That said, if there is one big criticism I have with Timmons is I just don't think he's all that smart. We held on to Larry Foote a lot longer than we should have because Timmons never acted like the smartest guy on the defense despite being years into the system. In a lot of ways I look at Timmons as a total reflection of Tomlin. I don't think Tomlin's all that smart on game days. I don't think Tomlin is all that smart when compared to other coaches. But he works hard. He's devoted to the craft. He's available. Players like him (like Timmons). Players respect him (like Timmons). Unfortunately neither really has the genius gene anywhere in their blood (comparable in their respective professions) and I think the team will reflect that as long as both are a big part.
Of course, there are other possibilities that don't require running down the intellect of the players or coaches. For example:
What were the options, at the time. We could trot out a combo of Foote/Timmons or Timmons/Someone. Foote, while having lost a step, was a good, dedicated and smart player. Years of experience more than Timmons. So, your option is to keep that combo out there or replace it with Timmons/Someone.
Regardless of Timmons' intellect, he wouldn't have had the experience of Foote and no one on the roster would have been good as Timmons at the Mack position. So, trotting out Timmons/Someone lowers your overall team function even if Timmons is just as smart as Foote, because he lacks the experience and you are putting in a less talented Mack player.
Optionally, you could have give Timmons play calling duties and left him and Foote in the game at their respective positions. I don't see any reason the Buck has to be the one calling the plays, but you are still less functional than you were with Foote doing it, again, without regard to Timmons' intellect.
Either Makes no sense. When they got someone who should be as good in the Mack position, they got him and moved Timmons over and moved on.
