Super Bowl XLV: LaMarr Woodley Talks Steelers' First-Quarter Plans and More

On Thursday night at the Coke Zero Madden Bowl XVII Black Carpet Event in Dallas, I had the chance to talk to Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley about Sunday's game.

His comments were clear-cut and honest.

He shared some interesting thoughts while not revealing explicit details on how the Steelers will approach Super Bowl XLV

Here's a quick look at four Pittsburgh focus points that Woodley conveyed, plus his comments on the Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.

Come Out Physical

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 06: Zach Miller #80 of the Oakland Raiders is tackled after a second quarter catch by LaMarr Woodley #56 of the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 6, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Imag

When asked about what the Steelers want to establish to start off the game, Woodley said that the Steelers "want to get physical and begin to dominate" from the very beginning.

In a game that will match the two NFL top-rated defenses, creating an aggressive tone to the game will play into Pittsburgh's brand of football.

Even when they have the ball, the Steelers want to be fierce and forceful.

Play Their Game

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 12: Hines Ward #86 of the Pittsburgh Steelers catches a pass in front of Johnathan Wade #26 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the game on December 12, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty

In response to the question, "What one Green Bay Packer are the Steelers most concerned about," Woodley said that they weren't concerned about any one particular player.

In fact, his specific answer was "No one."

He said that "on both sides of the ball, we just need to focus on playing our game."

These comments were not necessarily signs of disrespect, but describe a mentality that emphasizes execution over reaction. 

Contain Rodgers

Karl Walter/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 20: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers scrambles away from the defense of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the game on December 20, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Woodley stated that one of Aaron Rodgers best strengths is "his ability to run and throw."

While Rodgers will never be confused with a Michael Vick-style QB, he does not just plant himself in the pocket, unable to move. He is mobile, will throw on the run or will tuck the ball under and run with it when needed.

Rodgers is the highest-rated QB (109.2) and has nine rushes for 49 yards in this year's postseason. 

Keep the Score Low

Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 02: Defenders Larry Foote #50, Lawrence Timmons #94 and James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers tackle tailback Peyton Hillis #40 of the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Cleveland, Ohio. (P

Woodley indicated that he thought that "the score won't be like last year's game (37-36, Steelers beat Packers on Dec. 20, 2009). The score will probably be low, and that would be to (Pittsburgh's) advantage."

In the Packers' six losses this year, they only scored more than 20 points in one of those games.

On the other side, Pittsburgh won six of their 12 victories this season by scoring 23 points or less.

A lower scoring contest seems to favor the Steelers.

Woodley's Comments on Mike Tomlin

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 01: (L-R) LaMarr Woodley and head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers talk against the Arizona Cardinals during Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty I

Woodley has a great deal of respect for his coach, Mike Tomlin, and said that he was the best young coach in the game.

"Four years in the league and he's trying for his second Super Bowl. That's pretty good"

He said that two of the reasons why Tomlin has had such early success is that "he takes care of his players and he listens."

It is interesting to hear Tomlin described this way. His sideline demeanor, most of the time, is somewhat stoic or even slightly stern.

Evidently, his "game face" has not prevented his players from being positively impacted by him. 

In fact, his strong disposition may be one of several reasons that Woodley and his teammates hold their coach in such high regard.