You Want More Lawrence Timmons? You're About to Get Your Wish

by Blitzburgh on Oct 21, 2008 4:24 AM EDT Comment 23 comments

UPDATE - 2:00 pm EST. Well, this opinion piece of mine has lost some of its luster and relevance with the latest news that Polamalu is likely to play this coming Sunday. That could be a ploy on the Steelers part, of course, but we won't know until Sunday most likely. Even if he does play, though, don't be surprised to see more and more of Timmons in this game and in the upcoming gauntlet we'll be facing in our schedule.

And for more analysis of what we might see from our defense against the well-balanced Giants offensive attack, be sure to read this comprehensive breakdown. - Blitz-

Or at least I think you are.

With Troy Polamalu out with a concussion, don't be surprised if Dick LeBeau finds new ways to utilize Lawrence Timmons's unique skill set. With a little bit more seasoning on him, Timmons I think is ready to handle some more responsibilities on the field. Now, I'm no Dick LeBeau. So I really have no idea what he might be cooking up in his lab this week. But I do know that the Steelers have been holding back many of their rare packages for emergency situations.

Well, no Troy and no Bryant McFadden for now certainyl qualifies as an emergency. I absolutely do not want Troy to rush back from this latest concussion. He shouldn't either given what we know about the long-term effects being concussed can have on one's quality of life. So we'll see how long he's out, but early word on McFadden is that he'll be out around 5 weeks, perhaps a bit more.

That gives us plenty of time to tinker with some new looks on defense. We might not want to throw Timmons out there and ask him to be Polamalu just yet. Troy's understanding of how to play the run while still serving his duties as a safety in the passing game is quite impressive, and certainly wasn't learned overnight. So instead, perhaps we'll see Timmons assume some of Troy's 'roving' duties and we'll have almost like 4.5 linebackers and 2.5 safetys out there. I know that sounds dumb, but what I'm getting at is perhaps Timmons can take over half of Troy's duties while we ask Anthony Smith to play the deeper part of the field. Might not be a bad idea for Smith anyway, if he plays that is. We all know what happened when he got a little overzealous in the running game last year against New England.

Sing us that song Coach Dad about your 2008 defensive adjustments!

We'll see what happens, but I know LeBeau's crazy defensive alignments are something we've talked about for over two years now on BTSC. Yet, we rarely saw much, if any, of them. I think we will now, and for an extended period of time. I can't wait to watch this kid play.

What do you think we'll see out of our defense moving forward? More Timmons? If not, just Anthony Smith in P's place with DeShea sliding into BMac's role with plenty of experience in his back pocket?

0 recs | Comment 23 comments |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Smith over Carter

I just hope we decide to go with Smith over Ty Carter. With Ryan Clark still back there deep, I’m less concerned with another NE style meltdown. More concerned with the in the box and across the field terrorizing that Smith can bring (vice Carter… too small, slow, old).

Agree with your sentiments on getting Troy fully recovered (whatever that may mean for a professional football player).

Got 5? ... We do! Check the RINGS!!!

by warftr5 on Oct 21, 2008 8:51 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree

Smith over Carter makes sense, especially considering they will be bringing down Jacobs this week and Portis the next. I like Smith’s chances against those backs over Carter’s (see playoff game last year).

by 703Steeler on Oct 21, 2008 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

I’ve watched Ty Carter on kickoff returns not block anyone for the latest to weeks. Dude is robbing the Steelers for game checks. Plus, I agree he is way too slow. I do eventually think Anthony will replace Troy, because the concussion may require him to retire early.

by 72Steeler on Oct 21, 2008 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

carter

at least his paychecks are small. he makes less than 1 million per year. for a 30+ year old with SB experience, thats somewhat interesting. he may not be great, but he’s not really a salary liability at all.

by Blitzburgh on Oct 21, 2008 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not sure

I want to see Timmons in this role. I think Smith is more suited for the job (if he’s learned from last year). I do however think there are occasions when Timmons would fit into some exotic scheme that Lebeau cooks up.

Ultimately, I see Timmons as a difference maker. I think it’s time he stays on the field for all defensive plays. I like Larry Foote and respect his game but there’s no denying that Timmons has a special skillset that God gave him and Foote just can’t compete with it.

by Steev1705 on Oct 21, 2008 9:37 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Quarter Package

Don’t they already have a “quarter package” where they have 2 down linemen and 5 LBs and 4 DBs?

This could be a good package for the Nants as they have a good running game. We can get the best of both worlds with Foote and Farrior playing the run and Timmons roving the field. I guess we’ll find out Sunday

by vin2k on Oct 21, 2008 9:41 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

My hunch is we need the big bodies on the line to stop the lumbering giant. If we can take an early 14-0 lead (I’m dreaming) then maybe we can think about allowing some runs through, but I don’t know that a 2-5-4 will hold up against an oaf of an RB, even with Big Snack and Aaron up front.

I’m hoping Dicky has something ingenious for us that none of us crackpots could come up with.

It was awesome to see our defense “relapse” in the 4th quarter to some of that jawing / hang out until the ball snaps defense. That is so fun to watch.

by steelguy99 on Oct 21, 2008 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Big Bodies

Regardless of how talented our LB’s are, we need to get those big bodies up front and stop their running game. Even for most of the playoffs last year, Eli was more in the game manager mode than the wide open passing attack mode. This year, the Giants are averaging 5.6 ypc on the ground and they have 3 different guys that are getting it done. We need Casey and Aaron in there clogging up the run. I don’t care how good Foote is against the run, he’s not going to win if Jacobs gets a full head of steam. We need to dominate their line, string out running plays, and tackle them going sideways. Jacobs can’t do squat if Hampton throws the center on top of him.

The linebackers are going to earn their stripes in this one taking on blocks (not Timmons’ strong suit) and plugging holes. If we can limit the running game, and do something positive on offense, Eli won’t beat us.

charity standing orders

by BadMaafala on Oct 21, 2008 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Character Tests Keep Coming

Yet again we go into another big game that will challenge our roster and team.

How about we put Hines Ward on defense in place of Polamalu. LOL. Think about it, is there anyone who would be more feared? Is there anyone with a better understanding of the game? I say: Let Hines play both ways. Still, LOL.

There are some good points and ideas above. I definately think that Timmons can be used more, but can he fulfill all the mental aspect he needs to in the Steelers complicated D? We have already seen what happens when we ask a good athlete to take on more than he understands, i.e. A. Smith. I think using Timmons spairingly keeps opposing offenses from being able to game for him. Throwing him into the game for specific situations makes the opposing quarterback account for him when Timmons’ habits aren’t fully known or planned for. He still has some shock value that might be able to throw a quarterback and O-line off for a play.

As for A. Smith, I sure hope he is leaps and bounds ahead of where he was last year. He has got talent and that “Hit like a ton of bricks” mentality. If he is thrown in, he will be tested almost right away with some play action and Plax, who is the right receiver to try and duplicate what Moss did last year.

Our secondary as a whole is a concern. But, not as much of a concern until we see which Eli shows up. Either way, the key to Eli is preassure, so the key to the game is going to be Harrison and Woodly with a sprinkling of Timmons getting preasure on the younger Manning. We can’t leave our secondary hanging in the wind for 3-4-5 seconds. Big snacks return will help here too. If her shows up in force, that should unlock Woodley and Harrison and we should force Eli into the mistakes he has been making as of late.

For God sakes, the Clowns beat them! And I mean BEATING beat them. There is some pride attached here.

Go Steelers!

by WyoFan on Oct 21, 2008 10:34 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

It is definitely worth noting that the giants have only allowed 6 sacks this whole season. We need a lot of pressure, and sacks will be an icing. If we can sack Eli a few times it will definitely be an introduction to something he isn’t used to.

Unlike others I am not sold on how the giants match up against us. Frankly, I’m afraid. Our O-line will go a long way towards proving some sort of physical dominance if it get protect the QB this weekend, and I don’t think they are up for it.

Another thing worth noting is that while the giants have a solid record, the quality of their opponents has been pretty poor (much like ours). Their combined opponents schedule is 10-23, the quality of ours has been 13-24. This should be a good test for both of our teams.

by steelguy99 on Oct 21, 2008 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

sacks

The Giants limited sacks have a lot to do with their running game. Eli throws on pass-friendly downs where defenses are concerned about the run. Their tackles are great run blockers, but aren’t great at pass blocking. In fact, all 6 sacks they have given up have been either 4-3 DE’s or 3-4 OLB’s. They don’t allow much pressure up the middle, but almost all of our pressure comes from the outside. If we can force them into passing situations, I think we’ll have some success getting to the QB. Timmons could have some serious success getting around their tackles, not to mention Harrison and Woodley.

charity standing orders

by BadMaafala on Oct 21, 2008 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Who said Polamalu is out?

I haven’t seen any news yet saying Troy is out. Where did you see that?

by worldtrip on Oct 21, 2008 10:51 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Well, we know he had a concussion, and we know Bill Cowher is gone, so we’re kind of hoping/assuming he sits out a game or two.

charity standing orders

by BadMaafala on Oct 21, 2008 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

lol

by Blitzburgh on Oct 21, 2008 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

u do make a good point tho world

Havent seen an official announcement I suppose.

by Blitzburgh on Oct 21, 2008 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Larry T!

I like your thinking. With Troy and BMac down I think Timmons is probably the second best second level playmaker left on this roster behind Ike Taylor and Larry needs to see the field more.

But…

I’m more worried about the Giants pass game this week than the run game. Fat backs generally don’t do well against the Steelers and Jacobs falls in this category. Coupled with our secondary injuries I think the Giants see our weakness as pass defense.

Instead of exotic schemes I expect LeBeau to play cover 2 or more most of the day to prevent the big pass play. LeBeau will throw some run blitzes out there but I think he’ll look to Harrison and Woodley to apply pressure w/out scheme tricks this week.

Don’t be surprised if Carter starts over An. Smith. The same discipline issues that bite An. Smith in the passing game will also bite him in the run game. Troy is asked to cover a lot of cut back lanes and when the Steelers stuff Jacobs the Giants will probably turn to a run game more suited to the likes of Bradshaw which includes misdirection and cut back and requires discipline to defend.

Just when you think exotic is just when LeBeau will go vanilla.

groupthink sux

by mental.apparition on Oct 21, 2008 11:38 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

hmm

The Giants have been fairly efficient with the pass, but they’re leading the league in rushing average and second in rushing yards. They have 3 pretty good backs that can do a variety of things. Their offense reminds me of the Jaguars in the last few years. We can stop them, but only if we focus on it, IMO. We also need to catch when Eli throws us the ball.

charity standing orders

by BadMaafala on Oct 21, 2008 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Giants will run the ball

or at least attempt to. But they haven’t played a defense quite like the ‘08 Steelers. I’m saying the Steelers will severely limit the effectiveness of the Giants run game and the Giants will have to find a way to pass.

If the Steelers can stop the run with 7 (I think they will) LeBeau protects his depleted secondary with umbrella coverage over the top all day long.

Which should give Ike a couple of opportunities to drop an Eli pass or two.

groupthink sux

by mental.apparition on Oct 21, 2008 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

nobody runs well against us

Hanvet for years and years. I dont see why that would change, even if Polamalu’s out. I think they might try to run quite a bit only to keep the pressure off Manning a bit and slow down our pass rush. But I dont see them having tons of success. Whens Hampton back btw. Anyone?

by Blitzburgh on Oct 21, 2008 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hampton

That’s a really big question. If he’s in I’ll feel a lot better about our front 7’s chances against the run. Also, the Jags have run well against us in recent years (before they lost their whole offensive line), and I think this Giants offense is looking a whole lot like them right now. We really need our offense to win the TOP battle and get a lead, IMO.

charity standing orders

by BadMaafala on Oct 21, 2008 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

hmm

The secondary is a concern. If we play cover-3, Ike and Clark can cover 2 of the deep zones, but can we trust Carter, Smith, an injured Deshea, or Bill Gay with that other deep zone? Steve Smith and Toomer don’t really scare me, but they could still have success against marginal corners. Hmm. I still think I’d focus on the run and take my chances in the passing game early. If we underestimate the Giants’ running game and they have some success early, we’ll have to adjust and they’ll play action us to death.

charity standing orders

by BadMaafala on Oct 21, 2008 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Carter is too slow and doesn't hit anymore

Check out the tapes of the last couple of games, Carter hasn’t been on the field for D. On kickoffs, he never blocks anyone getting Davenport murdered. I prefer Anthony Smith big hits and speed to Carter’s knowledge. Let him and Troy coach Anthony from the sideline.

by 72Steeler on Oct 21, 2008 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs