[Blogs] ‘Meant A Lot’ For Pollard To Get First Start

[BR News]

Safety Bernard Pollard is a team-first guy, just a piece of the puzzle, he says.

But he admits it was “weird” not being the starter at strong safety.

That changed Sunday night against the New York Jets, as Pollard officially got his first start of the season – and impressed in the process.

Tom Zbikowski helped the safeties and banged-up cornerback corps as a free-range defensive back, playing at both positions. Thus, Pollard and Zbikowski were announced as starters during the team’s introductions.

“It meant a lot,” Pollard said. “Being in this league for as long as I have, it was weird.

“I’ve been blessed. God has been working in my life and I had to be patient for three weeks. I did whatever I had to do to help the team out and it paid off in the end.”

After signing with the Ravens as a free agent on Aug. 8, Pollard immediately said he relished the opportunity to compete with Zbikowski and Nakamura to be the man next to safety Ed Reed.

He also instantly impressed with his physicality. Pollard blew up a couple blockers in the backfield during his first practice and has continued to be a wrecking ball, an attacking intensity that has been the signature of the Ravens’ defense in 2011.

But there was an adjustment to make for the six-year pro, who was last with the Houston Texans for two years and the Kansas City Chiefs for three seasons before that.

Pollard had to switch from the 4-3 defense he says he had been in his whole life to the Ravens’ primary 3-4 base scheme.

“You have to do so many different things on the back end and you don’t have any gap control. That’s big,” Pollard said. “I’m finally there [mentally].”

Pollard said he talked to the defensive leader and the man who knows the Ravens’ defense inside and out, linebacker Ray Lewis, every day. Now that he’s got the conceptual part down, Pollard is good to go. The physical aspect was never a problem.

He recorded a season-high three tackles against the Jets, all against New York’s running attack of running backs Shonn Green and LaDainian Tomlinson and fullback John Connor.

“He makes his presence felt, every single play,” Head Coach John Harbaugh said Monday morning after watching the tape. “Whether he’s blitzing, whether he’s coming up in run-defense, but also in coverage, he was a factor in coverage back there. He played very well.”

[url=http://blogs.baltimoreravens.com/2011/10/07/%e2%80%98meant-a-lot%e2%80%99-for-pollard-to-get-first-start/]View the full article[/url]

[Purple&Black]

does this mean he is starting the rest of the year, or just against certain teams, or just bc everyone was hurt at CB?

[scrock]

He's definitely a heavy hitter and I'm sure he wants to play against his former team

[jrs034]

nice job keep it up and you could be a full time starter

[FitzaFlaccoFan]

Make sure he plays against Houston -- payback babeeee!

Pollard must start -- please Harbs!

[Lockdown D]

We run 3 safety packages were he basically lines up as the weak LB it's great for blitz

[jravens727]

Both players can get it done. I prefer Pollard over Zibby. I like both players, but Zibby isn't as physical as Pollard. When Pollard is in the game you know it! Zibby is always in the right position and I am glad we have the both of them on the Ravens. I can't wait to see Zibby make more plays.

[Knowledgeable]

Please start Pollard, He is the man

[ravensfancburr]

this guy is a starter on almost every other team but he is fighting between two others for our starting job this shows just how great and deep our defense really is

[ravens626]

I think it really comes down to what you prefer. If youre looking for a potentially big home run play, Pollard is your guy. If youre looking for consistent play where someone will rarely blow their assignment, and make a tackel, zibby is your dude. I like them both a lot. They both bring something different to the table. I prefer Zibby as our #1 SS though. Its his natural position out of college, he knows our system well and can only get better.

[bpytnjr58]

It was good to see him out there...he was really getting under the Jets skin after a while.

[Legendary Ravens]

B Pollard... Do what you do and play like a RAVEN. Much Respect

[death/on/wings]

totally off subject but.......Why cant we where black uniforms every home game !?!?!?! EVERYBODYY loves them and not one ravens fan can disagree

[H8R]

Only what a FEW of us have been preaching for 3-4 weeks now! Pollard WILL be an impact player.

[H8R]

I mean, Zibby hasnt had 1 PD in 4 games....... Pollard has almost half as many tackles and a PD and a TFL.....

[The Mom Gene]

I love to watch this guy. He is a lot like Ray Lewis. When he's in there; he's in there... right on the play every time. He's fast, he's physical, and he's there.

[J-BIRD-52]

I love Pollard on this team anywhere, that being said I still think he would best serve putting on 10-20 lbs. of good muscle and transitioning to LB. he already hits and blitzes like one and he would be superior in coverage. Make him a Ray Lewis/Ed Reed combination understudy. He would be a hybrid like no other.

[FerrariFan87]

I hope "Angry Man" gets the start against his former team.

[Eveal]

j-bird I also agree, he would bring a HUGE presence to the pass rush with his speed and the ability to drop back and into nickle coverage and up against tight ends with his speed it would help vs these receiving tight ends.

[1 + 1 = 2]

i love the difference in the packages we can run. My take on all three FS are as follows:

pollard - the worst in coverage, but best thumper. He hits the hardest, plays the run the best, and lays out anyone who comes over the middle.
nakamura - is the best pure cover safety, doesn't have the best instincts on the run
zibby - the best of both of both worlds. he is a quality player in both the run and pass and has the best chemistry with reed back there, hence the starter.

With having Ed always back there, depending on the scenario, we can throw a lot of different schemes and looks while keeping everyone fresh. I am very happy with the addition of bernard.

[ravenwildman]

Pollard hits so hard I feel the impact in my living room through the TV! This man is a hammer! He is a perfect fit as a Raven. :D

GO RAVENS!

[I Roll With Purple n Black]

"Pollard is Problem and they can't find a way to solve him " !!!!

[RabidRavensfan]

I know it's only four weeks in, but Im getting this feeling that this year is our year. The stars are all aligned and this team continues to get better. Darn bye week, although we needed it.

[The Mom Gene]

I know RabidRavensfan... No Ravens this week.... Bummer...

[Dumbo of Rome]

ANGRY MAN! He's in the middle of every single scuffle, "face first" (as we say in rugby): that means a lot to the teammates.
I loved my ANGRY MAN in preseason, and I know we'll be seeing more of him as the season goes on.
Actually, can't wait to see him in Pittsburgh - I know they are scheming up something for him to get to Brothlisberger, hard.

[Arclite720]

You talk about play like a Raven! Look at the way this guy hits!! He is trying to put'em to sleep in run support!! Physical in coverage. He brings the wood!!! Perfect Raven!! Just think folks...wait until he REALLY learns the system!!!

[BeastMode]

Pollard brings alot to the defense, he has the right attitude to be a raven

[sami]

I think pollard will be the starting safety from now on. He just needed to learn the 4-3. but that doesnt mean Zibby amf haku wont get plenty of game time.
Thats whats so good about this team. We can substitute so many people at so many positions its got to scare the bejeebers outa the other teams.
Id like to see him add about 10 lbs of muscle too if he can do it without losing any speed.

[marylandmike12]

I think they are both very great safety but, personally I just pollards hits

[81syntech]

I love watching this guy play!