The Wizz says "thanks but no thanks" to Raiders

[Punkinhead]

Willie Parker is the starting RB.

As far as the #2 RB, the Steelers originally picked up Duce Staley to eventually replace Bettis. If he comes back 100%, I don't see them changing those plans. At 245lbs, Staley is the kind of RB they need for the 2nd half meatgrinder and short yardage situations.

Willie Parker is the starting RB.

I would look for them to try to re-negiotiate Staley's contract downward as they did with Bettis a few years back. Another ? is Verron Haynes, but I doubt if he is going to get a better deal than he has in Pittsburgh. If Haynes gets cut loose, look for a late RB draft pick.

Willie Parker is the starting RB.

Yeah, there is no reason to change from a guy who picked up 1,200 yards and didn't have all the carries like other backs in that yardage range. I look for Duce to be like Bettis was, which is a good role for an aging back that can't handle a full season as a starter (which he can't). Verron Haynes is a play maker but, I doubt he'll be back. An interesting option that I think would be for Jamal Lewis to come in and have him and Parker split carries. He's not going to get a big paycheck after his crappy season last year and the Ravens like Chester Taylor. But I was never a fan of backs splitting carries, especially when you have a home run hitter like Parker. I doubt that the Steelers will do much more than keep Duce (who can play Bettis role and Haynes - Duce has good hands) and draft a back around the 2nd, 3rd round.

[Bert|Evil]

Willie Parker is the starting RB.

As far as the #2 RB, the Steelers originally picked up Duce Staley to eventually replace Bettis. If he comes back 100%, I don't see them changing those plans. At 245lbs, Staley is the kind of RB they need for the 2nd half meatgrinder and short yardage situations.

Willie Parker is the starting RB.

I would look for them to try to re-negiotiate Staley's contract downward as they did with Bettis a few years back. Another ? is Verron Haynes, but I doubt if he is going to get a better deal than he has in Pittsburgh. If Haynes gets cut loose, look for a late RB draft pick.

Willie Parker is the starting RB.

Yeah, there is no reason to change from a guy who picked up 1,200 yards and didn't have all the carries like other backs in that yardage range. I look for Duce to be like Bettis was, which is a good role for an aging back that can't handle a full season as a starter (which he can't). Verron Haynes is a play maker but, I doubt he'll be back. An interesting option that I think would be for Jamal Lewis to come in and have him and Parker split carries. He's not going to get a big paycheck after his crappy season last year and the Ravens like Chester Taylor. But I was never a fan of backs splitting carries, especially when you have a home run hitter like Parker. I doubt that the Steelers will do much more than keep Duce (who can play Bettis role and Haynes - Duce has good hands) and draft a back around the 2nd, 3rd round.

Good point, but there were a lot of times this season when Fast Willie's skills were limited due to the fact that opposing defenses could "figure him out" easily.

Lewis, Taylor, and Dayne are interesting suggestions. From seeing more than my share of Redskin game this season (don't ask), I'd like to make another.... ROCK CARTRIGHT!! He's young, full of potential, and pretty smart. At times, he can remind you of a young Alstott.

[Punkinhead]

It wasn't so much that they figured him out as much as it was him outrunning blockers IMO. The tutoring by the Bus in the Super Bowl where it led to the 75 yard run is a prime example. Once (if) he learns more patience, he'll be even better than he was this year. You have to remember, that was his first full season of being a starter since HIGH SCHOOL. He's got as much talent as any back in the league. Once he has the experience and patience, man watch out.

And you can't forget about the mid-season collapse of the O-Line in the midseason that Cowher had to call them out on as part of him having a couple of not so great games.

[Bert|Evil]

Even if we keep Staley and make Parker a starter, we'll need a cheap "banger". I mentioned Rock Cartwright, but there are more.

The Steelers haven't had much luck with little, fast guys being the starter. Here's a few off the top of my head:

Eric Pegram
Fred McAfee
Amos Zeroue
Merrill Hoge