Steelers
Young Guns

Last year, it was Big Ben and Troy. This season, three "Young Guns" have stood out, stepped up, and become key components to the Steelers' success.

HEATH MILLER, TE

His blocking has been excellent, he's got excellent hands, and he's certainly an option and a weapon for us in the passing game.

Ð Bill Cowher, Steelers head coach

This guy is the real deal. Everybody looks at him as a great receiver. He is the best blocking tight end in football right now. He does everything. He's the total package, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are going to get terrific mileage out of him.

Ð Mike Ditka, former Bears and Saints head coach

WILLIE PARKER, RB

I remember being at Heinz Field doing a TV report on a Monday or Tuesday early in the season; I think it was after the first game. No one else was there. There's Willie Parker, out there with strength coach Chet Furman. He was running 40 yard sprints dragging a 40-pound weight behind him.

Ð Bill Hillgrove, Voice of the Steelers

He's just faster and he's slick. I mean, it was like the guy had Vaseline on or something.

Ð Albert Haynesworth, Tennessee Titans defensive tackle

IKE TAYLOR, CB

Ike Taylor, the Steelers' starting left cornerback, has come a long way since his rookie year of 2002 when he repeatedly addressed reporters by saying,

Yes, sir; no, sir; thank you, sir.' Now, he is decidedly impolite when wide receivers venture into his area and he is downright nasty when providing run support. Taylor, who runs like a sprinter and leaps like a circus acrobat, has the primary skills that will keep him in the Steelers' secondary for a long time.

Ð Jerry DiPaola, Pittsburgh Tribune Review

Ike Taylor is very good. He made me go into my bag of tricks, which is a good thing for the opponent. Therefore, he's in a class of his own. He's good, fast, quick. I did everything I could to make the plays that I did.

Ð Chad Johnson, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver