Lenny on Thurman, Big Willie

[cincy9275]

i like simmons i think he has played very well for us. alot of the problem has been that he is the only l/b we have had in the past 2 season that that the opposing offenses has to scheme for. if pollack and o dell is as good as advertise then that will free up brian even more. which should make him even more productive. but our offense is the key there are going to have to get the lead early and just keep the lead. to make the other team running game a none factor. and then we can play keep away in the second half by pounding rudi down there throats. cause it is going to take a few games for the defense to gel and get really comfortable with each other. and landon is going to replce brian at somepoint, but i think brian still has a couple of good years in him.

[derekshank]

I watched virtually all of David Pollack's 40+ games at UGA and Bengal fans are going to love how he plays the game. The guy is ultra productive and his athletic ability is vastly underrated.

Odell Thurman has also showed signs of being a big time play maker in the NFL. However, he played only two years at UGA and he was not as productive in this 2nd year (likely partly due to him being suspended for the first 3 three games of the 2nd season).

Regardless, I am a converted Bengals fan and will be signing up for the DirecTv NFL package to follow the Bengals.

It's always good to have a new Bengals fan around... and thanks for the insight on our two new Georgia boys. I've never watched either of them play.. or at least never taken notice of who they are since I've probably only watched a collective 2 quarters of Georgia Bulldogs football.

I know a lot more about OSU players, and even Michigan guys than I do about the guys the Bengals drafted, simply because I've rarely watched them play.

From what I have read, and obviously what Marvin Lewis has said, we are quite lucky to have both of these guys, but its always good to hear it from a guy who is willing to convert to the Bengals for the sake of following them. That is a good sign. I can't wait to see what I've read about them play out on the field in Bengals uniforms. Who Dey?!!

[schweinhart]

Regardless, I am a converted Bengals fan and will be signing up for the DirecTv NFL package to follow the Bengals.

DirectTV was offering a free month for referrals to get Direct TV -- not the season ticket, though. If you got DirectTV already, turn on some of your Jawjuh buds and you could be racking up free months of service if they're still running the referral deal. Last I saw it advertised was about a week ago.

[WorldBFree]

Leadership comes in many forms. During the middle of the dark ages, Simmons was the one Bengal to sign a long term deal to stay in the 'Nati when everyone else (including Spikes) was waiting for their contract to expire so they could skip town. This guy is as loyal as they come and while he may not be a ProBowler, there will be room for him on this defense for at least another 2-3 years.

I'm not ready to see 2 rookies and a soph as our 3 linebackers. The heady play that you get from Simmons more than makes up for the small difference in speed. I can remember Landon getting beaten down the field by runningbacks and tightends just as many times as Simmons. On the TD catch by Kreider in the Pittsburgh game, I thought Simmons played it as well as possible, it was just a great touch throw by Big Ben.

Also, 56 single handedly took control of the Miami game, which was a huge win on national TV and without it, we could have ended up having a losing season in '04. I don't remember LJ making any game changing plays. He played well for a rookie, but let's not give away Simmons starting job quite yet.

:player:

[BengalByTheBay]

Regardless, I am a converted Bengals fan and will be signing up for the DirecTv NFL package to follow the Bengals.

You're going to look like a genius to your friends in about 6 months! Welcome.

Good post WBF. As I was scanning down this thread, I was trying to develop my response and then it ended up being just about exactly what you posted. DPM - Are there any current Bengals (C. Perry excepted) that you actually like?

[ArmyBengal]

OK, on subject... I can't see Big Willie getting a huge 5 year deal at his age... Bengals won't do it from a money standpoint. They would like to based upon his dedication to the organization, but this is still a business and there is still the big picture.

In regards to DPM's comment about Simmons:

I will start by saying I think the world of Simmons and love his play, but have to think you can't keep a guy like LJ off the field. We all know LJ is not going to convert to S and where else is he going to go?? He's not a natural MLB and with Thurman locking that down, I think Simmons will give way to LJ unless he has a stellar year THIS year. Wow, DPM, I guess what I'm saying is, I agree with you ...

I don't remember the last time I was so excited about the potential of our defense... :player: :player:

WHODEY !!!

[TippCityRick]

LJ will see plenty of time on the field spelling Simmons and Thurman, when we convert to a 3-4 from time to time, and on special teams. He is a good LB, but I'm waiting to see him make game changing plays not just be the one making the tackle cuz he's the one the offense let run free. If his development continues he will take over for Brian but don't look for that for a couple more years at least. Simmons makes game changing plays, and as someone pointed out earlier, the offenses last year had to game plan only for Brian. This year I believe we have more game changers on the field. Should be losts of fun once everyone gets comfortable in their new positions.

[HairOnFire]

Negatives

The biggest problem Simmons faces is the lack of a road grader at DT to protect him. To compensate the Bengals have moved him around the formation a lot over the past two seasons trying to keep him "clean". The problem with this approach is that offensive coordinators watch too much film and are sometimes able to take him out of the play.

I agree, and have mentioned this in the past. Simmons is still very productive and active but familiar teams like Pittsburgh and Baltimore,who know the Bengals defense almost as well as they do, routinely attack Simmons with fullbacks and tight ends, and they win the battles far too often.

Still, I like Simmons. It's nice to have a least one veteran barking back there.