Willie Parker Grossly Underrated This Year?

[H-man 12]

He's healthy now, has a ton of upside/talent, and Mendenhall has not proven worthy. Some experts I trust have him ranked as an RB3 wtf?

[plasma george 63]

Funny thing, he's my #3, behind a so-so Thomas Jones, so I'd love FWP to emerge, especially behind a defending SB champs. I watched last years SB again on NFLN, and FWP was the feature back, so what's changed ?

 

A ton of preseason reps for Mendenhall has everyone confused ?

How many reps did West have in Preseason ?

How about LT ?

 

 

CBS Sportsline

Parker will get chance to score Updated 9/8/09

Parker, Willie RB PIT HD Theater

News: Steelers RB Willie Parker may get his wish of being the short-yardage back this year. When asked who would be the goal-line back, offensive coordoinator Bruce Arians said Tuesday, "I think we'll go with the guy that's in the ball game unless he's dead tired. Willie's the man." That means Rashard Mendenhall might not get as many carries heading into this year as previously expected. Analysis: Parker might not get many chances for touchdowns in Week 1 against the Titans. Last year, Parker was held to 31 rushing yards on 19 carries against the Titans. Consider Parker a No. 3 Fantasy RB for Week 1 against Tennessee.

 

Mendenhall not the goal-line RB Updated 9/8/09

Mendenhall, Rashard RB PIT Free Agent

News: Steelers RB Willie Parker may get his wish of being the short-yardage back this year. When asked who would be the goal-line back, offensive coordoinator Bruce Arians said Tuesday, "I think we'll go with the guy that's in the ball game unless he's dead tired. Willie's the man." That means Rashard Mendenhall might not get as many carries heading into this year as previously expected. Analysis: Mendenhall will still get his share of carries this season, including in Week 1 vs. the Titans, but Parker remains the featured back in Pittsburgh. Consider Mendenhall a low-end Fantasy option against Tennessee and see how his role plays out going forward this year.

[tenaciousb 0]

I hope Fast Willie is ready to go and can capture some of his 2006 magic. But lately he's turning into the king of the 1 yard gain. His longest run in the last 2 years is 34 yds.

[Borat33 17]

Parker will not be able to handle a full load. Expect to see Mendenhall, Moore and eventually even Issac Redman get some carries.

[VaTerp 0]

I agree that Parker is undervalued this year.

 

People see him as an injury risk which is somewhat justifiable but what RB in the NFL isnt an injury risk. He will also lose some touches and 3rd down work to Mendenhall/Moore but again almost every RB is losing touches in some manner.

 

Pittsburgh has a top notch D and will run the ball a lot this year and often have a short field to work with. Plus they have a relatively easy schedule.

 

I have been kicking myself since my draft for drafting LJ over Parker. LJ is still the better runner IMO but Parker is in a much better situation. For where he went in drafts I think he will be a very good bargain.

[Need2Know 0]

its basically a 3- way RBBC in PITT. Moore, Mendanhal, Parker

Parker always finds a way to get injured too. doesn't score many TDs when he does play.

i would say his ADP around round 5-6 is justified. hes not underrated, hes right where he should be.

I would rather take a chance on a younger guy than fast willie, who is not really that fast anymore.

[Jarvis Basnight 119]

He's healthy now, has a ton of upside/talent, and Mendenhall has not proven worthy. Some experts I trust have him ranked as an RB3 wtf?

 

How has he not proven worthy? He was a rookie last year and had a season ending injury. Now in your eyes he's not worthy?

 

I don't own anyone from the Pitt backfield but if I could have any of them, it would be Mendenhall. He's the one with the best shot at being the future in Pitt imo.

[Jedi Sensei 17]

"Grossly" undervalued? No, I don't think so -- not unless he makes it back to the top 10 at year's end.

 

But he is undervalued. As demonstrated here, people fear his back-up (too much, I think) and worry about his durability (not unreasonably). His schedule is tempting, though, and he could perform as an RB2 with an RB3 price-tag.

[DeaLerZ 0]

its basically a 3- way RBBC in PITT. Moore, Mendanhal, Parker

Parker always finds a way to get injured too. doesn't score many TDs when he does play.

i would say his ADP around round 5-6 is justified. hes not underrated, hes right where he should be.

I would rather take a chance on a younger guy than fast willie, who is not really that fast anymore.

 

No its not??? what are u basing that information on? Mendenhall has looked poor, and hasn't shown anything thus far in his career to make the Steelers think he should be getting the ball more than FWP.. FWP is going to get goaline carries as well as the bulk of the carries... If Parker goes down I would even say M.Moore has more value than Mendenhall at this point, Moore was very productive when he started last season

 

 

 

Source: Scott Brown - the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

 

Scott Brown, from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, reports the Steelers will enter the season without a designated short-yardage/goal-line back. But a simple connecting of the dots makes it clear that Willie Parker will get most of the carries in those situations. "I think we'll go with the guy that's in the ball game unless he's dead tired then we'll put a fresh body in," offensive coordinator Bruce Arians said Monday when asked who will be the goal-line back. Parker is the starting running back and second-year man Rashard Mendenhall is No. 2 but the pair won't split carries. Coach Mike Tomlin said that last week and Arians reiterated it yesterday after practice. "Willie's the man," Arians said.

 

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

 

Another day, and another positive story about Willie Parker. Remember, in 2006 Parker had thirteen rushing touchdowns, and all but one came from five yards out or less. The coaching staff has publicly declared there will be no sharing of carries in Pittsburgh in 2009. Unless Parker is winded after a big run, Mendenhall won't see the field that much. Parker can still be drafted somewhere around the 5th round, and you'll need to grab Mendenhall in the 11th just in case the injury bug bothers Parker once again.

 

 

 

 

 

Source: Associated Press

 

The Associated Press reports Pittsburgh Steelers RB Willie Parker said head coach Mike Tomlin told him that he will have 30 carries per game this season. The team is expected to have a two-back system with Parker and RB Rashard Mendenhall. 'We got a two-back system now, so when they call my number I just got to be ready,' Parker said. 'Coach Tomlin told me 30 carries (per game), but I don't know about that. I've just got to be ready.'

 

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

 

Thirty carries a game is a bit outlandish, but the point here is that Willie Parker is the lead back in Pittsburgh. Yes, Rashard Mendenhall will get a share of the carries but all signs indicate that share will be minimal. Mendenhall only averaged 3.1 YPC during the preseason, and didn't impress the coaching staff enough to get a lion's share of the work. Parker has battled injuries the last couple of seasons, and if he goes down again the team will look to Mendenhall to lead the way.

 

 

 

All Reports say that Parker is the feature back, will get the goal line carries, and will get somewhere in the range of 20-30 carries a game.... if he holds up all season long, he will be a great #2 fantasy back... if he doesn't grab Mewelde Moore who was very productive in Parker's absence

[jgcrawfish 232]

Parker will not be able to handle a full load. Expect to see Mendenhall, Moore and eventually even Issac Redman get some carries.

 

Redman was cut and signed to the practice squad...there is no goalline vulture this year unless Mendenhall emerges from his coma.

 

 

I agree that Parker is undervalued this year.

 

People see him as an injury risk which is somewhat justifiable but what RB in the NFL isnt an injury risk. He will also lose some touches and 3rd down work to Mendenhall/Moore but again almost every RB is losing touches in some manner.

 

Pittsburgh has a top notch D and will run the ball a lot this year and often have a short field to work with. Plus they have a relatively easy schedule.

 

I have been kicking myself since my draft for drafting LJ over Parker. LJ is still the better runner IMO but Parker is in a much better situation. For where he went in drafts I think he will be a very good bargain.

 

As a Steelers fan, and someone who is very wary of the Chiefs offensive situation, I think I'd rather have LJ. The fact is that Pittsburgh simply isn't the smashmouth running team they used to be. Out of the 3 main backs in the mix, last season Moore looked like not only the most complete back, but the best one as well. Mendenhall has all the talent in the world, good speed and great size, but he's indecisive and dances too much. Kid needs to get pissed, and hit the hole with a head of steam, or better yet, use that big body and make one, but he doesn't. "Fast" Willie Parker no longer breaks long runs and is a liability in the passing game, not to mention his frequent injury issues. The offensive line is fairly young and could jell, but losing Stapleton already creates continuity issues and the line hasn't been overly impressive at all, even last year during the Superbowl run. I would describe the Pittsburgh offensive situation as a quagmire.

[VaTerp 0]

How has he not proven worthy? He was a rookie last year and had a season ending injury. Now in your eyes he's not worthy?

 

I don't own anyone from the Pitt backfield but if I could have any of them, it would be Mendenhall. He's the one with the best shot at being the future in Pitt imo.

 

Of course Mendenhall has the best shot at "being the future in Pitt" since he's about 7 years younger. But what does that have to do with FF value THIS year.

 

And I dont know if I would phrase it as Mendenhall being not worthy but from most of the reports coming of out Pitt its clear that he has not developed as quickly as they would have liked for a 1st round pick. At least to this point.

 

If Im looking at taking a RB from Pitt this year give me the guy who the HC has said is "our runner".

[VaTerp 0]

As a Steelers fan, and someone who is very wary of the Chiefs offensive situation, I think I'd rather have LJ. The fact is that Pittsburgh simply isn't the smashmouth running team they used to be. Out of the 3 main backs in the mix, last season Moore looked like not only the most complete back, but the best one as well. Mendenhall has all the talent in the world, good speed and great size, but he's indecisive and dances too much. Kid needs to get pissed, and hit the hole with a head of steam, or better yet, use that big body and make one, but he doesn't. "Fast" Willie Parker no longer breaks long runs and is a liability in the passing game, not to mention his frequent injury issues. The offensive line is fairly young and could jell, but losing Stapleton already creates continuity issues and the line hasn't been overly impressive at all, even last year during the Superbowl run. I would describe the Pittsburgh offensive situation as a quagmire.

 

Well I grabbed Moore late as we have deep rosters and my RBs suck. So if FWP gets injured again I cant say Id be upset.

 

And I certainly respect your opinion as a Steeler homer and dont disagree with anything you said.

 

Even still, I just think that since Pitt is such a better team than KC that it puts Parker in more advantageous situations. KC will be playing from behind a lot this year and I think Haley will try to run a lot of spread stuff with Charles in there instead of LJ. Even if they arent behind I think thats what he wants to do. Stupid IMO but thats what I fear will happen.

 

While Pitt is not the smash mouth team it used to be I still see them being able to run the ball quite a bit with the way they play defense. I think LJ may have some bigger games than FWP but Parker will be more consistent IMO as long as he remains healthy.

 

ETA- And LJ's schedule, especially the first 1/2 of the season is just brutal. Steelers have much better matchups against the run IMO.

[jgcrawfish 232]

Well I grabbed Moore late as we have deep rosters and my RBs suck. So if FWP gets injured again I cant say Id be upset.

 

And I certainly respect your opinion as a Steeler homer and dont disagree with anything you said.

 

Even still, I just think that since Pitt is such a better team than KC that it puts Parker in more advantageous situations. KC will be playing from behind a lot this year and I think Haley will try to run a lot of spread stuff with Charles in there instead of LJ. Even if they arent behind I think thats what he wants to do. Stupid IMO but thats what I fear will happen.

 

While Pitt is not the smash mouth team it used to be I still see them being able to run the ball quite a bit with the way they play defense. I think LJ may have some bigger games than FWP but Parker will be more consistent IMO as long as he remains healthy.

 

ETA- And LJ's schedule, especially the first 1/2 of the season is just brutal. Steelers have much better matchups against the run IMO.

 

Yeah, and I thought about that after I posted. That schedule last year for the Steelers, coupled with the injuries to Willie and Mendenhall, probably played a fairly large role in their 23rd ranked rushing attack. I would expect it improve this year, especially with the easier schedule. I also think they've got the best WR core they've had since Ben had Hines and Plax to throw to. Sweed and Wallace will apparently split the #3WR role and each brings something different the defense must account for, Sweed in size/physicality/athleticism and Wallace in sheer speed. And Ward and Sweed are good blockers (santonio is just OK). That will alleviate some of the pressure defenses can put on run game. Parker as #3 back is probably a good investment, all things considered.

[jerryskids 7,083]

I grabbed Parker in the 8th round as my RB3 and fully expect the time to come where I'm playing matchups with Barber and Grant.

[We Tigers 71]

I avoided Pitt backs largely because of their pathetic team YPC last year. For being a smash-mouth grind it out team, 3.8 YPC is pretty rough. Parker went a little earlier than I had him ranked in both of my drafts, so I'm not disappointed about missing out. I think he's a little underrated just because he's still likely to get a lot of carries and be the lead guy (Tomlin confirmed as much just the other day), but Moore's excellence as a 3rd down back, Mendenhall's potential, and a not-so-hot offensive line all kinda limit his upside.

[parrot 789]

I think so. Thomas Jones too. Had them both targeted but both went earlier than I figgered and got aced out of both.

[VaTerp 0]

Yeah, and I thought about that after I posted. That schedule last year for the Steelers, coupled with the injuries to Willie and Mendenhall, probably played a fairly large role in their 23rd ranked rushing attack. I would expect it improve this year, especially with the easier schedule. I also think they've got the best WR core they've had since Ben had Hines and Plax to throw to. Sweed and Wallace will apparently split the #3WR role and each brings something different the defense must account for, Sweed in size/physicality/athleticism and Wallace in sheer speed. And Ward and Sweed are good blockers (santonio is just OK). That will alleviate some of the pressure defenses can put on run game. Parker as #3 back is probably a good investment, all things considered.

 

I think the bottom line is that Parker is the starting RB on a good team and should get the bulk of the work in GL situations. In this day and age of RBBCs and what not I think thats pretty much all you can ask for in a RB3.

 

And I dont think Parker will see his numbers from 2006 again but I do think he has a little more upside than many will give him credit for. He was the NFL's leading rusher before he got hurt in 07' and in the first 2 games last year he had over 240 yards and 3 TDs before he suffering another injury.

 

Yeah, there are plenty of good reasons that he was moved down draft boards this summer but I also think people may have pushed him down to the point of overlooking him.

[Jarvis Basnight 119]

Interesting stuff. Thanks.....good info.

 

I still have 1 last draft rolling tonight. A 10 teamer. I'm wondering how late I can get Parker. He'd be a real nice 3rd RB for me.

[plasma george 63]

I think the bottom line is that Parker is the starting RB on a good team and should get the bulk of the work in GL situations. In this day and age of RBBCs and what not I think thats pretty much all you can ask for in a RB3.

 

Yeah, there are plenty of good reasons that he was moved down draft boards this summer but I also think people may have pushed him down to the point of overlooking him.

:unsure:

[mlmeloy 0]

I think the bottom line is that Parker is the starting RB on a good team and should get the bulk of the work in GL situations.

 

Parker had goal line opportunities the last two years (not all of them, mind you, but had some chances in there) and has struggled to produce. I was curious about it, so I looked up his goal-line stats. Here's what he's done on 1st and Goal and 2nd and Goal:

 

2006: 14 carries, 2 TDs

2007: 16 carries, 1 TD

 

It's a pretty small sampling, but it's something to keep in mind, I think.

[VaTerp 0]

Parker had goal line opportunities the last two years (not all of them, mind you, but had some chances in there) and has struggled to produce. I was curious about it, so I looked up his goal-line stats. Here's what he's done on 1st and Goal and 2nd and Goal:

 

2006: 14 carries, 2 TDs

2007: 16 carries, 1 TD

 

It's a pretty small sampling, but it's something to keep in mind, I think.

 

Interesting.

 

Curious...where did you find these and why did you not include 3rd and goal or last year's sample?

 

And Im sure that Parker isnt the greatest GL back in the league but I still think he'll get opportunities and he did score 16 total TDs in 06'.

[mlmeloy 0]

Interesting.

 

Curious...where did you find these and why did you not include 3rd and goal or last year's sample?

 

And Im sure that Parker isnt the greatest GL back in the league but I still think he'll get opportunities and he did score 16 total TDs in 06'.

 

I just looked him up on our league's website, which is yahoo sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/7073/situational;_ylt=Av4_35tuvtfzKNwQ3_WxpfD.uLYF?year=2007). I didn't include 3rd and Goal because, for some reason, yahoo doesn't include it in there situational stats. The way I'm interpreting that is that he didn't get the ball ever on 3rd in goal during those years. One thing I find interesting is that in 2007, almost all of his goal-line carries were on first down (only 1 on second and goal). They tended to give him one shot and took him out. Last year, it was a bit more balanced, but he had less chances.

 

You're right about 06. I didn't include those stats because it was 3 years ago, but he got a lot more goal line carries that year, and scored more goalline tds.

[De Novo 0]

I just looked him up on our league's website, which is yahoo sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/7073/situational;_ylt=Av4_35tuvtfzKNwQ3_WxpfD.uLYF?year=2007). I didn't include 3rd and Goal because, for some reason, yahoo doesn't include it in there situational stats. The way I'm interpreting that is that he didn't get the ball ever on 3rd in goal during those years. One thing I find interesting is that in 2007, almost all of his goal-line carries were on first down (only 1 on second and goal). They tended to give him one shot and took him out. Last year, it was a bit more balanced, but he had less chances.

 

You're right about 06. I didn't include those stats because it was 3 years ago, but he got a lot more goal line carries that year, and scored more goalline tds.

 

Certainly a good find. Thanks. I wonder how many of those carries were from inside the 3. His numbers aren't good, but I'd be more convinced if he was something like 1-16 from inside the 3. I can't pinpoint it, but I expect a resurgence from him this year. I was high on him in 2005 and down on him in 2006, 2007, and 2008. But I'm high on him again. I don't expect top 5 numbers, but if he plays 16 games, it's not tough for him to finish in the top 10, especially if he gets the rock on the goalline. I think they'll pass a lot on GL, but I think that's his only competition. Mendenhall doesn't look like the answer.

[montana 89]

How can you say Mendenhall doesn't look like the answer considering his quick departure last year? The jury is still out on this kid IMO. No one knows what he can do, including Pitt. There's a reason why they drafted him last year and my bet is he shows us why this year. FWP isn't exactly Iron Man and will not hold up an entire year (again IMO). While I have nothing against taking FWP as a 3rd RB, I wouldn't be surprised if he is hurt & Mendy is running with the 1st string at some point in the year. My guess is sooner, rather than later. Still, its hard to argue his potential on that O. Who ever gets the rock will preform on the level of a very solid #2 RB. As a Mendy owner in almost every league I'm in, you can tell who I'm pulling for. LOL!

[DeaLerZ 0]

How can you say Mendenhall doesn't look like the answer considering his quick departure last year? The jury is still out on this kid IMO. No one knows what he can do, including Pitt. There's a reason why they drafted him last year and my bet is he shows us why this year. FWP isn't exactly Iron Man and will not hold up an entire year (again IMO). While I have nothing against taking FWP as a 3rd RB, I wouldn't be surprised if he is hurt & Mendy is running with the 1st string at some point in the year. My guess is sooner, rather than later. Still, its hard to argue his potential on that O. Who ever gets the rock will preform on the level of a very solid #2 RB. As a Mendy owner in almost every league I'm in, you can tell who I'm pulling for. LOL!

 

your bet is biased... he would have atleast been given a 50/50 split if they were impressed with him.. Mewelde Moore looks better.. good luck with that

[plasma george 63]

FWP owner,

I think it's safe to say FWP will see less % of the workload this year, then any year so far. It's not only a smart approach to have your #1 spelled often in between the 20s trying to keep his legs fresh throughout 4 Quarters. This isn't TD vulturing, just smart. I think it's a very forseeable approach from Tomlin considering FWP's age, mileage, and injury history.

 

Pounding Mendenhall on a few carries (ala Portis/Betts, Chet/ADP), will keep your more talented, seasoned verteran ready when it's redzone time or late in the game on a crucial drive.

 

Now, who's starting FWP tonight at home, and over _________ ?

 

I also have TJ away at Texans and Reggie Bush at home against Detwat.

[PunkRockRedneck 8]

I think FWP should end up being a good RB3 with possibility of RB2 numbers. I took him as my 3rd and will be using as my flex along with McFadden. FWIW I'm going with Parker over McFadden this week.

[BLS 314]

FWP owner,

I think it's safe to say FWP will see less % of the workload this year, then any year so far. It's not only a smart approach to have your #1 spelled often in between the 20s trying to keep his legs fresh throughout 4 Quarters. This isn't TD vulturing, just smart. I think it's a very forseeable approach from Tomlin considering FWP's age, mileage, and injury history.

 

Pounding Mendenhall on a few carries (ala Portis/Betts, Chet/ADP), will keep your more talented, seasoned verteran ready when it's redzone time or late in the game on a crucial drive.

 

Now, who's starting FWP tonight at home, and over _________ ?

 

I also have TJ away at Texans and Reggie Bush at home against Detwat.

 

I'd have a hard time starting anyone in tonights game vs. Titans. But I'm either forced to use FWP or Mendenhall, so it is what it is.

[Boston Three Party 6]

Give me the stats from FWP the first three games last year muthafockers and we're all golden!

 

Come on big boy, light it up til I have Lynch back!

[H-man 12]

Wow, Willie Parker looked awful tonight. True, his line wasn't clearing the best holes for him but still, he was so slow and weak and couldn't beat anyone 1 on 1. Even against a good run defense this is pathetic. I hope he was only at 80 percent and that his hamstring is still healing.

[Need2Know 0]

so, you still think hes underrated?

[Need2Know 0]

let me add, grossly underrated?

[RSersen 0]

let me add, grossly underrated?

 

If anyone started Parker last night, shame on them.

 

You have to play the matchups with him. Pittsburgh playing Cleveland or Detroit? Let him loose. Playing one of the best defenses in the league? Umm...what do you expect?

 

So, I still say he's underrated. The Steelers play a lot more horrible defenses than they do good ones. He'll end up with good numbers - just don't start him every week like he's a stud; because he's not.

[Borat33 17]

Parker sucks.

 

Hopefully they phase him out and use Mewelde Moore and I pray Mendenhall can show something.

[Jarvis Basnight 119]

Sure am glad I didn't get a chance to draft him. After watching last night, I remembered why I didn't want him. The guy does not break tackles. Goes down with arm tackles.

[Tango 0]

If anyone started Parker last night, shame on them.

 

You have to play the matchups with him. Pittsburgh playing Cleveland or Detroit? Let him loose. Playing one of the best defenses in the league? Umm...what do you expect?

 

So, I still say he's underrated. The Steelers play a lot more horrible defenses than they do good ones. He'll end up with good numbers - just don't start him every week like he's a stud; because he's not.

 

As you sort of mention...none of the RBs performed well given the strength of the opposing defense, so let's take performance off the table.

 

...and look at the distribution of the touches. I dont have the stats in front of me but it appeared as if FWP was getting shafted. I saw much more of Moore and Mendenhall than I expected. The Steelers were never behind more than 3 points, so it's not as if they were in all out catch-up mode. Perhaps he just isnt in the hurry-up that they played frequently to try to jump start the O? Either way, a fantasy RB needs touches to have the chance to produce and from what we saw last night I doubt that FWP cracks the Top 20 in RB touches this year. Maybe things change some next week...

[surferskin 31]

Grossly is right.

[RLLD 4,275]

First game of the season overreaction....

 

The waiver wire is flipping beautiful during the week after the first games....

[Tango 0]

First game of the season overreaction....

 

The waiver wire is flipping beautiful during the week after the first games....

 

Geez, nobody suggests cutting FWP! ...but top 20 in tocuhes seems doubtful at the moment. The other guys saw a ton of action. Let's see what happens over the next week or two.

[KSB2424 3,173]

First game of the season overreaction....

 

The waiver wire is flipping beautiful during the week after the first games....

 

 

Last I checked the Titans and Steelers wre pretty good Defensive Run stoppers. I sure as hell am not gonna declare anybody anything right now.