Mewelde Moore Could Put Willie Parker out of a Job
by Tomlin's Crib on May 17, 2009 9:50 PM EDT
39 comments
Mewelde Moore Could Put Willie
Parker Out of a Job
"Fast" Willie Parker is exactly what his nickname states: fast. He has been to the Pro Bowl twice in his four-year career with the Pittsburgh Steelers and has the record for the longest run in Super Bowl history of 75 yards. He was the Steelers MVP in 2005 and helped lead his team to a Super Bowl victory in that same season.
But "Fast Willie" did not play in at least four games last year and Parker has had his share of injuries over the past 2 years which probably has some impact on his bread and butter . . . his speed.
First round pick Rashard Mendenhall was supposed to carry the load with Parker out, but an injury ended his season. This left Carey Davis, a fullback, to take the starting role, only until he too was injured.
Enter Mewelde Moore. He was once our fourth-string running back and basically overnight, became our starter. He didn't started over Willie Parker, just in place of him, but he proved to be a great boost for the offense.
Utilized more in the return and passing game rather than rushing, Moore was a little underappreciated when he was with the Vikings. He had potential, and Mike Tomlin saw it while coaching in Minnesota, which is probably why the Steelers picked him up. And he has a been one tremendous backup, out-rushing Parker after both have had four games under their belt.
In Willie Parker's four starts, he had 333 yards on 87 attempts for a 3.8 yards per carry average and four touchdowns. But Willie did not catch any passes during that time. This is no surprise as most insiders know Parker doesn't have good hands.
In Moore's four starts last season, he had 377 yards on 93 attempts for a 4.1 yards per carry average and five touchdowns. Mewelde had also played a bigger role in the passing attack than Parker was. He has caught 22 passes for 171 yards and a score.
The numbers also seem to show how much better of a runner Mewelde seems to be than Parker. Willie tries to run up the middle when he should bounce it to the outside and try to get around the corner, where his speed can flourish.
Moore seems to know exactly what kind of runs he should make, quick cuts to both the inside and outside along with great vision that result in nice gains for the offense. One will often see Mewelde Moore exploding through holes and picking up first downs.
He has a little bit of power, but not much, considering that goal line stand the Colts had against the Steelers when he ran it up the gut three straight times and was stuffed all three times (one can easily fault a unimaginative Bruce Arians for that debacle).
Honestly, Tomlin should have no qualms about letting Mewlede Moore be the backup to Rashard Mendenhall this season. If Mendenhall isn't ready, Moore could easily be the premier back in Pittsburgh after his stellar performance last season. If he is going to produce more than Parker and help the Steelers get to another Super Bowl, then I would not have a problem with him taking over the starting role, or at least play behind Mendenhall if Rashard is going to be their man this year.
If Mewelde Moore continues to play great and even show improvement this year, he could have a longer term future with the Steelers than Willie Parker and believe it or not, quite possibly put Willie out of a job with the Steelers after this season.
0 recs |
39 comments
| Add comment
Email
Print
Comments
Why is there all this hate on Willie Parker?
The man can play ball.
It's true what they say...Even the NFL's Big Wigs hate the Steelers. On the plus side, I can now tell my future grand kids about Hines Ward and how the NFL made rules because of him. Roger Goodell, you make me sick.
by HighSchoolSteeler on May 17, 2009 10:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I know seriously
Yall know I defend him hardcore… maybe its time for the chewbacca defense.
by Mechem on May 18, 2009 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
why would Chewbacca, and 8 foot tall wookie, live on a planet with 3 feet tall ewoks?!?
It does not make sense.
So, basically, FWP can play ball.
by shleeve on May 22, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're high
Obviously, Moore has played one decent season. We should just give Willie the boot and ride the Moore train to superbowl Stardom again right? There’s a reason why you’re not the coach and are just a fan with a poorly backed opinion.
by SoCalSteelerFan on May 17, 2009 10:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Lol
Mewelde Moore is a career backup and 3rd down runner at best, sure he filled in nicely at times last season, but he is less talented than Parker. Running behind a makeshift OLine and battling injuries after being pretty much the only back carrying the bal until we obtained Moore, give him a break!
He proved against the Chargers that he can ball still, when he is fresh, he is bloody good
YOU SIR, ARE DREAMING if you think Parker is going to be out of a job. He is the undisputed #1 back in Pittsburgh. Moore is battling Mendenhall for carries behind FWP
BLITZBURGH IS BACK
by Steeler_ on May 17, 2009 10:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
We seem to have a big split here on BTSC
A lot of fans just love FWP. Others see him as over rated. That brings out the biggest howls of protest I have witnessed on this site since I joined.
Lets start where we all agree. Our run game in 08 was ranked in the bottom half. That is not what we are used to. It is not Steeler Style. It’s got to get better.
Also it takes not just a good RB. Blocking has to get done right. Play calling has to get done right.
Any steeler fan ,who has grown beyond the stage of a little knowledge is dangerous, can understand FWP is not the bruiser type RB that should be continually running between the tackles. Mendenhall is closer to that type. But more ideal is to use a one two punch. Possibly a one two three punch.
Now a challenge to all the FWP lovers: Can you name any feature RB’s in the last 10 years that came back from significant injuries in consecutive years at the age of 30?
The point to this challenge is that FWP has been great. IMO he is still good, our team is better by having him but you cannot deny that he is or should be our every down RB. He has a great role as a change of pace RB who can fill in for several games as a starter if the need arises.
Now about that play calling and blocking. I wish BA can see the light about a good FB instead of another TE!
by steelerstyle on May 17, 2009 10:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Can you name?
Any feature RB that didn’t start really playing until he was 25/26? I mean this guy was barely used in college. Lets compare him to a guy like LT, who has the main guy in college. LT has been taking consistent beating for at least 10 years. Parker has only been taking consistent pounding for about 5 years. So you would think he would have at least 5 more years give or take a few, I’d say at least three years. But I do agree with Rashard splitting time with him, we can extend FWP carreer at least 2more years. We should see FWP for at least 5 more years.
by tannofsteel84 on May 19, 2009 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We agree that
FWP has to be used in theright situations.
By the way you couldn’t namea rb over 30 not because of typical workload but because physiologicaly people don’t heal as fast or completly after age 30.
by steelerstyle on May 21, 2009 8:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why wouldn't Mewelde start after his performances when Willie was out?
Well, Tomlin proclaims Moore as being their “in-case” back for when Parker was out. Willie is a guy that Tomlin has a lot of confidence in his players, but in my opinion I think Mewelde had a more consistent few games over time, than Willie had. Willie is injury prone, and I have not seen Willie’s attribute of speed that gives him the tag “Fast Willie Parker” ever since the 06-07 season. He is just a guy that can get the yards, but cannot pound it when it comes down to the goalline, and overall just has trouble getting into the endzone. The thing is with Willie is, he will post up some stats that are unbelievable a few games a year, while the rest he will get in a broad range of 30-70 yards. I am an avid fan of Willie Parker, and he was my favorite player at sometimes, but sometimes I wish we had a back that can pound at the goalline and get that push that Parker, Moore, or even Russel can’t get.
So the answer to this is no. Moore does not have enough proof to be given the starting running back over Parker for the reigning Super Bowl champions, Pittsburgh Steelers.
by nickm9 on May 18, 2009 12:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Rashard Mendenhall
I also forgot to mention Mendenhall, he went out in the season, and I have a feeling that he can give Willie a run for his spot.
by nickm9 on May 18, 2009 12:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm almost certain
That Tomlin and crew are thinking about hiring a guy named Summers. He apparently will drive a tank over the opposing defenses on short yardage situations. Goodell seems to be fine with it. I say go for it. ; )
by SoCalSteelerFan on May 18, 2009 2:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have a mate in Pitt who guaranteed
Summers will be our starting running back next year (2010). I havent seen him in person, but DAYAM thats confidence
Bleeding Black and Gold since 1989 baby, Blitzburgh is back, time for a repeat!
by Steeler_ on May 18, 2009 2:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, I think that's over confidence...
We haven’t even seen Summers in pads yet. I’ve posted that I wasn’t sure if he’d make the active roster. In hindsight that is also too quick a judgement, but starting running back next year? I think we’d do ourseves a liitle favor in taming the gigantic hopes we have for this guy. Let’s at least see him in a game situation before we say anything as drastic as future starter or practice squad player again. We’re setting pretty lofty goals here…
by NYSteelersFan4 on May 18, 2009 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Like i said
Him not me. I dont share the optimism. But its nice seeing a power back in the backfield
Miss you Jerome!!
Bleeding Black and Gold since 1989 baby, Blitzburgh is back, time for a repeat!
by Steeler_ on May 18, 2009 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nah, I hear you man.
Wasn’t directed at you specifically, just the mindset in general you brought up. Definately nice to see a true power back in the mix, but having such an unrealistic (in my opinion) standard set for this guy this early just leads directly to the “Frank Summers is a bust” discussion next year, should he not be what everyone thinks he should be… if that makes sense.
by NYSteelersFan4 on May 18, 2009 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Responding about
. I am an avid fan of Willie Parker, and he was my favorite player at sometimes, but sometimes I wish we had a back that can pound at the goalline and get that push that Parker, Moore, or even Russel can’t get.
by SoCalSteelerFan on May 18, 2009 2:04 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
What I'd love
Personally FWP shouldnt play every down. The reason he had so much difficulty is cause BA would plunge him up the middle for 1.2 yards with our fantastic O-line pushing it.
Put Mendy or Summers up the middle and maybe now we get 4 yards. Throw FWP outside and we get 40.
Game set match.
You can have the nicest set of tools but if you dont know how to use them they do nothing.
by Mechem on May 18, 2009 11:30 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
+1... maybe more.
I think the FWP problem started with this belief:
Tomlin is promising to run the two-time 1,000-yard running back “until the wheels come off.”
He saw Willie as an every down back, right from the start, and used him as such. We see most teams using the two back system now, exactly as we did when Willie first exploded on the scene. Get him back to 10-15 carries a game. Carries he’ll take with fresh legs, and subsequently more burst. Dish the rest of the carries to Mendenhall, preferably, Mewlelde, and the Tank.
Fast Willie will be the better for it. He may not lead the league in rushing yards again, but does anybody know the last time the league leading rusher won the Superbowl? That is the point after all. To paraphrase the coach himself, Tomlin walks by six Lombardi Trophies every day, not a single league’s leading rusher trophy.
by NYSteelersFan4 on May 18, 2009 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Two Back Set.
Run them all! Fresh legs on every down.
1st and 10 – Parker, Mendenhall – Split back – Hand it to either one alternating sets at random.
Which will set up…
2nd and 5 – Parker or Mendy and Summers in the I – Bruise it up the middle for 4 yards every time. which will set up
3rd and 1. Moore or Mendy and summers either split back or I and Bust it for 4 more every time.
If we keep all four backs (I’m very hopefully optomistic) Berger will be the highest paid per down played player on the team this year.
by fanofsteel on May 18, 2009 12:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Tomlin got his start in Tampa, where they had a great 2 back system with Dunn and Alstott. Fast and big. I think we might see Willie and the Tank lining up and giving us a similar option.
Let’s just pray Summers shows he can handle the blocking duties so he can handle the role.
That said Willie is a vastly different back than Dunn. Willie is fast but not elusive. He doesn’t put jukes on defenders, he hits holes fast and takes good angles to get yards. He needs a good lead blocker because he is not an Iso runner (where he is expected to beat one guy himself) that’s just not his game. If you can give Willie a hole, he’ll run to daylight with the best of them, but he needs a hole.
Sure he can score goals, but can he cook?
by Phantaskippy on May 18, 2009 6:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
let wait an see
Lets wait and see what Mendy does and if healthy and more importanly HOLDS ONTO TO THE FOOTBALL
by steelmann58 on May 18, 2009 3:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If Willie does lose his job, it won't be just because of Mr. Moore
It will be because of the depth and production we get from Mendenhall, Moore and the Tank. I loved the fact that Mewelde came in and produced when called upon last year. But I can’t see him as a feature back in Pittsburgh. I think FWP is gonna surprise a lot of people this year. There’s too much competition at the RB position and I don’t think Willie is just going to give his starting position up without a fight. He fought hard to make himself into the player he is now and I don’t see him being taken out of the starting lineup unless he gets injured again.
by Mr 412 on May 18, 2009 4:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Mewelde is a great back.
As long as he isn’t asked to do too much. When he was a feature back he wore down and had lousy games late in the season. He is not a tough back who can handle the grind. He is a great back to have as a third down back and reserve. I don’t think we want him to be our second runner, you need two guys that can handle the load.
The only way I think we get rid of Willie is if we really plan to become a pass first West Coast style offense. That way we wouldn’t need the depth at running back. Either that or the Tank turns out to be starting RB material, which I don’t see. I hope the Tank picks up blocking assignments fast enough to earn fullback time so we can have a two headed attack, otherwise he’ll play special teams and goaline only.
Sure he can score goals, but can he cook?
by Phantaskippy on May 18, 2009 6:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Like in the last four games of the season when Mewelde averaged:
5.45 yards per carry, and 9.6 yards per reception.
I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!
by drinkyourmilkshake on May 19, 2009 8:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
go get
his numbers from his later years with carolina and you’ll see what phantaskippy is talking about…
by tannofsteel84 on May 19, 2009 9:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
hmmm
Sure can do, not sure if you are thinking of a different back, but MM played for Minnesota before Pittsburgh:
All stats taken from his performance in the last four games of the season:
Rookie Season-2004
Yards Per Rush (YPR)- 3.0
Yards Per Catch (YPC)- Didn’t not catch any passes in the last 4 games
Minnesota- 2005
YPR- 5.8
YPC- 25.5
Minnesota- 2006
YPR- 5.25
YPC- 11.5
Minnesota- 2007 (Used primarily as a return man due to Adrian Peterson)
YPR- 4.2
YPC- Didn’t catch any passes
Pittsburgh- 2008 (my stats were a little off in the first post my appologies)
YPR- 4.68
YPC- 9.4
I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!
by drinkyourmilkshake on May 19, 2009 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also,
the only two years I would consider Mewelde even close to a “feature back” would be 2005 & last year with the Steelers.
In 2005 he had 8 starts with 155 rushing attempts for 662 yards and in 2008 he had 4 starts with 140 attempts for 588 yards. He started three games as a rookie and didn’t start a game in 2006, or 2007.
I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!
by drinkyourmilkshake on May 19, 2009 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Moore kicked ass, but perhaps due to the unexpectedness
Consider how epic FWP was his first game against the TenTeeth Titans. Lit em up so bad Cowher pulled him in the 3rd quarter.
Perhaps, and not to detract from Waltzing Mewelde’s fantastic performances last year, but maybe they just didnt quite have his number and didnt know much about his style.
He was a butt whoopin SOB last year in the few games he started that much we know. But he did also play the Bungles of Cincinaticus.
by Mechem on May 20, 2009 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
agreed, I would just like to see some evidence of him “wearing down” at the end of the season. He just wasn’t being used the same as he was when he was our primary ball carrier.
I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!
by drinkyourmilkshake on May 20, 2009 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
And of course thats me playing Devils Advocate up there but the point is simple. Has he had a full season to show how he holds up? Nope. So how can you hand the job to him. Same with Mendy.
Its going to take a serious injury to people and an epic performance for a guy to get a job. Just like FWP did. He had one game to prove hiimself and he violated the TenTeeth Titans.
by Mechem on May 20, 2009 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He had a nagging ankle injury?
I seem to recall Moore missing some practices or being limited in practice late in the season because of a nagging ankle injury, but then suiting up anyway. To some extent the same thing happened in Minnesota, a few minor injuries in those seasons when he was getting a lot of action.
Memo was terrific last year. Maybe he is not durable enough or quick enough to be a No. 1 RB for anyone for an entire season but he has great hands, makes people miss, breaks tackles in the open field, doesn’t duck out of bounds, always seems to fall forward when he is brought down (except in goal-line situations), picks up blitzers (as on the SB winning drive). I wish we could get away from the concept of a “No. 1” running back who is keeping or losing his job, and use all the talent on the roster.
by steeler.lifer on May 22, 2009 1:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can Arians use all the tools?
I would not trade our group of running backs for any other team’s group. I know there is some doubt about Mendenhall and Summers, but count me among the optimists that Mendenhall will play like a first-rounder and Summers like the physical, short-yardage guy he was drafted to be. Asking anything more from him, at least initially, is expecting too much. My only question is, can Arians can find a way (like the Giants) for all of them to make a contribution? We rarely utilize the I-formation or split backs so, unless that chagnes, they have to take turns. FWP is a detriment on passing downs, Moore deserves to be involved to some extent on plays that aren’t just obviously passing downs, and Mendenhall is an option (if he can hold onto the football) on any down or at any point in the game. Last year I thought Arians did a very poor job of distributing the workload. Moore and Mendenhall barely touched the ball until Parker got hurt. When Parker came back, there were only two games (New England and Cincinnati) when he and Moore really shared running back duty. In the last seven games including playoffs, Moore had a total of 35 touches (24 carries, 11 catches), Parker 142 touches (138 carries). It would be nice if Arians could find a way for all of them to make a contribution without someone getting injured first.
by steeler.lifer on May 18, 2009 11:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Nail has been hit on head. By steeler.lifer
Well put. I’d take our backfiend over anybodies. (we get to keep mchugh right lol).
Its all about using it. And BA showed some of that in the SB games. We saw him throw a lot of outside runs for FWP and we whoppoed the chargers. Then against baltimore they stopped our easy up the gut attack.
But in the big one, we got to watch him spread the field and really go crazy with some plays. He seemed way more open. And we did excellent offensively.
So I say this offeseason is possibly a big BA turn around, and this year a return to RG glory
by Mechem on May 19, 2009 3:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
From Your Lips to God's ears
So I say this offeseason is possibly a big BA turn around, and this year a return to RG glory
I actually was impressed with the opening drive of the Super Bowl. Maybe BA is wising up…
But, FWP will not lose his job to Moore. Rashard Mendenhall , maybe. But not Moore.
by MarkJoel66 on May 19, 2009 10:24 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
FB
Willie has earned my respect as a Steeler fan and I think he deserves to be resigned. He is very important to the team and not easily replaced.
With that said I understand the business side of football and don’t see him back in 2010.
by steelerguy26 on May 20, 2009 1:50 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It should be intresting
I think Willie will have a very good season this year
by steelmann58 on May 21, 2009 11:17 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Let me say this about Mewelde Moore
The Steelers would not have made it to the Super Bowl last year, nor would they have won the actual Super Bowl game itself without the contributions of Mewelde Moore.
by Tomlin's Crib on May 21, 2009 11:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Join the community and dive in!
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
