Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer said that former USC linebacker Rey Maualuga, destined to start next season, was “extremely average,” last year.
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Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer said that former USC linebacker Rey Maualuga, destined to start next season, was “extremely average,” last year.
It seems a lot of players who rely on their physical advantages in college get off to a slow start in the NFL. Polamalu is a good example.
@Sam Gilbert, I agree. Over the past decade or so, USC has had significant talent advantages over our conference competition. In some cases, this results in a reality check once they hit the NFL (see Mike Williams and Dwayne Jarrett). When you’re an athlete, sometimes you need to have someone your equal to push you to be your best. I loved big Rey when he was at USC. He has a ferocity in the way he plays, one that makes for major bone crushing highlights (see hit on UCLA QB Cowan). I remember seeing him play as a freshman and being awestruck. There were times I heard that he was undisciplined with regard to his assignments while at USC. I sure hope he fulfills his potential. I enjoy seeing the passion with which he plays. In the NFL, talent alone is usually not enough to reach the promised land. You cannot count on physical talent alone, as the league already represents the cream of the crop. I always root for Trojans when they’re in the NFL. Some guys, like Steve Smith of the Giants, really make me proud with the way they continue to hone their craft. I hope Maualuga and Keith Rivers help return the Bengals’s defense to the top ranks of the NFL. Fight on!
Then again maybe he was just trying to motivate the kid to be even better. Seems like this is something lots of coaches do.
If Rey was “extremely average” then he was head and shoulders above his teammates.
HAWR-HAWR!! Fat-aluga just another player in the NFL!!
not surprising, considering his reputation was built on a phony foundation of late hits, cheap shots and sucker-punches!!!
but the Cadre always gives benefit of the doubt to people in rehab, so if Fat-aluga makes it back, we will wish him well!
Hey Wolfie how are Clay Matthews and Brian Cushing doing in the NFL? That’s what I thought. Shut up.
@ Sons of Charlie Bucket: Wow, talking trash behind the computer. I doubt you ever play ball before or one of those who cuts out of the line on 1 on 1 drills. lol..
Ray just need to get in great shape, get his life in order, and fine tune his skills.(watching more films, etc..) I love to see my fellow polynesians (especially ex-Trojans) succeed in the NFL. Represent Big Ray!!
easy, Jtrog, i said we will wish him well!! besides, how can trashing trOJans be wrong, when it feels so right??
lastly, for your info, ChuckerBucker was the master of the board drill in his salad days!! for those of you who don’t know what a board drill is….well you probably don’t need to know. just thank your lucky stars you never had to look across and see C-Buck, eyes ablaze!!