Willie Parker wants to be better than LaDainian Tomlinson. I say go for it.
“I want to be better than L.T.,” Parker proclaimed yesterday between the Steelers’ double practices at Saint Vincent College. “L.T. can do all that stuff. He’s like a role model to me. I look up to this guy. I just want to do what he does.”
Who better to look up to in today’s NFL? Parker was undrafted out of the footbal powerhouse that is North Carolina. Its good to know that he has his head on straight, and isn’t idolizing the Pacman Joneses and Mike Vicks of the league.
He’s setting his sight on the MVP and current single season touchdown record holder. After the past two seasons of growth, the only place to go is LT-level.
Let’s look at last season’s stats for Fast Bill and LT.
2006 Stats (Player, Carries, Yards, Rush TDs, Receive TDs, Fumbles).
– LT, 348, 1815, 28, 3, 2.
-Fast Bill, 337, 1494, 13, 3, 7.
If Fast Bill cuts his fumbles in half, then there is no stopping his quest to reach an LT-like level. With 3 less fumbles, Parker is looking at a 1500+ yard season with maybe another touchdown. I don’t expect him to get 28 rushing touchdowns, mainly because LT is a freak like that. However, seeing as how his rushing yards went up each year (186, 1202, 1494), LT’s 1815 should be a reasonable number.
And Fast Bill is only entering his 4th season. LT has 3 years on him.
Have at it, Willie. At least you’re looking in the right direction.
