By Ralph N. Paulk

Published: Saturday, December 29, 2012, 1:21 a.m.
Updated: Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Steelers linebacker Lawrence Timmons put together a Pro Bowl-type season, playing all but two defensive snaps. Yet with the Steelers out of the playoffs, the Florida State product was overlooked when ballots were cast for the AFC all-star team.

Timmons was more upset that no one on the NFL's top-ranked defense was deemed good enough to make the trip to Hawaii. He and safety Ryan Clark were named as alternates.

“It's an honor to be an alternate, but I felt as if I played well enough to be in there,” Timmons said. “But the coaches and players have spoken, and I accept that.

“It's tough, but it's something I can't explain. We've always had (a defensive player) in the Pro Bowl for as long as I've been here.

“I'm not a rah-rah kind of guy, but I rather lead by example because it's always been a (frame) of mind. Everybody wants to know they are a good player, but getting notoriety isn't something I live by.”

Timmons, who will make his 94th career start against Cleveland on Sunday at Heinz Field, has dreamed of playing in the Pro Bowl since the Steelers drafted him 15th overall in 2007.

He had the numbers this season: a team-leading 126 tackles and three interceptions. He could become the first linebacker to lead the team in tackles and interceptions since Joey Porter (89 tackles, four interceptions) in 2002.

The numbers, though, don't reflect what Timmons means to a defense that played significant minutes without key starters, including safety Troy Polamalu, linebackers James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley and cornerback Ike Taylor.

“He doesn't take his talents or job for granted, and it shows in the offseason,” Taylor said. “He's taken strides in learning defenses, and it's why he's able to make plays the way he's making them.”

Timmons made a number of big plays this season. He intercepted a pass in overtime that helped the Steelers secure a 16-13 win over Kansas City, and he returned an interception for a score in a loss at Cleveland.

A year ago, Timmons' numbers declined as he was asked to fill in at outside linebacker for the injured Woodley and Harrison. He had 91 tackles after amassing a team-best 149 in 2010.

“We all get caught up in the numbers too much,” Taylor said. “When you've got a linebacker who can play inside and outside, it says a lot about that guy and how unselfish he is. He could have demanded the coaches keep him inside to bolster his Pro Bowl chances, but that's not his demeanor.”

But some numbers do matter. For Timmons, they are the residuals of a grueling offseason workout plan.

“I don't want to ever leave a play out there,” Timmons said. “I didn't start the season the way I wanted, but I finished strong.”

Ralph N. Paulk is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at rpaulk@tribweb.com.

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