Pollack's Role

[DesperateDerelict]

Don't know if this is worth a new thread or not, but . . .

It is being widely assumed that David will be given only a limited role during the start of the season. This will allow him to 'round up' into football shape, and be comfortable with certain duties and responsibities of the still-new SAM backer spot without having to assimilate the entire defensive playbook.

This makes a great deal of sense to me. What does NOT make as much sense is the notion that he'll be used on passing downs. I realize he was a sack-artist in college, but I have several arguments why Marvin and Chuck should use him on 1st down and short yardage situations only:

1) It will take the ex-DE a lot longer to learn how to cover TE's and RB's then how to stop the run.

2) He is 20 lbs heavier and stronger than Landon Johnson, and will be better at the point of attack.

3) He has 2 good shoulders.

4) Although they're equally quick, DP is not as fast as Landon, to cover the TE's and RB's in deep coverage.

5) I assume he'll have less of a learning curve in a Stop-Run-First defense.

6) Landon is (currently) the most intelligent and complete LB we have, and is perfect for the nickel and dime packages.

7) Last, and most inportantly, we have to STOP THE RUNS!

So, what do y'all think . . . I've convinced myself!

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

Pollack is in football shape. Don't think for a moment that his workouts have stalled at all during his hldout. He will be a backup to Landon until Marvin is convinced he is a better starter.

[LABengalsFan09]

Pollacks role you ask?????

Allow me to answer that question with a monologue from Duane Davis in the critically acclaimed 1993 film the program..................

(James Caan) Coach Winters: Alvin what is your assignment?

Alvin Mack: Hit the TE so hard his girlfriend dies.

- click to next formation slide -

Mack: Kill the QB

- click to next slide -

Mack: KILL EVERYBODY

Thank you.

:player: :player: :player: :player: :player: :player:

[clevelandbengal]

Lets hope he doesnt blow out his knee like Mack does :player:

[bengalboomer7]

I think this is a bad deal for Pollack. We all know Landon is good, he's played out of position, hurt, you name it. I think that it's going to be very hard for Pollack to get on the field based soley on the job johnson will do. I only want Pollack in there to rush. Don't ever drop him in coverage this year, just let him pin his ears back and do what he's known for.

I think this actually marks the beginning of the end for Simmons. We now have the middle and strong side covered for years and Landon is just too good to keep off the field. I am predicting that this is the last year Brian Simmons starts for the Bengals

Unless, of course, we switch to the 3-4

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

Unless, of course, we switch to the 3-4

A switch to the 3-4 is not going to happen, but what role would Pollack be better suited for than the hybrid 3-4 edge rusher?

As far as his role, early it's definitely going to be blitz packages and rushing downs. The kid ain't dumb though - I think by Thanksgiving, he should have enough of the defense to cover TE's.

[cincyhokie]

Pollack will help by just being in the lineup as a rusher. If defenses do not account for him they'll be in trouble.

If and when they do compensate for him, they now have to deal with Geathers and J. Smith rushing on the ends and Thurman creating havoc in the middle.

With his quickness and speed in the lineup he makes the defense better instantly.

[alleycat]

I just want to reiterate one more time here that according to Pat Kirwan before the draft, Pollack is number one in the incoming class in terms of Explosiveness/Quickness. His time in the 20 yard cone drill (lateral movement - what a linebacker does) was only beaten by a few CORNERBACKS in all of College Football. If he can wrap his head around coverage schemes, he certainly won't be lacking in his physical ability to do it.