So should pollack play LB this week?

[Kazkal]

He can cover the RB on passing plays or blitz then odell or brian can pick up miller in coverage but we really need run defense this week o_o

[turningpoint]

I don't think Odell could cover miller in pass D.

Way to short.

That's simmons job all the way, I would like to see pollack.

hell maybe we enviel the 3-4. shaun smith in at dt...robinson and thorton at DE

Pollack and smith on the ends, and odell and simmons inside.

Rush the 5 guys everytime, let simons and pollack make plays, and the rest fo the 2ndary!!!!!

Could be ingenious!!!!!!!!!

sense my sarcasm

[Kazkal]

sarcasm on the internet isen't allowed

[membengal]

Gotta say, I am getting tired of Landon or Simmons appearing to be out of position and whipped to the outside on runs.

Pollack starting? With that size?

It may be time.

[skyline]

My guess is that we'll see more of Pollack at LB after the bye week.

[Columbusbengal]

Gotta say, I am getting tired of Landon or Simmons appearing to be out of position and whipped to the outside on runs.

Why do people think Landon is out of position so much? I assume Simmons is getting a step slower and that's why he's getting beat. Landon was a budding star last year. Is he a better middle linebacker? I'm still hoping for Sean Webster's recovery because "in Marvin I trust" and Marvin absolutely loved Webster.

[CBin2k7]

People forget that Landon Johnson is playing out of position. He is not suited to be a strong side linebacker, he played weak side in college. He is learning a new position as well.

[membengal]

People forget that Landon Johnson is playing out of position. He is not suited to be a strong side linebacker, he played weak side in college. He is learning a new position as well.

I definitely have not forgotten that at all. It's why I am wondering if now isn't a good time to go ahead and get Pollack on the field more as a starter. If Landon's eventual home is over where Simmons currently is (and it will be), then why struggle with Landon learning SSLB at the same time as Thurman dealing with his rookie curve at MLB? Might as well get Pollack's and Thurman's rookie curves out of the way at the same time, and count on their athleticism to mask mistakes.

This team's future is clearly Pollack/Thurman/Johnson at SS, M, and WS linebackers. I am just wondering if it isn't time to go ahead and at least get 2/3 of that in place by giving Pollack the starts at SSLB with Johnson a frequent back-up to Simmons at WSLB for now...

[CBin2k7]

I dont' know it's interesting why Pollack isn't getting in at LB. Maybe he is a big liability in coverage and the coaching staff knows he will be attacked.

[jamesbrooks21]

Gotta say, I am getting tired of Landon or Simmons appearing to be out of position and whipped to the outside on runs.

Why do people think Landon is out of position so much? I assume Simmons is getting a step slower and that's why he's getting beat. Landon was a budding star last year. Is he a better middle linebacker? I'm still hoping for Sean Webster's recovery because "in Marvin I trust" and Marvin absolutely loved Webster.

Nate Webster still isn't going to be ready to play for awhile. They have three weeks or so when he comes off the PUP to activate, release, or put him on IR. They will probably use the entire time frame.

[USMC203]

I thought Webster and Miller were back this week ? If the are, sit Pollack bring in Webster he is better on the Run. I would then not dress Clem and put Powell back in. Now if we can figure out a way to dress Fenene who plays inside and looked good there in preseason ,S. Smith, & Askew, that would give us more stopping power up front. I would hope that one of them would need double teamed to let ODell eat up the middle.

[turningpoint]

People forget that Landon Johnson is playing out of position. He is not suited to be a strong side linebacker, he played weak side in college. He is learning a new position as well.

I definitely have not forgotten that at all. It's why I am wondering if now isn't a good time to go ahead and get Pollack on the field more as a starter. If Landon's eventual home is over where Simmons currently is (and it will be), then why struggle with Landon learning SSLB at the same time as Thurman dealing with his rookie curve at MLB? Might as well get Pollack's and Thurman's rookie curves out of the way at the same time, and count on their athleticism to mask mistakes.

This team's future is clearly Pollack/Thurman/Johnson at SS, M, and WS linebackers. I am just wondering if it isn't time to go ahead and at least get 2/3 of that in place by giving Pollack the starts at SSLB with Johnson a frequent back-up to Simmons at WSLB for now...

So Sit Simmons?????????

Maybe if we were 0-6.....

Were in a home field advantage for the playoffs chase, muchless a wild card birth.

You guys are crazy.

THE BEST LB on this team is BRIAN SIMMONS, why he was drafted #18 in the draft.

I'm still wondering how people think he has lost a half of a step, he looks like the same guy we drafted 7 years ago. he may not be a flashy dominate LB that we all want out of him, but he's always there making a tackle or forcing a turnover. In the right spot at the right time. Probalby our smartest defender, besides Tory james.

Everything I've seen him do this season has been good, he hasn't made a mistake as of yet.

Put in a guy whose never played LB for a 7 year veteran who is a consummate pro....

[membengal]

No, I said Landon in that scenario would be Simmons' back-up for now. For the rest of the season.

I have consistently maintained that this will be Simmons' last year with the Bengals, his large contract for 2006 and 2007 makes him a pretty good salary cap cut candidate.

For now, I am advocating Johnson as a super-sub at LB, with Pollack taking over at SSLB.

And, yes, this is not the ideal week for that, perhaps after the bye. But I am yearning for some more beef at the point of attack, and Pollack has more size as is usually required at SSLB than Landon does, who is playing out of position right now.

[HoosierCat]

And, yes, this is not the ideal week for that, perhaps after the bye. But I am yearning for some more beef at the point of attack, and Pollack has more size as is usually required at SSLB than Landon does, who is playing out of position right now.

I agree. Frankly, I wish they would have put Pollack out there at LB in week one and gotten it over with; the Steelers game is definitely a bad place to throw in the rook.

The question I keep coming back to, tho, is this: just how bad is Pollack? I mean, we're talking about needing someone better than Kevin Hardy or an out-of-position Landon. That's not a stretch. I understand he missed camp but we're six weeks in. He had all the minis, Marvin was sending him film, etc., here we are pushing halfway through the season, he's had lots of time to practice and learn...what's up????

[Kirkendall]

My thought process is where would Polly go?

Simmons is that veteran leadership (supposedly), Thurman will win his second rookie of the week award Thursday, and Landon had a good last season, and he's, obviously still outperforming Pollack in practice -- and Ma'vin still rewards for hard work in practice.

Should we go back to the 3-4 discussion?

I don't think Odell could cover miller in pass D.

I don't think he would anyway. I do believe a majority of the defensive plays called, the underneth areas are run in zone with corners playing WRs and safties playing two-deep zone.

Is that accurate? I could be wrong.. (anyone)

[turningpoint]

No, I said Landon in that scenario would be Simmons' back-up for now. For the rest of the season.

I have consistently maintained that this will be Simmons' last year with the Bengals, his large contract for 2006 and 2007 makes him a pretty good salary cap cut candidate.

For now, I am advocating Johnson as a super-sub at LB, with Pollack taking over at SSLB.

And, yes, this is not the ideal week for that, perhaps after the bye. But I am yearning for some more beef at the point of attack, and Pollack has more size as is usually required at SSLB than Landon does, who is playing out of position right now.

i still disagree, Marvin will restructure his deal before we ever get ride of him.

Brian Simmons is our Willia Anderson on D, he's poured his heart and soul into this franchsoe for 8 years, he even stuck around during the hard times to try to turn this thing around, I have nothing but respect for Brian Simmons, and the guy can still play the position like he did he rookie year.

It would be nothing short of a travisty if Simmons didn't retire a Bengal.

It would be borderline Junior Seau leaving SD to go to Miami.

My thought process is where would Polly go?

Simmons is that veteran leadership (supposedly), Thurman will win his second rookie of the week award Thursday, and Landon had a good last season, and he's, obviously still outperforming Pollack in practice -- and Ma'vin still rewards for hard work in practice.

Should we go back to the 3-4 discussion?

I don't think Odell could cover miller in pass D.

I don't think he would anyway. I do believe a majority of the defensive plays called, the underneth areas are run in zone with corners playing WRs and safties playing two-deep zone.

Is that accurate? I could be wrong.. (anyone)

yeah I've never seen out Lb's covering the TE's unless they're 5 yd out routes or quick 5 yd run up the field and stop and find a gap in the zone.

[Kazkal]

Is ward going to be out? would make the decesion that much easier =P and let them throw alot give tory and deltha chances to make some plays

[HairOnFire]

The question I keep coming back to, tho, is this: just how bad is Pollack? I mean, we're talking about needing someone better than Kevin Hardy or an out-of-position Landon. That's not a stretch. I understand he missed camp but we're six weeks in. He had all the minis, Marvin was sending him film, etc., here we are pushing halfway through the season, he's had lots of time to practice and learn...what's up????

How bad is Pollack?

Sheesh, I don't know. Why don't you list all of the plays he's been victimized on so far?

Something tells me we'll be talking about a very short list.

[HoosierCat]

How bad is Pollack?

Sheesh, I don't know. Why don't you list all of the plays he's been victimized on so far?

Something tells me we'll be talking about a very short list.

Well, given that the list of plays he's been on is pretty small, I'm sure you're right.

I mean, 11 tackles, a sack, a pass defensed. Woo-friggin-hoo.

Now, far be it from me to stat tossing the "'bust" label around. After all, I was one of the few defenders of "2-carry Perry" last year, and we both are aware of how that particular call is working out right now, eh?

But we are talking about a a guy that Marvin praised to the skies even as his holdout dragged on. And we are talking about a guy who Marvin said was ahead of Peter "11.5 sacks his rookie year" Boulware is his development. And we are talking about a guy, in this case me, who you accused of ignoring Marvin's pronouncements way too much....so...

Is Marvin full of s**t?

Does Polly (I like that, kirk!) suck?

What's up???

[Stripes]

I expect Pollack to get extra playing time Sunday, but not so much as to expect him to make a big impact in stopping the run. I have a feeling that if Pollack will ever have a breakout game this season, it will be this one. He was getting pressure on McNair a lot last week, and he has been steadily progressing in my rare opinion as we've gone along. It doesn't show in his stats, but would a pure pass rusher that has been lining up at defensive end only to spell the stater ever have many more than 11 tackles?

[HairOnFire]

Questions, questions, questions...

How bad is Pollack?

Woo-friggin-hoo?

Does Polly suck?

Is Marvin full of s**t?

What's up???

And of course the question that just begs to be answered, how wet is your blanket?

Sadly, I have consulted the magic 8-ball and the answers to all of these questions is...."Ask again later."

[HoosierCat]

Sadly, I have consulted the magic 8-ball and the answers to all of these questions is...."Ask again later."

Well, that is the bottom line, isn't it?

Of course, when I suggested as much last year about our first round pick...well, such sentiments were in short supply.

Like the team, it seems Bengals fandom is showing some maturity as well...

[Kirkendall]

I expect Pollack to get extra playing time Sunday, but not so much as to expect him to make a big impact in stopping the run. I have a feeling that if Pollack will ever have a breakout game this season, it will be this one. He was getting pressure on McNair a lot last week, and he has been steadily progressing in my rare opinion as we've gone along. It doesn't show in his stats, but would a pure pass rusher that has been lining up at defensive end only to spell the stater ever have many more than 11 tackles?

I rarely get in the game of predictions -- yea, as if.

But I'd say we'll see Polly on third down pass situations before we see him on first or second downs. Let me explain.

First of all, we have a QB in Big Ben that's suffered a leg injury possibly (and hopefully) limiting his mobility. Therefore, Polly would be a perfect pass rushing LB -- because he can just go like his college days not worrying about any responsibilities -- which hopefully means Chucky B. see a mad rush of blitzes on Ben.

Now being under-sized, yet quick, against a line that I've read is a good group of big-uglies, I'll bet Polly -- still learning the new position of LB, adapting to the differing physical demands -- wouldn't be much of a factor. Simmons or Landon are damn good linebackers. And I believe putting Polly in would downground the defense -- for now.

I'm sure Polly will be a great player in a Bengals uniform, one day. However, he's not needed to be great now either. We're 5-1 with the limited stats JC provided above (the "Woo-friggin-hoo" post) and NOT in dire need for his services. He'll be Palmerised and will be the eventual replacement for Simmons -- Marvin just doesn't know it yet.

(if you want a couple of examples on run-on sentences, see above)

[HoosierCat]

He'll be Palmerised and will be the eventual replacement for Simmons -- Marvin just doesn't know it yet.

Interesting. So you see Pollack as out starting weak side backer, and not Landon? Who do we put at SSLB?

(bets the 3-4 is involved here somehow )

[Kirkendall]

He'll be Palmerised and will be the eventual replacement for Simmons -- Marvin just doesn't know it yet.

Interesting. So you see Pollack as out starting weak side backer, and not Landon? Who do we put at SSLB?

(bets the 3-4 is involved here somehow )

C'mon, it'd work. All four LBers. Need a nose guard? We could grab that one fat Steelers fan chick puking after drinking some Stiller Mill beer after realizing Big Ben was wanting some suga'.