Last Updated on October 27, 2011 2:55 pm by admin
PITTSBURGH (AP) – Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley understood the expectations that accompanied the six-year, $61.5 million contract he signed in August.
Woodley also understood he couldn’t earn every last cent of that contract in the first month of the season. So Woodley didn’t panic when he – much like the rest of Pittsburgh’s defense – got off to a slow start.
Now he’s playing the best football of his career.
Woodley leads the AFC with seven sacks heading into Sunday’s game against New England.
Coach Mike Tomlin says it’s just a coincidence that Woodley’s play has come while Pro Bowler James Harrison remains sidelined with a fractured right orbital bone.
Maybe, but Woodley’s play has helped the Steelers (5-2) reel off three straight wins into their much-anticipated showdown with the Patriots (5-1).