A Closer Look at the Steelers’ Inside Linebacker Battle

May 31, 2014   ·   Andrea Hangst   ·   Jump to comments

A hallmark of the Pittsburgh Steelers defense under Dick LeBeau is the role the inside linebackers play. More than just protecting the second level and containing running backs, the Steelers also want their inside backers to contribute in coverage and, most importantly, bring pressure to opposing quarterbacks by blitzing up the middle. 
Therefore, in Pittsburgh, inside linebacker is a very specialized position that requires the right combination of aggression, speed and tackling technique to master. Last year, only one inside linebacker fit this mold—Lawrence Timmons, who led the team in tackles, defensed five passes, had two interceptions and had three sacks.
Next to him on the left saw a rotation of players, beginning with Larry Foote, who landed on injured reserve early in the season. Kion Wilson took over for Foote for two weeks before the starting job went to Vince Williams. Foote, Wilson and Williams had no passes defensed, no sacks and no interceptions betwe...

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