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Willie Parker: Pursue or No?

Willie Parker, an undrafted free agent who had a difficult time finding playing time on his college team, took full advantage when injuries forced him into the starting lineup of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2005. He started for a pair of Super Bowl winners in Pittsburgh. His 75 touchdown run was good for a Super Bowl record long against the Seahawks. In his best season as a pro a year later, Parker ran for 1,494 yards, a 4.4 average, and 13 touchdowns. His production has slipped since that year as he has been dogged by injuries and subpar run blocking.

Nicknamed "Fast Willie," Parker's game is speed. He reportedly ran a 4.2 40 coming out of college. Some backs like Maurice-Jones Drew play bigger than a small frame. Parker is not one of them. At 5'10" and 209 pounds, Parker doesn't break too many tackles or try to run around people. He tries to hit his holes. For a small back, he's not as good of a receiver as you might expect but is a surprisingly good pass blocker.

Injuries again are a concern. In the past three years, a broken leg and knee and toe injuries have forced him to miss extended time. His average since 2008 is under 4 yards per carry.

I still think Parker would be a good fit. His price will be a relative bargain because of the ailments and diminished results on the field. I think the Jets could cure both. A big part of his decline has been Pittsburgh's run blocking. The Steelers have had a below average line since Alan Faneca left. He doesn't run with enough authority to survive without a strong front. The Jets' offensive line would give him the room he needs to operate. Once he finds an opening, he can break big gains. As the third back, Gang Green could limit his carries to keep him fresh. He could be an insurance policy for Shonn Greene and Leon Washington and help replace what the team lost in Thomas Jones as a pass blocker. It seems like he would be a good guy to have.

I vote pursue.

How do you vote?

Poll
Should the Jets look into signing Willie Parker?
Yes
204 votes
No
198 votes

402 votes | Poll has closed

Comment 7 comments  |  0 recs  | 

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I voted no because I want the Steelers to resign him cheap

You all should grab Tomlinson and leave FWP homeless.

With the 18th pick of the 2010 NFL Draft the Pittsburgh Steelers select Florida QB Tim Tebow. (not a RB!)

by John Stephens on Mar 12, 2010 9:54 AM EST reply actions  

I've liked

Willie all his career, but his injuries are a concern. Still, I think he’d be one of the best backup rbs in the league, and he could do wonders with our line blocking for him.

by SioneBAAOOOHA on Mar 12, 2010 2:47 PM EST reply actions  

I voted no because Willy stinks. Yeah, give Willy a straight-line run unimpeded into the secondary and he’ll turn on the after-burners. But who couldn’t do that? The Steelers running game was at its best when they pounded with Deuce and the Bus. We should follow that model and go with another bruiser. We’re pretty set at every position. The most important aspect of our offensive game-plan is our running game. We should take advantage of the overwhelming depth of this year’s talent pool in the draft and get ourselves a damn good back rather than a servicable back-up.

by Crackback on Mar 12, 2010 3:06 PM EST reply actions  

If we don't get LT

I still think we have a better option than Willie in Justin Fargas and he is cheaper too

Bonds... hit is high.... He hits it DEEEEEEEP..... OUTTA HERE BONDS STANDS ALONE- Duane Kuiper on 756

by Newcomb29(EDGE) on Mar 12, 2010 7:13 PM EST reply actions  

I think Mike Bell from the Saints is a very viable option as well.

by random122 on Mar 12, 2010 11:02 PM EST up reply actions  

It is tied at 156 for and against

I voted for with the caveat that at this point you may be better off with LT. Part of me agrees with Johnny_S. FWP would be a better fit for the Steelers if only because he knows the system and a frugally priced FWP would work well for us.

I may be old but I... oh d*mn, I forgot what I was going to say.

by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Mar 12, 2010 9:16 PM EST reply actions  

Definitely the closest vote I’ve seen.

As a Steelers fan, are you happy with Mendenhall? I had him on my fantasy team, but I kept him on the bench most of the time.

I think Parker still has gas. He did pretty well in the second half of that game against the Dolphins last year. I’d prefer him to LT on this current Jets team.

by random122 on Mar 12, 2010 11:02 PM EST up reply actions  

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