Four years ago, we pointed out that the Steelers were high on a little-known, second-year, undrafted tailback named Willie Parker.
And he'd cap the season with 1,202 rushing yards and a record-setting touchdown run in the Super Bowl.
In the wake of Thursday night's regular-season opener, we're hearing that the sun could soon be setting on Parker's tenure as the team's go-to tailback.
The scuttlebutt in the wake of the Week One game is that Parker seems to be reluctant to run between the tackles.
That's not the best way to start a contract year.
Parker finished last night's game with 13 carries for 19 yards. Though his performance might have something (or maybe a lot) to do with an offensive line that isn't built to plow and a Titans defense that can clog the line like an antique French commode, there's speculation in league circles that Parker will quickly lose the starting job if he doesn't show a stronger desire to hit the hole and head north.
And if Parker ends up planted on the bench, 2008 first-rounder Rashard Mendenhall isn't a lock to take Parker's place. Keep an eye on Mewelde Moore, who won praise last year as a return specialist and third-down back.
But it Moore were to become the guy who handle the primary running chores, who would be the third-down back?
Maybe the answer is Parker.
Make way for Mewelde?
Posted by Mike Florio on September 11, 2009 12:53 PM ET
Having Moore on my fantasy team, that's all that matters, last year, he did really well when he was starting. He could step in and fill in nicely because he is more of a duel threat. That and Parker wasn't really looking too fast yesterday. Of course his hammy is strung.
Bring back Issac Redman from the practice squad
Stop trying to talk about football and the Steelers. YOU ARE CLUELESS.
Parker is the Steelers back, Mendenhall will split carries. Moore looks good because he gets in the game in 3 wide sets and runs vs nickle/dime defenses or catches short passes. He is a good role player, but he has zero shot of becoming the starting RB in Pittsburgh. Foolio strikes again!
"We're hearing"
"Sources close to the situation"
"Person with knowledge of this situation"
All translate directly to "I'm pulling this out of my a$$$ and have no source or credibility."
I was a big fan of Mewelde when he was a Viking and was very sad to see him go. He is a great 3rd down back, but the number one problem with him is his lack of durability. I don't think he could be to go to guy. He gets injured way too often.
As a Vikings fan, we were sad to lose Mewelde Moore. If we wouldn't have got Chester Taylor or AP, Mewelde would have been the man.
The Steelers have a great team, and are true champions. If I were them, I would give Mewelde additional chances at tailback.
Viking fans remember Mewelde Moore very well. He's a good running back, but is injury prone. He is not the answer for the Steelers. They had better stick with Parker.
If memory serves me correct, Franco Harris made his living running out of bounds rather than hitting the holes hard. He helped them win 4 rings.
The Steelers are in for a rough year this year. Their defense wins them games, not their offense. That was the case throughout 2008. Losing #43 for any extended period of time will hurt.
Willie Parker is just not a very good running back.
What about REDMAN!!
But it Moore were to become the guy who handle the primary running chores, who would be the third-down back?
english anyone?
Willie Parker is garbage!
Maybe they should see what Mendenhall can do too. He had four carries last night. Might need a few more than that to find out if he can play.
Redman!
Good Luck
It was just one game for crying out loud
Very real possibility. Everyone knows about the O-Line. Fewer and smaller holes require a back who can hit them quickly and decisively and hope to pound out 3-4 yards (which seemed impossible when it mattered against the titans).
The fact oft he matter is that ever since Parker broke his leg he has been hesitant to hit the hole hard.
Darkhorse here is Logan. He can be Sproles type playmaker in this league. Look for him to eventually get more carries and for Arians to find ways to get him the ball in the coming weeks.
It's scary that the Steelers can win when they played like they did last night. No Polamalu will be devastating, though.
"Titans defense that can clog the line like an antique French commode"
LOL, nice mental image from that, thanks.
I'm not sure I get the analysis here. Moore rushed 4 times for 8 yards. Granted, that is a bit better than Parker, but how exactly does it qualify him for the starting job? The Titans D did a good job at stuffing the run period.
...even if nobody wants to admit it, Mewelde got that team through the middle of their season last year & won them games...they're a better team, more dangerous w/ him on the field.
Mendenhall's a bust.
Yo Florio!! Check out the KISS DA BABY list on Esteban's twitter page. LOL
"But it Moore were to become the guy who handle the primary running chores, who would be the third-down back? Maybe the answer is Parker." (might want to change "it" to "if")
Florio has many strengths, but football strategy might not be one of them. Moore is only 209 pounds, has started a total of 15 games of out 71, averaged about 6 carries a game. He seems likely for a timeshare with the more expensive and heavier (225) Mendenhall. On the other hand, Parker has averged 1.2 catches per game in his career- hardly 3rd down back numbers (but could improve).
then why would you even post this article?
...even though he couldn't fit on the roster this year, sure would have been nice to have Isaac Redman on some of those third- and four-and-short situations last night. Just saying!
...even though he couldn't fit on the roster this year, sure would have been nice to have Isaac Redman on some of those third- and four-and-short situations last night. Just saying!
Now, I am not certain that Mendenhall is the answer, and it was only one game, but you have got to give props to the fact that Moore was the only running back (albiet his time was limited) that was seemingly doing all he could with his time on the field. I would not be surprised if he does not earn a greater share of the carries over the season.
One other thing ... I love all this "Mendenhall is a bust" talk. People have hated this guy since the minute he was drafted. Dude's played in 5 non-preseason games - 23 career rushing attempts!!! - and people are already predicting failure. Also, it's not like he's had a stellar offensive line to develop behind.
I'm not saying he won't eventually wind up being a bust, but don't be so pessimistic - at least give the guy a somewhat of a chance.
No way Parker will ever be the third down back. He has bricks for hands. Most likely if Moore becomes the starter he will continue his third down duties as well. The Steelers don't have another back that can catch the ball.
The backs are fine.
How about we replace Bruce Arians instead?
The extent of Arians' play calling:
up the middle, up the middle, screen, punt.
IMHO Parker is not going to get the job done behind this line. He does not break tackles. The man just goes down too easily. Mendenhall does not appear to be a "tough" runner either.
Perhaps none of the current running backs on the 53 man squad will be effective. We certainly won't know that for sure until they get a chance to line up and run the ball.
Mewelde Moore appears to be able to see the field, and keep his balance better than the other two. He is the most "fluid runner" of the three, and he is an effective receiver coming out of the backfield.
In addition, the Steelers would be well advised to find room on their roster for Isaac Redman. He appears to be the toughest runner of the bunch and does not need to languish on the practice squad!
In summation they need an offensive back that plays with the energy and toughness that Troy Polamalu and Hines Ward exhibit.
When they find that runner the running game will return...even with the existing offensive line.
parker looked he was running scared last night. He looked like he was playing not to get hurt (being its his contract year). At least mendenhall kept his legs driving at the end of the play. Moore is an excellent 3rd down back, but i cant see him carrying the load for the whole season.
There's nothing wrong with Parker. He is just not suitable to an OL that doesn't provide holes to run through. Running anything inside other than a draw against a good DL is just a waste of time for them right now.
What they do need is (1) a back who can block and catch passes (which I guess is probably Moore by default) and (2) a back that can break tackles on short yardage downs (which means that Redman is going to be on the field sooner or later).
The problems with the Steelers running game have a lot more to do with the offenisve line than whoever is carrying the ball.
What about replacing the O-line coach?
JPeezy says:
September 11, 2009 1:16 PM
Stop trying to talk about football and the Steelers. YOU ARE CLUELESS.
Parker is the Steelers back, Mendenhall will split carries. Moore looks good because he gets in the game in 3 wide sets and runs vs nickle/dime defenses or catches short passes. He is a good role player, but he has zero shot of becoming the starting RB in Pittsburgh. Foolio strikes again!
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I'll tell you who looks clueless. willie parker last night.....That guy is on the spin cycle (he's almost done). Moore runs harder and is more productive. The NFL is a bottom line league, and the bottom line here is moore is now the better runner. I'ts only a matter of time until parker is benched. Willie just isnt the same runner in the preseason and last night as he was in years previous. Cut parker from your fantasy squads and add moore....sounds crazy huh? I know...crazy but true.....
Adrian Peterson wouldn't have run for 25 yards behind that blocking last night. How many yards should a RB get when he gets hit in the backfield by a 300 lb D-lineman every play?
It's only Week #1. Give Mike Tomlin a little time to survey the wreckage, especially the short-yardage situation, and the running game will get better -- it doesn't have to be Jim Brownesque to be effective. Don't give up on Parker/Mendenhall just yet. Tweaks are going to be made with the short-yardage. MT is making this situation his pet project. It's in good hands!
Moore was out there all 4th quarter. He is there go to guy.
I agree with Florios_Lawyer. I have been saying that Arians needs to go since his first year. He is a terrible offensive coordinator.
"One other thing ... I love all this "Mendenhall is a bust" talk. People have hated this guy since the minute he was drafted. Dude's played in 5 non-preseason games - 23 career rushing attempts!!! - and people are already predicting failure. Also, it's not like he's had a stellar offensive line to develop behind.
I'm not saying he won't eventually wind up being a bust, but don't be so pessimistic - at least give the guy a somewhat of a chance. "
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Mendenhall is bust with a capital B.
RBs rarely, and I do mean RARELY require several years to develop. More than any other position, a RB can step straight off the college field as a rookie and become sensational. RBs peak early and fade fast.
What have we seen from Mendy so far? He quite clearly hasnt performed superbly, and honestly looks below average. Again, playing the averages where a RB rarely improves over time, the odds are that he will only get worse...not better.
Why have many of us hated this pick since draft day? Because good RBs rarely come from the 1st round. You are just as likely to find a quality RB in round 4 or 5, as you are in round 1. Problem is...when you've wasted a 1st rounder on a RB, you've passed on talent that has a much higher likelihood of becoming a several year star.
Pittsburgh desperately needs improved quality and depth on the OL and would have been MUCH better served drafting an OL with the #1 pick in 2008, even if they had to reach (the boards were indicating no 1st round OL left at the time of the Steelers draft slot).
I'm just waiting for Pittsburgh to come out with a spread offense to start the game. It was the only way they were moving the ball. Spread out of the defense, then try to make some running room.
the steelers have been transforming themselves into a passing team since tomlin took over, remember ben threw 32 tds season 1 under tomlin. last yr and most of this season will be transition till they are where they want to be with the pass first offensive scheme. the line and backs are still in transition , but by week 12 or so it should be full throttle!
parker wont be part of this offense, moore will most likely be your main guy until mendenhall gets his act going in the screen game, the screen game will be used as their running game in this offense.
"Mendenhall is a bust"
...& if he's not, he at least knows how to bus into his quarterback instead of simply taking a handoff...
Not real confidant in that kid....
"Mewelde Moore is injury prone" what does that make Willie Parker?
willie can't block, willie doesn't catch... he doesn't look too fast... he can't break a tackle and has horrible vision. Mendenhall runs into the QB because he is in some sort of haze or something.
Moore can block and catch and is great at screens... not to mention special teams. he isn't the most talented runner in the world but at least he is a complete back.
Injury prone is what fantasy players worry about. coaches stick a guy who can play and IS healthy out on the field and get things done. Moore is healthy and can get it done.
I always thought the Vikes under rated Moore when he was on the team... I hope Pittsburgh doesn't do the same thing even though I despise Pittsburgh.... didn't he carry that team through the season last year while Willie was "what?" injured... yup, you heard me, willie was injured... and here i thought moore was injury prone.
Sound the alarms! Parker had a bad game, he's done! Old! Washed up!
Here are some fun stat lines:
14 carries, 3 yards.
21 carries, 32 yards.
What if I told you that the first one came against the '07 49ers?
What if I told you the second one came against the '08 Saints?
What if I told you that the running back was Adrian Peterson?
Everyone take a deep breate. (Hold it) (Exhale).
I know it's been a long offseason, but geez, let's not lose our minds over one bad game.
superfan99 says:
September 11, 2009 4:29 PM
Sound the alarms! Parker had a bad game, he's done! Old! Washed up!
Here are some fun stat lines:
14 carries, 3 yards.
21 carries, 32 yards.
What if I told you that the first one came against the '07 49ers?
What if I told you the second one came against the '08 Saints?
What if I told you that the running back was Adrian Peterson?
Everyone take a deep breate. (Hold it) (Exhale).
I know it's been a long offseason, but geez, let's not lose our minds over one bad game.
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Are you really comparing slow willie and AD Adrian Peterson?????????
Someone revoke this kids username and posting ability now.
Unless Willie Parker takes off those boxing gloves he continually wears, no 3rd down for him. Edward Scissorhands is smoother on the screen.
By the way, maybe Frank Summers should run the ball. I mean with the way he didn't/couldn't block last night and all, what else will he do?
Best Article I have seen on this subject was couple weeks ago.
http://www.postgameheroes.com/?p=7540
"...# dietrich43 says: September 11, 2009 3:59 PM
I'm just waiting for Pittsburgh to come out with a spread offense to start the game. It was the only way they were moving the ball. Spread out of the defense, then try to make some running room...."
Exactly, which like I said earlier, places the blame squarely on Arians.
If Moore is the "feature back" in Pittsburgh then the Steelers are in BIG trouble.
Even on his best day Moore isn't better than a 2nd string RB.
Heck, he wouldn't even make the Titans' roster. All 3 RBs Tennessee has are much better than Moore.
Better check the free agent list...
Love Willie but he is clearly not hitting the hole and is dancin' big time. Also looks to have lost some of his explosiveness. If the line were better it wouldn't be as evident but he's looking quite bad behind that line.
"...steeler-hater says: September 11, 2009 7:12 PM
Heck, he wouldn't even make the Titans' roster. All 3 RBs Tennessee has are much better than Moore..."
Steelers Won.
Titans Lost.
Get over it.
Get a job.
Get bent.
creelington said: Are you really comparing slow willie and AD Adrian Peterson????????? Someone revoke this kids username and posting ability now."
He wasn't comparing them at all. He's making the point that anyone (even the very best) can have a bad game.
I agree that Parker looked bad, but even during his 1000+ yard seasons, he's never been good at breaking tackles and has never been good at getting yards when the offensive line doesn't get a push. The one thing I was surprised about was that he did look tentative, and that's not good. But I agree with several others that it's a huge overreaction to talk about benching him after one game against a good run defense.
It's amazing to me that so much emphasis has been on Parker when the far bigger problem is Bruce Arians.
Florios-Lawyer says:
"...steeler-hater says: September 11, 2009 7:12 PM
Heck, he wouldn't even make the Titans' roster. All 3 RBs Tennessee has are much better than Moore..."
Steelers Won.
Titans Lost.
Get over it.
Get a job.
Get bent.
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Uhmm... that doesn't have a thing to do with that game.
Moore is a career journeyman backup while both White & Johnson are starting RBs. Javon Ringer is the 3rd stringer for now but look for him to replace White when he leaves in free agency after this season. Right now, I dare to say Ringer would be the Pittsburgh starter since neither Parker or Mendenhall can seem to beat out a career backup like Moore.
All three Titans guys are better than Moore. If Moore was any good, he would still be in Minnesota playing.
Why don't you stop acting like any player who puts on a Steeler uniform is all of a sudden an all world player. Just because Moore is on the Steelers doesn't mean he has any more talent than he did when the Vikings decided to let him go.
I stand by my statement. If the Steelers have Moore as their starter, the whole NFL will consider their running game a total joke...
BRING IN SWEET REDMAN EARLY in the season so he can get used to the pro's...THIS guy is gonna be huge.
Awesome preseason (holy touchdowns) and his you- tube videos are by the hundreds...he is running the same as he did in college!
A 4 headed monster will keep everyone healthy and no one will be able to plan shite.
sorry, let me rephrase...No one, as in, ANY other team will be able to plan shite!