Lawrence Timmons Wants the Pats: B/R Exclusive Interview with the Steelers ILB

Lawrence Timmons, one of the NFL's silent killers, sat down with Bleacher Report after his Steelers team pulled out a 31-24 comeback win and moved on to the AFC Championship game.

One of the most versatile linebackers in the NFL today, Timmons led his Pittsburgh Steelers with nine tackles in their win over Baltimore.

So let's see what he had to say after his team's big playoff win over division rival Baltimore:

B/R: What was your guys’ game plan heading into today’s game?

Timmons: We just had a game plan to get a lot of pressure on Flacco and shut down the run game. Keep hitting Ray Rice and Todd Heap because those are their key guys, and they can make you pay. Just get pressure and shut down the run. 

That was just our game plan going in, and it worked out.

B/R: How nice was it for you individually to get in on that sack on Baltimore’s final offensive play? You’ve led the team in tackles the whole year but have come up a little short on sacks.

Timmons: I kind of went on a little drought there. I always push myself, and this time, I beat Ray Rice, and I just read his helmet, and I knew he’d go low on me, so I jumped.

I was just glad I could make a play when we needed one.

B/R: The refs were calling a ton of penalties today. What does that do to you guys as players?

Timmons: It definitely hurts you when they’re against you.

The first drive they had two big penalties on that. It just slows you down. We stayed persistent, and we can’t let the refs dictate what we do. We just have to keep playing hard and avoid penalties, especially big ones.

B/R: What was said at the half when you guys were down two scores?

Timmons: We have veterans saying "I’m trying to stay in this thing for the long haul." Coach [Dick] LeBeau said they only had 100 yards the whole half.

The one touchdown the offense gave to him the two touchdowns they had had nothing to do with us. They had to play offense on the 14. We just needed to keep playing hard, and not quit. And we didn’t.

B/R: What is it about these games that makes them so intense?

Even during the regular season, this game is played at a playoff level it seems every year. Does familiarity have a lot to do with it?

Timmons: Yeah, it’s always a good game because it’s the two teams in the NFL that you know are going to be good every year. We have good players and so do they, so you know it’s always going to be a tough game.

We know each other so well. It can be an advantage and a disadvantage at the same time. So I think that adds to the rivalry too.

B/R: Is it frustrating to see the offense give up turnovers and points when you guys are on the bench?

Timmons: No, we have to back each other up no matter what. Defense you have to do your job, and offense has to do theirs.

We pick up slack and nobody points the finger at anybody, always.

B/R: What did Coach Tomlin tell you guys after the game?

Timmons: He didn’t say too much. Just, "good win, enjoy it and let’s get ready for next week."

B/R: So who you want next round, Jets or Patriots?

Timmons: I’ll take the Jets all day. Wait, scratch that I want another shot at the Patriots.

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Timmons and the Steelers will have to wait and watch the Jets-Patriots game tomorrow to know who they will face in the AFC Championship.

The Steelers lost to both teams this season but will be bringing some serious momentum with them after a win like this.