Step Into the Fast Lane

Three yards and a cloud of dust.  That has been the dominating theme for the Pittsburgh Steelers offense over the years.  This was personified last season when the Steelers ran the ball over 600 times accumulating nearly 2500 yards.  While Pittsburgh may open things up in the passing game a little more this upcoming season, do not expect the ground game to disappear.  Instead, the Steelers rushing attack may have a different look than what we are all accustomed to.Jerome Bettis (255 pounds) and Duce Staley (242 pounds) provide a big one-two punch for the power run game.  Both, though, are going to miss the season opener against the Tennessee Titans on September 11th.  For at least one week, the Steelers will feature a new look at running back.  Meet Willie Parker, a 5′ 10″, 209 pound running back in his second year from North Carolina.  The former undrafted free agent rushed for 102 yards on 19 carries against the Buffalo Bills last year in the season finale.  What made this performance more impressive was that Parker achieved this against the Bills first team defense, which was facing a second and third team Steeler offense.  The Steelers had clinched their seed in the AFC and the Bills were fighting for a playoff spot at the time.  Parker finished the year with 32 carries for 182 yards, which accounts for a 5.8 yards per carry average.

“Fast” Willie Parker adds a dimension to the Pittsburgh run game that they have not seen in a long time, maybe even ever.  That dimension is tremendous speed.  Both Bettis and Staley have pretty nimble footwork and can break long runs, but you do not expect to see a 40+ run as their long for the season.  Parker ripped a 51 yard run in the preseason game against the Washington Redskins in which he showed good vision to make a cutback towards an opening.  This could mean big scoring strikes for the Steelers on the ground, not just through the air.

The speed dimension that Parker brings to the offense does take away some of the power.  While Pittsburgh will still be able to run between the tackles with him, but he will not wear down a defense like Jerome Bettis or Duce Staley does.  That may not matter if the offense can put a lot of points on the board.  There are no guarantees there though.  While the starting defense has been solid this preseason, the Steelers starting offense has yet to score a touchdown.  Also, despite Parker’s big play ability, he will still be expected to get the `tough yards’, meaning he still has to get three yards if needed, or pick up a first down on a third and one.  If Parker cannot do this, Pittsburgh will have to find a way to pound the ball early in the season while their top two backs are out of action.  

Verron Haynes (222 pounds) Noah Herron (224 pounds) will come to the call.  Haynes can be a solid player, as he has been a very good third down back over the past couple of seasons.  He has had a history of injury problems, but has been healthy enough this season.  Haynes will get the call first to run between the tackles, particularly in the second half of games.  If Haynes can not handle the job, Herron, who is a rookie, will try tire the opposition’s front seven.  Herron is a raw player who probably would have made the practice squad if not for the injuries.  He has backup potential, but may be thrust into a bigger role this season.

If these players fail at that role the Steelers will have to hope the opponent’s defenses tire out another way and that would be by chasing “Fast” Willie Parker.  He flashed his talent last season and is showing once again what he can do.  If Parker performs well in the regular season, the Steelers will be entering the fast lane on the ground.