Lawrence Timmons?

SteelProven · Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2013 10:44 am Post subject: Lawrence Timmons?

Has taken a beating because of his "down year" in 2011. Even though he started 5 games at ROLB because of injuries. Timmons was hurt by what the Steelers viewed as versatility. But, last season though with all 16 games at ILB Timmons proved to be more than just another player. He won games and took over games when the rest of the defense failed to follow suit. Timmons still has flaws in his game but they've become less and less noticeable as games moved on.

Timmons career progression reminds me of Troy's career maturation. In the beginning some questioned Troy's ability in the Steelers defense. Even when Troy became a full time starter he still had doubters because of his flaws. But with a better understanding of his defensive responsibilites the more dangerous Troy became. I see the same thing with Timmons and I believe this is the year he makes "the jump".

If Timmons can keep up with his current production he'll statistically be in a group of HOF'ers(40+ sacks, 15+ Int and 20+ FF).

The funny thing is that while Pat Willis up until this point has been the better tackler. Timmons has just as many "splash" plays with less starting time. Not advacting that Timmons is better then Willis just saying the gap between the two might be shrinking.

Fans/media love tacklers and sometime I believe use those numbers to justify how good a player is and isn't. Without looking at the players entire body of work, defensive responsibilites.

Non expert analysis rant over!!
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armsteeld · Joined: 02 Mar 2009 Posts: 3471 Location: In your head

I have loved Timmons since watching his senior season at FSU. I love everything that he brings to our defense. I love how he flies around and will hit anything that gets in his way. Dude has been constantly getting better but sometimes expectations are set too high.

Willis is faster and more technical than Timmons but Timmons is a playmaker. Both are great men on and off the field love watching them play.
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FourThreeMafia · Joined: 28 Sep 2006 Posts: 47363 Location: East of Sixburgh

I wouldnt say he has taken a "beating".

Honestly, Ive seen more Steeler fans dog on him for 2011 than outside fans.

But overall, his down year in 2011 is what has underrated him. The coaches foolishly moved him and it really hurt the good rhythm he had going.

2010 and 2012 he has been borderline elite, though.

If he shows it again this year, I think he will get more recognition.

Although the Steelers have alot of people who just blindly hate on them and will never give our players credit. Its hilarious how often ALL of our LBs are called "system" linebackers.
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SteelProven · Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2013 11:40 am Post subject:

He hasn't gotten the credit deserved because 2011 looks to many as a down year. But with out really watching and understanding what he was asked to do I view through the media he has taken a beating of sorts.

I think instincts and the ability to quickly diagnose plays makes Willis play faster on the field. But Timmons has gotten better at both and I believe before long there won't be much of a difference between the two expect maybe Timmons has more rings. Wink

Timmons said he wants to get 10 sacks and last year he had a chance to do that. I believe before it's all said and done he might be the first ILB to conquer that feat.
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HeySteelers · Joined: 16 Nov 2006 Posts: 6132

Timmons is our best defensive player. I love me some Timmons. Such an explosive player. Happy to see some love for the man.
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mosteelers · Joined: 24 Apr 2008 Posts: 1315 Location: Washington State

There was an article on Espn NFL blog about Jomes starting as a rookie. It took Timmons 3 years to start. I hope Worlids has the same track. Not counting on it. If Worlids steps up and has a good year and Jones proves to be worth the pick that would be great for depth for two years and push the always 1-2 season Woodley to step up his game.
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bigben07MVP · Posted: Fri Jun 07, 2013 11:10 am Post subject:

armsteeld · Joined: 02 Mar 2009 Posts: 3471 Location: In your head

kethnaab · Joined: 05 Jan 2009 Posts: 9276

There's a possibility that Jones could be a Chad Brown type for us. Wishful thinking perhaps

SteelProven · Posted: Fri Jun 07, 2013 2:13 pm Post subject:

turtle28 · Posted: Fri Jun 07, 2013 6:46 pm Post subject:

Great write up. I agree with some who said he's currently the best defender. I also agree with you that he took a "beating" from Steelers fans in 2011. I was not one of them, I knew it was because be was asked to cover multiple positions when Harrison and Woodley got hurt. The steelers are lucky to have a player with Timmons' versatility '
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turtle28 · Posted: Fri Jun 07, 2013 6:56 pm Post subject:

SteelProven · Posted: Sat Jun 08, 2013 5:37 am Post subject:

turtle28 · Posted: Sat Jun 08, 2013 9:28 am Post subject:

SteelProven · Posted: Sat Jun 08, 2013 4:41 pm Post subject:

I'm talking being cut before the last year of there contract. Wood has a few years before he's a cap causality. 2016 is the earliest I see woodley being considered.
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