Steelers Running Game Middle of the Pack Says Scouts Inc.

The 2007 Pittsburgh Steelers are going to have to run the ball better in order to take the pressure off of Ben Roethlisberger and the passing game. That’s a given. Problem is, there are still plenty of questions about the running game, and there has been since Jerome Bettis stepped away from the game after the team won the Super Bowl in 2006. While many think the running game isn’t all it should be, Scouts Inc. has ranked the Steelers right in the middle of the pack in terms of running attacks – #16 overall. Below is their thoughts on the Steelers running game heading into 2007:

16. Pittsburgh Steelers

Some might think this is a little low ranking for the Steelers, but we have questions about their running game. This unit is not very deep and there are no real proven commodities behind starter Willie Parker. Parker had an excellent 2006 season and showed he could carry the load as the starter. The backups are Najeh Davenport and Kevan Barlow, but neither guy has played to his full NFL potential. The offensive line is also in a bit of flux with the retirement of center Jeff Hartings, which could hinder the overall effectiveness of the run game.

I’d honestly have to say they hit the nail on the head in my opinion about the issues the Steelers have at this position. After Willie Parker, the team is average at best, and that even is being kind. Same with the O-Line, which as I have stated before, had better play better in 2007. Let’s hope that ranking above is wrong, of the Steelers may be in for a very average season.