Best Bengal to wear #82

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(05-21-2018, 02:56 PM)shanebo Wrote: This.  Loved Tony McGee, but Holman was just on another level -- in the conversation of all-time great TEs, IMO.


Unfortunately no video clips/advanced stats since Holman pre-dated YouTube and PFF ... but the secondary sources all seem to agree with my recollection that Holman was, in fact, an excellent blocker.  

- Holman consistently posted solid numbers for the Bengals while being an excellent blocker. “His blocking is a pretty thing to watch.”[34] - Tiger Johnson.  http://highwaytohalloffame.blogspot.com/2014/01/road-to-hall-closed-to-tight-ends.html


- ``It`s hard to find a guy who can do both. Usually what you end up finding is a guy who is a real good blocker and an average receiver or a guy who is a pretty good receiver and not a very good blocker.``There are so few who can do both.  The best all-round tight ends, those who combine blocking and catching, are Steve Jordan of the Minnesota Vikings, Mark Bavaro of the New York Giants and Rodney Holman of the Cincinnati Bengals.  http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1989-11-19/sports/8903110422_1_tight-average-receiver-guy


- A 3-time Pro Bowl selection from 1988 to 1990, Holman's superb blocking and pass catching abilities were a great asset to his team, and assisted the Bengals to an NFL championship appearance in Super Bowl XIII.  https://upclosed.com/people/rodney-holman/


- A noted blocker and receiver ... https://allstatesugarbowl.org/classic/rodney-holman-hall-of-fame/


- Holman was noted as a superb receiver and blocker.  https://www.cincyjungle.com/2011/7/16/2278839/poll-best-bengals-player-to-wear-no-82-in-franchise-history


- Holman's superb blocking and pass catching abilities were a great asset to his team.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodney_Holman


- Versatile player who was an excellent blocker and good pass receiver with speed and strength to make big plays.  http://www.bengals.com/first50.html


- Unlike many of the stars at the position today, Holman was both an able blocker and a great pass-catcher.  https://www.cincyjungle.com/veteransofcincinnati/2016/6/23/11998724/which-bengals-from-the-1980s-would-you-want-on-the-2016-roster


- He was an excellent blocker as well as a receiver.  http://bravestarrcards.com/rodney-holman-ttm-success/


- He gave the Bengals something extra as a receiver and blocker.  http://buffalonews.com/1989/12/22/reed-ritcher-thomas-make-felser-all-pro/


I was only able to find a single source claiming that Holman was not a good blocker -- your post.

(05-21-2018, 05:30 PM)Bengalholic Wrote: As someone who watched every game that Rodney played as a Bengal and knows the respect he earned around the league as both a talented receiver and an very effective blocker - it was just weird to hear someone say he wasn't a 'good blocker'.

I've never talked to or heard any fan - who actually watched him play - question his blocking. As Shanebo posted,  just about anytime you see a reference to Holman's play/career, his blocking is talked about in addition to his pass catching skills - and for good reason.

I think if you can find and watch some of his games online somewhere, you'll come away very impressed.

I stand corrected, will shut up and crawl back into the hole, whence I came from.