Saturday, October 16, 1999Rookie takes over free safety
Veteran helping teach his replacement
BY TOM GROESCHEN
The Cincinnati EnquirerGreg Myers has seen the future, and it's someone else.
Myers has given way to rookie Cory Hall at free safety after starting 34 of the Bengals' previous 36 games. When Hall moved into the starting lineup at Cleveland last week, fourth-year veteran Myers was moved to ponder his future.
“It's definitely frustrating, but you have to realize what role you play,” Myers said. “Last week I had a big emphasis on special teams and the nickel and dime positions, so I still played.”
Myers has helped Hall along graciously, knowing the Bengals like Hall's better speed and range. But Myers remains a valued backup and special teams player and is also the holder for place-kicker Doug Pelfrey.
Ray Horton, Bengals defensive backs coach, said Myers will see more time at strong safety now. Myron Bell is the starter there.
“I think in the long run, Greg will be a better strong safety than free,” Horton said. “He's a smart kid, talented, and he's tough. I'm just trying to get guys in there that can make plays.”
When Myers became a Bengals regular in 1997, the Bengals liked the fact that he had better size (6-foot-1, 202 pounds) than predecessor Bo Orlando. But while Myers has been steady, he has not been a big playmaker. He has only three career interceptions, none since 1997.
Hall, a third-round draftee from Fresno State, was drafted as the obvious succes sor to Myers. The Bengals were thrilled when Hall was still available, and player personnel director Jim Lippincott said Hall may prove to be “the steal of the draft.”
Hall (6-0, 205) made his presence known early last week, nailing Browns quarterback Tim Couch on a safety blitz late in the first quarter. Couch completed a 24-yard pass despite being leveled, but Hall had announced himself to the NFL. He had three solo tackles in the game.
“I acted like I was supposed to be there,” Hall said. “There was really not that much difference from college ball. I felt real comfortable out there.”
Hall said Myers has been very helpful. The two often remind reporters that they are Western Athletic Conference alumni, Myers having played for Colorado State and Hall for Fresno State.
“He's giving me a lot of heck, because (Fresno) beat us last week,” Myers said, smiling.
Hall said Myers has helped him from the first day of camp.
“We're from the same conference — we played against each other — so there has never been any animosity between me and Greg,” Hall said. “It's always been just competition, I guess you'd say, and it's been fun.”
But it's also a cold, cold business.
“It's gonna have to take a break or something for me to give this up, because I'm young, I'm learning, and I'm just going to keep on getting better,” Hall said. “The sky's the limit. I'm just glad I got my chance.”
Myers, who knows the score, saw this coming when Hall was drafted. But Myers also is valued for his versatility, which is why Horton said he's far from out of the Bengals' plans.
“Sometimes you move a guy into a position, and all of a sudden he flourishes,” Horton said. “That's what I'm hoping.”
Myers, whose contract expires after this season, said he will make the best of things.
“You just have to know what your job is and play the best you can,” he said, “and hopefully work your way back up.”
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