doctors, the Bengals front Office and everyone else that matters.

Pollack has made it abundantly clear that if the chances were greater to re-injur his neck,

he wouldn`t come back. Yet HE, Marvin and his Doctors are saying there is still a chance that

he might be able to come back, obviously without that risk.

I always had a feeling Pollack was going to be something special.

I have been a fan of his even before the Bengals drafted him.

He has a high motor, he has a desire and fire and he has great character that can`t be coached.

I don`t want him to come back if it means there is a greater chance of him

being in a wheel chair. Who would ? No one in the Bengals front Office, no one

in the coaching or training staff, no fan, not even Pollack him self would.

I just think people should hold off before you write him off so quickly.

This story reminds me a lot of Palmer`s injury last year.

Reports said it was potentially career ending. Then there were reports that said, the Doctor was misquoted.

Palmer ended up proving all his doubters wrong. I have a feeling Pollack will do the same. Give him a chance to

triumph or fail, before you label him as a failure. You would think with all the crap the Bengals have

been through since last January, that Bengals fans would be embracing a story and a player like this.

Oh, and Steve Smith had almost an identical injury in College.

How`s that worked out for him ?

Specify. Otherwise, the crude one liners will always be taken as offensive. Emoticons go a long way.

So I should have to draw a picture of why I think it`s asinine before I ask why it`s asinine ?

He never specified his asinine conclusion. Yet I should specify why I think it`s asinine.

Ummmmm, OK.

[Stripes]

I asked how he came to such an asinine conclusion, he fires back with a "because unlike

you I`ve got a brain" and yet, I`m immature. Geez, great logic.

You drew first blood, and hence he fired back. That's how it works.

Like I said, I didn`t know I had to draw people a picture, or point out the obvious.

Pointless garbage like this is why we're having this discussion.

I love how you guys come to conclusions here. First off, he suffered a "mild fracture" in his neck.

He was never paralyzed or anything like that. He has the heart and desire to try and come back.

He has the backing of his family, his doctors, the Bengals front Office and everyone else that matters.

Pollack has made it abundantly clear that if the chances were greater to re-injur his neck,

he wouldn`t come back. Yet HE, Marvin and his Doctors are saying there is still a chance that

he might be able to come back, obviously without that risk.

I always had a feeling Pollack was going to be something special.

I have been a fan of his even before the Bengals drafted him.

He has a high motor, he has a desire and fire and he has great character that can`t be coached.

I don`t want him to come back if it means there is a greater chance of him

being in a wheel chair. Who would ? No one in the Bengals front Office, no one

in the coaching or training staff, no fan, not even Pollack him self would.

I just think people shoud hold off before you write him off so quickly.

This story reminds me a lot of Palmer`s injury last year.

Reports said it was potentially career ending. Then there were reports that said, the Doctor was misquoted.

Palmer proved all his doubters wrong. I have a feeling Pollack will do the same. Give him a chance to

triumph or fail, before you label him as a failure. You would think with all the crap the Bengals have

been through since last January, that Bengals fans would be embracing a story and a player like this.

Oh, and Steve Smith had almost an identical injury in College.

How`s that worked out for him ?

Obviously I'd love to see Pollack come back and make a name for himself, but I don't expect it. Count me as skeptical that his neck will have zero extra chance of re-injury too. If I see a doctor's report that states exactly that with no "ifs" or "buts," then I'll buy it. All of this "there's a chance that he might have a chance to have a chance to get back on the field" stuff isn't very convincing.

So I should have to draw a picture of why I think it`s asinine before I ask why it`s asinine ?

He never specified his asinine conclusion. Yet I should specify why I think it`s asinine.

Ummmmm, OK.

What are you saying here? That your statement was just as bland as his? Just as meaningless and unfounded?

Uh, thank you.

[oldschooler]

You drew first blood, and hence he fired back. That's how it works.

I was editing my reponse before you replied. So it reads differently now.

Regardless, you can`t equate a personal attack to attacking a thought.

Well, I guess YOU can. Glad to know that`s how it works here though.

Pointless garbage like this is why we're having this discussion.

Pointless garbage like this ? Go back and re-read my post to this thread.

I said at this point, the Bengals have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

He said "No, they have plenty to lose, namely the chance at getting better players at both positions."

How can you even act like this is not an asinine statement and keep a straight face ?

I guess Joisey, or should I say Hooiser, makes a ridiculous statement,

doesn`t back it up with any kind of reasoning or sound logic, and that`s OK.

But when I ask him how he came to such an asinine conclusion, it`s pointless garbage, and an attack.

Obviously I'd love to see Pollack come back and make a name for himself, but I don't expect it. Count me as skeptical that his neck will have zero extra chance of re-injury too. If I see a doctor's report that states exactly that with no "ifs" or "buts," then I'll buy it. All of this "there's a chance that he might have a chance to have a chance to get back on the field" stuff isn't very convincing.

I have a novel idea Mr Skeptical, why don`t you wait til you hear something either

way before you start speculating and coming to conclusions ? That`s all I have said and

will continue to say. After all, we are both using the same info.

What are you saying here? That your statement was just as bland as his? Just as meaningless and unfounded?

Uh, thank you.

I have already pointed out why I thought it was asinine, at your request.

I thought I was talking to people that are Bengals fans and know their recent history though.

And regardless of their history, to say the Bengals can`t go after players because a player is on IR, IS asinine. What I said WASN`T an attack on him. But what he said WAS an attack on me.

So basically what I was saying was you are showing a double standard.

Anyway, you`re welcome.

[HoosierCat]

I guess Joisey, or should I say Hooiser, makes a ridiculous statement, doesn`t back it up with any kind of reasoning or sound logic, and that`s OK.

The reasoning was back in my first post after yours, I didn't realize I neeed to repeat myself.

Personally, I think it would be better for both the Bengals and Pollack if David just moved on. He may be the nicest guy on the planet, but the bottom line is that he's been nothing but a tease and a disappointment from the moment he was drafted. Dumb rookie holdout, constantly hurt, now what? He misses '07 too? So we can look forward to what? Maybe he can get back to trying to learn to play LB in '08? Assuming he doesn't bust a toe kicking his dog or something.

And what do the Bengals do? Jeanty is a solid player but unlikely to ever be a star. If there's a standout SLB prospect in the draft or a veteran in FA who is interested in coming here, do they pass them by in hopes that Pollack might come on in 2008 or 2009?

To go over it a third time: David Pollack has contributed virtually nothing to the Bengals defense in two seasons, and it appears that he will spend part or all of a third out as well now. Move on. If they have to carry him in '07 for cap purposes, fine, and they can look and see if there's anything left in '08, but you have to play it like he's out. You want more? Look at what happened when Jeanty got hurt. We got nothing but wishes and crossed fingers behind him.

You always had a feeling that Pollack was going to be something special? Well, looks like you're wrong so far. I've always had a feeling he was going to be nothing special, and unfortunately I've been closer to the mark.

[oldschooler]

The reasoning was back in my first post after yours, I didn't realize I neeed to repeat myself.

Personally, I think it would be better for both the Bengals and Pollack if David just moved on. He may be the nicest guy on the planet, but the bottom line is that he's been nothing but a tease and a disappointment from the moment he was drafted. Dumb rookie holdout, constantly hurt, now what? He misses '07 too? So we can look forward to what? Maybe he can get back to trying to learn to play LB in '08? Assuming he doesn't bust a toe kicking his dog or something.

And what do the Bengals do? Jeanty is a solid player but unlikely to ever be a star. If there's a standout SLB prospect in the draft or a veteran in FA who is interested in coming here, do they pass them by in hopes that Pollack might come on in 2008 or 2009?

Uggggh, that`s your "reasoning" for wanting Pollack to move on.

That has nothing to do with the asinine statement that I questioned.

Because in THAT statement you said if they don`t "move on" they

lose out on the chance of getting better players.

Anyway, the Bengals have 7 LB`s (counting Odell) under contract for next season.

They are Odell, Brooks, Jeanty, Nicholson, Simmons, Frazier and Pollack.

So of course they are going to address that position. No matter if Pollack comes

back in '07 or ever.

To go over it a third time: David Pollack has contributed virtually nothing to the Bengals defense in two seasons, and it appears that he will spend part or all of a third out as well now. Move on. If they have to carry him in '07 for cap purposes, fine, and they can look and see if there's anything left in '08, but you have to play it like he's out. You want more? Look at what happened when Jeanty got hurt. We got nothing but wishes and crossed fingers behind him.

He contributed virtually nothing ? Did you even watch the Playoff game ?

It was like he was the only Defensive player on the field.

Plus he was second on the team for sacks. Despite missing all of training camp,

learning a totally new position and battling injuries.

The Bengals linebacking corp has been decimated this season, no doubt.

But I don`t see how cutting ties with Pollack will solve that.

You always had a feeling that Pollack was going to be something special? Well, looks like you're wrong so far. I've always had a feeling he was going to be nothing special, and unfortunately I've been closer to the mark.

Some people. Pollack IS something special. What he has can`t be coached.

So you want to hold a hold out, learning a totally new postion and some injuries against him.

And act like those 16 games are all he is worth or ever going to be. TJ had injuries

his first few years, and never produced. The Bengals stuck by him. How`d that work out for them ?

[HoosierCat]

Uggggh, that`s your "reasoning" for wanting Pollack to move on.

That has nothing to do with the asinine statement that I questioned.

Because in THAT statement you said if they don`t "move on" they

lose out on the chance of getting better players.

Do you have a brain? I ask because it doesn't appear you're capable of thinking through the consequences of your positions. If the Bengals chose to act as if Pollack will be back at some point in '07 or '08, of course they are going to pass up top-tier OLB options in the draft or FA. If they play it like he's done, expect them to burn a top pick or spend money in FA trying to fill the spot.

Anyway, the Bengals have 7 LB`s (counting Odell) under contract for next season.

They are Odell, Brooks, Jeanty, Nicholson, Simmons, Frazier and Pollack.

So of course they are going to address that position. No matter if Pollack comes

back in '07 or ever.

First of all, you do understand that you are mixing up middle, weak, and strong side backers here? That the situation at WLB or MLB has no bearing on this conversation? As for the strong side position, yes, they will address it -- but the important thing is how they do so. If the decide Pollack is the future, the most you can expect is a bargain basement vet FA to back up Jeanty and hope they can squeak through until Lord Pollack can descend from Mt. Potential. If not, look for a top pick or FA splash.

He contributed virtually nothing ? Did you even watch the Playoff game ?

It was like he was the only Defensive player on the field.

Plus he was second on the team for sacks. Despite missing all of training camp,

learning a totally new position and battling injuries.

Color me unimpressed. Besides, I thought he had already learned his new position, according to you. But just for kicks, let's do a quick comparision. The las time we took an OLB in the mid-first we got Spikes. In his first two seasons he racked up more than 200 tackles, 5 sacks, 2 picks, and 4 forced fumbles, and played and started in 31 of a possible 32 games.

Pollack? 16 games, 7 starts, less than 30 tackles, 4.5 sacks. Yippee.

The Bengals linebacking corp has been decimated this season, no doubt.

But I don`t see how cutting ties with Pollack will solve that.

I never said cut Pollack. But I think you have to play it like he isn't coming back, and if he does won't be a factor. Anything else and you risk continuing not to fill the gaping hole that's been there in our D since Spikes let.

Some people. Pollack IS something special. What he has can`t be coached.

Ah, yes, I know, His Lordship is the greatest player ever. Just I wait and see, huh? Someday the Mighty Lord Pollack will perform and then I'll eat crow, huh? Okey-doke. I'm waiting.

S'funny. You know that Akili freakin' Smith managed to play in more games in his first two years than Pollack? And Ki-Jana looks like a stud next to him.

[derekshank]

This conversation is boring. I think whether or not Pollack is ever able to come back, the only way to move on is to assume he isn't coming back. MY guess is if he ever plays a down of football again, he won't be the same player.

He's been playing video games for the past several months, thinking about how close he was to never being able to walk again - maybe dead. He played the game with a sort of wreckless abandon. Based on his own comments... I think those days are over.

He may be a good situational pass-rusher again someday... but do proceed as if he is going to be our impact SSLB of the future is at best unwise. If Adalius Thomas is willing to come here in FA... we've got to grab him.

Pollack hasn't proven himself as an impact player, and there is no assurance that he'll play again, or if he does, will amount to anything. It's time to move forward. If he comes back... great. We'll have some of the best LB depth in the NFL, and surely will find ways to get him on the field. If he doesn't... we'll be glad we moved on.

[HoosierCat]

This conversation is boring. I think whether or not Pollack is ever able to come back, the only way to move on is to assume he isn't coming back. MY guess is if he ever plays a down of football again, he won't be the same player.

I have the same feeling. As to the relative interest of the conversation, well, it's par for the course for a player like Pollack. Bill Simmons nailed the type in a recent column here though he was talking primarily about basketball.

[oldschooler]

Do you have a brain? I ask because it doesn't appear you're capable of thinking through the consequences of your positions. If the Bengals chose to act as if Pollack will be back at some point in '07 or '08, of course they are going to pass up top-tier OLB options in the draft or FA. If they play it like he's done, expect them to burn a top pick or spend money in FA trying to fill the spot.

How do you figure ? They`re going to need depth at that position regardless if he comes back or not.

First of all, you do understand that you are mixing up middle, weak, and strong side backers here? That the situation at WLB or MLB has no bearing on this conversation? As for the strong side position, yes, they will address it -- but the important thing is how they do so. If the decide Pollack is the future, the most you can expect is a bargain basement vet FA to back up Jeanty and hope they can squeak through until Lord Pollack can descend from Mt. Potential. If not, look for a top pick or FA splash.

No I didn`t realize that until you told me. Clearly I have no brain.

The Bengals aren`t going to sign a high priced, big name free agent regardless if

Pollack is the future or not. I don`t know why you or anyone else would think otherwise.

And even if the Bengals use a top pick to draft a SLB, that doesn`t mean anything.

Look at Whitworth and Chris Perry as examples.

Color me unimpressed. Besides, I thought he had already learned his new position, according to you. But just for kicks, let's do a quick comparision. The las time we took an OLB in the mid-first we got Spikes. In his first two seasons he racked up more than 200 tackles, 5 sacks, 2 picks, and 4 forced fumbles, and played and started in 31 of a possible 32 games.

You`re obviously ignoring the fact that Spikes was always a LB, and all the other stuff

that Pollack has went through.

Pollack? 16 games, 7 starts, less than 30 tackles, 4.5 sacks. Yippee.

And clearly one of the best, smartest and dedicated Defensive players that was wearing stripes.

Don`t believe me ? Ask Marvin.

I never said cut Pollack. But I think you have to play it like he isn't coming back, and if he does won't be a factor. Anything else and you risk continuing not to fill the gaping hole that's been there in our D since Spikes let.

Oh I`m sorry. You said move on. To me move on means cut him...

Ah, yes, I know, His Lordship is the greatest player ever. Just I wait and see, huh? Someday the Mighty Lord Pollack will perform and then I'll eat crow, huh? Okey-doke. I'm waiting.

S'funny. You know that Akili freakin' Smith managed to play in more games in his first two years than Pollack? And Ki-Jana looks like a stud next to him.

You`re clearly just a hater. I`ve never said Pollack is the best ever.

But funny how a fractured vertabrae on the 2nd offensive play of your 16th start

will make you miss games huh ?

All I said Give him a chance to triumph or fail, before you automatically label him a failure.

You would think with all the crap the Bengals have been through since last January,

that Bengals fans would be embracing a story and a player like this with open arms.

If you`re such a cynical, hating moron that you aren`t willing to do that, then that`s on you.

Maybe you should start rooting for 1st round picks that have great character in the future though.

I mean, it DOES help your team if they succeed... you know ?

I`m just thankful that YOU actually don`t have a damn thing to do with the Bengals, other than

be a Mod of a fan forum. Now excuse me why I go thank God for that fact...