Where in the world is Bertrand Berry?

by Bezekira on Jun 3, 2009 11:02 AM MDT Comment 15 comments

It hasn't been mentioned much here on ROTB but Bertrand Berry, one of the supposed veteran leaders, has been completely absent from all of the team's off season activities. Now it's not uncommon for established veteran players to miss some voluntary workouts from time to time but Berry has skipped out every 'voluntary' workout or OTA so far. I'm sure this kind of attendance isn't how he earned the reputation as a good guy in the locker room and veteran leader, so what gives? So far he joins the company of Anquan Boldin and Darnell Dockett as the only guys (outside of two rookies who can't report till after graduation) who've skipped out on every 'voluntary' activity so far this off season.

I haven't heard or read anywhere that he's rehabbing some kind of injury and even if he is, can't he do that at the team's facilities? Isn't that essentially what Kurt Warner and Kenny Iwebema are doing? Surely he's not unhappy with the contract that he just signed a couple of months ago, but maybe he wanted a longer term deal considering the concessions that he made last off season. Any one else heard rumors as to why he's staying away?

The only real mention I can find that ventures a guess to his absence is this from Darren Urban:

The roster was nearly complete out for the voluntary work. Other than the rookies that aren't allowed to be here, the absent continue to be Boldin, Darnell Dockett and Bertrand Berry. As far as I can tell, Berry simply wants to work out on his own. I'm a little surprised he doesn't look like he will be coming at all, but again -- always have to have the caveat -- it's voluntary.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Revenge of the Birds' (ROTB) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of ROTB's editors.

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agree

I find it strange as well that he is not there since in the past he has been. I have to wonder a little bit if he is concerned with something either physical or mental and doesnt want it to show up in OTAs for fear of being cut. Definitely hurts his chances of a roster spot if he goes out and shows a weakness because of his age.

I doubt its his contract becasue he just signed it about 1 month ago.

Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.

by sc464 on Jun 3, 2009 11:10 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Maybe its his pride that is hurt

I did find it interesting that when Laboy was cut, it was declared that Okeafor and Haggans would be the starters even though they aren’t that much younger than Berry and Haggans clearly didn’t have as good of a year as Berry. Both Laboy and Haggans battled injuries the whole year. There was not even the suggestion that there was an open competition for the spot. I could see how Berry might feel like he had gotten the shaft after having a better year than Haggans, and arguably, Okeafor, but not getting the chance to fight for a staring position.

MBN

by mbn on Jun 3, 2009 1:07 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

interesting point

I think Haggans gets the nod over Berry simply because he’s actually played OLB. Berry was really nothing more than a rush DE last year so who knows if he could come in and actually play a complete OLB. You might be right though, it wouldn’t have been a terrible idea to have a competition, even if it was just a dog and pony show.

by Bezekira on Jun 3, 2009 1:30 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

He did have a better year,

but with the transition to a more basic 3-4 with the OLB staying on their sides and not switching to the strong/weak sides, he may not be as good a fit with his skill set. He is a great pass rusher, but the other two are arguably much better in run support and dropping back into coverage which is what we’re looking for. Is he really fast enough to chase some of the quicker TEs that he would face? I see him as more of a situational OLB now. I think he will be lost in the shuffle. His best bet would be to gain a few more pounds and slide back to end. IMO.

by hevchv on Jun 3, 2009 1:31 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

Berry will not be more than a situational OLB. With Antonio Smith gone and an unproven yet up and coming Calais Campbell on DE he definently needs to play DE for us this year. Berry is a great leader and great player for the cards and we’ll find a way to utilize his skills regardless the OLB or DE position. With Smith and Laboy gone he’s going to get playing time and is only hurting himself by not showing up for these OTA’s. Not to mention Cody Brown and Ali Highsmith getting more time due to his absence, Berry whatcha doin man. And anyone know where Darrell Blackstock went? I thought he had some potential, I liked him better than Ali Highsmith.

by azcardswinez on Jun 3, 2009 2:00 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Okeafor and Haggans are better suited for a straight up 3-4 but I got to believe that Berry believes he is athlete enough to play the position and would like to have at least the chance to show he can. I think this is his last year and given that and his possible frustration at being snubbed, he might have just decided that it just wasn’t worth the effort to come to OTA. He’ll show up to camp in shape and ready to go. I would bet you see a little attitude on the field during camp from the B train.

MBN

by mbn on Jun 3, 2009 6:46 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Was it Cinci???

by azcardswinez on Jun 3, 2009 2:02 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

yea he's in Cincy but he's not exactly blowing it up

http://www.nfl.com/players/darrylblackstock/profile?id=BLA327026

He played in 12 games, starting 4, but ended up with just 20 tackles and zero sacks. Still weird anytime a RFA isn’t tendered but oh well.

by Bezekira on Jun 3, 2009 2:12 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

My guess is

he’s living it up somewhere in Sun City, AZ

by Fitz Jizzle on Jun 3, 2009 3:00 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Come on

He is a veteran who has been in the system for a while. Yes there are some changes Bill Davis has made this year, but it is nothing he can’t, with his football knowledge, follow up on in minicamps and training camp. Him not being there only opens up for young guys getting more reps.

I can only agree on what Marshell Faulk keeps mentioning on NFL network. OTA’s har not important for savvy vets.

by Indermann on Jun 3, 2009 3:05 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

you're right but what if every veteran had the same attitude

Sure he’s established but they are installing a new defense. What if Fitz, Warner, A-dub, Dansby and Okeafor (all either just as established if not quite a bit more) said, “screw it, it’s just OTA’s?”

by Bezekira on Jun 3, 2009 3:21 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Then maybe they would shorten it down and make it mandatory. As Faulk say, everything they will start from the same point in minicamps as in OTA’s. I am not saying I encourage every vet to do as Bert, but let him work out on his own, when it is volountary. :)

by Indermann on Jun 3, 2009 5:15 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

And it can’t be true that you are getting heckled on not for being there at VOLOUNTARY work!

by Indermann on Jun 3, 2009 3:06 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I know where Bert is!

He is touring the country with Carmen Sandiego.

by CardsDefense on Jun 3, 2009 4:25 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

It's voluntary

blah blah blah easy excuse, you are paid member of the team and a veteran leader. Want to see the Super Bowl ever again? You have to play as a team, and team chemistry is determined now.

by TBru on Jun 11, 2009 10:22 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs