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LAWRENCE TIMMONS
Inside Linebacker
The Steelers defense fell short in its quest to finish No. 1 in the league in three main categories – total yards allowed, rushing yards allowed, and passing yards allowed – but it did get itself back to the marauding style that first led to the Blitzburgh nickname almost 20 years ago.
Against the Browns, the Steelers defense finished with a season-high four takeaways to go along with four sacks in what turned out to be a 24-10 victory, and the two guys who led the way in that area were Cortez Allen and Lawrence Timmons.
Timmons had sacks on back-to-back plays to ice the outcome in the final two minutes, and he also forced a fumble on the second of those sacks that Ziggy Hood recovered to allow the Steelers to get into victory formation. Timmons also recovered a fumble and had six tackles, including one for loss.
Timmons is the Steelers Digest Player of the Week.
Also considered were Allen, who had eight tackles, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery; Ben Roethlisberger, who completed 15-of-23 for 134 yards, with three touchdowns, no interceptions, and a passer rating of 120.3; Troy Polamalu, who broke up two passes and had an interception that made him one of nine players in franchise history with at least 30; and James Harrison, who led the team with 11 tackles, including one for loss, and had a sack.
