Cowher has tough choice w/ RB's

[BlitzburghRockCity]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05278/582778.stm

The question arises again as it did before last season: Duce Staley or Jerome Bettis? Only this time, it's not which halfback will start but which will back up Willie Parker.

The two veteran backs who shared 442 carries and 1,771 yards rushing at the position last season have no carries in three games. But for the first time this year, both Staley and Bettis are healthy, practicing and ready to play Monday night in San Diego.

But will they? Coach Bill Cowher may not have the luxury to dress all four of his halfbacks for his game against the Chargers, and only Cowher knows the answer to what his plans are for them. Neither Staley nor Bettis play on special teams.

"I can do about anything," Cowher said. "We'll see how the week unfolds and go from there."

Parker led the AFC with 327 yards rushing after three games, and he has a 5.1-yard average per carry. But he lost at least five pounds off the 210 he weighed in training camp and he's coming off his worst production, 55 yards on 17 carries in a 23-20 loss to New England.

That did not warrant a demotion, but Staley and/or Bettis could eat into his playing time in San Diego. Verron Haynes, who has two catches and 64 yards rushing on 20 carries, is likely to remain the third-down back, although Cowher has said Staley could play the position.

"At some point we're going to need them all and I truly believe that," Cowher said. "It's just nice at this point to be able to have some of the options we may have going into this game."

[SteelerzGirl]

I heard today Bettis might be benched for Monday night's game. Did anyone else hear the same?

[Suitanim]

I actually heard Bettis was 2 on the Depth Chart behind Parker, but ahead of Duce and Haynes...just goes to show you how reliable rumors are...

[CowherLover]

Personally< unless something happens, I can't see Haynes getting any time if the Bus is ready. As bad as I want to see JB on the field I really want him for the stretch run at the end of the year.

[tony hipchest]

im thinking that the chargers d practices agains l.t. every day in practice so they might be a liitle more prepared for his style of running. seems like it may be a good strategy to pound them, wear them out early in the game with the big backs for ball control and to keep the chargers offense off the field and then utilize willie more in the 2nd half when he is fresh. this could set up a few quick strike/ big plays to pad a lead if we have it. also the chargers d isnt quite as savy as the patriots and similar plays as the 85 yard play to ward may be open more often. ben could come out with a few quick strikes but i think those are better suited for the second half if steelers have the lead when it is not quite as predictable.

[BIGBENFASTWILLIE]

How is bettis at full back???
could be a mike alstot

[CowherLover]

Originally Posted by BIGBENFASTWILLIE

How is bettis at full back???
could be a mike alstot

Not a chance!

[ironcitychef]

Start with Parker and try to hit a home run early...

Then play small ball and work some good innings and manufacture some runs with Staley...

Once the get comfortable, go back to the Parker gas(or off-speed if you are following this)...

Then bring in the big bruising power closer Bettis to give you that final out after you score an insurance run...

Funny how the two sports are alike.

[Va_steeler]

[QUOTE]Start with Parker and try to hit a home run earlyThen play small ball and work some good innings and manufacture some runs with Staley...

Once the get comfortable, go back to the Parker gas(or off-speed if you are following this)...

Then bring in the big bruising power closer Bettis to give you that final out after you score an insurance run...

Funny how the two sports are alike.[QUOTE]

I totally agree w/ya iron! Use the Bus on Short 1-3 yarders duce and parker w/ the sprints!

[Prosdo]

Nice way to split it up between the ICC.