Timmons looking for complete season
LATROBE – Steelers linebacker Lawrence Timmons is obviously a fan of Star Wars.
How do we know?
His twin boy and girl – two of his three children – are named Luke and Leah in an obvious nod to George Lucas’ six-film space epic.
Much like Lucas’ six films, there were some lulls in the action in 2012 for Timmons.
Timmons became the first linebacker since Joey Porter in 2002 to lead the Steelers in tackles, sacks and interceptions, but his season wasn’t a complete one.
Five of Timmons’ team-high six sacks came in the final three games of 2012, while two of his three interceptions also came in the second half of the season. Of his five double-digit tackle games, four came in the final seven weeks.
Putting together a full season is first and foremost on Timmons’ mind as he continues to work with the Steelers at training camp at Saint Vincent College.
“I felt like I did try to pick it up,” said Timmons, an inside linebacker. “I didn’t start as well as I wanted to. Toward the end, it was kind of do-or-die time. We wanted to make the playoffs and I wanted to hold up my end and do the best I could for the defense. I just really wanted to get to the playoffs last year, just like I want to this year.”
The Steelers failed to reach the playoffs in 2012, finishing with an 8-8 record.
And with outside linebacker James Harrison’s release in the offseason, the Steelers have an obvious need for more playmaking from their linebacker position.
Veteran Jason Worilds is expected to take over for Harrison at right outside linebacker, with first-round draft pick Jarvis Jones offering possible contributions. But getting a full season of star production out of Timmons would help take some pressure off of those two.
“It’s definitely important,” said outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley, who missed some time Thursday with a sore calf. “Here in Pittsburgh, outside linebackers play off one another. When there are two good ones here, they have a lot of sacks and help the team out because you can’t just focus on one guy.”
Timmons has 23 sacks in five years as a starter, including a career-high seven in 2009. If he can reach or better that number, it would complement the pass rushing of Woodley, who is healthy for the first time in year-and-a-half.
“I’m going to still try to chip in and do my thing,” said Timmons. “I’m more of a run stopper and coverage guy and occasional sacker.
“Whatever plays I have, I’m going to try to make them. That’s all I can do.”
Timmons is usually pretty good, but when you’re a former No. 1 pick, are a sculpted 6-1, 250 pounds and run a 4.6-second 40, more is always expected.
“I criticize him and give him stuff,” said fellow inside linebacker Larry Foote. “His best games came in December. I think that’s how he missed it last year. I still think he should have gotten (to the Pro Bowl) from a numbers standpoint, and we had the No. 1 defense. Some of those guys didn’t have his numbers. But to their defense, it was December. You want everyone to have their best games in December.
“I think a lot of guys get in on name recognition, and he had his best games in December. This year, he’s got to start off strong at the start of the season.”
Odds and end zones
Rookie guard Nik Embernate suffered what appeared to be a serious knee injury during one-on-one blocking drills with defensive end Cordian Hagans Thursday. Embernate, a San Diego State product, needed to be carted from the field. … In addition to Woodley, Worilds suffered a toe injury that limited him Thursday. … Cornerbacks Cortez Allen (knee), DeMarcus Van Dyke (hamstring) and Terry Hawthorne (knee) and defensive end Nick Williams (knee) missed practice. … The Steelers were awarded cornerback Buddy Jackson off waivers from Kansas City. Jackson played at Pitt. … The Steelers will hold a night practice at Saint Vincent College beginning at 5:30 p.m. Players will be available to sign autographs at 5 p.m.