Inconsistent.  That is the one word that can best describe the 2007-08 Pittsburgh Steelers.  They have played incredibly good (see Seattle and Ravens # 1) and incredibly poor (see Jets and Denver).  The squad is 9-5 and looking for some sort of playoff berth.    

You can’t use inconsistent when describing Willie Parker.  Fast Willie has quietly cemented himself on top of all NFL running backs and is on track to be the first Steelers running back to win the rushing title since the NFL merger of 1970.  The last Steeler to lead a league in rushing was Bill Dudley.  He rushed for 604 yards in 1946.  

Last night the Bear’s defense held Adrian Peterson to 78 yards.  Going into week 16 the top five NFL rushers are:  

1.  Willie Parker, 1317 (87.8 yards per game)

2.  LaDanian Tomlinson, 1,311 (87.4 yards per game)

3.  Adrian Peterson, 1,278 (85.2 yards per game)

4.  Willis Mcgahee, 1,197, (79.8 yards per game)

5.  Brian Westbrooke, 1,191 (79.4 yards per game)  

The 2007-08 rushing title is up for grabs and Willie will need to be unleashed to capture this title.  

1.  Willie Parker:  Rams (19^th rush defense), Ravens (2^nd rush defense)

2.  LaDanian Tomlinson:  Broncos (29^th rush defense), Raiders (31^st rush defense)

3.  Adrian Peterson: Redskins (9^th rush defense), Broncos (29^th rush defense)  

Willie gets to run in a dome on turf Thursday night and a strong performance could off-set the rushing defenses that LT will face during the Charger’s remaining two games.  

Fast Willie Parker’s pro career has been spectacular and I’m often amused at the fans that want him replaced for a bigger back.  Willie Parker remains the least of the Steeler’s worries.  He has been consistent through two unusual seasons (2007-07 & 2007-08) running behind a spotty offensive line.  Willie has been durable and for two consecutive seasons has been pounding out the hard yards with little relief from his fellow backs.  Couple that with the bargain salary Willie earns and I can’t find much to complain about. Parker is a Team MVP and Pro-Bowler and has rushed for over 100 yards eight times this season.  Two more 100 yard games for Willie will tie Jerome Bettis’ (a big back) record of ten, 100 yards games in 1996 and 1997.  

The single season Steeler’s Rushing record belongs to Barry Foster who rushed for 1,690 yards in 1992.  Willie will need to gain 394 yards on the ground to overtake Foster.    

Breaking the Steelers’ season rushing title may be a stretch but the NFL record is well within Parker’s reach.  Arians now must unleash Willie in the dome.