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Parker could be starter on opening day
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
By
Teresa Varley
A year ago most Steelers fans knew him only as the speedy rookie running
back who was just starting to make a splash in the preseason. His name didn’t
roll off their tongues like Jerome Bettis and Duce Staley’s names did. He was a
free agent some fans thought was there to help keep the stars’ legs fresh as
camp wore on.
But as the preseason progressed things started to change. Willie Parker
started to become a household name among the black and gold faithful as he led
the team in rushing in the 2004 preseason, with 46 carries for 202 yards and two
touchdowns.
The guy who came to the Steelers as an undrafted rookie from North
Carolina, the guy who was a star at Clinton High School suddenly was a star of
the team’s training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe,
Pa. He also
brought something to the table that the Steelers really didn’t have, a back who
had some serious breakaway speed. He isn’t the bruising power back Bettis and
Staley are. He is more of a playmaker, a guy who is going to get quick
yardage.
So when decision-making time came last year, Steelers fans were calling
in to local talk shows and on logging on to sports messages boards clamoring for
Parker to make the final roster.
They obviously weren’t the only ones who felt that way. The Steelers did,
too. Parker started the season on the 53-man roster, but was on the sidelines
for the first seven games on the inactive list. He was in uniform for the
remainder of the season because of an injury to Staley, but only got sporadic
carries for the next eight games.
He then got his big break, his chance to really shine, when he started
his first game in the regular season finale against the Buffalo Bills when the
Steelers rested some of their starters. Anyone whose eyes he didn’t open in the
preseason, he did then. He carried the ball 19 times for 102 yards, including a
58-yard run.
"I do bring certain differences to the table," said Parker. "I know I
brought that speed to the table and that's what I’ve got to use. But I learn
from other guys. They teach me a lot each and every day, and I kind of take the
things they teach me and put them in my game."
During this preseason, he was given the opportunity to get some playing
time with the first-team against the Miami Dolphins and put some of what he has
learned to work. He rattled off runs of 21 and 37 yards. Against Washington last
week he had just one carry, but made it count for 51
yards.
Now, with injuries to Staley and Bettis, Parker might find himself in the
place he least expected when the Steelers kick off the regular season against
the Tennessee Titans, in the starting lineup. If Bettis’ can’t start, then
Parker will.
“It’s an exciting time. It’s an exciting feeling,” said Parker. “This
time last year I was just trying to make the team. The tables have turned and I
have to be ready. But, you can’t take anything for granted. Anything can happen.
I am not taking anything for granted.”
“I think Willie has gotten more comfortable with the plays we run,” said
Cowher. “There are a lot of unknowns going in, but I think every player until he
plays has a degree of unknown about him. I think he has earned this opportunity
if indeed Jerome can’t go. I’m not concerned. I’m rather excited.” ROSTER
CUTS: The
Steelers released two veterans on Monday, fullback/tight end Matt Cushing and
wide receiver Chris Doering. Both players have been waived by the team before
and brought back, and Cowher talked to them about that when they were waived.
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