View topic - ESPN ranks the RB's and Steeler RB's are ...

[thesteelhammer Profile]

Fast Willie Parker is rated 13th. What do you think?
(and where are the Fat Backs on the list? )

13. Willie Parker, Pittsburgh Steelers
Superpower -- Parker has been an explosive playmaker since taking over as the starter in 2005. He is an explosive player who can strike from anywhere on the field and has the speed and acceleration to pressure the edges of a defense.
Kryptonite -- Parker doesn't have the size you look for in a three-down back. He lacks a variety of moves in open space and doesn't run with a lot of tackle strength on the second level. He can be a liability as a pass-blocker when isolated in one-on-one situations.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/insider/news/story?id=3422768&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnfl%2finsider%2fnews%2fstory%3fid%3d3422768

The Rookie gets ranked higher than some teams starters at #30

30. Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh Steelers
Superpower -- The rookie is big and is very fast for such a powerful runner. He cuts sharply and wastes little motion and doesn't have to gear down when changing directions. He is a developing receiver who should only get better in this area. Pittsburgh is an excellent place for his short- and long-term development, and Mendenhall could have a very bright future.
Kryptonite -- Mendenhall carried the ball a lot during his one year as the starter at Illinois, but he was not asked to do much in the way of pass blocking. He has the mentality and physical ability to be a fine pass-blocker, but this is a difficult skill for a rookie to learn. It is tough to put a running back on the field if he will likely get his star quarterback blindsided by a blitzing linebacker.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/insider/news/story?id=3424397&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnfl%2finsider%2fnews%2fstory%3fid%3d3424397

[The Fan Of STEEL Profile]

Willis McGahee and Marshawn Lynch ahead of Parker? Personally I think Parker is one of the best in the league. I can understand why the guy puts some of those RBs ahead of him, mostly because of their name and one or two seasons, but Parker has run damn good even with a marginal line.

[ILLSTILL Profile]

To say that a runningback has absolutely no weaknesses (See LT's "kryptonite") is absolute chickenshit.

[thesteelhammer Profile]

No Steeler (Not Franco, Not Bettis) make the All-Time top 10.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=yasinskas_pat&id=3422309

[jstallworth82 Profile]

Ranking RBs is impossible. Take your favorite Emmitt Smithpuke. put him on an average team with no O-line and he gets cut after 2 seasons. Greatest RBs off all time? How about in no order Walter Payton, that crazylegged guy from Detroit................. Jim Brown, but not LT or Emmitt.