Ravens: S Bernard Pollard inflicts pain on the Patriots
Baltimore Ravens S Bernard Pollard has been given a name by fans, the Patriot Killer.
That's what fans love to dub the Ravens strong safety. Pollard frowns upon it. In Pollard's eyes, he plays the game the right way and without any intention to inflict injuries to his fellow NFL players.
It just so happened he's handed out season-ending injuries to Tom Brady (2008 season, torn ACL and MCL) when he was with Kansas City and Wes Welker (2009 season, torn ACL and MCL) when he was with Houston. With the Ravens, he sprained Rob Gronkowski's ankle in last year's AFC Championship, which kept Gronkowski from being effective two weeks later in the Super Bowl (two catches, 26 yards).
Call it a coincidence that Pollard's injured three Patriots players during his seven-year career. Regardless, it's not something he wants to be remembered for.
“That's not me,” Pollard said. “I don't laugh at anything like that because that's not my intentions. I'm not a malicious player. I look to play football hard, fast and physical. It just so happened a lot of the injuries came against the Patriots.”
Pollard was all over the field in just a quarter and a half of action in this past Sunday's 24-23 loss to Philadelphia. He recorded a touchdown saving interception, a crushing hit on Eagles TE Brent Celek and a sack.
However, he injured his ribs when he sacked Michael Vick midway through the second quarter and didn't return. Pollard said he'll be ready to go this Sunday when Baltimore faces New England, though he didn't practice Wednesday.
“It's just one of those things where when the body says no, you better sit it down,” Pollard said. “I did everything I could to come back. But that's fine and dandy, now I got time and rest and I'm ready to go.”
There's no doubt Pollard is a key cog to the Ravens secondary. The unit surrendered 371 passing yards to the Eagles, who mostly found openings against the zone defenses Baltimore employed. Eagles TE Brent Celek already had 68 yards receiving when Pollard was injured and finished with 157.
Having Pollard back should be a big boost to the Ravens' defensive back. His veteran leadership shows in preparation and he provides an energetic spark when the game gets tough.
“He brings a lot of energy, mostly positive,” CB Cary Williams said. “He's a guy running around, flying around and making hits, and making plays for us. He does all the dirty work.”
Pollard knows the challenge at hand this Sunday night. The Ravens rank 27th in total defense, surrendering an average of 404 yards a game. With Brady and the Patriots coming to Baltimore, the Ravens will have to correct a lot of miscues in their coverage.
“We know we're facing a team that's competing for the Super Bowl every year,” Pollard said. “They expect to be dominant every single year. That's what's coming to Baltimore and we have to do everything we can to protect this house.”
Follow Ravens reporter Jason Butt on Twitter: @CBSRavens and @JasonButtCBS.
