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Re: Timmons Dime LB
[quote=SteelerNation1][quote]Timmons picks up pace
Lawrence Timmons (Gene J. Puskar/AP)
Lawrence Timmons (Gene J. Puskar/AP)
By Jim Wexell
SteelCityInsider.com
Posted May 29, 2008
Things are starting to fall into place for Lawrence Timmons. The Pittsburgh Steelers' first-round pick from a year ago is putting his knowledge to use on the practice field. Read Jim Wexell's story for details.
PITTSBURGH – To the surprise of the reporters milling around Lawrence Timmons after practice the other day, his move inside to the Mack linebacker position was made early last season.
Therefore, the position – behind Larry Foote – is not new to Timmons. But this is: “He’s finally gaining an understanding of what he needs to be doing,” said defensive captain James Farrior.
Farrior knows how important it is to gain an understanding of the Steelers’ defense. He spent his first season – in 2002 – as the Buck (strong-side inside) linebacker and admitted he didn’t know what he was doing. He sees the light turning on for Timmons now.
“He’s starting to realize what the other players on defense are doing,” Farrior said. “That’s the biggest key. When you’re playing our defense, you want to know what everybody else is doing. He’s starting to get a grasp of that.”
At Thursday’s practice, Timmons dropped into the flat to cover the running back, who was the checkdown receiver on the play. Quarterback Jared Zabransky looked deep, saw the primary receiver covered, and threw to the back. The pass never got there. Timmons intercepted it for a touchdown.
“I was just doing my job, that’s all,” Timmons said.
He couldn’t even do that last year at this time. Timmons, the first-round pick, stood on the sideline all spring with a groin injury. The Steelers wanted to do so much with him, too. They wanted him to learn some outside linebacker, some inside, some dime, some special teams. He learned little and saw only limited playing time throughout the season. But now he’s back at spring drills and he's healthy and he's feeling like a vet.
“Like a vet? Not quite,” he said. “Three more weeks and then I won’t be a rookie anymore.”
Go ahead and tell Timmons that he didn’t really miss much last spring. He’s still counting the days to make up for it.
“He is making up for it,” Farrior said. “He’s playing well.”
Timmons, though, remains the second-team Mack backer behind Foote. But Timmons is the first-team dime backer, and that’s his main focus right now. The Steelers are now using two inside backers – Timmons and Farrior – in their dime.
“It looks like the old nickel, but there’s a difference,” Timmons said.
Timmons was asked if he’ll soon have to learn the Buck position.
“The Mack and the Buck pretty much run off each other, so it wouldn’t be difficult,” he said. “But I’ve got to learn the dime a whole lot more before they do anything else with me.”
Thursday's interception proved he’s doing just that.[/quote][/quote]
I won't hesitate to say "I told you so" especially to some of the negative morons from the other board. Timmons was drafted as a pass coverage LB not a pass rushing LB. He is like Derrick Brooks not Kevin Greene. Timmons was drafted to shut down RBs and TEs like Winslow, Heap, etc.
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Re: Timmons Dime LB
[quote=sd steel][quote=Flasteel][quote="steeler_fan_in_t.o.":wxs8dznv]Does it really matter if he takes the starting job to start the year, mid year, or at the start of next year? If he starts playing like Levon Kirkland (yes, bad visual example) by the start of his fourth year, will it really matter that it took four years if he becomes a PB caliber cornerstone of this D?
I agree that at some point you have to be willing to let loose a high pick and accept that he is a bust ('Zo, Coke), but if a high pick matures into the player you expect, then be happy and embrace it, rather than complaining that he did not succeed according to our imaginary timeline.
I'd prefer that Timmons makes the PB this year and is named SB MVP, but if the trip takes longer, it isn't so important, as long as he gets there.[/quote]
Sorry brother, but if it takes your number one draft choice until his fourth year to break into the starting lineup, then you missed out on maybe two or three years where that
player didn't contribute to the level he was expected. There is a general rule of thumb which states that your number one pick should be starting by year two or three at the latest. When you pick in the top half of the first round, you expect that impact to come sooner rather than later. Yes a player can eventually vindicate themselves, but if it takes them that long to contribute, then they shouldn't have been taken in the top-15 and would thus be a reach pick. I didn't say bust and as long as Timmons is able to make plays and prgress as a player, then I would refrain from using that tag.[/quote]
First off Timmons is only 20 years old, so even if he loses 2 or 3 years to learn the system and earn a starting role, he will still have alot years left in him. If you already have a good LB corp, but it is aging, and you have the luxury to groom a great young athlete to fill a starting spot for the future, then you do it. BTW where'd you come up with your "general rule of thumb"? Did you read it somewhere? Or did you just make it up?[/quote:wxs8dznv]
I actually think he is 21 now, but last year he was one of the youngest players drafted. He is only going to get better.
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Re: Timmons Dime LB
[quote=sd steel][quote=Flasteel][quote="steeler_fan_in_t.o.":2z5zb3q2]Does it really matter if he takes the starting job to start the year, mid year, or at the start of next year? If he starts playing like Levon Kirkland (yes, bad visual example) by the start of his fourth year, will it really matter that it took four years if he becomes a PB caliber cornerstone of this D?
I agree that at some point you have to be willing to let loose a high pick and accept that he is a bust ('Zo, Coke), but if a high pick matures into the player you expect, then be happy and embrace it, rather than complaining that he did not succeed according to our imaginary timeline.
I'd prefer that Timmons makes the PB this year and is named SB MVP, but if the trip takes longer, it isn't so important, as long as he gets there.[/quote]
Sorry brother, but if it takes your number one draft choice until his fourth year to break into the starting lineup, then you missed out on maybe two or three years where that
player didn't contribute to the level he was expected. There is a general rule of thumb which states that your number one pick should be starting by year two or three at the latest. When you pick in the top half of the first round, you expect that impact to come sooner rather than later. Yes a player can eventually vindicate themselves, but if it takes them that long to contribute, then they shouldn't have been taken in the top-15 and would thus be a reach pick. I didn't say bust and as long as Timmons is able to make plays and prgress as a player, then I would refrain from using that tag.[/quote]
First off Timmons is only 20 years old, so even if he loses 2 or 3 years to learn the system and earn a starting role, he will still have alot years left in him. If you already have a good LB corp, but it is aging, and you have the luxury to groom a great young athlete to fill a starting spot for the future, then you do it. BTW where'd you come up with your "general rule of thumb"? Did you read it somewhere? Or did you just make it up?[/quote:2z5zb3q2]
I think I may have made it up. :lol: Seriously, it's something I've encountered on several occasions and by "rule of thumb", I was referring to unwritten expectations regarding first round draft choices and there are always going to be mitigating factors, which move that time table up or back.
It doesn't matter that he's only 20 years old, losing two or three years is still losing two or three years. When you have immediate needs which need to be addressed, you don't want to burn the 15th overall pick on a guy who won't be starting until their fourth year...it's just common sense.
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Re: Timmons Dime LB
[quote=papillon][size=7][b]I believe Timmons was a reach regardless of when he becomes a starter. That doesn't mean that he won't be good or great; it just means he was reach at 1.15 in the draft.[/b][/size] I'll take the reach that becomes a producer over the BPA that never sees the field.
Of course, Timmons could become that first round pick that never has an impact and then, obviously, he can then officially be labeled a bust. However, the news in the article posted by SN1 is very promising.
We'll see...
Pappy[/quote]
I agree...That is the best way of looking at it! If Timmons was picked in the late 20's I don't think anyone would have a problem with his progression. They guy has talent, it is the mental part of the game keeping him off the field. That isn't a knock on him, it is his position. When he is ready, he will play. He plays a position that has allot of responsibility built into the scheme. They need to make sure he understands his assignments before he hits the field. The "Scheme" of the defense depends on it! "Football IQ" starts at the ball and works out! The scheme/assignments are built around the guys in the trenches and the "Conductor" is the QB/ILB. A 3 year window for a "Front 7" player on either side of the ball is understandable. Some players are inserted before they are ready because their talent exceeds any other players production on the roster. Timmons is in a great situation because he could learn before he hits the field. The fact that he was able to watch & learn last year and not be forced into the line-up will pay off in his production & his confidence. Many high draft choices fail because they were inserted into the line-up to soon and lost confidence in themselves and lost interest in the game because of failure. The Steelers have been pretty good at bringing players along and getting them into the line-up when they are ready. We all bash the player and call him a bust but he turns into a productive player. Timmons as the starting Dime LB is not a disappointment. He might earn a starting spot over Foote by mid season or come in because of injury. This is Farrior's last year as a Steeler and a spot will be there in 2009. I'm not worried yet because I feel WHEN he does get the start inside...He won't ever look back! That I could wait for!
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Re: Timmons Dime LB
NKY,
I am not an insider at steelers.scout.com. It is expensive. My bro-in-law was an Ohio St. insider and I was able to use his password last year and read all my Steeler news, but he changed websites. :cry: It is well worth the money if you're looking at a subscription site.
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Re: Timmons Dime LB
Timmons has been an underdog in my book just based on all the negativity he faced through the media and the boards. I am pulling for him to have a tremendous year, I have to admit that if he doesn't beat out Foote (who is solid but not great) I will suffer a bit of a let down. Training camp should be very interesting.
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Re: Timmons Dime LB
[quote=JUST-PLAIN-NASTY][quote=papillon][size=7][b]I believe Timmons was a reach regardless of when he becomes a starter. That doesn't mean that he won't be good or great; it just means he was reach at 1.15 in the draft.[/b][/size] I'll take the reach that becomes a producer over the BPA that never sees the field.
Of course, Timmons could become that first round pick that never has an impact and then, obviously, he can then officially be labeled a bust. However, the news in the article posted by SN1 is very promising.
We'll see...
Pappy[/quote]
I agree...That is the best way of looking at it! If Timmons was picked in the late 20's I don't think anyone would have a problem with his progression. They guy has talent, it is the mental part of the game keeping him off the field. That isn't a knock on him, it is his position. When he is ready, he will play. He plays a position that has allot of responsibility built into the scheme. They need to make sure he understands his assignments before he hits the field. The "Scheme" of the defense depends on it! "Football IQ" starts at the ball and works out! The scheme/assignments are built around the guys in the trenches and the "Conductor" is the QB/ILB. A 3 year window for a "Front 7" player on either side of the ball is understandable. Some players are inserted before they are ready because their talent exceeds any other players production on the roster. Timmons is in a great situation because he could learn before he hits the field. The fact that he was able to watch & learn last year and not be forced into the line-up will pay off in his production & his confidence. Many high draft choices fail because they were inserted into the line-up to soon and lost confidence in themselves and lost interest in the game because of failure. The Steelers have been pretty good at bringing players along and getting them into the line-up when they are ready. We all bash the player and call him a bust but he turns into a productive player. Timmons as the starting Dime LB is not a disappointment. He might earn a starting spot over Foote by mid season or come in because of injury. [b]This is Farrior's last year as a Steeler [/b]and a spot will be there in 2009. I'm not worried yet because I feel WHEN he does get the start inside...He won't ever look back! That I could wait for![/quote]
I agree with a lot of what you said Nasty, but to assume that this is Farrior's last year in a Steeler uniform or even as a starter is flat-out wrong in my opinion. He had his second best season ever last year and shows no signs of letting up. Farrior is one of the most underrated players we've had on defense in a long time and I think he has at least two and maybe even three or four years left on this team.
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Re: Timmons Dime LB
[quote=Flasteel][quote=JUST-PLAIN-NASTY][quote=papillon][size=7][b]I believe Timmons was a reach regardless of when he becomes a starter. That doesn't mean that he won't be good or great; it just means he was reach at 1.15 in the draft.[/b][/size] I'll take the reach that becomes a producer over the BPA that never sees the field.
Of course, Timmons could become that first round pick that never has an impact and then, obviously, he can then officially be labeled a bust. However, the news in the article posted by SN1 is very promising.
We'll see...
Pappy[/quote]
I agree...That is the best way of looking at it! If Timmons was picked in the late 20's I don't think anyone would have a problem with his progression. They guy has talent, it is the mental part of the game keeping him off the field. That isn't a knock on him, it is his position. When he is ready, he will play. He plays a position that has allot of responsibility built into the scheme. They need to make sure he understands his assignments before he hits the field. The "Scheme" of the defense depends on it! "Football IQ" starts at the ball and works out! The scheme/assignments are built around the guys in the trenches and the "Conductor" is the QB/ILB. A 3 year window for a "Front 7" player on either side of the ball is understandable. Some players are inserted before they are ready because their talent exceeds any other players production on the roster. Timmons is in a great situation because he could learn before he hits the field. The fact that he was able to watch & learn last year and not be forced into the line-up will pay off in his production & his confidence. Many high draft choices fail because they were inserted into the line-up to soon and lost confidence in themselves and lost interest in the game because of failure. The Steelers have been pretty good at bringing players along and getting them into the line-up when they are ready. We all bash the player and call him a bust but he turns into a productive player. Timmons as the starting Dime LB is not a disappointment. He might earn a starting spot over Foote by mid season or come in because of injury. [b]This is Farrior's last year as a Steeler [/b]and a spot will be there in 2009. I'm not worried yet because I feel WHEN he does get the start inside...He won't ever look back! That I could wait for![/quote]
I agree with a lot of what you said Nasty, but to assume that this is Farrior's last year in a Steeler uniform or even as a starter is flat-out wrong in my opinion. He had his second best season ever last year and shows no signs of letting up. Farrior is one of the most underrated players we've had on defense in a long time and I think he has at least two and maybe even three or four years left on this team.[/quote]
I would love to see him stay but I believe this is the last year of his contract. You answered why I don't think he will be around. He still is playing at a high level and the Steelers are not going to pay a multi-year deal for a 34 year old LB. He is in decline but he still is the best on the team. Farrior would have to take a huge "Hometown" discount to stay here. Farrior will be making $4.5 mil this year and Foote will be in his last year next year at $3.9 mil next year. If you think Farrior will stick around for less than $3.9 mil...You have more faith than me brother! With Timmons in the wings, I would say Farrior needs to take a big pay cut to stay here...Probably like $2 mil! I don't think he will take that.
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Re: Timmons Dime LB
[quote=JUST-PLAIN-NASTY][quote=Flasteel][quote="JUST-PLAIN-NASTY":31ut5jl6][quote=papillon][size=7][b]I believe Timmons was a reach regardless of when he becomes a starter. That doesn't mean that he won't be good or great; it just means he was reach at 1.15 in the draft.[/b][/size] I'll take the reach that becomes a producer over the BPA that never sees the field.
Of course, Timmons could become that first round pick that never has an impact and then, obviously, he can then officially be labeled a bust. However, the news in the article posted by SN1 is very promising.
We'll see...
Pappy[/quote]
I agree...That is the best way of looking at it! If Timmons was picked in the late 20's I don't think anyone would have a problem with his progression. They guy has talent, it is the mental part of the game keeping him off the field. That isn't a knock on him, it is his position. When he is ready, he will play. He plays a position that has allot of responsibility built into the scheme. They need to make sure he understands his assignments before he hits the field. The "Scheme" of the defense depends on it! "Football IQ" starts at the ball and works out! The scheme/assignments are built around the guys in the trenches and the "Conductor" is the QB/ILB. A 3 year window for a "Front 7" player on either side of the ball is understandable. Some players are inserted before they are ready because their talent exceeds any other players production on the roster. Timmons is in a great situation because he could learn before he hits the field. The fact that he was able to watch & learn last year and not be forced into the line-up will pay off in his production & his confidence. Many high draft choices fail because they were inserted into the line-up to soon and lost confidence in themselves and lost interest in the game because of failure. The Steelers have been pretty good at bringing players along and getting them into the line-up when they are ready. We all bash the player and call him a bust but he turns into a productive player. Timmons as the starting Dime LB is not a disappointment. He might earn a starting spot over Foote by mid season or come in because of injury. [b]This is Farrior's last year as a Steeler [/b]and a spot will be there in 2009. I'm not worried yet because I feel WHEN he does get the start inside...He won't ever look back! That I could wait for![/quote]
I agree with a lot of what you said Nasty, but to assume that this is Farrior's last year in a Steeler uniform or even as a starter is flat-out wrong in my opinion. He had his second best season ever last year and shows no signs of letting up. Farrior is one of the most underrated players we've had on defense in a long time and I think he has at least two and maybe even three or four years left on this team.[/quote]
I would love to see him stay but I believe this is the last year of his contract. You answered why I don't think he will be around. He still is playing at a high level and the Steelers are not going to pay a multi-year deal for a 34 year old LB. He is in decline but he still is the best on the team. Farrior would have to take a huge "Hometown" discount to stay here. Farrior will be making $4.5 mil this year and Foote will be in his last year next year at $3.9 mil next year. If you think Farrior will stick around for less than $3.9 mil...You have more faith than me brother! With Timmons in the wings, I would say Farrior needs to take a big pay cut to stay here...Probably like $2 mil! I don't think he will take that.[/quote:31ut5jl6]
Farrior is already on record saying that he would take a home-town discount.
[url="http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_557469.html"]http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsbu ... 57469.html[/url]
This is a guy who wants to be here and will do what it takes contractually to make sure that it happens...he's not going anywhere.
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Re: Timmons Dime LB
[quote=Flasteel][quote=JUST-PLAIN-NASTY][quote=Flasteel][quote="JUST-PLAIN-NASTY":1onwq1y3][quote=papillon][size=7][b]I believe Timmons was a reach regardless of when he becomes a starter. That doesn't mean that he won't be good or great; it just means he was reach at 1.15 in the draft.[/b][/size] I'll take the reach that becomes a producer over the BPA that never sees the field.
Of course, Timmons could become that first round pick that never has an impact and then, obviously, he can then officially be labeled a bust. However, the news in the article posted by SN1 is very promising.
We'll see...
Pappy[/quote]
I agree...That is the best way of looking at it! If Timmons was picked in the late 20's I don't think anyone would have a problem with his progression. They guy has talent, it is the mental part of the game keeping him off the field. That isn't a knock on him, it is his position. When he is ready, he will play. He plays a position that has allot of responsibility built into the scheme. They need to make sure he understands his assignments before he hits the field. The "Scheme" of the defense depends on it! "Football IQ" starts at the ball and works out! The scheme/assignments are built around the guys in the trenches and the "Conductor" is the QB/ILB. A 3 year window for a "Front 7" player on either side of the ball is understandable. Some players are inserted before they are ready because their talent exceeds any other players production on the roster. Timmons is in a great situation because he could learn before he hits the field. The fact that he was able to watch & learn last year and not be forced into the line-up will pay off in his production & his confidence. Many high draft choices fail because they were inserted into the line-up to soon and lost confidence in themselves and lost interest in the game because of failure. The Steelers have been pretty good at bringing players along and getting them into the line-up when they are ready. We all bash the player and call him a bust but he turns into a productive player. Timmons as the starting Dime LB is not a disappointment. He might earn a starting spot over Foote by mid season or come in because of injury. [b]This is Farrior's last year as a Steeler [/b]and a spot will be there in 2009. I'm not worried yet because I feel WHEN he does get the start inside...He won't ever look back! That I could wait for![/quote]
I agree with a lot of what you said Nasty, but to assume that this is Farrior's last year in a Steeler uniform or even as a starter is flat-out wrong in my opinion. He had his second best season ever last year and shows no signs of letting up. Farrior is one of the most underrated players we've had on defense in a long time and I think he has at least two and maybe even three or four years left on this team.[/quote]
I would love to see him stay but I believe this is the last year of his contract. You answered why I don't think he will be around. He still is playing at a high level and the Steelers are not going to pay a multi-year deal for a 34 year old LB. He is in decline but he still is the best on the team. Farrior would have to take a huge "Hometown" discount to stay here. Farrior will be making $4.5 mil this year and Foote will be in his last year next year at $3.9 mil next year. If you think Farrior will stick around for less than $3.9 mil...You have more faith than me brother! With Timmons in the wings, I would say Farrior needs to take a big pay cut to stay here...Probably like $2 mil! I don't think he will take that.[/quote]
Farrior is already on record saying that he would take a home-town discount.
[url="http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_557469.html"]http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsbu ... 57469.html[/url]
This is a guy who wants to be here and will do what it takes contractually to make sure that it happens...he's not going anywhere.[/quote:1onwq1y3]
Farrior is the kind of player the Pats would love to have after this season. He is still solid in the middle. I am sure it will be a tough decision if they decide to let him walk.