I can't say I disagree with you totally JediJman, I think you're missing my point is all... When I call Parker explosive, I'm sure if you broke down his rushing yards and his carries this year, you'd see his average is earned because of an "explosive" burst where he got way more than his average. And that's where I DON'T care for Parker, as a Steelers fan.
I like him when he does good, but his size doesn't match well with the past offenses, and ones I'm more personally comfortable watching, within the Steelers. Bettis carried a bunch of guys on his back, and maybe didn't get you the first down, but you got damn close to it... Parker, he gets stonewalled when he faces defenses that are good against the run.
Add into that, that the Steeler's line has SUCKED this year at any given moment. They have good moments, so don't get me wrong, but they've fallen apart at any given moment, and that's where I don't care for a guy like Parker's running style... Bettis could have a weaker line in front, or a stronger defense against him, and you could count on certain things out of him. Parker it's not so "constant", or reliable. He's fun to watch when he's on and all, but I prefer slow/steady over that.
That said, Davenport's record isn't the best over the long haul, and again I cite the weaker offensive line the Steelers have going. And this is from a fan too, so I'm trying to be as loyal as I can, but at the same time I can't help but see a guy like Davenport getting stonewalled against some of the teams we're going to see in the playoffs, based on his past performances. He's not a guy that adjusts well if a hole's opened up elsewhere, he doesn't bounce outside at all generally, and last week was no litmus test of what he's able to do, or not to do.
I hope he's going to do good though, as a fan. I think he's capable, and anything can happen, but I'm just not "sure" yet as a fan.
Parker though, he IS good at bouncing outside, looking for a new opening... It's not my favored style of running game, and it's not as reliable against better teams IMO, but whatever. It's neither here nor there, and the Steelers are going to have to revert back to a different style of run game.
I'm by no means one of the panicers in the city who are ready to drop the run and let Roethlisberger throw all day though. You run, you get what you can, and you hope for the best out of your linemen and back(s) in the process, and that it, combined with the pass game, can give you the control and points you're looking for.
I will say, I think comparing the stats of the two men is really unfair based on how they both play/run the ball, and things. I too don't feel Parker was overused... Davenport's had lots of carries this year, he just wasn't effective generally when he was carrying the ball, for the duties they were usually assigning to him. Lots of shorts and goal line stuff he didn't come through on.
I'm excited for the playoffs, but at the same time you hate to go into them losing your starting running back like that... I will say, I'm more concerned about the Offensive Line stepping up, and the Defense in general playing like they have down the stretch.
