FWP; The Leader
by 5020
on May 2, 2008 6:57 PM EDT
I've always been a big fan of Fast Willie Parker. A free agent that languished on the bench in college Parker was taken under the wing/wheel of The Bus and developed into a Pro Bowl starting RB on the Division Champion Steelers. Oh, and Parker has a Super Bowl ring and longest Super Bowl TD run in history to his credit too.
What is a real bonus and must make Bettis proud is that Parker appears to be a Pro Bowl teammate as well. Ed Bouchette writes in todays Post Gazette that Parker took 1st Round Pick Rashard Mendenhall under his wing. Mendenhall says Parker will teach him "How to be a Professional. He is showing me how to work, how to carry yourself as a professional and as a man."
We know Hines is a leader. We all know Big Ben had risen to leadership. For those wondering who else would replace the Bettis, Porter and Faneca's in the locker room FWP has stepped up.
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nice
Was wondering how that would shake out. My only initial concern was FWP seems to still try to be earning the respect he deserves around the league and even with some Steelers fans.
by Blitzburgh on May 2, 2008 9:06 PM EDT 0 recs
This was nice to read.
You never know how these things will play out. One of the things that always impressed me about FWP is that he is humble and a team player. To see him take on the role as a mentor and becoming an emerging leader is great. In a few of the games last year, there seemed to be a lack of on the field leadership to rally the troops to get that critical 3rd and 1, or stop that 3rd down conversion.
I have to admit I am one of those Steeler fans that have taken along time to warm up to FWP. I have never been a ‘fast back" fan with their ghost yardage. Much like a QB being a hero or a goat depending on the outcome of the game, I have placed all the blame of my frustrations with our running game on FWP, and that was wrong. He has did nothing but work hard and carry the ball when asked. We not only ran him till the wheels came off, but till we broke and axel. FWP can’t control the bad o-line play, or that the FO failed to find him a good change of pace/short yardage back after Bettis retired.
Boy, I am looking forward to seeing this new backfield with FWP and Mendenhall in action.
by SteelBuckeye on May 3, 2008 10:48 AM EDT 0 recs
Big FWP fan
When I saw him break a run against Buffalo behind a second string line I became a FWP fan. (I also fell in love with James Harrison during that same game). I began telling everyone I knew that he would be a great one. They thought I was nuts until the Super Bowl. What I like about him (and Harrison) is based upon how they got to where they are, they don’t have the sense of entitlement that a lot of high level athletes have. I wish FWP a long career and every accolade that the sport has to offer (including at least one more SB ring)
by RickVa on May 3, 2008 3:14 PM EDT 0 recs
Thing about FWP
I am a fan of his but I believe he has already lost some speed.
Remember his first two career starts? Against Ten and Hou? I rewatched those games not long ago and his speed was insane back then. He could bounce it to the outside in a split second. He just doesnt look as fast as he used to. I think it is because he tries running up the middle too much, so he doesnt get to display that speed.
Even when he gets to the outside, he just doesnt look quite as fast as those first two games.
by jason97673 on May 3, 2008 8:09 PM EDT 0 recs
FWP
is fast enough. He may not have taken one to the house last year but he took a couple to the front porch. Players get older. They slow down. They also get smarter. FWP has a couple more good years left barring injury. He will be a valuable part of the Steelers leadership for the next few years. The Steelers need 2 backs. See Bettis/Parker, Bettis/Zeroue, Foster/Morris, Harris/Bleier…
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
by 5020 on
May 4, 2008 11:25 AM EDT
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Sounds great
I had thought that FWP would have a shorter career, just because speed doesn’t last forever, and he’s not a top-notch between the tackles runner. He’s shown that he can carry the load better than I thought, but he’ll never be a guy that can get you two yards on 3rd and 2 in the waning minutes of the 4th quarter. That said, I love to here that he is stepping into a leadership role. He may prolong his career as a Steeler just on that alone. If so, that would be awesome!
by WolfpackSteelersFan on May 4, 2008 3:29 PM EDT 0 recs
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