Pittsburgh Steelers dream roster of Super Bowl era: Running Backs
By Andrew Falce
Willie Parker
Years with Steelers: 2004-2009
The last spot on the RB depth chart needs to go to someone with some speed. The previous three backs were all bigger and ran with more power, meaning a nice change of pace option would further complete this RB group. Who better than Willie Parker, who was known for his game-breaking speed at the position. The former UDFA may have struggled with injuries at the end of his career, but in his prime, nobody could break away from defenses like Parker.
Parker’s role on the dream team would solely be to utilize that speed. He would come in for 5 or so carries with the hopes he could break one of them for a long gain. Considering his track record, this would be a role he would excel at, as every play he would be fresh and the lack of overall carries would help preserve his health.
Imagine a defense that had just had Harris and Bettis wear it down along with Bell torch them through the air. Suddenly, a speedy and shifty Parker enters the backfield and burns them long. We’ve seen it in Super Bowl XL, and we would see it here. Parker may have had a short shelf life with the Steelers, but with the reduced role focusing on his best traits, he would be the final piece in what should be an unstoppable RB unit.