Bernard Pollard: One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Treasure

by Mike Kerns on Nov 6, 2009 10:05 AM CST in News Comment 126 comments

Safety has been a position of need pretty much since the Texans inception in 2002. Eric Brown, Glenn Earl, Jason Simmons, C.C. Brown, Nick Ferguson, Dominique Barber and John Busing are just some of the names who came and didn't work out at the spot. But something odd has happened this season. Houston seems to have finally found someone who has shored up the Strong Safety position well. Extremely well.

I remember watching NFL Network right near the end of preseason for the names of all the final roster cuts for every team. There were obviously several names that I immediately put on my "Texans Wish List." One of those names was former Kansas City Chief, Bernard Pollard.

By the end of Week 1 of the 2008 season, almost everyone knew who Bernard Pollard was. While it wasn’t necessarily for his play on the field. It was more for being known as the man who ended the season of Patriots QB Tom Brady. Not that his play on the field was lackluster.

I have several co-workers at my office who are Purdue alumni, and I remember one of them mentioning Bernard Pollard while he was still playing for the Boilermakers. He was referred to as "The Bonecrusher" for his really physical play and devastating hits in college. Something that earned him honors as a first day draft pick, going in the 2^ndround and #54 overall to Kansas City.

After starting every game and leading The Chiefs with 98 tackles in 2008, I think it surprised almost everyone when his name was on the final cuts list at the end of camp this year. Especially Chiefs fans.

With us staring a year of Dominique Barber and John Busing at safety in the face, I hoped Houston would take a flyer on him. And that they did. So far, it seems to have been one of the smartest in-season pickups the Smithiak regime has ever had. Since being inserted as a starter, Houston is No. 1 in the league against the rush.

By this point, everyone is scratching their heads and wondering why Kansas City let him go. When asked about it, Pollard simply says that he was just as confused and surprised as everyone else:

"It was very difficult," he said. "You don't know what's going on. You don't know who said what about you. You don't know how they labeled you. When you don't know, that's the worst thing."

When credited for Houston’s defensive revival, Pollard is humble and gives his teammates credit by saying that he is just another piece to an already great defense.

Another Purdue alum, Jacques Reeves, says that he isn’t at all surprised about Pollard’s huge impact on the defense:

"I knew what kind of player he was and I figured he would come in here and make an impact," Reeves said. "I don't know what else went along with him being cut, but I do know he is a good player and he's playing good for us."

A month ago this guy was looking for a job. Someone to give him a shot. Most agree that he is making the most of the opportunity.

"I just want to play football," he said. "I want to be able to show management or teammates what I'm able to do. You know what they say; one man's trash is another man's treasure. I'm thankful for where I'm at."

And most Texans fans are thankful to have him here.

However, as always, there are detractors. There are some who say he will give up the big play to try to make a big hit. In fact, I even remember him on 790 AM here in Houston saying:

"You just got to establish yourself....let them know that I'm going to hit the ever-loving **** out of them. Sorry to say that, but that's how I feel, that’s how I play."

Sorry, but what fan isn’t going to like hearing a player for their team say that? Along with Brian Cushing, Pollard has given the Texans defense a swagger and a mean streak that we have never seen out of this team before.

I say lock the guy up. He is only 24 (25 in about a month and a half) and in his prime. I know there are many who are worried he is just another Will Demps. And that could be true. But you don’t want to have the fix in your hands and let him walk next season. Pollard talks about how much he likes it here and the direction the team is headed. Unfortunately, there are going to be many other contract renewals and extensions to worry about this offseason. But let Rick Smith worry about that. It’s his job, not ours. Just like Pollard’s is to keep knocking the ever-loving **** out of ‘em, and the contract will take care of itself.

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Come on Mike!

I haven’t read the whole thing yet and im already pissed off!

You left out Matt Stevens on a wheelchair!

by Jordann on Nov 6, 2009 10:06 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

You're right

My mistake. Guess my brain is trying to have a three day weekend or something…My bad.

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by Mike Kerns on Nov 6, 2009 10:09 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL im messin with ya.

Great read on a Friday man.

Never heard that quote from Pollard before. Makes me even like him more as a player.

by Jordann on Nov 6, 2009 10:10 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I couldn’t find a link on it, but I do remember him saying it on the radio. I love the guys attitude.

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by Mike Kerns on Nov 6, 2009 10:13 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I hadn't heard that before either.

Gotta love Pollard.

You are banned from Music City Miracles.
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by CFHTim on Nov 6, 2009 12:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hey Bernard, Dunta has a pair of shoes he doesn't need but you could probably use them.

"An open mind is like a fortress with it's gates unbarred and unguarded."

The ROSENFAIL : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAKAKE-uq-8&feature=related

by TexansForever on Nov 6, 2009 10:23 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Curse you don't say that shit

You can't fix Dumb

by Texans-Brocos on Nov 6, 2009 10:26 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ha Ha

Not exactly what I meant.

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by Mike Kerns on Nov 6, 2009 10:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sure do wish we still had him right now

Mike Brown is so not proving to be an upgrade.

My guess he was cut because, while a leader in the secondary, he’s a wreckless one. Mike Brown brings smarter leadership to the defense, allegedly. He’s yet to produce, however, often taking bad angles for potential tackles and showing his age and injury history when trying to change directions.

I honestly wish we still had BP right now.

"The first step to penetration... must not be lateral"
-Confucius, in contrary to Glenn Dorsey lining up in the 2-tech

by ArrowSpread on Nov 6, 2009 10:40 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Welcome in man!

Was it pretty much unanimous among Chiefs fans that cutting BP was a mistake?

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by Mike Kerns on Nov 6, 2009 10:44 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Nah, wasn't unanimous

There were plenty that didn’t trip too much about it because, well, the guy really can’t cover all that well and doesn’t wrap up in space. But, there were plenty that argued that Mike Brown was old and an injury risk and wouldn’t be much of an upgrade.

I was of the former and of a mind that one couldn’t be worse than the other, except the other was a better leader on the field and possibly better in coverage.

I was wrong on both accounts, apparently. There was obviously more to his team-leading tackles in 2008 than just a really porous front 7. We should have just made him into a LB and stuck him the box on running downs.

"The first step to penetration... must not be lateral"
-Confucius, in contrary to Glenn Dorsey lining up in the 2-tech

by ArrowSpread on Nov 6, 2009 10:51 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

See that

Pollard has a tendency to really like to tackle with his shoulders. Makes wrapping hard.

Note to self: Insert something witty here.

by bigfatdrunk on Nov 6, 2009 1:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Some die hard KC fans applaud every move made including cutting Gonzalez. They all think KC had a great draft, Haley and Pioli are great, and Pollard and the rest of those cut were not any good.

by WarWolf on Nov 7, 2009 7:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Great Read Mike

I like Pollard a lot too, but I want to see what he does over the course of a season. This wek will be a big test for him because he’s not especially great in coverage, and he may or may not have the task over covering Dallas Clark at times.

You know... for kids.

by Jake on Nov 6, 2009 10:43 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

You're right

But most people have a hard time covering Dallas Clark. So that is a rough measuring stick, IMO.

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by Mike Kerns on Nov 6, 2009 10:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

no excuses

If he’s worth the long term deal, he’s gonna have to man up and cover him whenever he’s assigned Clark on the play.

The division runs through the Colts.

Smushiak will take us to the playoffs in 2009.

by texanphil on Nov 6, 2009 11:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Youre right

Lets just run Barber out there again next year and save some money.

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by Mike Kerns on Nov 6, 2009 1:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think right now

its Pollard or the 7th round flyer we take on a Safety.

Remember we have the extra TJ pick!

But Sunday will show Smithiak if we need to take the 1st round Safety or we can use the pick on Mount Cody.

Smushiak will take us to the playoffs in 2009.

by texanphil on Nov 6, 2009 2:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I am a little concerned about the "Will Demps Effect"

But, one thing that Pollard brings that Demps didn’t is that he has that swagger/attitude that has clearly infected the entire team. Demps had… well, male modeling and being a bit of a bitch-kitten with the media on questions they didn’t deserve that treatment on.

Pollard on the other hand – has gems like Mike mentioned – and he also had one last week. I don’t remember the exact quote but it was something like (when someone asked him about covering T.O) “I don’t want to talk about T.O., I want to hit him.”

Instantly, one of my favorites.

Chris - www.HoustonDiehards.com

by HoustonDiehards on Nov 6, 2009 11:07 AM CST reply actions 4 recs

Thats a damn good quote. I didn’t hear that one. We need to start a thread on Texans Talk of favorite Pollard quotes.

Oh and, uh, Bitch Kitten? LOL

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by Mike Kerns on Nov 6, 2009 11:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

on that note

That Wayne guy needs to be hit.

He catches the ball across the middle and lays down. Pollard needs to send him a message early.

Peyton does the same lay down crap. We need to hit them both, get in their heads.

Smushiak will take us to the playoffs in 2009.

by texanphil on Nov 6, 2009 11:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh no you dint!

You didn’t bad mouth Smooooooove Will, did you?

Note to self: Insert something witty here.

by bigfatdrunk on Nov 6, 2009 1:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

My thoughts exactly

Pollard was cut for his poor coverage ability, but dude is a beast in the box.

Demps played so well down the stretch in ’07 that it warranted him another season with the Texans. Boy, did that turn out ugly. Demps was atrocious for us last season in the beginning. Him being on the field was like a 12th man for the opposing offense.

If Pollard keeps up the good run D and can make a play or two for us against the pass happy Colts and Pats, then lock him up. Otherwise, grab a safety in the second round next season to push him for PT.

"There's two kinds of coaches, them that's fired and them that's gonna be fired." ~ Bum Phillips

by H-town Fanatic on Nov 6, 2009 2:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I kinda understand

Not having him as your starter over another guy you think can be an upgrade, but I don’t get why you would out right cut the guy! That makes no sence to me at all

You can't fix Dumb

by Texans-Brocos on Nov 6, 2009 11:29 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Great video of Pollard

in the locker room with the Chiefs on Hard Knocks. Check out the move at the end. Dude is a freak!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23PFEUi1fdA

by LoneSpot on Nov 6, 2009 11:30 AM CST reply actions 6 recs

That was hilarious!

and disturbing at the same time.

by Jordann on Nov 6, 2009 11:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Holy Shit

That needs to be rec’d

You know... for kids.

by Jake on Nov 6, 2009 11:44 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That will give me nightmares for a long time

At will give beefy a completly different reaction

You can't fix Dumb

by Texans-Brocos on Nov 6, 2009 11:48 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Damn you, firewall!

Can’t do youtube at work. Motherfuckers.

Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.

by beefy on Nov 6, 2009 12:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Look what you did.

Now you got beefy all excited.

I’d hate to be your significant other(blow up doll(BFD)) when you finish watching the video after you get home from work.

by Jordann on Nov 6, 2009 12:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Dude...

Y’all are gonna make me leave work.
This better be good for me to take a half-day!

Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.

by beefy on Nov 6, 2009 12:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Im pretty sure after watching the video

You’ll give it three thumbs up.

If you get my drift.

by Jordann on Nov 6, 2009 12:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I thought you where

His Sign other?

You can't fix Dumb

by Texans-Brocos on Nov 6, 2009 12:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That was soooo five threads ago.

When Matt went Kerouac on BFD’s ass again, BFD started wearing the naughty panda suit to catch Beefy’s attention and it worked.

by Jordann on Nov 6, 2009 12:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry Jordan

I I didn’t know BFD bailed you out with the Naughty panda suit, I guess beefy is into hair, between your captin hairspary look, and the panda fur. Makes me gland I’m bald

You can't fix Dumb

by Texans-Brocos on Nov 6, 2009 1:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

sorry glad not gland

You can't fix Dumb

by Texans-Brocos on Nov 6, 2009 1:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

My condition is not glandular...

BFD’s on the other hand…

Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.

by beefy on Nov 6, 2009 1:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Just talked to BFD

He said Beefy molests cattle.

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by Mike Kerns on Nov 6, 2009 1:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

like we didn't know that form what the sheep said

You can't fix Dumb

by Texans-Brocos on Nov 6, 2009 1:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Heh. Awesome.

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by Mike Kerns on Nov 6, 2009 1:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The damn economy is screwing that up, though...

Cattle are expensive, so I’ve had to move to large dogs. Which is nice, because post-coitus I don’t immediately want to eat the dog, like I do with the bovine, and through years of animal husbandry my junk actually looks like a red rocket, so I think it’s fun for the dogs too. Everybody wins.
Until I eat a dog.

Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.

by beefy on Nov 6, 2009 1:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hide your poddles!

You can't fix Dumb

by Texans-Brocos on Nov 6, 2009 1:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Careful now...

We don’t need another Michael Vick incident…

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by Mike Kerns on Nov 6, 2009 1:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ah, well

That explains why you have all that doggie underwear.

Note to self: Insert something witty here.

by bigfatdrunk on Nov 6, 2009 1:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well...

I had to get your wife to stop following me around with a scoop and baggie somehow, didn’t I?

Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.

by beefy on Nov 6, 2009 1:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Beefy acquired the taste for dogs

when he made the trip to the Philippines and had a massive tranny binge.

by Jordann on Nov 6, 2009 2:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Body by Budweiser, bay-bee

Caption: Me when I could afford Shiner.

Note to self: Insert something witty here.

by bigfatdrunk on Nov 6, 2009 1:49 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

Dear Durga

Is that a tumor?

by Tailgate Andy on Nov 6, 2009 1:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Don't be gross

It’s four fried chickens and a side of bacon. Duh.

Note to self: Insert something witty here.

by bigfatdrunk on Nov 6, 2009 1:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It's not a tumor !

Anyone else remember Kindergarden Cop ?

You are banned from Music City Miracles.
Happy Now Tits?
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by CFHTim on Nov 6, 2009 1:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I watch it at least twice a year.

by nolander on Nov 6, 2009 2:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I buy all the old arnold movies.

They are worth every penny for the various hilarious catch phrases.

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by CFHTim on Nov 6, 2009 3:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That's one big round belly.

How’d you manage to achieve that BFD?

by Jordann on Nov 6, 2009 2:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Besides the fried chickens and bacon.

You mustve done/eaten something else.

And the chicken that beefy made for you isn’t really chicken.
Same applies for the bacon.

by Jordann on Nov 6, 2009 2:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Tacos and beer

Note to self: Insert something witty here.

by bigfatdrunk on Nov 6, 2009 2:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Gabriel Iglesias...

Is that you?!

by Jordann on Nov 6, 2009 2:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Video of a hit

while at Purdue:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJKdpsZi_10

by LoneSpot on Nov 6, 2009 11:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thats Barber right?

by nolander on Nov 6, 2009 12:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

yup.

by Jordann on Nov 6, 2009 12:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That was a monster hit.

I would like to see him do that on a Texans uniform though

by Jordann on Nov 6, 2009 12:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

IN a Texans uniform

Nobody on the Texans should ever get hit that hard. Especially by a teammate. I want to see him do that on a Colts uniform. Preferably several times. Preferably with the number 18 on it.

by Karsh on Nov 6, 2009 12:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

lol my bad if it came across that way.

I meant I wanna see him wearing a texans uniform when he does that to somebody.

by Jordann on Nov 6, 2009 1:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Great find, LoneSpot!

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by Mike Kerns on Nov 6, 2009 12:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks.

Great post about Pollard. Dude made an instant impact on me the first time I saw him on the field against da Raidahs. Looks like a beast and seeing his first hit gave me wood.

by LoneSpot on Nov 6, 2009 12:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I am so stealing those moves

And why did that remind me so much of college? Wow.

Note to self: Insert something witty here.

by bigfatdrunk on Nov 6, 2009 1:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If that's true...

No wonder your knee’s are shot.

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by Mike Kerns on Nov 6, 2009 1:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

lmfao!

everyone is in sunday form already i see….

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by chrisd21 on Nov 6, 2009 2:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That was awesome

I hate John mcclain. He is a first class douche and should be fired from the chronicle. Ship him off to Dallas allready. He’s a dinosaur and most on this blog could do a better job than that douche. Mcclain and BBS should get a room, hey BBS might even share his Peyton splooge towel or get a romo one fo mcclain

by AllenOU on Nov 6, 2009 11:58 AM CST via mobile reply actions 0 recs

While I agree, are you talking about a particular blog he wrote?

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by Mike Kerns on Nov 6, 2009 12:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

His fa ts or good

But anyone can get the facts. I just think he is past his prime and someone younger could do better. He has that old man assholeness about him. Like if someone asks him a question like
who do you think should start at rb this week, his repsonse will be. I don’t know. Do you want me to make something up. Shit like that

by AllenOU on Nov 6, 2009 1:33 PM CST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

Better than Richard Justice. But not good.

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by Mike Kerns on Nov 6, 2009 1:34 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs

Amen, Michael.

Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.

by beefy on Nov 6, 2009 1:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That's like being the pretties girl at fat camp

not really much of an accomplishment

You can't fix Dumb

by Texans-Brocos on Nov 6, 2009 1:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

True

But Dick Justice’s strong, strong VY man love puts him over the top.

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by Mike Kerns on Nov 6, 2009 1:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Who doesn't have man love for VY.

Like seriously.

by Jordann on Nov 6, 2009 2:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

This guy.

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by Mike Kerns on Nov 6, 2009 2:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

this guy...

You are banned from Music City Miracles. (twice)
You are banned from Blogging The Boys.
http://www.twitter.com/doobieman21

by chrisd21 on Nov 6, 2009 2:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If you can love Dunta,

How come you can’t love VY?!

Where is the love Chris. Where is the love.

by Jordann on Nov 6, 2009 2:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

guys that walk around shirtless freak me out.

see this guy.

You are banned from Music City Miracles. (twice)
You are banned from Blogging The Boys.
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by chrisd21 on Nov 6, 2009 2:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

lmao

Love me some 30 rock.

by nolander on Nov 6, 2009 2:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

or this guy.

You are banned from Music City Miracles. (twice)
You are banned from Blogging The Boys.
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by chrisd21 on Nov 6, 2009 2:51 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs

jordann is a never-nude!

You are banned from Music City Miracles. (twice)
You are banned from Blogging The Boys.
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by chrisd21 on Nov 6, 2009 2:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Tobias showed me the light.

I’ve never felt so liberated!

by Jordann on Nov 6, 2009 2:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Arrested Development

Is a guaranteed rec from me.

Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...

by Tim on Nov 6, 2009 2:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

this guy

by turnip73 on Nov 7, 2009 12:16 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

seriously

ALL HE DOES IS WIN

by cubic on Nov 6, 2009 2:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I remember when people used to say that about Michael Vick…

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by Mike Kerns on Nov 6, 2009 2:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly!

At least someone gets it.

by Jordann on Nov 6, 2009 2:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I never understood the bad rep McClain has among Texans bloggers

I predicted a Texans-Titans MNF game this year and won a free lunch (and drinks) with McClain, along with about 10 other people. He had a wealth of inside knowledge about the Texans and opened up quite a bit on how the team interacts with the media. I believe he helps them with his coverage (like his draft coverage, for instance – I think he is in cahoots with Kubiak in some ways).

I am damn near certain that today’s story about Mario was meant to have a positive impact on him. Last year before MNF (where mario had like 3.5 sacks) Kubiak taped a scathing article of Mario to his locker – because he RESPONDS to that sort of thing, on the field. No coincidence that a couple of days before the biggest game in franchise history, he writes the article he wrote today.

Not sure why people give McClain such a hard time.

by WhiskeyR on Nov 6, 2009 3:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He also told us that when Dunta told him he thought he had made his point to the FO

he asked him where his other $13 million was, then. Man I wish I could have been the one to say that to Dunta.

by WhiskeyR on Nov 6, 2009 3:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

McClain

You can tell he’s tight with Kubiak from the post game interviews and what not and so that helps with insider stuff but he really is a first class asshole on his tuesday chats

by Albiceleste on Nov 6, 2009 5:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Bob Mcnair

is gonna be on Rome later, if anyone else listens.

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by CFHTim on Nov 6, 2009 12:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

That sucks

I’ll miss it. Anyone have a link to a podcast or some other recording?

by Big T33 on Nov 6, 2009 1:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Was he actually on?

I didn’t hear him.

by LoneSpot on Nov 6, 2009 1:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

IDK

I missed it. But earlier Rome said Bob Mcnair called up and asked if he could come on. And he said he would have him in the 2nd hour, but not sure if he did.

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by CFHTim on Nov 6, 2009 2:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

anybody who says that their gonna knock the SHIT outta somebody...

is okay in my book. i was a big BIG fan of bonecrusher before he came to Houston, always liked the guy. reminds me of steve atwater. (for those old enough to remember him)

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by chrisd21 on Nov 6, 2009 2:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Steve was better in coverage and he was an off-the-charts fundamentally sound player...

And it’s also a great comp to Pollard. He needs to fix some things, certainly, but he’s young, fast, and plays big.

Note to self: Insert something witty here.

by bigfatdrunk on Nov 6, 2009 2:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

in the words of Jim Ross....

he’s Mr. Slobberknocker.

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by chrisd21 on Nov 6, 2009 2:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Loved Atwater!

If Pollard gets THAT good, we are in for a treat.

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by Mike Kerns on Nov 6, 2009 2:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Signing has been pretty solid for us so far, but...

This is a one-dimensional safety. It shouldn’t be that hard to find someone else who can do what he does. He’s had a few good games, and his arrival has neatly coincided with our run game improvement. Did he have an impact on it? Sure, he’s way more disciplined than John Busing. Is he ALL of the improvement? I’m not willing to buy that.

Which isn’t to say, you know, that he’s not been good. But there is a reason he was a street FA, and that is the same reason that, barring radical improvement in coverage (which I can tell you the tape hasn’t seen), he’s not worth giving an extension to. Great story, great timing (3 wins out of 4), and he stepped in when we needed a safety who could stop the run. This does not make him someone who needs to be locked up as soon as possible.

- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter

by riversmccown on Nov 6, 2009 2:57 PM CST reply actions 1 recs

While I don't disagree

Then why has it been a position of need for seven plus years if guys like Pollard are so easy to get?

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by Mike Kerns on Nov 6, 2009 3:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Tough decision

The alternative is we think the next Dominique Barber, at 6th round guy, is our long-term answer at SS, and we spend a couple years waiting for him to develop.

Or do we type up Pollard as a more known commodity?

Smithiak has shown little interest in upgrading our S needs through the draft, which scares me long-term.

Note to self: Insert something witty here.

by bigfatdrunk on Nov 6, 2009 3:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm hoping for

(2nd round pick) at FS and Pollard/Quin rotating SS in 2010.

Thats with Frenchy and (FA CB) starting at CB.

1st round beast of a Nose Tackle. Late first round, of course… upper 20’s.

Smushiak will take us to the playoffs in 2009.

by texanphil on Nov 6, 2009 3:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Speaking of the beast of a nose tackle

Maybe I’m just looking at the wrong draft sites, and I am no in-depth college football guy, but why does it seem like Terrence Cody is so tragically underrated on all these mock boards? I’d love to see him in the middle of the Texans line.

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by riversmccown on Nov 6, 2009 3:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

Terrence Cody seems very underrated.

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by CFHTim on Nov 6, 2009 3:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

seems he's fat

and takes some plays off.

But he’s 6-5 and fat, last I checked, was a good thing in a NT.

I hope he falls to us. Him or Berry and we’ve got a stellar defensive upgrade.

Smushiak will take us to the playoffs in 2009.

by texanphil on Nov 6, 2009 5:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

To keep it short:

Charlie Casserley. Richard Smith.

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by riversmccown on Nov 6, 2009 3:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Couldn't Have Said It Any Better, Rivers

Not to say that Pollard hasn’t been a sizable upgrade in run support, but his deficiencies in coverage don’t have me screaming that he should be extended immediately.

Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...

by Tim on Nov 6, 2009 3:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

because he couldn't cover

the nine-foot tall Niners tight end?

He should be extended asap, if we lock him up at 2010 backup money. I really hope both of our Safeties are upgraded next season. I’d love to have these two as second stringers.

Smushiak will take us to the playoffs in 2009.

by texanphil on Nov 6, 2009 3:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Nothing to Do With Davis

Who, if I remember correctly, was actually DeMeco’s or another LB’s responsibility (I could be wrong there). Just that Pollard has not been good in coverage against anyone.

Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...

by Tim on Nov 6, 2009 3:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That sounds like a regurgitation...

Have we, as Texans, seen him play poorly in coverage? Not rhetorical… I just can’t think of any blown coverages that weren’t Demeco (V. Davis) or Cunta (Everyone).

Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.

by beefy on Nov 6, 2009 3:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i'm no expert

I just see him hit people hard, wrap them up, and stuff the run.

I can only say what the announcers tell me. Man those guys are smart.

Smushiak will take us to the playoffs in 2009.

by texanphil on Nov 6, 2009 5:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That last line brought me so close to flagging your post as inappropriate.

by nolander on Nov 6, 2009 6:00 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

Texans have been very careful to leave him deep in the zones when they play them

He was the one who was beat by Fitzgerald at the end of the first half in Arizona, and he has given up quite a few catches in zone. While he hasn’t really been “burned” one on one or anything like that, I think that is more of a result of the Texans consciously trying to keep him away from one-on-one on receivers at all costs.

- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter

by riversmccown on Nov 7, 2009 10:21 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Beats a zero-dimensional safety.

Barber… You owe us at least one win.

by Nashmeister on Nov 7, 2009 12:26 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hate to break it to you but...

Finding a safety that is as strong against the run as Pollard is and is above average in coverage too is pretty hard to do. Most safeties’ strengths are in one or the other. Everyone talks about what a great safety Bob Sanders is when healthy, but he’s also has average at best cover skills. Sean Taylor was a borderline pro-bowler when he played but was atrocious in coverage. The point is the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. When we have an excellent run-supporting safety we see his lack of elite cover skills for the position troubling, and if we had an excellent cover safety we’d all gripe at his shortcomings vs the run. You can’t expect to have a hall of famer at every position, sometimes a role player who can do what’s asked of him is all that’s needed.. And I think having strong run support out of the strong safety position is more needed for this defense than having a lock down cover guy back there.

by Bryan72076 on Nov 7, 2009 7:45 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs

Hate to break it to me?

I’m not living in some pipe dream world where the Texans have 11 Pro Bowlers on defense.

I’m just saying that a safety that can only do one of run stop/coverage well isn’t worth a big fat contract extension to me. Especially during the middle of the season while we’re all riding a pretty good streak of results. Giving Pollard an extension now would be overreacting, IMO.

- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter

by riversmccown on Nov 7, 2009 10:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Plus they don't give extensions durign the season

He should get something though in the off season. It would be great to lock him up for a few years and probably at a reasonable price.

by WhiskeyR on Nov 7, 2009 11:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

he may not be the whole bag of chips...

but fuck he’s better back there than ANYONE i’ve seen in a texans uniform playing the same damn position!!!!

by turnip73 on Nov 7, 2009 12:23 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Let's get one thing straight.

No one is better than Smoove Will. No one.

When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.

by tehGrindCrusher on Nov 7, 2009 2:21 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

still crushin' on him, eh?

Note to self: Insert something witty here.

by bigfatdrunk on Nov 7, 2009 6:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Can I change my name to

tehSmooveWillCrusher? Is that legal?

When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.

by tehGrindCrusher on Nov 8, 2009 4:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Can I change my name to

tehSmooveWillCrusher? Is that legal?

When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.

by tehGrindCrusher on Nov 8, 2009 4:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Pollard led KC in tackles last year. You can see from his college video that he lives to hit.

This year in training camp he hit Cassel hard. The DC didn’t like it and Pollard explained that’s how he plays. Pioli already blamed Pollard for costing him a SuperBowl win in NE when he knocked Brady out for the season. Pioli didn’t want Cassel getting hurt too. So Pollard was cut.

by WarWolf on Nov 7, 2009 8:16 PM CST reply actions 0 recs