Chief Concerns

Work his hardest, do all he can, and that’s all he can do. That’s how Dontari Poe responded to questions on feeling pressured.

“I’m doing that anyway, so my point of view on it is, pressure is whatever you make it,” Poe said from rookie mini-camp. “So, I’m working my hardest, doing all I can. That’s all I can do.”

Expressive words have been used to describe Poe. Descriptions like imposing, rare, massive, and qualities that aren’t easy to find. Poe is the only player over 330 pounds to run a sub-five second time since 2006.

Guys like Poe don’t emerge often. Still, as physically powerful as Poe is it’s not about being the strongest.

Poe is learning technique.

“Pretty much hand placement is probably the most important thing since coming to the NFL,” said Poe when asked about covering the gaps. “It’s whoever has that hand placement; the one with the leverage will win. So, you can’t really overpower too many people. You have to have technique.”

Center Casey Wiegmann managed to do well at 285 because he knew technique. I have a feeling second-year player Rodney Hudson will be the same.

Poe is learning that the NFL is about smarts too.

Poe has the natural gifts like size, speed, power, and the non-stop motor. When you watch Tamba Hali work Hali’s motor never stops. Hali never gives himself an opportunity to get comfortable. The times I’ve witnessed OTA’s or training camp Hali’s constantly on the go.

Either Hali’s motivating himself or has a coach helping him work the hands. Hali understands it takes more than size to gain an edge. Hali’s always working his technique. Because of his work ethic Hali’s become a great player for Kansas City. Poe has that type of motor and workman behavior.

Listening to Poe he doesn’t strike me as a player whose wide-eyed and scrambling because he’s in the NFL. Poe’s excited and eager, but not overwhelmed.

Poe keeps talking working hard, doing his best, giving all he has, and keeping his nose in the book. Poe respects Crennel.

“He’s a very inspirational guy,” said Poe of Romeo Crennel. “He’s a different coach. You can’t do anything but respect him. So I like that.”

Baltimore Ravens Ray Lewis says he didn’t get what he has because he went to college being the best prospect. Lewis preaches that it took lots of work to be where he’s at today. Believing in it, having faith, and working it.

There’s no substitute for work and doing the best you can. The ones who consistently show up are the ones that succeed. Not always the most talented or strongest, but the ones that labor.

Poe has the extra you want, lots of it, but what’s lacking Crennel trusts he can teach. Before Crennel can coach Poe has to be ready to learn.

I’m suggesting that Poe is very ready to learn.

Good day, Chief fans!