Parker targets Broncos porous defense....

[Stlrs4Life]

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pitt...rce=rss&feed=9



By Scott Brown
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Wednesday, October 17, 2007


Willie Parker hung out with Denver Broncos cornerback Dre' Bly last weekend in Chapel Hill, N.C.
The two used their respective teams' bye week to rest, catch up and, of course, talk a little trash. The Steelers visit the Broncos on Sunday.
"The only thing I told him," Parker said, "is I'm going to run him over in the open field."
The former University of North Carolina products could meet often in the Broncos' secondary, because Denver's first line of defense hasn't been much of a defense at all.
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The Broncos have been the worst team in the NFL at stopping the run -- they are allowing almost 188 rushing yards per game -- and porous play up front is a major reason why they are in the midst of a three-game losing streak.
"I told the wide receivers and (offensive coordinator) Bruce (Arians) that I am going to get my throws in before practice because it might be the last throwing I do all week," Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said. "They are susceptible to the run and we run well, so I am sure that is what we are going to feature."
Parker has gained 507 rushing yards and should get more than the 14 carries had he in the Steelers' 31-20 loss to the Broncos last season.
"We can play better than we're playing," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said, "and if we don't play better, we'll get embarrassed by a great rushing offense."
Parker said it isn't a foregone conclusion that the Steelers will run the ball at will on the Broncos. "They've got five Pro Bowlers over there," Parker said. "I don't know what's the problem, but they're going to get together sooner or later. I hope they don't get it together this week."



Does anybody else take those comments from Ben the wrong way? Like it is a little bit too ****y? Or is it just me reading it the wrong way?

[Borski]

He could be baiting the Broncos into thinking we wont throw at all so they dont plan to much against the throw.

[LambertLunatic]

Parker is talking about how he's going to run over the Broncos. Big Ben implies that he doesn't expect to throw much, since the running game will be all we need. Tomlin has talked about expecting to rely on the running game against the Broncos. This reminds me of the AFCCG a couple years ago when everyone expected the Steelers to run run run, only to have Ben light it up through the air in the 1st half, giving us an insurmountable lead by halftime. This could happen again on Sunday.

[Edman]

Denver, well aware that their Run D sucks, will stack the box and run blitz to stop Willie and Najeh. Thus is why I hope Arians and Tomlin will mix it up.

Ben's just playing head games with Denver. The Steelers come out throwing next Sunday.

[jjpro11]

Originally Posted by LambertLunatic

Parker is talking about how he's going to run over the Broncos. Big Ben implies that he doesn't expect to throw much, since the running game will be all we need. Tomlin has talked about expecting to rely on the running game against the Broncos. This reminds me of the AFCCG a couple years ago when everyone expected the Steelers to run run run, only to have Ben light it up through the air in the 1st half, giving us an insurmountable lead by halftime. This could happen again on Sunday.

it reminds me of the afccg as well. if they stack the box, we have ward and holmes back.. so that wouldnt be too beneficial to them.

[Galax Steeler]

I look for them to mix it up as well start throwing the ball and offsetting there deffense so we can open up the holes for willie parker.

[stillers4me]

oooooooooooh........................the anticipation!!

[HometownGal]

I'm sure Ben made that statement accidentally......on purpose. He's smart enough not to show the Steelers "hand" pre-game. I really believe Arians will mix it up and we'll be seeing some new offensive schemes that neither we or the braying jacka$$es have seen thus far.

[klick81]

Well, i hope we don't show TOO many new schemes. I'd like to keep those in the goodie bag for bigger games.

[steelpride12]

I love the fact i am predicting Parker with 155 rushing yards and 2 TD's, but we all know how important its going to be to get the passing game going because this defense were playing is first against the pass which will be tough for Ben and company, but hopefully with the run game on full cylinders we will be in 5th gear and roaring!