Parker has chance to play on third down

[Deb]

Tomlin: Parker has chance to play on third down

July 30th, 2007 by Neal Coolong

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Steelers coach Mike Tomlin noted Sunday that RB Willie Parker could see more third-down responsibilities this season, as reported by Post-Gazette writer Gerry Dulac. Parker seems to be comfortable in this camp, perhaps moreso than he has been the last two seasons. That’s to be expected, considering he has rushed for over 1,000 yards each of the last two years. But the issue becomes durability. Parker touched the ball 337 times last season - fourth-highest in the AFC, and gained the third-highest yard total. He’s shown strong pass-catching ability, and is used often in such a fashion, just not on third downs.


As reported by Dulac:

When asked if Parker has a chance to play on third down, Tomlin said, “Yes.”

This creates a bit of a quandary as far as the RBs go, considering the Steelers brought in Kevan Barlow to compete with veteran Verron Haynes for the third-down back position. The general consensus has Najeh Davenport as Parker’s main backup.

Is Tomlin’s admittance that Parker could see third-down duties an indication that Barlow and/or Haynes aren’t up to par? Perhaps. Barlow hasn’t seen much time lately, missing most of last season with the Jets due to injury. Haynes has gone through three season-ending knee surgeries in years. It’s clear the Steelers won’t keep both of them, but it’s more of an issue with how much either would be used, now.

The early word this off-season was how Tomlin and offensive coordinator Bruce Arians would like to throw the ball more this season - whether they flat-out said it or not is irrelevant. Their personnel decisions in recent years indicate they have the skill position players under bigger contracts to want to pass. In Dulac’s notebook, he suggests Parker has ramped up his blocking ability, thus, would provide the main characteristic needed from a third-down back. If Roethlisberger will be out of the no-huddle like he suggests he will be in several reports this off-season, it makes sense to think that a 4-WR set with Parker as the lone-back and Roethlisberger out of the gun would be a nice third-down package to have.

[SteelerSal]

We need to see more of this on 3rd down.
Even in slow motion, you can see how quick Willie is.

[PsychoWard]

i love it i think the more willie is in the better!!! i love the guy he plays with heart and as proved himself. also i think he will be soooo dangerous if we start throwing it to him more out of the backfield one little move and he is gone!!!!!

[Ambridge]

We need to see more of this on 3rd down.
Even in slow motion, you can see how quick Willie is.

Please no more screen passes on 3rd and long.
Whiz was too damn predictable calling that play the last couple of seasons .
I'd like to see some swing passes on 1st and 2nd downs to Willie???

[SteelerSal]

Please no more screen passes on 3rd and long.
Whiz was too damn predictable calling that play the last couple of seasons .
I'd like to see some swing passes on 1st and 2nd downs to Willie???

Well it does'nt have to be a screen. Willie matched up with a Linebacker, comin out of the backfield, is a no brainer or even motion Willie out into the slot, when the defense is in a base formation to force a mismatch in coverage.

[steelersgal86]

We need to see more of this on 3rd down.
Even in slow motion, you can see how quick Willie is.

that is sweet I could watch that all day!!!

[BlitzburghRockCity]

Willie is such a versatile back. The guy is really learning to be a multi purpose guy who can be on the field in virtually any situation. We still need to have a 3rd down back and a change of pace guy because we can over use Parker and burn him out before January but it's good to know that he's talented enough to be able to handle virtually any situation.