Ravens: S Bernard Pollard has message for Bengals WR A.J. Green

With Baltimore beginning its preparation for next Monday's game against Cincinnati this week, safety Bernard Pollard offered a message for Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green.

"When we see receivers coming across the middle, and we're in the right defense, we're going to smack you," Pollard said. "Obviously, you came across the middle against the wrong team."

Pollard's been known as a box safety throughout his career, someone who can stop the run and level receivers on short routes. In his first season with the Ravens a year ago, Pollard proved his coverage skills were better than advertised with a career high 13 pass deflections and one interception.

Always confident, Pollard's warning to Green doesn't go without respect for the second-year wideout out of Georgia. One missed read and Green can burn any defense deep.

"Having said that, if you miss (Green), the guy can hit a home run," Pollard said.

Come back, refs: When asked about opening the season with replacement referees, Pollard smiled and offered a quick laugh. It's clear he's not happy with the situation, though it's something he and the rest of the NFL's players and coaches are going to have to deal with for now.

"I couldn't care less if you fine me or whatever, but I would love to see the refs come back," Pollard said."

But Pollard did seem somewhat sympathetic, drawing a parallel to the referees' situation and what the players went through during the lockout prior to the 2011 season.

"Being a player, you understand that when we were (locked out) this is what happens," Pollard said. "They have to come to an agreement. Hopefully it's quick -- tomorrow."

Sad to see Gorrer go: Upon receiving the news that cornerback Danny Gorrer was let go by the Ravens, Pollard said it reinforces the idea that anything can happen at any time in the NFL. Gorrer was released so the Ravens could sign former New England safety James Ihedigbo.

"It's tough, Danny's my boy," he said. "But this is the business side of it. This is the side where if you think things are going well, things can change. We can't control it."

Follow Ravens reporter Jason Butt on Twitter: @CBSSportsNFLBAL and @JasonButtCBS.