Bernard Pollard Brings New Attitude to Tennessee Titans Defense
Jan 29, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens strong safety Bernard Pollard (31) talks the press during media day in preparation for Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Most Titans fans knew that the signing of Bernard Pollard was going to help a struggling Tennessee Titans secondary and an overall struggling Titans defense. What most Titans fans didn’t know was the leader and the fresh new mentality Pollard brings along with him to this team.
In a recent interview, Pollard stated that he wanted to see a team and defense where everyone fought. “A brotherhood of fighters” as he put it and that mentality will be welcomed with open arms in Tennessee this upcoming season. It is that mentality that has been missing in Tennessee and with the addition of Pollard, the Titans are heading in the right direction to acquire it back.
The Titans defense has had its fair number of issues in recent years and one can point the blame to a number of reasons. One pressing issue has been the absence of a pure leader on the defensive side since the days of Keith Bulluck. Pollard brings that back and he brings it back with a whole new meaning. The idea of an actual leader on the field for the Titans defense seems to be a real possibility with Pollard and it is something the Titans desperately need and most fans look forward to seeing.
Pollard was quoted saying, “The guy has an opposite jersey on so we’re going to fight him.”
If that doesn’t represent the idea of “smash-mouth football” I’m not sure what else will. This kind of mentality is infectious and when one player, particularly the leader of the defense, steps up and plays with that mentality, it spreads like wildfire. That infectious mentality could be exactly the spark this Titans defense needs to really bring a relentless attitude when they are out there on the field.
The absence of a leader on this Titans defense has put a real halt on the productivity of this defensive unit in recent years. Pollard fills that role perfectly. The signing of Pollard may be exactly what this Titans defense needed to become a force to reckon with in the NFL. Of course, the play of the defense will ultimately decide this unit’s fate. Still, you can’t deny the fact that having Pollard as a leader will greatly increase its chances.
Maybe Bernard Pollard will be the next Keith Bulluck in the aspect of an unquestioned leader on this Titans defense. All Titans faithful can only hope that is nothing but the truth.