How close does the Packers’ Atari Bigby match up with Troy Polamalu of the Super Bowl champion Steelers? Closer than you think.
I think Bigby can be our Polamalu. In 2007 he showed he was the man. He would fly all over, hit people, even get picks. He had more picks than Troy in 2007.
More importantly, you could count on him and the mistakes were minimal. Atari was coming onto the scene. In 2008 he got hurt and didn’t play much. In 2009 though, get ready for Atari Bigby.
Both men, Bigby and Polamalu, have the same body type. Bigby is one inch taller and five pounds stronger than Polamalu, but they’re very similar. Atari is very smart for a young player. This allows him to put himself into position to make huge plays. He always seems to pick the right time to go all out on something, unlike Collins, who gets that right only half of the time.
I think we’ll see Atari and Troy together at the 2010 Pro Bowl.
The first thing people think of when they hear “Polamlu” is “hair” and “hard hits.” Those are the first things I think of when I hear “Bigby.” Bigby is younger, faster, and stronger. I think he can be the X factor of our 3-4 defense. If Capers is looking for someone in the backfield to send, send this guy. We’ve seen him HURDLE blockers just to get to the quarterback. This playcall would be followed up by not sending Bigby the rest of the game.
Those days are done.
You probably thought this whole thing was going to be me comparing Troy’s big hair with Atari’s dreads. No, but since you brought it up, they both have sweet hair. I say Atari’s is better. He has the whole predator thing going on.
In 2009, the Atari is making a comeback.
8 - People Actually Wrote Something Here
Our Own Polamalu l Packers Lounge | | atari bigby Said,
[...] Go! without a doubt Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages. [...]
Posted on February 18th, 2009 at 5:50 am
Greg C. Said,Like you, I was expecting Atari to have a breakout season in 2008, but it just wasn’t in the cards. He was hurt all the time. If he’s healthy, he should be a force again, as he was at the end of the 2007 season.
I’m surprised he’s an inch taller than Polamalu. I would’ve expected him to be a little shorter, if anything.
Posted on February 18th, 2009 at 7:53 am
Andyman Said,I am excited to see what he can do with a full, healthy season. He definitely showed he has potential in ‘07 – now lets see him live up to it.
Posted on February 18th, 2009 at 9:19 am
IronMan Said,What I like about Bigby, is he gets interceptions in crunch time, when the game is on the line. I want my Bigby back Bigby back Bigby back!
Posted on February 18th, 2009 at 9:37 am
Pack93z Said,If you are talking in terms of potential.. I agree.
But prior to the final few games of 07′, Bigby over ran his share of plays and had coverage gaffs… the secondary under Sanders had communication issues overall. Was it Sanders, Schott, or the players?
But Bigby did elevate his game late that season and during the Seattle game was a flat out intimidater.. but is this couple game stretch enough to bridge a comparison to a annual pro bowler? Premature in my opinion..
Other than Woodson, there are questions at each position of the secondary that need to be proven upon the field.
Can Harris adapt his mental game to play zone effectively? If not, then the development of Williams and his ability to adapt past the bump and run scheme that he has grown up in will be paramount.
Does Collins take even another step mentally to shore up the occasional gap and become a “true” pro bowl player. He has all the physical skills.. it all lies on communication and metal reads at this point.
Does Bigby bounce back and take control of the other safety spot? If not, does Rouse elevate his game enough to take advantage of his size / speed ratio that is so unique?
Can Blackmon, Lee, Bush, Preprah all take another step and solidify the depth of the secondary?
For as good as this unit played last season with the limited pass rush assistance they got, there are plenty of questions abound..
Bigby is at the heart of the questions.. while the late signs of 07′ are promising, it has to be shown upon the field 2 seasons later.
Posted on February 18th, 2009 at 10:17 am
Alex Said,I forgot to ask what you meant by “five pounds stonger”
Posted on February 18th, 2009 at 11:31 pm
bozz_2006 Said,I wish I shared your optimism dale. If he does turn into a Polamalu-esque player… That would be the balls!
Posted on February 19th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
bozz_2006 Said,p.s. is he really faster than troy?
Posted on February 19th, 2009 at 4:53 pm