Parker named AFC Offensive Player of the Week

By Neal Coolong  |   Thursday, September 11, 2008  |  Comments( 4 )

Pittsburgh Steelers
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Steelers running back Willie Parker loves opening weekend.

After racking up his fourth straight Week 1 game with 100 or more yards -- he also added a three-touchdown performance in three quarters against Houston -- Parker was named the AFC's Offensive Player of the Week. Parker, who is a three-time winner of this honor, became the first Steeler since Jerome Bettis in 2006 to score three touchdowns in a game.

Commentary: In his first game since breaking his left fibula in Week 16 of the 2007 season, Parker added a spin move to his arsenal, and floated gracefully and powerfully through Houston's defensive line; in the end, he totaled 138 yards on 25 carries.

As good as Parker looked in his return performance, the Steelers' offensive line, the supposed Achilles heel of the team, should get as much credit as the runner. Guard Chris Kemoeatu replaced departed Pro Bowl staple Alan Faneca, and played very well. He and left tackle Marvel Smith steamrolled Houston's defensive line, giving Parker enough room to make a move that often gave him 3 more yards.

Parker's resurgence, along with the selection of Rashard Mendenhall in the first round of this year's draft, gives the Steelers an outstanding combination of runners. Mendenhall had 28 yards on 10 carries; much of it came in garbage time with the Steelers nursing a huge lead with their second-teamers.

Fan Pulse: Steelers fans posting on Pittsburgh Live are throwing out a big "I Told You So" to everyone who doubted Parker's ability to return after his injury.

Fantasy Football Impact: The Steelers will look to keep their running game on track against rival Cleveland on Sunday night. Parker's career high of 223 yards rushing came against Cleveland in 2006. With the Browns' secondary depleted by injuries, it could be a big night for Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and wide receivers Santonio Holmes and Hines Ward.

Injury Watch: Roethlisberger was held out of practice Wednesday with a shoulder injury. He shouldn't miss any time. Smith didn't practice because of a groin injury, and cornerback Deshea Townsend missed practice thanks to a heel injury. Ward didn't practice because of a non-injury-related reason.
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About Neal Coolong

Neal Coolong is a freelance sports writer with contributions to Scout.com, AOL and Steelers Live. He lives with his fiance in St. Paul, Minn., and saves every dime (that she knows about) for their wedding next June. He's already made the prediction that the Steelers 2007 draft class will be one ...
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