Player Spotlight: Rashard Mendenhall (1 Viewer)

2009 Player Spotlight Series

One of Footballguys best assets is our message board community. The Shark Pool is, in our view, the best place on the internet to discuss, debate and analyze all things fantasy football. In what's become an annual tradition, the Player Spotlight series is a key part of the preseason efforts. As many of you know, we consider the Player Spotlight threads the permanent record for analyzing the fantasy prospects of the player in question. Last year, we published more than 120 offensive spotlights covering the vast majority of expected skill position starters. This year will be no different.

Each week we will post a list of players to be discussed. Those threads will remain open for the entire preseason, and should be a central point to discussion expectations for the player in question. Importantly, analysis done in the first week of posting will be part of the permanent record in two ways. 1) At the end of the week, we will tally the projections into a consensus. 2) We will select a number of pull quotes from forum contributors who make a compelling statement or observation. Both the projections and pull quotes will be part of a published article on the main website.

Thread Topic: Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Player Page Link: Rashard Mendenhall Player Page

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Highlighted member commentary from the message board threads
FBG Projections
Consensus Member ProjectionsThe Rules

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Focus commentary on the player in question, and your expectations for said player
Back up your expectations in whatever manner you deem appropriate; avoid posts that simply say "I hate him" or "He's the best"
To be included in the final synopsis and consensus outlook, you MUST provide projections for the playerProjections should include (at a minimum):

For QBs: Attempts, Completions, Passing Yards, Passing TDs, Ints, Rush Yards, Rush TDs
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For WRs & TEs: Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDsNow let's get on with the conversation! We look forward to your contributions and let me offer a personal thanks in anticipation of the great debate and analysis.

I think as the season drags on and FWP gets a bit tired, Mendy gets more of the carries, especially as he gets more comfortable with the offense

150 carries, 625 yards, 8 TDs, 37 receptions, 340 yards, 3 TDs

totals - 965 YFS, 11 TDs

kethnaab said:

I think as the season drags on and FWP gets a bit tired, Mendy gets more of the carries, especially as he gets more comfortable with the offense150 carries, 625 yards, 8 TDs, 37 receptions, 340 yards, 3 TDstotals - 965 YFS, 11 TDs

Click to expand...

I'm a Mendenhall owner in a couple leagues and as optimistic as anyone, but those reception totals are way high unless Moore is on I.R. Moore is the best 3rd down back the Steelers have had for as long as I've been watching them and the Steelers are not an offense that throws many balls to their RBs. They may also be giving F.Summers a shot at short yardage and goal line, so those TD totals look a little high for only 150/625. I expect something more along the line of 120/475/4 + 16/150/0. Now if Parker were to get hurt again, those numbers go through the roof, but we've known since he was drafted to temper enthusiasm 'till 2010. It's hard to wait two years for a RB, but to have potentially the best set of legs in black and gold since Bettis was in his prime is well worth the wait. Sorry redrafters.As a Steeler fan, I'm not real high on Parker and never have been, but what he lacks in potential he makes up for in effort. He is loyal to the Steelers, and they will remain loyal to him (at least through the end of his contract). Mendenhall will have to be head and shoulders above Parker to see more than 150 carries. From what I can tell, Tomlin seems much like Cowher in his propensity to let players prove themselves before getting a shot. Rooks and 2nd year players can't be trusted as much as 5 year fixtures, even when those younger players may have more physical talent (Timmons/Foote, Woodley/Haggans).

I expect Parker to see the bulk of the touches this year, but for Mendenhall to be worked in a good amount with Moore covering much of the 3rd down duties.

Numbers for Mendenhall this year-

Rush Yds: 400

Rush TDs: 5

Recs: 25

Rec Yds: 165

Rec TDs: 1

Cookiemonster said:

I'm a Mendenhall owner in a couple leagues and as optimistic as anyone, but those reception totals are way high unless Moore is on I.R. Moore is the best 3rd down back the Steelers have had for as long as I've been watching them and the Steelers are not an offense that throws many balls to their RBs. They may also be giving F.Summers a shot at short yardage and goal line, so those TD totals look a little high for only 150/625. I expect something more along the line of 120/475/4 + 16/150/0. Now if Parker were to get hurt again, those numbers go through the roof, but we've known since he was drafted to temper enthusiasm 'till 2010. It's hard to wait two years for a RB, but to have potentially the best set of legs in black and gold since Bettis was in his prime is well worth the wait. Sorry redrafters.As a Steeler fan, I'm not real high on Parker and never have been, but what he lacks in potential he makes up for in effort. He is loyal to the Steelers, and they will remain loyal to him (at least through the end of his contract). Mendenhall will have to be head and shoulders above Parker to see more than 150 carries. From what I can tell, Tomlin seems much like Cowher in his propensity to let players prove themselves before getting a shot. Rooks and 2nd year players can't be trusted as much as 5 year fixtures, even when those younger players may have more physical talent (Timmons/Foote, Woodley/Haggans).

Click to expand...

some of the most insightful thoughts on the Steelers backfield I've read. Thank you. Signed,Mendenhall dynasty owner

Having a lot of trouble forecasting the Steelers running game for this year. I know that Parker is very tough and can produce. I know that Mendenhall had a significant backing as the best of the rookie RBs a season ago and we had several that performed outstandingly well, so he could be capable. I know that Mewelde Moore played well while both of the other two were injured so it stands to reason that he will get some opportunities.

I guess I see one of the murkiest RB situations league wide for fantasy in Pittsburgh. I beleive that they will run the ball often if they have their way and they usually do, but I just don't think that any of the three will provide consistent starting quality fantasy scoring this year. If Mendenhall does well in 09, then his stock should rise considerably headed into next year, but that is not what these projections threads are for.

Mendenhall 140 carries 574 yards 4.1 ypa 20 targets 13 catches 104 yards 8.0 ypc 5 TDs

185 carries 460 yards 5 TD's

12 Receptions 95 yards 0 TD's

The decline of FWP has been greatly exaggerated. I think he has a big bounce back swan song season for the Steelers. Next season (if Mendenhall is the real thing) he takes over the starting spot. I see him getting 7-10 touches a game.