Some NFL players like to “talk” (more like taunt) leading up to weekend match-ups.
For linebacker 
“A lot of jaw-jacking,” he said. “But it’s going to be a great experience. I’m still close with a lot of those guys. I had a lot of good years there.”
Then with a smile he adds, “it’s going to be good beating them.”
Foote spent all of his first seven seasons with the Steelers, winning Super Bowls with them after the 2005 and 2008 seasons. In fact, when he went back for the ring ceremony is when the “jaw-jacking” intensified regarding this Week 5 game.
Only one game separates the records of the 2-2 Steelers and the 1-3 Lions, but the teams are coming from opposite ends of the spectrum; Pittsburgh being Super Bowl Champions a year ago and Detroit struggling through an 0-16 season.
Still, Foote – the Lions’ defensive team captain – has seen a lot of improvement since he signed with the team just before mini-camp.
“This team has been taking the right steps in the right direction and getting better and better,” he said. “Our confidence is growing and even last week, at times, we played great. A couple times we made a couple mental mistakes, but we’re moving in the right direction.”
Foote has definitely been Detroit’s defensive standout since the season began. He currently leads the team in tackles with 34 and – despite switching from a 3-4 to a 4-3 scheme – has been a natural at the middle linebacker position.
On top of that, Foote has been a strong leader for a team that turned over more than half the roster from a year ago.
Players like rookie
“This defense – we’re aggressive, we’re a bunch of dogs,” said Delmas. “Larry – is a dog on the field, but off the field he’s very foolish. He’s very fun to be around. He’s got a great personality.
“That’s just this defense. Once it’s time to buckle down, we buckle down, but we also have fun off the field.”
The Lions would obviously like to take this game this week, particularly in front of a soldout crowd at Ford Field.
For that to happen, Foote says it’s all about execution.
“The last couple weeks there have been mental errors we’ve got to erase,” he said.
“Once we do that, we’re going to be a good defense no doubt about it. There isn’t a doubt in my mind that we’re going to play hard – we’re a tough bunch of guys. The key is: mentally if we get it done, we’re going to be good.”
Considering Foote was a part of Pittsburgh’s defense for seven years, he has made sure to offer tips to his offensive teammates.
“A bunch of the guys have talked to Larry,” said wide receiver
It won’t be a walk in the park.
The Steelers’ defense is one of the best in the league, particularly against the run. Last week against San Diego, Pittsburgh allowed just seven rushes by LaDainian Tomlinson for 15 yards (quarterback Phillip Rivers also had a 1-yard scramble).
What’s more, Pittsburgh has yet to allow any first-quarter points.
“The running backs are coming into the game with a chip on their shoulder trying to get it going against a team with that kind of defense,” said Johnson. “Hopefully they can get it going and we can do everything we can to help them out.”
Last weekend’s performance at Chicago was a good start, but turned south as the game progressed. Johnson led the team with five catches for 119 yards in the first half, but managed just 14 yards for the remainder of the game.
One thing that made it difficult was Detroit falling behind on the second half’s opening kickoff and the fact that the running game was struggling.
“In the second half they really changed it up and went Cover-2 trying to slow us down in the passing game,” said Johnson. “They did some of it and it worked out to their advantage.
“They played Cover 2, played some high-low – somebody plays underneath you, somebody on top of you – so you can’t really gash them. Really, we had to be real precise if we wanted to gash a team in the Cover-2. They did a heck of a job.”
In addition to being up against a strong Steeler defense, the Lions may be without starting quarterback
The rookie made tight throws on key downs that – in hindsight – could have easily been batted down or intercepted. One of those throws came on a 21-yard sideline laser to Johnson.
“I was surprised how quick it got to me, definitely,” said Johnson. “You’ve always got to be ready when you’re playing with him because that ball will get on you real quick.”
Stafford suffered a knee injury in the fourth quarter of that game and has yet to practice this week. If he is unable to go, veteran
If Culpepper has to step in, Johnson says the offense shouldn’t miss a beat.
“I’ve been practicing with Daunte all offseason and some during the season,” he said. “So the chemistry has been there. I think we’ll still hit the ground running.”
