Parker Has the Run of the Place

PITTSBURGH — The Tennessee Titans needed a scouting report on Pittsburgh Steeler running back Willie Parker, so cornerback Michael Waddell issued this warning: Don’t pay attention to his college career -- this guy can run.

Who knew he could run like this?

Parker, a college backup who adds speed to the NFL’s most run-heavy offense, had a dazzling first start of his career with 161 yards rushing and a long reception, and a mistake-free Ben Roethlisberger threw for two touchdowns in Pittsburgh’s 34-7 victory over the Titans on Sunday.

For more than 40 years, the Steelers have been all about big, physical backs who run over or elude tacklers: Hall of Famers John Henry Johnson and Franco Harris, Jerome Bettis and, last year, Duce Staley.

Parker provides a speed element the Steelers have not had, and his yardage was the most for a Steeler back on opening day.

“I really didn’t take any hits in college, so my career’s really just beginning,” Parker said. “I had to make a name for myself, open up some eyes that I can play.”

Parker, playing because of injuries to Bettis and Staley, nearly equaled the 181 yards he had as a non-starting senior at North Carolina, where Waddell was his roommate. He followed up a 102-yard game against Buffalo to end last season.

Staley and Bettis probably will be ready next Sunday at Houston, but Coach Bill Cowher -- for now -- isn’t going back to the two big backs who ran for more than 1,700 yards last season.

“He ran very well, and I see no reason to make a change right now,” Cowher said.

Roethlisberger’s passer rating was a perfect 158.3, the first quarterback since Kansas City’s Trent Green in 2003 to have a perfect rating. He completed nine of 11 passes for 218 yards.

Steve McNair returned after sitting out half of the 2004 season because of a sternum injury, finishing 18 of 26 for 219 yards and a touchdown.