Fast Willie/Najeh (1 Viewer)

[Banger]

The Steelers line is struggling and Willie isn't getting the space that he's been used to and has been fairly ineffective recently and only has two tds' on the year. His ypc on the year is 3.96 but he's had a bit of a knee injury so I'm not sure if that's hampering him along with the line. 21-52 (2.47 ypc) vs. the Jets though is about as bad as it gets while Najeh ran for a respectable 8-39 (4.875 ypc) and 4-22 receiving.

I didn't watch the Steeler/Jet game this week but is it possible that the Steelers may start to lean on Najeh more if the line continues to be ineffective/or Parker's injury hampers him (not sure that's the case).

 

[(unwelcomed)GUEST]

The Steelers line is struggling and Willie isn't getting the space that he's been used to and has been fairly ineffective recently and only has two tds' on the year. His ypc on the year is 3.96 but he's had a bit of a knee injury so I'm not sure if that's hampering him along with the line. 21-52 (2.47 ypc) vs. the Jets though is about as bad as it gets while Najeh ran for a respectable 8-39 (4.875 ypc) and 4-22 receiving. I didn't watch the Steeler/Jet game this week but is it possible that the Steelers may start to lean on Najeh more if the line continues to be ineffective/or Parker's injury hampers him (not sure that's the case).

Looks like Poop's role is expanding. Another thing that I've noticed: Parker isn't getting as many check down passes with BigBen scrambling more this year. There were more than a couple of times in the Jets game when Parker was in open space in the flat and Ben either took a sack and or scrambled. Parker is losing opportunities that in the past, he has turned into big gainers.

 

[Godsbrother]

Parker's knee is fine. The line is not doing a very good job and Parker hasn't been getting much as he makes his cuts trying to find somewhere to run. Last week Davenport was more effective as he was just going forward and taking what the defense would give him.

Parker remains the #1 back and will still get his 20+ carries even if Davenport gets additional playing time. The lack of TDs is a concern but that is due more to Roethlisbeger throwing in the red zone than it is to Davenport stealing goalline carries.

 

[Brutis]

Im about ready to wash my hands of FWP. After the Jets game I think Parker gets the bench and Mo Morris gets the call for the Buriai.

 

[Banger]

Parker's knee is fine. The line is not doing a very good job and Parker hasn't been getting much as he makes his cuts trying to find somewhere to run. Last week Davenport was more effective as he was just going forward and taking what the defense would give him.Parker remains the #1 back and will still get his 20+ carries even if Davenport gets additional playing time. The lack of TDs is a concern but that is due more to Roethlisbeger throwing in the red zone than it is to Davenport stealing goalline carries.

I think the TD's is a catch 22, is Parker losing TD's because Roth is passing more inside the 10 or is Roth passing more because on Willies 12 carries inside the 10 this year he's run for a net 7 yards and 1 td? I think it's the later. On the other hand in a smaller sample size Davenport has run for 2 td's on 5 carries for a net 10 yards inside the 10. I'm trying to stay a step ahead and look for opportunities where players roles may increase down the stretch and Najeh's role is one I'm interested in. Is the line expected to get better (i.e. guys returning from injury) that would create more room for Parker? If not, is it conceivable that if Najeh continues to get the tough yards like he did last game that he'll start taking carries from Parker?

 

[Warhogs]

I would not put too much weight in a single game when the Steelers played poorly. What I am referring to is in the distribution of touches. Parker has been a great Rb for them. I do believe they like Najeh too but Parker will continue to get his touches. It is true though that Parker has not had a lot of goal line love this season and I do think that will continue.

 

[Steel Town]

Im about ready to wash my hands of FWP. After the Jets game I think Parker gets the bench and Mo Morris gets the call for the Buriai.

 

[Godsbrother]

Parker's knee is fine. The line is not doing a very good job and Parker hasn't been getting much as he makes his cuts trying to find somewhere to run. Last week Davenport was more effective as he was just going forward and taking what the defense would give him.Parker remains the #1 back and will still get his 20+ carries even if Davenport gets additional playing time. The lack of TDs is a concern but that is due more to Roethlisbeger throwing in the red zone than it is to Davenport stealing goalline carries.

I think the TD's is a catch 22, is Parker losing TD's because Roth is passing more inside the 10 or is Roth passing more because on Willies 12 carries inside the 10 this year he's run for a net 7 yards and 1 td? I think it's the later. On the other hand in a smaller sample size Davenport has run for 2 td's on 5 carries for a net 10 yards inside the 10. I'm trying to stay a step ahead and look for opportunities where players roles may increase down the stretch and Najeh's role is one I'm interested in. Is the line expected to get better (i.e. guys returning from injury) that would create more room for Parker? If not, is it conceivable that if Najeh continues to get the tough yards like he did last game that he'll start taking carries from Parker?

Ben was throwing in the redzone from game 1 -- I really think that was Arians plan all along.In any case the line I think it is wishful thinking hoping the line is going to get much better. They may do a little shifting but you got to think the coaching staff is already putting who they feel are the best players on the field.With all of that said let's not forget that the Steelers are ranked #5 in overall offense and Parker is still #2 in the NFL in yards rushing plus the Steelers schedule, other than NE and Jax, is pretty favorable down the stretch. Unless your team is VERY deep at RB I don't see how you can bench FWP.

 

[sdsjr3]

In any case the line I think it is wishful thinking hoping the line is going to get much better. They may do a little shifting but you got to think the coaching staff is already putting who they feel are the best players.

I'm not a Steeler fan per se, but I like them, and live Central PA, so I see almost all their games. Here's the bottom line...and many have said the same thing. Give FWP a friggin fullback to open a hole and things will change in a hurry. I don't understand why that is so complicated. THAT is the significant difference in the running game from last year to this one. Tomlin did a good job of keeping the defense somewhat status quo...he should have considered that for the offense as well.Keeping in mind of course that it's not like we're talking about a team that is struggling as a whole. But there's no doubt that the running game is less effective this year.

 

[Nipsey]

In any case the line I think it is wishful thinking hoping the line is going to get much better. They may do a little shifting but you got to think the coaching staff is already putting who they feel are the best players.

I'm not a Steeler fan per se, but I like them, and live Central PA, so I see almost all their games. Here's the bottom line...and many have said the same thing. Give FWP a friggin fullback to open a hole and things will change in a hurry. I don't understand why that is so complicated. THAT is the significant difference in the running game from last year to this one. Tomlin did a good job of keeping the defense somewhat status quo...he should have considered that for the offense as well.Keeping in mind of course that it's not like we're talking about a team that is struggling as a whole. But there's no doubt that the running game is less effective this year.

Edge is having the same problem. Seems like most of their carries are for one yard gains. Without a fullback to get that lead block, these guys get hit at the line of scrimmage more often than not. Just no space for these guys to run through. Parker and James are 1-2 in carries so their rushing yards are still near the top of the league, but the big plays and red zone td's aren't there. Watching other teams hand it off inside the 5 you feel like the RB has a chance to score. With Parker and James it's almost a miracle if they score.

 

[Fantasy Fix Fred]

i'm still wondering how the steelers lost to the jets. FWP has been a disappointment this year, imo...whatever the excuse may be, offensive line or needs a FB. I think his knee is bothering him, he doesn't seem to be that explosive as he was earlier this year.

 

[menobrown]

i'm still wondering how the steelers lost to the jets.

Really not to difficult to understand. The Steelers came off two straight divisions games. One was a MNF game against the Ravens who beat up on the Steelers twice last season and at the time of that game looked to be the biggest obstacle to the division. They followed that up with a thrilling division game against Cleveland. After that it's understandable how they might find it difficult to get up to go on the road to face a 1-8 team who also had the benefit of coming of a bye. In fact in 2 of the 3 Steelers losses this year both times came when the NFL chose to do them no favors by scheduling them to play road games against teams coming off a bye.

 

[Godsbrother]

i'm still wondering how the steelers lost to the jets.

Really not to difficult to understand. The Steelers came off two straight divisions games.

Actually it was three division games in a row...

 

[Godsbrother]

In any case the line I think it is wishful thinking hoping the line is going to get much better. They may do a little shifting but you got to think the coaching staff is already putting who they feel are the best players.

I'm not a Steeler fan per se, but I like them, and live Central PA, so I see almost all their games. Here's the bottom line...and many have said the same thing. Give FWP a friggin fullback to open a hole and things will change in a hurry. I don't understand why that is so complicated. THAT is the significant difference in the running game from last year to this one. Tomlin did a good job of keeping the defense somewhat status quo...he should have considered that for the offense as well.Keeping in mind of course that it's not like we're talking about a team that is struggling as a whole. But there's no doubt that the running game is less effective this year.

Edge is having the same problem. Seems like most of their carries are for one yard gains. Without a fullback to get that lead block, these guys get hit at the line of scrimmage more often than not. Just no space for these guys to run through. Parker and James are 1-2 in carries so their rushing yards are still near the top of the league, but the big plays and red zone td's aren't there. Watching other teams hand it off inside the 5 you feel like the RB has a chance to score. With Parker and James it's almost a miracle if they score.

FWIW Kreider was in for some of the game last week.

 

[Liquid Tension]

i'm still wondering how the steelers lost to the jets.

Really not to difficult to understand. The Steelers came off two straight divisions games. One was a MNF game against the Ravens who beat up on the Steelers twice last season and at the time of that game looked to be the biggest obstacle to the division. They followed that up with a thrilling division game against Cleveland. After that it's understandable how they might find it difficult to get up to go on the road to face a 1-8 team who also had the benefit of coming of a bye. In fact in 2 of the 3 Steelers losses this year both times came when the NFL chose to do them no favors by scheduling them to play road games against teams coming off a bye.

I don't see the dump truck getting more of an exapnded role unless Willie gets more injured. The Dump Truck seemed a little slower than he used to be to me.

 

[Judge Smails]

Read a fantasy article in our local paper where the author said he'd rather have Jamal Lewis than Willie Parker at this point. Brought tears to my eyes as a FWP owner - but can't say I disagree with him.

 

[ScoobyDoo]

Read a fantasy article in our local paper where the author said he'd rather have Jamal Lewis than Willie Parker at this point. Brought tears to my eyes as a FWP owner - but can't say I disagree with him.

Yep, it really hurts worse than an injury. An injury you move on. A guy like this you keep plugging in hoping for the TD's and they never come.

 

[sdsjr3]

In any case the line I think it is wishful thinking hoping the line is going to get much better. They may do a little shifting but you got to think the coaching staff is already putting who they feel are the best players.

I'm not a Steeler fan per se, but I like them, and live Central PA, so I see almost all their games. Here's the bottom line...and many have said the same thing. Give FWP a friggin fullback to open a hole and things will change in a hurry. I don't understand why that is so complicated. THAT is the significant difference in the running game from last year to this one. Tomlin did a good job of keeping the defense somewhat status quo...he should have considered that for the offense as well.Keeping in mind of course that it's not like we're talking about a team that is struggling as a whole. But there's no doubt that the running game is less effective this year.

Edge is having the same problem. Seems like most of their carries are for one yard gains. Without a fullback to get that lead block, these guys get hit at the line of scrimmage more often than not. Just no space for these guys to run through. Parker and James are 1-2 in carries so their rushing yards are still near the top of the league, but the big plays and red zone td's aren't there. Watching other teams hand it off inside the 5 you feel like the RB has a chance to score. With Parker and James it's almost a miracle if they score.

FWIW Kreider was in for some of the game last week.

Yep, but not toward the end, which I didn't understand. Either way...if the Steelers are going to do it, they might as well be consistent with it. Right? If they only bring Kreider in for a play or 2 and run on both...that's kind of defeating the purpose because you're creating an easy "tell" for your opponent to pick up on. This is the NFL and I would hope that Tomlin is smarter than Joe Paterno...who has no clue how to fool his opponents.

 

[jetpack]

The problem has been FWP, not the O-line. Parker doesn't know when to hit the hole. Maybe the swelling in the knee is more than what he's letting on?

 

[Chief]

saw the NFL replay of the game at the gym.

i am not an nfl o-line coach, but from what i could see - there were no openings. the jets defense was playing very well and harassed big ben and the pitt rbs all day by putting a lot of pressure on the pitt o-line.

its a cliche, but its true that everything starts up front and the pitt o-line does not seem as dominant as they have been in years past. take a look at what has happened in kc for more proof.

 

[Macdaddy_2004]

To be honest I own both and right now I would rather see Najeh in there.

At least with Najeh he will get the 3rd downs as well.

 

[NeverEnough]

I just traded Big Ben for FWP so FWP will continue to be subpar. Sorry!