Vet on the hot seat: Willie Parker

[mesaSteeler]

Vet on the hot seat: Willie Parker
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/afcnorth
May 13, 2009 12:00 PM

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

There are numerous reasons why Pittsburgh Steelers starting running back Willie Parker finds himself on the hot seat for 2009. Let's start with the fact that he's had back-to-back injury-plagued seasons.
Parker

A broken leg derailed Parker's otherwise stellar 2007 campaign, and he battled shoulder and knee ailments in 2008, when he rushed for just 791 yards and averaged 3.8 yards per carry. Those were Parker's lowest totals since becoming a full-time starter.

In a physical AFC North division, Parker has never been the biggest tailback at 5-foot-10, 209 pounds. Add in the fact that he's turning 29 in November, and Parker now has to deal with the age and durability questions in Pittsburgh.

Parker is in the final year of his contract, and all signs point to the Steelers letting him walk after the season. To date, there haven't been any serious discussions of extending Parker's contract before the start of the regular season, and the Steelers drafted tailback Rashard Mendenhall in the first round in 2008 to be his eventual replacement.

But a big year from Parker has the potential to change the landscape for his future in Pittsburgh and silence his critics.

Honorable mention: Similar to Parker, Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Ocho Cinco had one of his worst seasons in 2008. He recorded just 53 receptions for 540 yards last year, which are well below his career averages. At 31 and coming off injuries to his shoulder and ankle the past two seasons, Ocho Cinco has to prove he still has it. The Bengals certainly hope he does, because they desperately need the deep ball to return to their offense in 2009.

AFC hot seat 09, Willie Parker, AFC North, Rashard Mendenhall, Chad Ocho Cinco, vet hot seat 09

Read comments or leave a comment

[pancake]

I think this is FWP last year in the black and gold...

[jev7452]

if he gets injured again, hes out.. otherwise im hoping he has another big season to get maybe a 2 year extension

[Psyychoward86]

Still love the guy, and what he can do. It's funny how much faith some people lose in a guy because of one season. I'd also like ot see him around at least 2 more years.

[Galax Steeler]

To me it just seems like Parker is not where he used to be he has lost a step in his cuts are something. I want to see a tailback that is going to punch it up the middle are can get around the end and now I just don't see Parker doing that.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Parker hasnt lost anything, but he is a guy that needs a lead blocker to read and isnt gonna see that much here. I would love the guy to get another contract, but really doubt that it happens.

Mendenhall played in a single back, spread offense and is a good cutback runner. He was drafted to be the guy in Arians system and I think will be in 2010.

[The Duke]

Originally Posted by Psyychoward86

Still love the guy, and what he can do. It's funny how much faith some people lose in a guy because of one season. I'd also like ot see him around at least 2 more years.

I don't think many have lost faith in him( except of course willie haters ). this is more of a contract/age issue and having other backs, one being a 1st round pick, on the roster

If a team like the chargers fixes their oline issues from last year, willie could easily go there and win the rushing title. he fits their scheme

Hey, but I'm hoping the guy take a discount

[truesteelerfan]

I don't forsee Willie giving us the hometown discount...Yes we did give him his chance to be an NFL player after he wasn't drafted, but I think he'll want to play as a full time starter-he was benched at UNC, and now that he'll be 30 next off season, I'm sure he'll know his days in the NFL are numbered. But I hope he has a monster year! All the Willie haters will still complain if he hits the 2000 yard mark, but I'd love to have him for a couple more years!

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Originally Posted by truesteelerfan

I All the Willie haters will still complain if he hits the 2000 yard mark,

Yeah, because if you take away all of his long runs........

[pancake]

Originally Posted by The Duke

I don't think many have lost faith in him( except of course willie haters ). this is more of a contract/age issue and having other backs, one being a 1st round pick, on the roster

If a team like the chargers fixes their oline issues from last year, willie could easily go there and win the rushing title. he fits their scheme

Hey, but I'm hoping the guy take a discount

I agree with you. I just think Willie will be gone, because he wants to be the #1 guy and wants the money to go with it. I couldn't blame him for that.