IS FWP STILL A TOP RB#2... (1 Viewer)

[taz]

From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Thursday:

Staley agreed in March to take a $1 million cut in salary to $1.5 million this season. Once he was on the roster for the first game, he was on their books to make his entire salary in 2006 no matter what. Yet the Steelers, by their very actions and sometimes words, show they do not think Staley is the man to fill the role vacated when Jerome Bettis retired: Backup to starter Willie Parker with some running on the goal line thrown in.

They signed Davenport, who stands 6 feet 1 and weighs 247 pounds, to do that job.

"He's a proven big back," coach Bill Cowher said Tuesday. "We were kind of looking for that. ... Looking at our football team, the ability to get Najeh and what he's done, I've watched him play and I think he fits what we're looking for."

From the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review on Tuesday:

Parker, 5-foot-10 and 209 pounds, exudes confidence as a third-year pro, but even he isn't sure if he could absorb such a pounding on a regular basis.

"Every game?" Parker said. "I don't know, man."

At 6-foot-1 and 247 pounds, Davenport has more size than Parker or Patrick Cobbs (5-9, 210), the player released to make room for Davenport on the roster.

and:

Davenport said he drew interest from Dallas and Miami upon being released, but he signed with the Steelers in part because of their appreciation for big backs, such as the recently retired Jerome Bettis.

Davenport hopes to learn the offense well enough to suit up Monday night in Jacksonville.

"That's the plan," he said. "I'm ecstatic. Whatever they want me to do, fullback, running back, special teams. I think they brought me in to exemplify some of the things they've been missing that 'The Bus' brought. I have jitters now. This is what I do."

Davenport will ease the load off FWP, and also see short-yardage and goalline work. FWP will still be valuable, but Davenport wasn't brought in to rot on the bench.

 

[Pole Cat]

All I know is that I can't trade him for a bag of balls right now. Maybe it's better to hold onto him for another week and let him shine on Monday Night. I offered Parker for Addai and Gates and was counterd with Parker for Addai!?!???

That being said, i do not fear Najeh. He got cut by the ####### Packers. Willie will still get 10+ TDs. He jut won't get 13+.

 

[stbugs]

From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Thursday:

Staley agreed in March to take a $1 million cut in salary to $1.5 million this season. Once he was on the roster for the first game, he was on their books to make his entire salary in 2006 no matter what. Yet the Steelers, by their very actions and sometimes words, show they do not think Staley is the man to fill the role vacated when Jerome Bettis retired: Backup to starter Willie Parker with some running on the goal line thrown in.

They signed Davenport, who stands 6 feet 1 and weighs 247 pounds, to do that job.

"He's a proven big back," coach Bill Cowher said Tuesday. "We were kind of looking for that. ... Looking at our football team, the ability to get Najeh and what he's done, I've watched him play and I think he fits what we're looking for."

From the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review on Tuesday:

Parker, 5-foot-10 and 209 pounds, exudes confidence as a third-year pro, but even he isn't sure if he could absorb such a pounding on a regular basis.

"Every game?" Parker said. "I don't know, man."

At 6-foot-1 and 247 pounds, Davenport has more size than Parker or Patrick Cobbs (5-9, 210), the player released to make room for Davenport on the roster.

and:

Davenport said he drew interest from Dallas and Miami upon being released, but he signed with the Steelers in part because of their appreciation for big backs, such as the recently retired Jerome Bettis.

Davenport hopes to learn the offense well enough to suit up Monday night in Jacksonville.

"That's the plan," he said. "I'm ecstatic. Whatever they want me to do, fullback, running back, special teams. I think they brought me in to exemplify some of the things they've been missing that 'The Bus' brought. I have jitters now. This is what I do."

Davenport will ease the load off FWP, and also see short-yardage and goalline work. FWP will still be valuable, but Davenport wasn't brought in to rot on the bench.

Why not, he was picked up off the waiver wire. Did they trade for Patrick Cobbs with the intention of waiving him right away? There are only two quotes in there from actual Steelers. The first is a compliment from Bill Cowher about Najeh being big. Did you think he was going to say "Well Najeh couldn't even make the Packers, but since he is going to be riding the pine it doesn't really matter." There is always a nice quote regarding any player picked up or traded for the next day. The other quote was from Parker and I bet it is taken out of context and is a response to someone asking him about his big workload (32 touches) against Miami. The rest of this is basically reporters filling in enough to write an articel about Davenport.Like I said before, I am never going to say never, but these articles came out the day after the draft when Humes was selected by the Steelers in the 7th round. I don't hear a lot about Humes at the goal line now.

The Bus is gone and Cowher is smart enough to know that his offense with Big Ben and Willie Parker is different and he should try and maximize their potential like he did with Big Ben in a couple playoff games and like he seems to be doing with Parker now. There may no longer be a 10+ TD goal line vulture for the Steelers, period. Heath Miller may get some more, Hines Ward may, Big Ben may do more draws and FWP might get some action as well.

 

[AB in DC]

Davenport will ease the load off FWP, and also see short-yardage and goalline work. FWP will still be valuable, but Davenport wasn't brought in to rot on the bench.

I would bet money that either he or Cobbs will be inactive in almost every single game this year.If you're saying that Parker won't have 29 carries every game, that's not saying much -- only a handful of RBs have 464 carries in a year. That doesn't make him any less of a fantasy RB.

 

[The Jerk]

Davenport will ease the load off FWP, and also see short-yardage and goalline work. FWP will still be valuable, but Davenport wasn't brought in to rot on the bench.

I would bet money that either he or Cobbs will be inactive in almost every single game this year.If you're saying that Parker won't have 29 carries every game, that's not saying much -- only a handful of RBs have 464 carries in a year. That doesn't make him any less of a fantasy RB.

Actually, no RB has ever had 464 carries in a single season. The record for carries is 410 by Jamal Anderson in 1998. NFL.com rushing records

 

[j3r3m3y]

There was the 4th and 1 in the Pittsburg game, and guess who got the carry and made it?

Guess what play will be sniffed out by the defense now that it has been seen?I don't own FWP, but I would still consider him a strong #2. Top 15? possibly Top 20? probably.

 

[j3r3m3y]

All I know is that I can't trade him for a bag of balls right now. Maybe it's better to hold onto him for another week and let him shine on Monday Night. I offered Parker for Addai and Gates and was counterd with Parker for Addai!?!??? That being said, i do not fear Najeh. He got cut by the ####### Packers. Willie will still get 10+ TDs. He jut won't get 13+.

His trade value is low right now because people are over-reacting to Naj being brought in. That and most people, even some in this thread, have a "let's wait and see what happens" mentality. Of course by then it is too late.

 

[Jayrod]

This year, FWP will be an RB1, not an RB2, in any league with more than 8 teams in it.LJ, SA, LT2, Ronnie Brown, Tiki, SJax, Rudi and Portis will all probably have better numbers. FWP will be far better than Lamont Jordan, Cadillac, McGahee, Julius Jones, Kevin Jones, Westbrook and any other RB that may have been taken in the 2nd round of your draft.

I agree with all of the above, except for Westbrook, I have no clue how well he'll do this year.

My exact thoughts after reading the same posting. Portis might have a similar year to FWP with few catches & touchdowns but a ton of yards. Edge is probably in their above FWP as well, but not far.I think Parker is somewhere around #9 - #11 fantasy RB, depending on the format. He is definitely a good #1 back & freaking awesome if he's your #2.

 

[Lauryn]

Davenport couldn't beat out Noah Herron and Samkon Gado, and now he's a threat to Willie Parker?This whole thread is a joke.

the pack traded a late-season phenom from last year and signed a drunk this week...not to mention got skunked in their own building on sunday. what makes you confident that they're making all the right decisions or have a clue at all? parker owners need to stop being so defensive... no one is saying davenport is gonna steal the starting job or suddenly morph into a bettis clone and make the hall of fame now that he's signed. but he very well COULD fall over the goal-line 5-6 times the rest of the season, which WILL hurt parker's fantasy numbers. the writing is on the wall, deal with it.

 

[mbuehner]

This whole conversation is founded on a very wrongheaded assumption- that Cower prefers a big back to get his goalline touchdowns. That is something of an insult to Bettis. Bettis wasnt getting GL carried because he was a big guy, he was getting the carries because he was effective, remarkably so. Does anyone really think Cower is more interested in protecting Parker from an extra 2 or 3 carries a game instead of worrying about who can punch him in a TD? Trust me, that is all that concerns him. He can limit Parkers touches in plenty of other situations if Parker proves to be the most effective goalline option.

3rd and goal at the 2 is a gamechanging, critical situation. The Steelers arent going to hand the ball to anyone just for the sake of argument. They are going to give it to whomever proves they can make the most of it. That could be Davenport. Or Duce, or Haynes, or Parker. We dont know yet, and if anybody bothers to listen to what Cower has said all along, he intends to find out who that is and run with him. He isnt giving the job to Najah just because he likes his build. Thats crazy.

 

[Bobcat10]

Of course he'll be a top 15 RB if he's healthy, he was with Bettis.

Parker owners should not be getting worried.

Davenport does not equal Bettis regarding talent or his relationship with Cowher.

I can see Parker getting just as many goal line and/or short yardage carries as Davenport. Najeh has done nothing as of right now.

 

[Koya]

Of course he'll be a top 15 RB if he's healthy, he was with Bettis.Parker owners should not be getting worried.Davenport does not equal Bettis regarding talent or his relationship with Cowher.I can see Parker getting just as many goal line and/or short yardage carries as Davenport. Najeh has done nothing as of right now.

I can see FWP losing some goaline carries if Davenport does well. To ignore that is silly.But we are not talking about a big change in FWPs production... but the potential for SOME impact (should be) obvious.

 

[Koya]

Say what you want but I did watch that game and no RB in the league asks out on the one yard line.

I've seen Edge do it on more than one occasion.

I have seen PLENTY of RBs do it. They get tired, and do the right thing and take a breather. If you watched the game, and conclude that Parker didnt ask out, Im just not sure wtf you were watching. It was obvious.That said, I dont have Parker at the goaline for the whole season. He may get most of those carries, or few of them... but that is not much change from the beginning of the year.

 

[Bobcat10]

Of course he'll be a top 15 RB if he's healthy, he was with Bettis.Parker owners should not be getting worried.Davenport does not equal Bettis regarding talent or his relationship with Cowher.I can see Parker getting just as many goal line and/or short yardage carries as Davenport. Najeh has done nothing as of right now.

I can see FWP losing some goaline carries if Davenport does well. To ignore that is silly.But we are not talking about a big change in FWPs production... but the potential for SOME impact (should be) obvious.

I'm not ignoring anything. I never said Davenport will never see the field. You said "some", and that's what I said in different terms, "just as many". I will say there is no substance backing up anyone saying Parker will lose out on all short yardage and goal line carries at this point.

 

[Ed Wood]

...because he doesn't breath when he runs...

Parker doesn't breathe when he runs?

 

[The Jerk]

Parker doesn't breathe when he runs?

That's why he's so fast!

 

[AB in DC]

I would bet money that either he or Cobbs will be inactive in almost every single game this year.

What a dumb comment, abrecher. Cobbs has already been cut, so of course he won't be active.

Anyway, here's a good article from AP/Yahoo: Steelers, looking for another Bus, will give Davenport a chance. As has been said repeatedly, I don't expect Davenport to do much with this "chance".

 

[stbugs]

...because he doesn't breath when he runs...Parker doesn't breathe when he runs?

From another thread:

I am very concerned how this will affect Parker's numbers, especially anything inside the 10 yard line. I feel like the Steelers really aren't going to give Parker the chance for goalline carries. Of course when Davenport gets injured again...

I finally watched the NFL Yearbook that I TiVoed for the Steelers the other night. In one of the highlights from last year, Cowher says to Parker as he is coming off the field, "Don't hyperventilate on me." Then I remembered reading something last year along the lines that Parker holds his breath as he runs the ball. If he exerts himself on a long drive, without properly breathing, he ends up being gassed. Remember last week when he took himself out of the lineup in a goaline situation (resulting in a fumble)?I think that Parker could do fine as a goaline back, heck his performance in camp in goaline situations his first year is what earned him a spot on the practice squad. But, if he is running the ball on a long drive that ends at the goaline, would you rather have a gassed Parker, or a fresh Davenport?

Honestly, I had never heard of it before, but I have to give Lutherman the benefit of the doubt. That is another reason why I think you can't just assume that Parker was taken out of the game, instead of taking a breather on a drive with 7 rushes, 1 reception and 1 incompletion. He just had two 6 yard carries from the 13 and the 7 yard line, so I don't think it is making much of a reach to think that he actually felt that he needed a breather or was dinged up on the last run.Anyway, not trying to be a FWP apologist as I own him as a keeper for a 14th round pick since I drafted him in the 15th last year. He has already far exceeded any expectation I had for him. I just hate the overreactions that come with every pickup, draft pick and trade. I think assuming that Davenport takes over short yardage duties is the same as the discussions about Humes after draft day.With what Parker showed me against Miami, I think he looks so much more polished/stronger as a RB than he did all last year. He definitely looks like he spent the entire offseason training to be the #1RB instead of last year training to be the COP back, but then falling into the #1RB through injuries.

 

[Lemmiwinks]

With it confirmed that Cowher has actually said Davenport will get a chance at the short-yardage carries, I respectfully defer to those who were pointing it out before it was confirmed. You were right, I was wrong.

However, it remains to be seen if Davenport is a decent goal-line back because while he is big, he does not get good leverage because he runs straight up. He is also an injury risk because of all that weight he's carrying.

Parker will definetly score more TD's this season than last, but if Davenport has any success and can stay healthy I see him vulturing 5-7 TD's that could have been Parker's, Big Ben's or Hines Ward's.

 

[bakes]

With it confirmed that Cowher has actually said Davenport will get a chance at the short-yardage carries, I respectfully defer to those who were pointing it out before it was confirmed. You were right, I was wrong.However, it remains to be seen if Davenport is a decent goal-line back because while he is big, he does not get good leverage because he runs straight up. He is also an injury risk because of all that weight he's carrying. Parker will definetly score more TD's this season than last, but if Davenport has any success and can stay healthy I see him vulturing 5-7 TD's that could have been Parker's, Big Ben's or Hines Ward's.

Davenport runs like a waiter holding a trayful of entrees. If the Pittsburgh coaching staff can get him to lower his upperbody and get some leverage, then he's a :11: - half a Bus. He does have a tendency to get nicked up though.

 

[Know The Ledge]

i think willy parker is a very solid back and is also improving, but i seriously doubt he will be the steelers goal line back unless najeh davenport is pure trash. i drafted willy parker in my fantasy draft and thought i got a great steal w/ him as like a fourth rd pick. I got gassed up by the talk of him being the go to guy in a run happy offense, and goal line touches. One would be very certain his stats would improve from last yr.

In week one, i was impressed by the amount of carries that he got the first game but if anyone saw that game u can see najeh is comin to vulture if he has any penchant for it. First off FWP may run hard, but he doesn't move piles at all, and when u need 2 yards one will be hard pressed to jam ram a porsche into a wall, when he can't even move the pile. Thats partly why they ran a huge toss on 4th and 1.

FWP is still one of the more explosive backs in the league, but i have to downgrade a guy who doesnt play third down, and also probably doesnt play 3rd and short or goal line plays. In a TD happy leauge, this can definitely separate backs by quite some margin. I actually traded FWP for Gore straight up, in part because i just think he has a higher ceiling, and also the fact im a longtime Niner fan. As long as Gore doesn't get hurt, i think it's impossible he doesnt put up better numbers than FWP. But for anyone who drafted FWP and has him as your #2 guy, i think you could be in much worse shape. He can still get from 1400-1700 total yards and probably 6-9 touchdowns. But don't think u own a top 5 back.

 

[Traders2001]

I drafetd FWP as my RB#2 a week or so after Cowher told the media that Parker would be the 3rd down back and also have a chance to earn the GL carries. After the first game vs. MIA in which Parker had 29 carries, I thought I had a gem of a RB#2. Now that Davenport is in town, and after only ONE GAME, it is clear that Cowher wants to limit FWP's carries (perhaps around 20/game) and utilize other options at the goal line.

Does this still make FWP a top RB#2 in your opinion? In other words, do you think he still finishes in the top 15?

Why is it clear that FWP won't get the goalline carries?

I'm simply reading the tea leaves:1) Team loses short yardage and GL stud in off season

2) Team has smallish, quick RB who has never filled the 3rd down or GL role

3) Team then brings in 6'1", 250 lb. back who's spent most of his career as a short-yardage guy

4) Tea leaves not that hard to read in my opinion

I agree he might take goal line duties but not from the 10 yard line , i say inside the 5 . So he will still score 10 Tds.

 

[jon_mx]

There was the 4th and 1 in the Pittsburg game, and guess who got the carry and made it?

Guess what play will be sniffed out by the defense now that it has been seen?I don't own FWP, but I would still consider him a strong #2. Top 15? possibly Top 20? probably.

Name 15 backs better than FWP. There are only about 8 backs who will probably produce better. Pittsburgh is still a strong running team and FWP the clear #1 RB who will run the ball 20 times and catch 2-4 passes. FWP is a lock for Top 15 who could sneak into the top 10. There is no way there are 20 RB who will outperform Parker. No way.

 

[Texican]

Regardless of what Davenport does, I expect FWP to far exceed his ADP in most leagues.

 

[walkwithme]

This is how my draft went I week prior to the start of the season. I was hoping to get Willie Parker as a RB 2 but that didn't happen this is a non PPR league. I had him projected as the number 11 RB followed by Westbrook at 12. Three to four of these guys for whatever reason will not finish in the top 12. My prediction is that it will be LaMont Jordan, Portis, Cadillac, and McGahee. So I see no reason why Parker can't be a top 12 RB let alone a top no. 2 RB.

Round 1

1 Team 1 Shaun Alexander (RB SEA)

2 Team 2 Larry Johnson (RB KC)

3 Team 3 LaDainian Tomlinson (RB SD)

4 Team 4 Tiki Barber (RB NYG)

5 Team 5 Rudi Johnson (RB CIN)

6 Team 6 LaMont Jordan (RB OAK)

7 Team 7 Steven Jackson (RB STL)

8 Team 8 Edgerrin James (RB ARI)

9 Team 9 Clinton Portis (RB WAS)

10 Team 10 Cadillac Williams (RB TB)

11 Team 11 Ronnie Brown (RB MIA)

12 Team 12 Willis McGahee (RB BUF)

Round 2

13 Team 12 Willie Parker (RB PIT)

 

[Koya]

After reading the thread again, something comes to mind...

people are holding Willie Parker up to standards that place him considerably higher than a "good number 2" RB.

I mean, how many REAL #1 backs are there right now?

Not much more than 5. That next group has question marks or guys who may not get every carry. How many RBs are there who's coaching want them to have 30 touches and get them goal lines as well? Seriously?

LT2.

LJ

S Alex

Ok... anyone else with that, and no question marks? Not that i can think about.

So why are people coming down like Willie Parker should be dropped if he doesnt get GL carries? Dropped from where? Was he suddenly a top 5 back? Because if not, then if he gets GL he will be closer to #5-8 overall and if he doesnt then he will be closer to #12-15 overall.

That said, in all likelihood I see Willie with a very good and likely chance to be somewhere #8-12, which is better than his ADP, and is a marginal #1RB (rankings wise, not perception wise), not to say very good #2.

 

[Keys Myaths]

After reading the thread again, something comes to mind...people are holding Willie Parker up to standards that place him considerably higher than a "good number 2" RB.I mean, how many REAL #1 backs are there right now?Not much more than 5. That next group has question marks or guys who may not get every carry. How many RBs are there who's coaching want them to have 30 touches and get them goal lines as well? Seriously?LT2. LJS Alex Ok... anyone else with that, and no question marks? Not that i can think about.So why are people coming down like Willie Parker should be dropped if he doesnt get GL carries? Dropped from where? Was he suddenly a top 5 back? Because if not, then if he gets GL he will be closer to #5-8 overall and if he doesnt then he will be closer to #12-15 overall.That said, in all likelihood I see Willie with a very good and likely chance to be somewhere #8-12, which is better than his ADP, and is a marginal #1RB (rankings wise, not perception wise), not to say very good #2.

Exactly what I came in here to say, and Koya put it better than I could.

 

[Texican]

After reading the thread again, something comes to mind...people are holding Willie Parker up to standards that place him considerably higher than a "good number 2" RB.I mean, how many REAL #1 backs are there right now?Not much more than 5. That next group has question marks or guys who may not get every carry. How many RBs are there who's coaching want them to have 30 touches and get them goal lines as well? Seriously?LT2. LJS Alex Ok... anyone else with that, and no question marks? Not that i can think about.So why are people coming down like Willie Parker should be dropped if he doesnt get GL carries? Dropped from where? Was he suddenly a top 5 back? Because if not, then if he gets GL he will be closer to #5-8 overall and if he doesnt then he will be closer to #12-15 overall.That said, in all likelihood I see Willie with a very good and likely chance to be somewhere #8-12, which is better than his ADP, and is a marginal #1RB (rankings wise, not perception wise), not to say very good #2.

Very well stated