Odell and Pollack Ready to come in and make impact

[cHaD711Johnson]

http://bengals.com/press/news.asp?iCurPage=0&news_id=2948

The Bengals got two things for their defense when they drafted David Pollack and Odell Thurman out of Georgia in the first two rounds back in April.

They’ve shown enough of that speed since they’ve been here that head coach Marvin Lewis virtually declared them “first day starters,” after Wednesday’s voluntary practice. And on Wednesday, they flashed that won’t-back-down attitude on the Paul Brown Stadium steam table when Pollack got into a training camp-like shove and shout skirmish with veteran left tackle Levi Jones after the whistle.

“I thought Odell was going to get into one before that,” Pollack said. “I was all set to go in behind him, but they stopped. But if they were coming up swinging, I was going to help him out.”

Thurman, the second-rounder who has taken ownership of middle linebacker with Landon Johnson still rehabbing from shoulder surgery, is never surprised what Pollack does on the field. And vice versa.

“He’s a real aggressive player. When some people take it wrong, you got to do what you got to do. You’ve got to have a little attitude,” Thurman said. “If you don’t have attitude, you got nothing on a football field. You’ve got to be a little cocky, to have a little chip on your shoulder to be a defensive player.”

Lewis likes Thurman because he’s showing he’s all football player as a natural middle backer, from his sideline-to-sideline speed to his take-charge demeanor in the huddle as the signal caller.

“He does a good job, he gets the call in and communicates well,” said left end Justin Smith, “and he does it well considering he’s just learning the defense. He’s got some good wheels.”

“Wheels,” or speed, as well as intensity, are the operative words with these two guys.

“They bring a lot more speed to the defense,” said safety Madieu Williams. “They’re guys that play hard and two guys always around the ball. They’re guys that feel very confident in themselves. It’s expected.”

The Bengals hope some of this new chippiness is going to help lift the defense in key moments of games. Last year, for example, in the second quarters of losses in Cleveland and Tennessee, the defense didn’t stand up against the run and it became a factor in letting the games get away. With new defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan preaching that he won’t tolerate big plays and the two new starters flying around in an open challenge, this defense is vowing not to back down.

“We’re not talking much. We have to go out and prove it,” Smith said. “That’s going to be our M.O. this year.”

Pollack, the first-rounder, continues to impress Lewis with his ability to transform from a college end to a NFL left outside linebacker. Last month Lewis said he had never seen anyone do it so quickly, and Pollack’s one week off for his honeymoon following the May 21 wedding obviously didn’t hurt him.

“He’s had a good week,” said Lewis, who thinks the key to the conversion is understanding how pass coverages work.

“I think I can be a good linebacker, but I’ve got a lot to learn,” Pollack said. “I’m just picking it up. I’m coming along.”

Meanwhile, Pollack has watched Thurman get plugged into the same position he played at Georgia in a similar scheme and hasn’t seen him miss a beat.

“Odell knows more than I. He knows what’s going on. It’s the same defense we ran in college,” Pollack said. “Odell is going to shock some people. I think people already know he’s going to be good, but he’s going to be pretty dominant.”

Thurman is turning into the Chad Johnson of the defense in the sense that he goes hard every snap, virtually never comes off the field, and isn’t afraid to goad the guy across from him to fire up a little intramural competition.

Even Chad himself. One day last week Thurman got on Johnson when he didn’t track down a long pass. “You got to get those 85.”

“I know he’s one of the best guys on the team,” Thurman said. “I just play around with him to get pumped up myself.”

He admits Bresnahan has thrown, “a lot at me, but I’m catching on quick. I’m out there in every regular and nickel package, so I’m doing everything. I like that. The more you’re out there, the better the odds are you’re going to make plays.”

Pollack made some plays Wednesday, and maybe a little more in his scuffle with Jones. In Jones, he picked a guy who has one of the meanest and longest competitive streaks on the field.

“No, I won’t,” said Pollack about backing down. “That’s how I am, too. Scuffles and stuff like that happens on the field. That’s part of it. I’m competitive and it takes over some times. No big deal. We’re teammates and that stuff stays on the field in practice.”

Practice has been good enough to elevate the rookies on a defense hoping to use this speed and toughness to upgrade its run stopping with an attitude that takes over games instead of leaving them hanging.

“I feel like,” Thurman said, “I’m the final piece of the puzzle.”

[DesperateDerelict]

Now THAT'S the best news of the off-season. Play-off tickets, anyone?

[BengalPappaw]

I also like the "fire in the belly" attitude of Pollack and Thurman --eg. the scuffle with Levi Jones.

IMO we are going to have a defense with a "killa" attitude.

Lets KICK some butt, HOLD a running game to less than 50 yds, SHUT OUT somebody AND DOMINATE ON DEFENSE. :player:

[Defender]

I gotta say, I'm really starting to feel sorry for the Browns offense in that first game. These two guys are REALLY going to look to make a statement and set the tone by punching somebody in the mouth right off the bat. And that's contagious. The first time it happens, someone else is going to want to step up and make a hit that makes you cringe and then another... It's almost too bad Kellen Winslow won't play in this game. He's number one on a long list of people I'd like to see Thurman plant!!!

[cHaD711Johnson]

Do the playoffs sound more and more likely for us everyday...With the reds, and Bearcats troubles it sure is good to have good news everyday in Bengaldom

[jjakq27]

Marvin was quoted in the Enquirer this morning, as saying that it wouldn't be a surprise of both guys started the opening game.

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/art...090404/1066/SPT

FOR STARTERS: Linebackers David Pollack and Odell Thurman - the Bengals' top two draft picks - continue to make good first impressions.

"I think they're ahead of the game," Lewis said. "They're both guys that were very, very well coached at Georgia. ... It would surprise me if they're both not first-day starters."

[schweinhart]

“I feel like,” Thurman said, “I’m the final piece of the puzzle.”

Gotta like dat from Thurman.

So long as he don't start talking about himself in the 3rd person.

[bengal4life]

I'm lovin it, :player: Pollak may take a few games before he will really grasp the position, IMO. Odell on the other hand will come out of the corner swinging. I like how the Bengals D schemes are damn close to that of the Bulldogs D. That makes it so much easier for Pollak and Thurman to pick up their positions :player:

[walzav29]

This is EXACTLY what the team needed and has not had in the Marvin Lewis era. A kick-ass, take no S$#@ defensive player who takes it as a personal insult to allow guys to run all over them. Now we have 2. Super Bowl!

[alleycat]

I have to say, I also liked Pollack's comment that he was about to jump in and help out OT. The way these guys back each other up is what we really need on this D. Yeah, they're still teamates with the O, but these guys are telling everybody our family is the D first and we aren't going to take S#!T from nobody. The UGA connection with them and Geathers also really helps. Also, though it could be taken as being a little too big headed and flashy for these two rookies to be talking smack and binding together, that's exactly the swagger and the attitude that this D needs (instead of that reactive/passive/comfortable attitude they've had). Hopefully they'll rise to the challenge and get a "Don't push us around" attitude with the rooks that the rooks will respond back to and then we'll really have some spice!

One other side thought. I love hearing that OT is ready for the middle. LJ was never meant for the middle anyway, and it bodes really well for the future when he's healthy and will replace Simmons outside (and of course strengthens those moments when we switch to the 3-4).

NOW I AM PUMPED!

[ArmyBengal]

“We’re not talking much. We have to go out and prove it,” Smith said. “That’s going to be our M.O. this year.”

That's what I'm talking about... Proof is in the play, go knock the hell out of someone type s**t !!! :player:

WHODEY !!!

[BengalByTheBay]

This is EXACTLY what the team needed and has not had in the Marvin Lewis era. A kick-ass, take no S$#@ defensive player who takes it as a personal insult to allow guys to run all over them. Now we have 2. Super Bowl!

OMFG, now I'm getting pumped. I can't remember the last time we had a loudmouth leader type on the defense that can back it up -- now we might have 2!!!! Come on preseason.

[TecmoFever]

I can't remember the last time we had a loudmouth leader type on the defense that can back it up

Takeo Spikes was the last thing we had like that. I really can't wait until next year's draft to see what Univ. of Georgia defensive player we take next!

[UofLnMU]

There are a couple of Dawgs left for the Bengals to try to nab...Quentin Moses and Will Thompson are this year's crop of DE's at UGA. Afraid there's not a Thomas Davis-caliber DB out there at UGA....

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

I can't remember the last time we had a loudmouth leader type on the defense that can back it up

Takeo Spikes was the last thing we had like that. I really can't wait until next year's draft to see what Univ. of Georgia defensive player we take next!

Webster seemed to be that kind of guy last year, up until he was taken out of the game.

[ionsen88]

I just wanted to wish you guys luck with Pollack and Thurman! I have had the pleasure to watch both of these players and I really enjoyed it! I think they will play GREAT in your defensive system and get along with a upbeat-energetic coach like Marvin Lewis.... Good luck!

[DontPushMe]

Our D looks to be pretty solid this year provided players live up to their potential. Not top 10 i dont think, but somewherein the 12-15 range, not losing games for us.

O'Neil-Williams-Herring-James

Pollack-Thurman-Simmons

Smith-Robinson-Thornton-Geathers

This looks good on paper, 3 are all potential, and the SS and DT spots are still pretty weak, but they are at least heading in the right direction. Next year in the draft grab another CB and SS, and a DT or 2 in free agency and id say we are as good as any team in 06. For this year though, i think playoffs isnt out of the question, anything beyond that is icing on the cake.

[Kazkal]

Our D looks to be pretty solid this year provided players live up to their potential. Not top 10 i dont think, but somewherein the 12-15 range, not losing games for us.

O'Neil-Williams-Herring-James

Pollack-Thurman-Simmons

Smith-Robinson-Thornton-Geathers

This looks good on paper, 3 are all potential, and the SS and DT spots are still pretty weak, but they are at least heading in the right direction. Next year in the draft grab another CB and SS, and a DT or 2 in free agency and id say we are as good as any team in 06. For this year though, i think playoffs isnt out of the question, anything beyond that is icing on the cake.

true that

[derekshank]

Our D looks to be pretty solid this year provided players live up to their potential. Not top 10 i dont think, but somewherein the 12-15 range, not losing games for us.

O'Neil-Williams-Herring-James

Pollack-Thurman-Simmons

Smith-Robinson-Thornton-Geathers

This looks good on paper, 3 are all potential, and the SS and DT spots are still pretty weak, but they are at least heading in the right direction. Next year in the draft grab another CB and SS, and a DT or 2 in free agency and id say we are as good as any team in 06. For this year though, i think playoffs isnt out of the question, anything beyond that is icing on the cake.

I'm all for optimism, and I don't think your comments are all that unrealistic, but until the Bengals can change me, they have trained me to not believe...

(I remember when Klingler and Ki-Jana were going to take us to the playoffs)

CB's: I am okay here with Deltha and Tory, and I think if Ratliff relearns to catch, he'll be okay too, so even though we aren't great there, I think a good word to use is... Solid

LB's: man I hope you are all right about Thurman and Pollack, and in fact I am this close to buying a 99 jersey, but I've been let down by rookies so many times, so we're not week, not strong... Unproven Potential.

S: Gotta love Madieu, but our depth here after Williams (and maybe Herring, he may be getting too old) is not there. So I'll just say... Shallow.

DE: I like our chances here. I have always liked Smtih, despite the fact that most people don't like his productions stats, and sack totals, I think moving to the other side will do a lot for him. I'm also a big fan of Geathers, and if Clemons gets his butt in, he and Powell make for good depth... Strong

DT: I like the Robinson acquisition, and think the move will do wonders for Thornton. But Askew can’t stay healthy, and after that we have a whole lot of nothing. I see trouble brewing here… Shallow

All that is to say that I feel like in a couple key spots we are unbelievably shallow, and even where we aren't, we are not great. If we can avoid injuries I think we can hit that 12-15 range DPM is talking about... but if we haveeven a couple of injuries at shallow positions, we could quickly see a repeat of last year... So let's all collectively cross our fingers.

[DontPushMe]

Like i said, if players live up to their potential.

[andybren]

...Also, though it could be taken as being a little too big headed and flashy for these two rookies to be talking smack and binding together, that's exactly the swagger and the attitude that this D needs...

I've always been unsure about the value of "swagger" but with this article I definitely see the upside. Especially on a team where the offensive weapons get so much attention, it's going to be a big boost to have defenders who want to keep their teammates honest in practice and outplay them on Sundays. I'd say that if things continue as they are now, the defensive will do more than just "not lose games" but will actually win us a game or two.

[wat]

There are a couple of Dawgs left for the Bengals to try to nab...Quentin Moses and Will Thompson are this year's crop of DE's at UGA. Afraid there's not a Thomas Davis-caliber DB out there at UGA....

I'm pleased to tell you that there is a starting caliber SS coming out Georgia next year. If you remember on Pollack's or Thurman's draft conference, Marvin mentions a safety wearing #17 from Georgia that really impressed him. That safety is Greg Blue. He put up solid stats last year as starting SS but was overshadowed by FS Thomas Davis. He is rated anywhere from the 4th best safety next year to the second best behind Darnell Bing. I think we could grab him in the 2nd or 3rd round next year.

[Spain]

Just call this (the bull dog d)

[The Big Orange]

I don't particulary feel good about our depth on D...we certainly have some quality non starters...Keiwan, L. Johnson, Clemmons, Powell, L. Moore, and Webster

The areas which are most suspect in my view...SS and DT are areas that whcih ML seems to have confidence about, stating that the Line wasn't mostly to blame for our running D woes, and he stated that our secondary was the deepest of any positions (which includes SS, right?)

So I guess I'll piggie back on his confidence.

[Kazkal]

There are a couple of Dawgs left for the Bengals to try to nab...Quentin Moses and Will Thompson are this year's crop of DE's at UGA.  Afraid there's not a Thomas Davis-caliber DB out there at UGA....

I'm pleased to tell you that there is a starting caliber SS coming out Georgia next year. If you remember on Pollack's or Thurman's draft conference, Marvin mentions a safety wearing #17 from Georgia that really impressed him. That safety is Greg Blue. He put up solid stats last year as starting SS but was overshadowed by FS Thomas Davis. He is rated anywhere from the 4th best safety next year to the second best behind Darnell Bing. I think we could grab him in the 2nd or 3rd round next year.

hopfully he doesn't impress to many people where we can't get him