Once known as “Fast” Willy Parker for his blazing 4.3 speed the Pittsburgh Steeler half back is now rapidly earning a new nick name, that being, “Out of Gas” Willy Parker.
A feel-good story, Parker is the lovable undrafted speedster that won the Steelers fans hearts with a 75 yard TD scamper in Super Bowl XL. The unwanted runner out of North Carolina that led the Steelers in rushing four seasons in a row.
Back to back seasons mared by injury and the fact he is closer to 30 then 19, has Willy getting closer and closer to his NFL expiration date. His contract is up at seasons end and lurking in the shadows is a former first round draft pick. The question on every fans mind though is, “How much does Parker have left in the tank?’
To make things even worse Parker’s first two games of the 2010 season have been nothing to write home to mom about. In both outings he has looked hesitant and like a man with no vision. He has been tentitive and missing holes the offensiveline is creating for him.
Parker hasn’t played a full season since 2006. His average yards per carry has decreased every year he has been in the league, bottoming out at 3.8 yards per carry in 2008.
In his first two games this season as the feature back, Parker rushed 27 times for 66 yards (fewer than 3 yards per carry). His workload nearly doubles, with how often Rashard Mendenhall and Mewelde Moore have carried the ball. Could Parker be running on empty? Is it time for Mendenahall to be handed the torch?
It was Mendenhall who displayed the blazing speed Parker is noted for when he blasted through a hole on the right side for 39 yards in the third quarter of Sunday’s 17-14 loss at Chicago — the Steelers’ longest run of the season.
Mendenhall’s run set up Ben Roethisberger’s 2-yard touchdown dive, which gave the Steelers a 14-7 lead. In all, Mendenhall accounted for 52 of the 69 yards on the scoring drive.
Surprisingly, Mendenhall never touched the ball again.
After finally making a couple of plays against the Bears, it would be nice to see the coaching staff feature Mendenhall in the future so he can make more plays that help the team move the chains. The time is near, the time is now.
A reduction in carries is what can help Parker now, not running him until the wheels come off like in seasons past. If “Out of Gas” Willy is to continue to help this team, it is time for Mendenall to be the work horse and Parker the clean up hitter. Let the bigger back lead off and wear down defenses then bring in the speedster to run away from them when they are winded.
About the Author Jim McMillen
The Editor & Chief, the brains so to say, behind Pittsburgh Blitz. Jim is a rabid sports fan who just loves his Stillers, Pens and Buccos. Feel free to contact us at steelerguy26[@]yahoo.com if you have any questions or comments or would like to join our staff and write for Pittsburgh Blitz.
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