Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Lawrence Timmons made his first Pro Bowl last season and he’s now looking forward to some of the changes that new defensive coordinator Keith Butler has in store for the unit he’ll more than likely captain again in 2015.
“I am pretty sure he is going to have his own little twist to it,” said Timmons of Butler who previously served as the team’s linebackers coach prior to his recent promotion, according to Teresa Varley of steelers.com. “I am going to be looking forward to it. I know we’re going to be blitzing. So look forward to that.”
During the last four seasons the Steelers defense has struggled to get sacks and consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks under the guidance of former defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, who resigned a few weeks after the 2014 season ended.
Butler, who has been the Steelers linebackers coach since he was originally hired by former head coach Bill Cowher in 2003, will now be expected to improve the defense in that area immediately. Timmons, who has only recorded a total of five sacks in the last two seasons, speaks very highly of Butler, who he says is a “great teacher.”
“I have known him since I came here in 2007. He’s been my position coach. He’s a Christian man, a great man,” said Timmons. I think he is going to do a great job being our defensive coordinator. I am looking forward to it.
“I know I am going to be the best player I can and play well for him.”
Timmons was forced to play both the buck and mack linebacker spots last season alongside several young Steelers players due to then-rookie first-round draft pick Ryan Shazier missing quite a few games due to knee and ankle injuries. Should Shazier stay healthy in 2015, Timmons more than likely will only have to focus on playing the buck position and it sounds like he might be turned loose more as well via blitzes next season in an effort to provide the defense a better pass rush.
