 |
| Lawrence Timmons - The New Leader of the Steelers LB Core |
First, the Suspects:
- #56 - LaMarr Woodley - In my opinion, there is no one on this defense that has more pressure on them this season as LaMarr Woodley, and that includes Troy Polamalu. Woodley has been highly disappointing since signing his big contract extension. Injuries have plagued the big OLB, criticism from anonymous players on his work ethic, and even coaches criticizing Woodley and his weight and workout habits. All of this seems to have fueled Woodley this offseason, as the Steelers desperately need a bounce back year from the former Pro Bowl Linebacker.
- #94 - Lawrence Timmons - The former 1st Rd pick of the Steelers has shown glimpses of brilliance the past 2 seasons, but still seems to get beat on crucial plays. Timmons always reminded me of a man that plays too fast at times. How many times have we seen Timmons come untouched to the QB and whiff? I have a feeling those days are gone. Coaches have already said they want Timmons to take a bigger leadership role, and his play needs to mimic his words. Timmons could be one of the best ILB in the AFC, and I think this year is his breakout year.
- #50 - Larry Foote - Old grey beard is still hanging around. Foote has been with the Steelers for what seems like ages, but still shows the ability to play at the NFL level. In what looks like his last go around with the team, Foote has shown the ability to plug the holes in the running game, but struggles on stretch runs and pass coverage. At time last year he looked downright slow, and those times were when he was getting beat on a regular basis. If Foote wants to keep his job, and not get leapfrogged by younger players eager to get their shot, his overall game needs to improve.
- #93 - Jason Worilds - Everyone is talking about Jarvis Jones, and rightfully so. The man is the Steelers #1 draft pick and looks like the future at the OLB position. Whoever snags that OLB position opposite LaMarr Woodley will have mighty big shoes to fill after the departure of James Harrison. No one is really talking about Worilds, unless they are talking about him riding the pine. Worilds was highly touted as a man who can get after the passer, and in the limited amount of time he has seen since entering the NFL he has produced. He was second on the team with 5 sacks last year, and even though the Steelers didn't get to the QB as much as usual, the man didn't play much after the 3rd or 4th week of the NFL season. Jason Worilds is a player that knows the system, and will surprise SteelerNation this year.
- #55 - Stevenson Sylvester - Its been a long time since a 4th preseason game performance landed Stevenson a job, but it happened and then started the expectations. Hampered by a hamstring injury last year, Stevenson has yet to shake the "Special Teams Ace" tag. The Steelers hoped he would eventually work alongside Lawrence Timmons in what was talked up as a stellar ILB duo. The Steelers drafted some ILB help this year showing they aren't sold on Sylvester's development. Plain and simple, this could be the last chance of Sylvester this training camp.
- #54 - Chris Carter - Carter was the player that really showed up last year and produced in the preseason, and earned himself the starting OLB job for injured Jason Worilds and James Harrison last year. However, Carter was not effective in the regular season as he struggled against Left Tackles and getting any pressure on the QB. However, I feel the experience he garnered this past season will pay dividends this season. It possibly could be as quality depth, but that is something the Steelers have proven you can NEVER have enough of.
- #51 - Sean Spence - Anyone who knows the Sean Spence story is pulling for this young man's return. Last season as a rookie he suffered a possible career threatening knee injury. Some speculated his career was over, but he has been making progress in his rehabilitation. The man was drafted to take over for Larry Foote, and Spence says he hopes to return to the team around mid-season. If he does that, not only would it be a miracle, but he would add a great player to Special Teams and also quality LB depth.
- #44 - Vince Williams - I have to be honest, I don't know much about Vince Williams. The rookie out of Florida State was drafted in the 6th round and has performed well according to reports from Latrobe. Williams most likely will fight for a job on special teams and gain the experience needed to understand the defense and possibly be a player in career years 2-3.
- #95 - Jarvis Jones - Save the best for last? I won't go that far, but I will say that Jarvis Jones has churned up the most hype of all #1 draft picks under Mike Tomlin. No one expected Lawrence Timmons, David DeCatro, Cam Heyward, Ziggy Hood (you get the picture) to step in and start right away, but people expect Jones to be ready. Did the stars align with him? He played in a 3-4 in college, he knows how to get to the passer, and seems to be a perfect fit for the Steelers scheme. Whether he can take that and get himself into the starting OLB spot...only time will tell.
Who makes the cut and who gets cut:
Let me start with the starters at each position:
OLB - LaMarr Woodley - Obvious...if you have to ask why you are blind. Look for a HUGE year from #56.
ILB - Larry Foote - Most experience and will come out of camp with the starting job. Keeping it might be more difficult as a younger player might overtake his starting role by year's end.
ILB - Lawrence Timmons - I smell a Pro Bowl for #94...he is due for a breakout year.
OLB - Jason Worilds - Worilds will start due to experience and familiarity with the Steelers defense. Will Worilds finish the season as a starter? I thihnk he outperforms EVERYONE's expectations and holds off the rookie.
I actually think that the rest of the players listed above make the team in one way, shape, or form...except for Sean Spence. I don't see the Steelers keeping him around unless they know FOR SURE that he will be healthy enough to play this year. Could they put the half season IR tag on him? Its risky unless you are guaranteed him returning. Too many question marks for me on Sean Spence. Williams, Sylvester, and Carter will all be special teams players who will back up the starters in case of injury or needed rest. Jarvis Jones, although he most likely won't start, will see the most playing time of the back up LBs. I am seeing the Steelers using Jones on obvious passing downs and putting him in their to do one thing...RUSH THE QB. This LB core is young in spots, and depth is an issue, but this group of guys can still produce.
You agree or disagree? Let me know what you think (comment below or hit me up on twitter - @BnGBlitz)
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.