Bernard Pollard, A Raven!

[ravensdfan]

[quote name='mhead66' timestamp='1312475473' post='734962']
I hate to rain on anyone's parade, but I did a quick search on some NFL websites, that rank free agents:

1. On ESPN Insider, they've ranked 591 free agents. Pollard is player #143, the 15th safety on their list. For the record, Landry was player #55, the 6th ranked safety.

2. On WalterFootball.com, Pollard is the 17th ranked safety, one behind Zbikowski. The commentary says, "Bernard Pollard is a tremendous run-stuffer, but really struggles in coverage at times."

3. On SportingNews.com, they rank their top 99 free agents, including 6 safeties. Pollard didn't make the list.

4. On PFT (yeah, I know... ), they ranked 97 free agents... and Pollard didn't make the list. Landry was #56.

He'll compete with Zbik for the starter's job, but I [b]don't[/b] think he's an upgrade from Landry...

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/07/26/top-80-free-agents

http://walterfootball.com/freeagents2011S.php

http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/feed/2011-02/nfl-free-agency/story/sns-super-99-nfl-free-agents-lots-of-value-on-our-board

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/fa?sort=grade
[/quote]

Landry struggled in pass coverage as well. Struggled very, very much IMO. I remember smh wondering what the heck he was doing. I like both Zibby and Nakamura. I think they've shown potential. I was not a big fan of Landry. It is hard to judge Pollard coming from the weak defensive scheme of the Texans. He is not walking into the starting spot, he will have to earn it.

[gabefergy]

[quote name='ravensdfan' timestamp='1312475693' post='734970']
Landry struggled in pass coverage as well. Struggled very, very much IMO. I remember smh wondering what the heck he was doing. I like both Zibby and Nakamura. I think they've shown potential. I was not a big fan of Landry. It is hard to judge Pollard coming from the weak defensive scheme of the Texans. He is not walking into the starting spot, he will have to earn it.
[/quote]
Pollard is definitely worse than Landry in coverage, who really wasnt all that bad. I agree that he is going to have to compete for a starting job. Nothing gets handed out on the Ravens.

[B_MORE5255]

i like this pick up.... he cant hit and with ed back there why need him in coverage

[mhead66]

[quote name='B_MORE5255' timestamp='1312476412' post='734999']
i like this pick up.... he cant hit and with ed back there why need him in coverage
[/quote]
IMHO... and I may get blasted for this...

Ed Reed is a first-ballot HOF safety. He's been making game-changing plays for years. Led the NFL with 8 interceptions last year, AFTER missing 6 games.

But... Ed takes chances. Goes FOR the game changing play. When he plays centerfield and picks off overthrows, or anticipates (superbly) and steps in front of a sideline route, he's money.

But he tends to play recklessly, going FOR the big play.

That's why I think, instead of a monster hitter, we need a safety who is a coverage-first player. A safety who's there, to free Reed up to take those game-changing chances - and if Reed misses, he's there to protect vs. the big play.

He's not the best safety in the game, but Ryan Clark does this for Pittsburgh, cause Polamalu is a homerun-or-strikeout run stopper/blitzer, where he either makes a big play or is woefully out of position. Clark isn't great as a coverage safety, but he's good enough.

That's why I think Zbik is better than Pollard. Pollard will knock you out, but defense isn't only intimidation, it's stopping the other team - especially their passing. And Pollard lacks here.

Just my opinion.

[irish_lady]

Bernard Pollard is the nicest man you will ever meet. I met him last year, he took pictures with me and signed my rookie cards I had of him. I am very angry that the Texans let him go(obviously I live in Houston) Baltimore you are lucky to have this man on your team!

[PWNEDbyDEANO]

[quote name='mhead66' timestamp='1312479460' post='735154']
IMHO... and I may get blasted for this...

Ed Reed is a first-ballot HOF safety. He's been making game-changing plays for years. Led the NFL with 8 interceptions last year, AFTER missing 6 games.

But... Ed takes chances. Goes FOR the game changing play. When he plays centerfield and picks off overthrows, or anticipates (superbly) and steps in front of a sideline route, he's money.

But he tends to play recklessly, going FOR the big play.

That's why I think, instead of a monster hitter, we need a safety who is a coverage-first player. A safety who's there, to free Reed up to take those game-changing chances - and if Reed misses, he's there to protect vs. the big play.

He's not the best safety in the game, but Ryan Clark does this for Pittsburgh, cause Polamalu is a homerun-or-strikeout run stopper/blitzer, where he either makes a big play or is woefully out of position. Clark isn't great as a coverage safety, but he's good enough.

That's why I think Zbik is better than Pollard. Pollard will knock you out, but defense isn't only intimidation, it's stopping the other team - especially their passing. And Pollard lacks here.

Just my opinion.
[/quote]

Well reasoned argument. My only thoughts on the matter is that I don't think Pollard will walk straight in and assume the starting position. I think he was signed mainly because we needed depth at safety, especially as right now the guy who was meant to be starting is injured. He plays in a similar style to Landry and therefore we lose little by losing him.

[mhead66]

[quote name='PWNEDbyDEANO' timestamp='1312480980' post='735210']
Well reasoned argument. My only thoughts on the matter is that I don't think Pollard will walk straight in and assume the starting position. I think he was signed mainly because we needed depth at safety, especially as right now the guy who was meant to be starting is injured. He plays in a similar style to Landry and therefore we lose little by losing him.
[/quote]
Agreed. As long as they don't hand him the job, because he makes more money... The coaches can evaluate the overall game of Zbikowski, Pollard and Nakamura and let the most complete player start, and I'll be happy. Of course, like you said, with Zbik out, Pollard IS good insurance.

But when they're all available, I hope Zbik gets a real shot... IMO he's a more complete player.

[Thepurplehaze]

[quote name='mhead66' timestamp='1312483594' post='735276']
Agreed. As long as they don't hand him the job, because he makes more money... The coaches can evaluate the overall game of Zbikowski, Pollard and Nakamura and let the most complete player start, and I'll be happy. Of course, like you said, with Zbik out, Pollard IS good insurance.

But when they're all available, I hope Zbik gets a real shot... IMO he's a more complete player.
[/quote]
Take my word for it.. Zib will not compete for SS. He's our back-up FS.

[PWNEDbyDEANO]

[quote name='mhead66' timestamp='1312483594' post='735276']
Agreed. As long as they don't hand him the job, because he makes more money... The coaches can evaluate the overall game of Zbikowski, Pollard and Nakamura and let the most complete player start, and I'll be happy. Of course, like you said, with Zbik out, Pollard IS good insurance.

But when they're all available, I hope Zbik gets a real shot... IMO he's a more complete player.
[/quote]

Agreed. I think it might end up with them splitting reps (although most of Nakamura's will probably come in the dime packages that he features regularly in) depending on the situation. Zibby will definitely get a shot at starting that position, he did a solid job filling in for Reed last year.

[quote name='Thepurplehaze' timestamp='1312483726' post='735280']
Take my word for it.. Zib will not compete for SS. He's our back-up FS.
[/quote]

I think you're both right and wrong. I think he will compete and see playing time at SS as he's better in coverage than Pollard and has way more experience than Nakamura. I do think that if Reed goes down with another injury (fingers, arms, legs and eyes crossed that it doesn't happen) Zibby will be the one who plays FS and I imagine Pollard will get most of the action at SS.

[scrock]

You got to remember Landry benefited from playing next to Ed Reed, so anyone who comes in and plays next to Ed is going to look better as an overall player.

[Militant X 1]

Pollard will do well in our secondary. he doesn't have to be anyone but himself! let Reed do what he does and Pollard will bring the solid hits and run stuffing as he does!

~Mili

[wayne]

I don't think they made this move with more in mind of the possibilities of Ed getting hurt but I think they made this move more so off the chances of Zibi and Hakura not being ready for solid enough for the SS position. Also, for the rankings on Pollard, playing with the Chiefs and Texans secondary doesn't help and I feel if Landry would have got drafted by one of those defenses, he probably wouldn't even started and if he did, his rankings would have probably been worse than Pollard. On the other hand, if Pollard was drafted by us he would probablt turn out to be a stud or worse case scenario, a slight upgrade over Landry ( Landry went 5th round in the draft and Pollard went 2nd round for a reason ).

I don't know why everyone so sure Zibi can step in and be a good SS for us. Like I said before, the stretch of games where Zibi started a FS for Ed, the teams we faced didn't do Zibi any justice and that was FS anyway, not SS. I would hope that Zibi could step in and be a solid SS for us by him being drafted by us and understanding the system but with this signing, IDK.

[Purple Punishment]

who cares what ESPN or PFT or any "expert" says. Jeez, you would think they are the ones playing the games now

[scrock]

[quote name='wayne' timestamp='1312488872' post='735425']
I don't think they made this move with more in mind of the possibilities of Ed getting hurt but I think they made this move more so off the chances of Zibi and Hakura not being ready for solid enough for the SS position. Also, for the rankings on Pollard, playing with the Chiefs and Texans secondary doesn't help and[b] I feel if Landry would have got drafted by one of those defenses, he probably wouldn't even started and if he did,[/b] his rankings would have probably been worse than Pollard. On the other hand, if Pollard was drafted by us he would probablt turn out to be a stud or worse case scenario, a slight upgrade over Landry ( Landry went 5th round in the draft and Pollard went 2nd round for a reason ).

I don't know why everyone so sure Zibi can step in and be a good SS for us. Like I said before, the stretch of games where Zibi started a FS for Ed, the teams we faced didn't do Zibi any justice and that was FS anyway, not SS. I would hope that Zibi could step in and be a solid SS for us by him being drafted by us and understanding the system but with this signing, IDK.
[/quote]

thats taking it a little too far, Landry would be a starter in this league, he may not be ranked as high if he hadnt played next to Ed Reed, its in his blood, his brother is another good player

[Bltravens]

Pollard is a force when used around the box and in blitz situations and thats all there is to it really. When he's allowed to play in the 6-15 yard range he is in his element and can just flow to the ball. His coverage skills are nothing to be desired, likely because the dude is 225 pounds playing SS which is huge. Personally I wanted to see how TommyZ was going to fair at SS, we'd have two safeties with some coverage and tackling ability in that case.

[wayne]

[quote name='scrock' timestamp='1312489133' post='735433']
thats taking it a little too far, Landry would be a starter in this league, he may not be ranked as high if he hadnt played next to Ed Reed, its in his blood, his brother is another good player
[/quote]
I said probably and we fixin to see what he does for the Jags.

[Gordo52]

Remember Pollard has never played next to such a great safety as Ed Reed. Or as great as a defense as the Ravens. IMO I think he'll have best year in his career. (Not saying to much) But still a good pickup for us. Gives us good depth. And another Play like a Raven player. And Im hoping Chuck Pagano could teach him better cover skills. Along with Reed and the rest of our defense.

[Mick0311]

[quote name='Josh202752' timestamp='1312421441' post='734201']
That brought me to tears.. of joy.
[/quote]


Bwaaahahaaaa

[da#1ravensfan]

Good pickup very physical player, I think he the one that injured Tom Brady knee in 2008.

[MIkepoly]

[b]We let go a proven raven in Dawan Landry that understands the system,that also wanted to be back in bmore..and went out and pick up a safety in Bernard Pollard, that came from one of the worst secondary in nfl history. Coming from the fans who would you rather see suited up as a RAVEN.[/b]

[berad]

[quote name='MIkepoly' timestamp='1312494342' post='735597']
[b]We let go a proven raven in Dawan Landry that understands the system,that also wanted to be back in bmore..and went out and pick up a safety in Bernard Pollard, that came from one of the worst secondary in nfl history. Coming from the fans who would you rather see suited up as a RAVEN.[/b]
[/quote]

Merged because we already have an existing topic.

EDIT - as a response: that's just the business of the NFL and the salary cap. The Jaguars paid him a lot more than we ever would have [i]($27.5M over 5 years)[/i]. We've got some young talent in Zbikowski and Nakamura but they're largely unproven. I see nothing wrong with bringing a veteran in to play with us, assuming he came fairly cheaply.

And even the worse units can have solid players. The 0-16 Lions had a few good players on that squad.

[Alexir]

I rather see Bernard Pollard...412 Tackles, 5 sacks, 10 FF (7 Recovers), 7 Ints , 5 stuffs and FOUR blocked kicks.....

Thats with the Chiefs and Texans, wonder what he will do with a team like the Ravens. I think Dawan was a little overrated, and we got Pollard for much cheaper.

[baltravens]

My preliminary observation is that I see a trade-off in these safeties. I lost faith in Landry over the last few years when I saw him miss some key tackles; however, that could be clouded by the years following his scary injury. (There seemed to be a drop-off in his play after his injury occurred and his sensational rookie season.)

After all, we all could see Zibby take over starting safety duties.

[dt23]

[quote name='irish_lady' timestamp='1312480817' post='735204']
Bernard Pollard is the nicest man you will ever meet. I met him last year, he took pictures with me and signed my rookie cards I had of him. I am very angry that the Texans let him go(obviously I live in Houston) Baltimore you are lucky to have this man on your team!
[/quote]
Did you seriously make a account to say this lol..well If you like him so much wed be happy to have you become a ravens fan

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='boots0608' timestamp='1312426571' post='734318']
the game reed came back, which was the buffalo games, was the first time fitzpatrick threw for more than 300 yards. in fact, he threw for 382 yards. he only threw for over 300 yards 1 more time in 2010 and that was against the bengals. 316 yards. both games he tied a season high 4 tds as well.
[/quote]

When did 300 yards become the sole plateau for a good game by a QB?

The fact of that matter is, it wasn't Ed's fault Fitzpatrick carved up the secondary that game. I can post video of the big plays if you want as proof.

[gabefergy]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1312495535' post='735620']
When did 300 yards become the sole plateau for a good game by a QB?

The fact of that matter is, it wasn't Ed's fault Fitzpatrick carved up the secondary that game. I can post video of the big plays if you want as proof.
[/quote]
Yeah, you can pretty much point the finger at Fabian Washington for that collapse. I think Landry had a blown coverage too. Also Ed Reed had 2 picks that game...people tend to forget that little tidbit.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='gabefergy' timestamp='1312496002' post='735626']
Yeah, you can pretty much point the finger at Fabian Washington for that collapse. I think Landry had a blown coverage too. Also Ed Reed had 2 picks that game...people tend to forget that little tidbit.
[/quote]

I remember Webb getting beat for a TD as well.

[-Truth-]

[quote name='gabefergy' timestamp='1312496002' post='735626']
Yeah, you can pretty much point the finger at Fabian Washington for that collapse. I think Landry had a blown coverage too. Also Ed Reed had 2 picks that game...people tend to forget that little tidbit.
[/quote]
8 targets yielding 8 receptions for 164 yards and 3 TDs for Fabian Washington, through 3 1/2 quarters. Has to be a team record of sorts. To think that his old counterpart in Oakland gave up 3 more throughout the entire season.

[flynismo]

[quote name='MIkepoly' timestamp='1312494342' post='735597']
[b]We let go a proven raven in Dawan Landry that understands the system,that also wanted to be back in bmore..and went out and pick up a safety in Bernard Pollard, that came from one of the worst secondary in nfl history. Coming from the fans who would you rather see suited up as a RAVEN.[/b]
[/quote]

Pollard.

[poedacrow]

Quick question:

Noticed on espn site that he had 81 solo tackles in 2010, 2009, and 78 in 2008.

Does that mean he's an aggressive safety or were Houston's CBs that bad?

If he's that aggressive a tackler seems like Pollard is a perfect fit for our Defense.