The mysterious departure of Larry Foote from the Pittsburgh Steelers still has many in Steeler Nation scratching their heads. Despite the nearly $2.9 million dollars he would’ve earned this year, and taking that into consideration with regard to Pittsburgh’s tight salary cap, Foote’s exit from the Black-And-Gold still makes absolutely no sense. Some say he knew the Steelers would not have signed him because of his salary, or because of Lawrence Timmons waiting in the wings. Others say he just wanted to go home to Detroit. We will never know the true story.

Larry Foote was my personal favorite, as his toughness and work ethic personified the blue collar tenacity for which Pittburgh is known. He was a standout linebacker at the University of Michigan, remaining fourth in school history in stops behind the line of scrimmage. In Foote’s seven-year career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he amassed 285 tackles, 146 assists and 14.5 sacks. But don’t let the modest statistics fool you; he was a run-stuffer extraordinaire and a vocal locker-room leader.

Unfortunately for Steeler fans, Larry Foote was granted his wish, whatever that may have been, and now plays for the Detroit Lions. I wish him all the best and know that he will do well; in all honesty, however, I cannot say the same for Lawrence Timmons.

When Timmons was drafted 15th overall in the first round in 2007 from Florida State by the Pittsburgh Steelers, my heart sank. Here’s a guy that didn’t start at his strong -side linebacker position in Florida State’s 4-3 defense until his junior year, playing only on special teams as a freshman and sophomore. Perhaps his versatility was held in high regard, as he would occasionally step in as a pass-rushing defensive end.

But didn’t the Steelers have a bad track record drafting tweeners from the Seminoles; anyone remember Alonzo Jackson?

This was Mike Tomlin’s first draft, however, and rumor had it that he wanted Timmons, period. I imagine there’s nothing wrong with the new sheriff in town putting his foot down, but rumor also had it that Timmons was not Dick LeBeau’s first choice. It was my understanding that LeBeau wanted Penn State’s Paul Pozluszny, who was indeed available when Timmons was selected. Thank goodness LeBeau put his foot down when he got his way with our 2nd round pick in 2007, LaMarr Woodley.

Capable of a 4.6 40 with his 6’1” 234lb frame, Lawrence Timmons is not a bust by any stretch of the imagination. His swift, explosive lateral moves allow him to pursue the speediest on the opposition’s team, and he is an excellent open-field tackler. Perhaps Tomlin is setting him up to fail, however; Timmons is not known as a run-stuffer, so as an inside linebacker with outside linebacker capabilities, his talents may be wasted at that position. The most recent development in the Steelers’ defensive strategy, placing special-teams dynamo/back-up linebacker, Keyaron Fox, in with the Steeler’s goal-line defense during pre-season, indicates, to me, the lack of confidence the Steelers have in Timmons’ run-stopping potential.

I am most concerned about, however, Lawrence Timmons’ cerebral capacity, or lack thereof. Even Pee-Wee League 101 rules show you can’t run out of bounds, then jump back inbounds to make a play. Timmons’ has been caught doing this more than once! Not to mention the intricacy of Dick LeBeau’s defense…can Timmons absorb what he needs to do and perform accordingly?

It is time for Timmons to step up. In fact, it’s past time. I hope he can adjust and flourish at the inside linebacker position. In the meantime….

Larry, we hardly knew ye.’