Bernard Pollard came to the Ravens in 2011 as thereplacement to Dawan Landry, who’s now in Jacksonville. Some were skeptical atfirst, but Pollard quickly showed why he was meant to play for the Ravens.Entering his second year in Baltimore, Pollard continues to impress with hismulti-dimensional play.
Bernard Pollard was a key player against the Eagles, makinghuge plays that kept the Ravens in the game. A big sack on a critical Eaglespossession and a huge red-zone interception turned the momentum in the Ravensfavor and gave the offense more opportunities. Additionally, Pollard’sbone-crushing hits early in the first half really set the tone for what wasquite a chippy game. His perfectly executed, legal hitagainst the Eagles’ Brent Celek stands out in my eyes. Celek snagged a highpass from quarterback Michael Vick before turning and being formally introducedto Mr. Pollard, who caused Celek’s neck to snap back, taking his helmet halfwayoff of his head. It was a big, physical statement in a game that was already gettingout of hand in terms of after-the-whistle action.
Unfortunately, Pollard left the game after taking a helmetto the ribs during a combined sack of Vick in the first half, and did notreturn. Had #31 stayed in for the full 60 minutes, the outcome of the game mayhave been different.
These kinds of plays aren’t just a one-time occurrence forPollard, as he’s made big hits a part of his resume and reputation. Thishard-hitting, defensive prowess is something the Ravens have grown accustomedto and adopted over their existence in the NFL. It’s this mentality that reallymakes Pollard special to the Ravens and sets him apart from other safeties. Hispass coverage skills are good, but it’s his hard hits and blue collar workethic that have made him an integral part of the Baltimore D.


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