lamberts-lost-tooth
11-15-2008, 01:05 PM
Steelers' Parker: It's me versus L.T.
By Mike Bires, Times Sports Staff
Published: Saturday, November 15, 2008 7:22 AM EST
PITTSBURGH — Willie Parker is ready for the game within the game.
“It’s the Steelers versus the Chargers,” he said. “But at the same time, I’m always competing against the other running back. So it’s me versus L.T.”
On Sunday when the Steelers (6-3) host San Diego (4-5) in a game of huge importance, both teams will feature primary ball carriers with remarkable résumés.
LaDainian Tomlinson, or L.T. as he’s known, is a superstar. Over the past seven years, he’s rushed for more yards than any other NFL back. He’s been to four straight Pro Bowls and five in all.
Parker, who’s racked up three straight 1,000 yards season, was selected for the past two Pro Bowls.
But so far this year, injuries have prevented Parker from playing all-star caliber football. He’s only played in four games. A sprained knee kept him out of four games and a shoulder injury forced him to miss another.
That’s why he’s so excited about Sunday’s game.
Even though he has to wear a shoulder harness, he’ll be back in the starting lineup.
“I want to play. I love to play,” he said. “I’m a competitor, and not being able to play … you know, I don’t even want to talk about that. It was so frustrating. I’ll just say that the second half of the season will be a lot better.”
After rushing for 138 and 105 yards in wins over the Houston Texans and Cleveland Browns, Parker injured his knee in a 15-6 loss in Philadelphia. Against the Eagles, he gained only 20 yards on 13 carries and sprained his knee doing it.
Two weeks ago in a 23-6 win over the Washington Redskins, Parker rushed for 70 yards but hurt his shoulder.
After sitting out last week’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts, Parker is back albeit with a shoulder harness. He’s looking to spark a Steelers offense that’s been inconsistent.
“We did miss him,” quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said. “And that’s not taking anything away from what Mewelde (Moore) has done. ‘Mo’ has done a great job of filling in for Willie. But it’s great to have Willie back and have a good one-two punch.”
Moore, who’s started four games, leads the Steelers with 377 rushing yards.
With 333 yards, Parker must average 95.3 in each of the Steelers’ last seven games to surpass 1,000 again.
“I’m just ready to get back in there,” Parker said. “I missed way too many games this year. I know it, the team knows it. I just want to help the team out.”
He also wants to out-rush Tomlinson.
“I got to know L.T. from going to the Pro Bowl,” Parker said. “He’s a good guy. He’s taught me a few things, especially when it comes to training and conditioning. So I’m hoping to play well Sunday. Like I said, I always see myself competing against the other team’s running back.”
http://www.timesonline.com/articles/2008/11/15/sports/steelers/doc491e065319f93553932688.txt
By Mike Bires, Times Sports Staff
Published: Saturday, November 15, 2008 7:22 AM EST
PITTSBURGH — Willie Parker is ready for the game within the game.
“It’s the Steelers versus the Chargers,” he said. “But at the same time, I’m always competing against the other running back. So it’s me versus L.T.”
On Sunday when the Steelers (6-3) host San Diego (4-5) in a game of huge importance, both teams will feature primary ball carriers with remarkable résumés.
LaDainian Tomlinson, or L.T. as he’s known, is a superstar. Over the past seven years, he’s rushed for more yards than any other NFL back. He’s been to four straight Pro Bowls and five in all.
Parker, who’s racked up three straight 1,000 yards season, was selected for the past two Pro Bowls.
But so far this year, injuries have prevented Parker from playing all-star caliber football. He’s only played in four games. A sprained knee kept him out of four games and a shoulder injury forced him to miss another.
That’s why he’s so excited about Sunday’s game.
Even though he has to wear a shoulder harness, he’ll be back in the starting lineup.
“I want to play. I love to play,” he said. “I’m a competitor, and not being able to play … you know, I don’t even want to talk about that. It was so frustrating. I’ll just say that the second half of the season will be a lot better.”
After rushing for 138 and 105 yards in wins over the Houston Texans and Cleveland Browns, Parker injured his knee in a 15-6 loss in Philadelphia. Against the Eagles, he gained only 20 yards on 13 carries and sprained his knee doing it.
Two weeks ago in a 23-6 win over the Washington Redskins, Parker rushed for 70 yards but hurt his shoulder.
After sitting out last week’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts, Parker is back albeit with a shoulder harness. He’s looking to spark a Steelers offense that’s been inconsistent.
“We did miss him,” quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said. “And that’s not taking anything away from what Mewelde (Moore) has done. ‘Mo’ has done a great job of filling in for Willie. But it’s great to have Willie back and have a good one-two punch.”
Moore, who’s started four games, leads the Steelers with 377 rushing yards.
With 333 yards, Parker must average 95.3 in each of the Steelers’ last seven games to surpass 1,000 again.
“I’m just ready to get back in there,” Parker said. “I missed way too many games this year. I know it, the team knows it. I just want to help the team out.”
He also wants to out-rush Tomlinson.
“I got to know L.T. from going to the Pro Bowl,” Parker said. “He’s a good guy. He’s taught me a few things, especially when it comes to training and conditioning. So I’m hoping to play well Sunday. Like I said, I always see myself competing against the other team’s running back.”
http://www.timesonline.com/articles/2008/11/15/sports/steelers/doc491e065319f93553932688.txt