When you hear linebacker LaMarr Woodley talk, it sounds so easy. He has the plan outlined for what the Steelers have to do on Sunday, and throughout the season, to put wins on the board.
"We have to go out there and perform," said Woodley. "We have to go out there and do what we didn't do last year – that's stopping the run, getting turnovers and putting our offense in good field position."
Last year the Steelers lost more turnovers than they created, which is something that doesn't translate into winning football. The defense has only caused 35 turnovers in the last two years, 15 in 2011 and 20 in 2012.
Woodley knows in order for the defense to be where they want this year those numbers have to improve, and he feels confident they will.
"Just this year in training camp, I think we went out there and played pretty well," said Woodley. "During the preseason we went out there and caused some turnovers and got the ball back. We showed it here early on.
"I feel we can be a better defense this year as long as we keep everybody out there on the field and everybody out there doing what they're supposed to do. Then, I think we'll be back to playing the way we used to play."
Below is a little more of what Woodley had to say:
Can you provide any more information on a possible rotation with the outside linebackers?
I guess we've got to wait to see until Sunday.
One guy you have to worry about Sunday is Chris Johnson. What kind of runner is he and why is he so dangerous?
He's a good runner but it's not necessarily focused on Chris Johnson. It's focused on us doing what we need to do, us making sure we stay in the right gap and everybody doing what they're supposed to do and not trying to do somebody else's job. I think if we just go out there and do what we're supposed to do, we can eliminate anything.
Are you in favor of rotating and getting a few snaps off here and there?
We'll see whatever the plan is on Sunday.
What has impressed you about Jason Worilds and Jarvis Jones?
We were watching Jason Worilds these past few years. He's been coming in and starting since I was down and James Harrison was down. We've seen Worilds go in there and get plenty of sacks. The biggest thing is having an opportunity to see what Jarvis Jones can do and I think during this preseason he definitely made some splash plays and was around the ball a lot.
What would an injury-free season mean to you?
A lot of sacks. That's all it means.
Do you have a general curiosity about this team?
I know what we have. We just have to go out there and get it done on the football field.
