Parker, Fast Willie Parker that is.
The man who arguably led the Steelers offense last year just got another strong vote of confidence** from all around cool guy and Sirius NFL analyst/Fox Sports correspondent Adam Schein - who named him one of his top NINE (interesting number for a "top" whatever list) "most underrated stars".
Schein only briefly discusses each player, so he doesn't really have time to mention the exemplary numbers Parker posted last season. However he does make it a point to call out Steeler fans for continuing to clamor for a traditional "big back" despite the fact that Willie was the most consistently reliable offensive weapon last season - his third(thanks Mike for correction...tough week) season in the league and first in the absence of Jerome Bettis.
Schein's right to call it ridiculous, you know -- I mean I myself, while I love Willie and his ability to break a game wide open, still kind of feel deep down that we need another big back. Not to take over the primary ball carrier role, I think Willie has that more than covered, but someone who on 3rd and short can come in and bust through the line for that much needed yardage. Plus, there are a lot of Steeler fans that would take that one step further to say we need a big back to pound it through on every down with Willie stepping in only occasionally.
Regardless, Willie Parker is definitely underrated by both the general public and many Steeler fans alike (though the latter are dwindling 50 yard TD run by 50 yard TD run). I'm just glad he is getting some well-deserved recognition...now let's hope he builds on last year's success and has another pro bowl campaign in 2008.
And also, has anyone noticed - boy, do...I...love...me... some lists...
**Not to be overlooked - Chris Hope also made this list...
Link - Willie Parker Fan Club 
June 28, 2007
Throw One More Up for Fast Willie...
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
willie parker fantasy monster!!! looks like top 10 player to be drafted...imagine our backfield with willie parker hurt.....we would be done!!
Actually, it was Parker's third season in the league. His first season, he saw virtually no action until the final week of the season versus Buffalo, when both Bettis and Staley were injured (Staley injured? Never!). All he did was run for 102 yards on 19 carries (5.4 yards/carry) in his first career start. He followed it up in the first two games of 2005 with 161 and 111 yards versus Tennessee and Houston, respectively. Thirteen of the kid's last 33 games have been for over 100 yards, and that includes two over 200 yards and another five over 130. Give him a better line this year and he could be in the Ladanian Tomlinson/Larry Johnson level by season's end.
Post a Comment