In his first year as a starter, LaMarr Woodley has made a name for himself in the NFL by provoking fear in the hearts of quarterbacks across the league. Woodley amassed 11 sacks during the 2008 regular season and became a key member of Pittsburgh Steelers’ stifling defense. Before preparing for Sunday’s divisional playoff game against the San Diego Chargers, Woodley sat down with rolling out to discuss the highly anticipated second round match up.-amir shaw
This is the game that you all have been waiting for since the beginning of the season. What is the team doing to prepare?
We started preparing in training camp, and it’s been a long journey. My teammates and I have a lot of confidence. We’re going to play like we have played all year. We all know that we have to take our games to another level. In the playoffs, you either win or go home.
What is the atmosphere like in the city of Pittsburgh?
This is an important game for the team and Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh fans love their Steelers. Every Sunday, we have people from all over the country who come to see us play. The fans are as anxious as the team. We played the San Diego Chargers earlier this year and only won by one point. This will be a huge game and I can’t wait.
The Steelers defense is known for intimidating opponents. Where does that toughness come from?
The history of this team was that we were always physical. You look at the Steelers of the past and they were always built around the defense. The defense was the main factor with guys like Mean Joe Green and the Steel Curtain. We try to keep that tradition going.
I was a new player on the defense, and I had to prove that I could put pressure on the quarterback.
How do you stay focused off the field?
What you do on the field reflects what you do off the field. When I’m off the field, I have to be a different person. You have to take time and talk to fans. I don’t mind talking to people and sharing my life experiences. For me, it’s all about keeping things basic.
The Steelers are looking to continue their hardnosed brand of football throughout the playoffs and are seeking their second Super Bowl title in four years. If Woodley and friends continue to set the tempo during games, the Steelers will be playing in Tampa Bay a few weeks from now.