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DENVER (AP) -Ben Roethlisberger wasn't tipping Pittsburgh's hand, just stating the obvious.
The Steelers quarterback said he expects to give his right arm a bit of a rest Sunday when the Steelers (4-1) play the Denver Broncos (2-3).
The Broncos are dead last in the league in stopping the run and the Steelers own the NFL's second-best rushing offense.
"I told the wide receivers I'll get my throws in before practice," Roethlisberger said. "It might be the last throwing I do all week."
The Broncos brought in new defensive boss Jim Bates to help revamp the defense, but it hasn't worked so far. The defense has struggled to pick up his system. Denver is giving up 188 yards a game on the ground.
It's the perfect recipe for a big night from Willie Parker, whose career high is 223 yards against Cleveland last season. Parker can't believe the difference in Denver's run defense this season. He was held to 70 yards in a 31-20 loss at Heinz Field last November.
"I'm really surprised because they smashed the run in the previous games we played them," Parker said.
The Broncos' run defense has only smashed into itself. Denver gave up 214 yards to San Diego two weeks ago, a team struggling until then with its run game.
Oakland's LaMont Jordan gained 159 yards on the Broncos and Indy's Joseph Addai had 136.
Parker's explosiveness around the outside could give the Broncos fits. He's sixth in the league in rushing.
"He's a good back," Broncos safety Nick Ferguson said. "Sometimes, when you play in this league, you may not get the recognition you deserve. I think he should."
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin isn't ready to lump Parker in with the league's elite just yet.
"I know he's the right man for us," Tomlin said. "He's a complete back. He's a tough back."
