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Chick Ludwig covers the Cincinnati Bengals. He also writes about his other passions: college football, basketball and golf.Home > Blogs > Chick Ludwig At Large > Archives > 2008 > June > 05 > Entry
Roster analysis: 80 players in 40 days (Day 4)
===LUDWIG AT LARGE is cruising through the Cincinnati Bengals roster, analyzing 80 players in 40 days. Welcome to Day 4.===
WILLIE ANDERSON
Position: Right offensive tackle
Uniform number: 71
Ht./Wt.: 6-5, 340
Birthday: July 11, 1975
NFL experience: 13th year
College: Auburn
Hometown: Mobile, Ala.
“Big Willie” had a streak of four straight Pro Bowls (2003-06) snapped in ‘07 because a right heel and left knee injury wouldn’t allow him to perform at a peak level.
He’s an elite player with rare strength and outstanding technique. He’s a road-grading run blocker who engulfs opponents at the point of attack and finishes blocks with ease.
Anderson seldom gets beat off the edge in pass protection because his huge, powerful hands are like clamps, enabling him to use his long arms to ride rushers past the pocket. In 2007, he lacked his usual explosiveness and couldn’t change direction as quickly as he wanted.
His goal for 2008 is to win back his starting position from Stacy Andrews and return to being the dominant player he’s used to.
MARVIN WHITE
Position: Free Safety
Uniform number: 26
Ht./Wt.: 6-1, 199
Birthday: Dec. 5, 1983
NFL experience: 2nd year
College: Texas Christian
Hometown: Port Barre, La.
White gets my vote as the Bengals’ 2008 breakout player because he’s ready to make an impact after a year of learning, growing and adjusting to the speed of the game.
With Madieu Williams gone to Minnesota in free agency, White is the heir apparent to start at free safety. He has good speed, range and ball skills, is a ferocious hitter and willing run defender. But he needs to study more film, improve his recognition skills and learn to take the proper angles so that he’s in better position to make plays.
White’s like a sponge. He’s eager to learn, hungry to hit people and soaks up instruction. With his skill and enthusiasm, he has the ability to be an enforcer in the secondary and give the defense a more physical identity.
He’s also the author of THE GREAT WHITE HIT while in college at TCU. Check it out at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81T8E4viEac
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Comments
By jeffl
June 5, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
surprise of the year? MMMMM, Chick jumping on the band wagon when we win the NorthBy Gary
June 5, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
There are a number who will bounce back. Rudi will have a big year. Joseph is healthy & will be very good. Ndukwe is a playmaker. Willie will be back strong, as well as Palmer. Perry will show his talent. I like newcomer Patrick Sims too; But, I think Utecht may have a breakout year.By bjewel3
June 9, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
Chick, I hope Marvin White is the breakout player. You’ve got to admit, though, on paper (and I’m so glad they don’t play these games on paper) he’s[White] the “greenist” new-starter on this ball-club. The knock on him - by some - coming out of college was his recognition skills and now he’s going to become the Bengals last line of defense. I have my fingers-crossed. What about you?