Mendenhall (1 Viewer)

[gianmarco]

I'm not sure Pittsburgh would really qualify as a great situation for a RB in recent years. Probably more middle of the road. I'm not a Steelers fan, but I've been under the impression that their line has gradually become a liability. The fact that Dwyer and Redman didn't set the world on fire this past season shows that this wasn't necessarily a powerhouse team that could plug anyone in there and get great results.

I don't think Arizona is poised to be a running juggernaut either, but I think they can approach what Pittsburgh has done the last couple years. People are quick to point out how bad their RB production has been in recent seasons without pointing out how bad their RBs have been. Beanie Wells was overrated and could never stay healthy regardless. Tim Hightower was a journeyman. Emmitt Smith was a shadow by the time he signed there. Edgerrin James is the one guy who was a great talent and still (maybe) in his prime. He had high yardage in Arizona, but low YPC numbers. It's tough to say how much of his struggles were system and how much were related to his own decline in ability. He did have 2000+ carries by the time he signed with them, and not every RB ages like Steven Jackson.

I think Mendenhall is the best back Arizona has had since James. The fact that Stephens-Howling, Wells, and Hightower struggled on this team doesn't doom him to failure. Washington and Tampa were bad rushing teams in 2011. How about last year? Sometimes adding a few new players into the mix is all it takes to get liftoff. I don't rate Mendenhall on par with somebody like Martin, but the idea that a historically bad rushing team is locked into that level of performance is narrow-minded. Things change very fast in the NFL. The Cardinals have already taken a big step forward by acquiring Palmer and Mendenhall. That alone should guarantee that their passing and rushing numbers improve dramatically from last season's woeful performance. They might not be a great team, but they have a reasonable chance to be middle of the pack. Hence why I think Mendenhall could end up anywhere from slightly above average (RB12) to slightly below average (RB20)..

When people are valuing him around RB30-RB40, I think it's a great gamble. There aren't many backs in that range who have a chance to crack the top 20 this year without catching some very lucky breaks.

In a "down" year for RBs, Chris Johnson finished at RB12 last year with 220 pts in 1 ppr.

He had 276 carries for 1243 yards (4.5 ypc) with 6 rushing TDs. He also added 36 receptions for 232 yards (6.4 ypc).

Mendenhall, during his best year, needed 324 carries to hit 1274 yards in 2010 on Pittsburgh. He's never had over 25 catches in his career. He scored 13 rushing TDs that year and still, with that heavy workload of 324 carries, he finished RB11.

Even if you don't think Arizona's situation is that bad and can turn around quickly, surely you don't think they're going to all of a sudden vault into the top half of the league, do you? So, on an overall worse team (and new team), you think he's going to essentially top his career numbers (because he certainly isn't getting 13 rushing TDs) and finish at RB12? Why stop there? Why not just put him at RB1 upside?

As for Pitt's O-line, it's been their pass protection that has been terrible. They were the 3rd best run-blocking O-line in 2011 (see here) when Mendenhall couldn't hit 1000 yards on 228 carries (4.1 ypc). Pitt took a step back last year there for sure, but you know who was dead last in the NFL last year? You got it--Arizona. In the last 3 years, Arizona has finished 32nd, 24th, and 32nd in the NFL in rushing yards.

I'm curious what kind of possible projections given the above you can give to Mendenhall that he'll somehow finish RB12 next year. Assuming he's going to need 220 pts to get there, how do you figure that's possible? I mean, sure, anything is possible, but really? He's going to log 300 carries (unlikely) at 4.5 ypc (very unlikely) and score 10 TDs (unlikely) and still add another 30 pts receiving (the most likely of the above)? Even with that, he'll be at 225 pts which MIGHT put him at RB12.

 

[B-Deep]

I kind of cannot believe there are even this many posts on mendy at this point.

Average back coming off an injury whose attitude contributed to him getting kicked off a team that put up with Harrison for years, going to a poor team in a tough division with very tough defenses, where we do not even know if he will start.

IF he wins the starting job he has some value. Any starting RB has upside, but based solely on recent injury and team his bust potential is high as well.

 

[B-Deep]

RB12 seems insane unless a bus load of NFL starting RBs somehow drives off a very high bridge

 

[gianmarco]

RB12 seems insane unless a bus load of NFL starting RBs somehow drives off a very high bridge

But they added Carson Palmer.

 

[jonboltz]

RB12 seems insane unless a bus load of NFL starting RBs somehow drives off a very high bridge

Take Beanie's season in 2011, and merely add what Mendenhall averaged in Pittsburgh through the air in the 3 seasons he started. That will put you right in the ballpark of RB12 range.

 

[B-Deep]

RB12 seems insane unless a bus load of NFL starting RBs somehow drives off a very high bridge

Take Beanie's season in 2011, and merely add what Mendenhall averaged in Pittsburgh through the air in the 3 seasons he started. That will put you right in the ballpark of RB12 range.

so if you could have some hybrid of wells and mendenahll along with some hybrid team composed of steelers and cardinals than, hypothetically, he could be RB12

I guess that is a valid point

 

[EBF]

I'm not sure Pittsburgh would really qualify as a great situation for a RB in recent years. Probably more middle of the road. I'm not a Steelers fan, but I've been under the impression that their line has gradually become a liability. The fact that Dwyer and Redman didn't set the world on fire this past season shows that this wasn't necessarily a powerhouse team that could plug anyone in there and get great results.

I don't think Arizona is poised to be a running juggernaut either, but I think they can approach what Pittsburgh has done the last couple years. People are quick to point out how bad their RB production has been in recent seasons without pointing out how bad their RBs have been. Beanie Wells was overrated and could never stay healthy regardless. Tim Hightower was a journeyman. Emmitt Smith was a shadow by the time he signed there. Edgerrin James is the one guy who was a great talent and still (maybe) in his prime. He had high yardage in Arizona, but low YPC numbers. It's tough to say how much of his struggles were system and how much were related to his own decline in ability. He did have 2000+ carries by the time he signed with them, and not every RB ages like Steven Jackson.

I think Mendenhall is the best back Arizona has had since James. The fact that Stephens-Howling, Wells, and Hightower struggled on this team doesn't doom him to failure. Washington and Tampa were bad rushing teams in 2011. How about last year? Sometimes adding a few new players into the mix is all it takes to get liftoff. I don't rate Mendenhall on par with somebody like Martin, but the idea that a historically bad rushing team is locked into that level of performance is narrow-minded. Things change very fast in the NFL. The Cardinals have already taken a big step forward by acquiring Palmer and Mendenhall. That alone should guarantee that their passing and rushing numbers improve dramatically from last season's woeful performance. They might not be a great team, but they have a reasonable chance to be middle of the pack. Hence why I think Mendenhall could end up anywhere from slightly above average (RB12) to slightly below average (RB20)..

When people are valuing him around RB30-RB40, I think it's a great gamble. There aren't many backs in that range who have a chance to crack the top 20 this year without catching some very lucky breaks.

In a "down" year for RBs, Chris Johnson finished at RB12 last year with 220 pts in 1 ppr.

He had 276 carries for 1243 yards (4.5 ypc) with 6 rushing TDs. He also added 36 receptions for 232 yards (6.4 ypc).

Mendenhall, during his best year, needed 324 carries to hit 1274 yards in 2010 on Pittsburgh. He's never had over 25 catches in his career. He scored 13 rushing TDs that year and still, with that heavy workload of 324 carries, he finished RB11.

Even if you don't think Arizona's situation is that bad and can turn around quickly, surely you don't think they're going to all of a sudden vault into the top half of the league, do you? So, on an overall worse team (and new team), you think he's going to essentially top his career numbers (because he certainly isn't getting 13 rushing TDs) and finish at RB12? Why stop there? Why not just put him at RB1 upside?

As for Pitt's O-line, it's been their pass protection that has been terrible. They were the 3rd best run-blocking O-line in 2011 (see here) when Mendenhall couldn't hit 1000 yards on 228 carries (4.1 ypc). Pitt took a step back last year there for sure, but you know who was dead last in the NFL last year? You got it--Arizona. In the last 3 years, Arizona has finished 32nd, 24th, and 32nd in the NFL in rushing yards.

I'm curious what kind of possible projections given the above you can give to Mendenhall that he'll somehow finish RB12 next year. Assuming he's going to need 220 pts to get there, how do you figure that's possible? I mean, sure, anything is possible, but really? He's going to log 300 carries (unlikely) at 4.5 ypc (very unlikely) and score 10 TDs (very unlikely) and still add another 30 pts receiving (the most likely of the above)? Even with that, he'll be at 225 pts which MIGHT put him at RB12.

The Arizona thing has been beaten into the ground already. When you're starting scrub RBs with a scrub QB, you're going to have issues moving the ball. Next year isn't last year. New coach. New personnel. Doesn't mean it will be a black and white difference overnight, but they aren't condemned to be bad forever. Upgrading at QB and RB is a step in the right direction. Ask Washington about that.

I said RB12 is the top of his range. In other words, an absolute best case scenario. Nowhere did I say that it's likely. However, it's certainly possible. Like I said, this is the NFL. Things move quickly. The Bucs and Redskins didn't have a top 30 FF RB in 2011. The next year Doug Martin finished as RB2 and Alfred Morris finished as RB7. Mendenhall finished RB11 in 2010 and RB16 in 2009. The idea that he could finish as RB12 this year isn't a huge stretch.

The beauty of it is that you won't have to pay anywhere near that price to get him. I haven't been following redraft ADP at all yet, but if the rabid skepticism on these boards is any indication then my guess is that he'll come preatty cheap this season. At the cost of RB30-40, there's room for him to underwhelm relative to my expectations and still provide a positive return on the investment. If you can get the RB25 for RB35 prices, you've done well.

 

[gianmarco]

I'm not sure Pittsburgh would really qualify as a great situation for a RB in recent years. Probably more middle of the road. I'm not a Steelers fan, but I've been under the impression that their line has gradually become a liability. The fact that Dwyer and Redman didn't set the world on fire this past season shows that this wasn't necessarily a powerhouse team that could plug anyone in there and get great results.

I don't think Arizona is poised to be a running juggernaut either, but I think they can approach what Pittsburgh has done the last couple years. People are quick to point out how bad their RB production has been in recent seasons without pointing out how bad their RBs have been. Beanie Wells was overrated and could never stay healthy regardless. Tim Hightower was a journeyman. Emmitt Smith was a shadow by the time he signed there. Edgerrin James is the one guy who was a great talent and still (maybe) in his prime. He had high yardage in Arizona, but low YPC numbers. It's tough to say how much of his struggles were system and how much were related to his own decline in ability. He did have 2000+ carries by the time he signed with them, and not every RB ages like Steven Jackson.

I think Mendenhall is the best back Arizona has had since James. The fact that Stephens-Howling, Wells, and Hightower struggled on this team doesn't doom him to failure. Washington and Tampa were bad rushing teams in 2011. How about last year? Sometimes adding a few new players into the mix is all it takes to get liftoff. I don't rate Mendenhall on par with somebody like Martin, but the idea that a historically bad rushing team is locked into that level of performance is narrow-minded. Things change very fast in the NFL. The Cardinals have already taken a big step forward by acquiring Palmer and Mendenhall. That alone should guarantee that their passing and rushing numbers improve dramatically from last season's woeful performance. They might not be a great team, but they have a reasonable chance to be middle of the pack. Hence why I think Mendenhall could end up anywhere from slightly above average (RB12) to slightly below average (RB20)..

When people are valuing him around RB30-RB40, I think it's a great gamble. There aren't many backs in that range who have a chance to crack the top 20 this year without catching some very lucky breaks.

In a "down" year for RBs, Chris Johnson finished at RB12 last year with 220 pts in 1 ppr.

He had 276 carries for 1243 yards (4.5 ypc) with 6 rushing TDs. He also added 36 receptions for 232 yards (6.4 ypc).

Mendenhall, during his best year, needed 324 carries to hit 1274 yards in 2010 on Pittsburgh. He's never had over 25 catches in his career. He scored 13 rushing TDs that year and still, with that heavy workload of 324 carries, he finished RB11.

Even if you don't think Arizona's situation is that bad and can turn around quickly, surely you don't think they're going to all of a sudden vault into the top half of the league, do you? So, on an overall worse team (and new team), you think he's going to essentially top his career numbers (because he certainly isn't getting 13 rushing TDs) and finish at RB12? Why stop there? Why not just put him at RB1 upside?

As for Pitt's O-line, it's been their pass protection that has been terrible. They were the 3rd best run-blocking O-line in 2011 (see here) when Mendenhall couldn't hit 1000 yards on 228 carries (4.1 ypc). Pitt took a step back last year there for sure, but you know who was dead last in the NFL last year? You got it--Arizona. In the last 3 years, Arizona has finished 32nd, 24th, and 32nd in the NFL in rushing yards.

I'm curious what kind of possible projections given the above you can give to Mendenhall that he'll somehow finish RB12 next year. Assuming he's going to need 220 pts to get there, how do you figure that's possible? I mean, sure, anything is possible, but really? He's going to log 300 carries (unlikely) at 4.5 ypc (very unlikely) and score 10 TDs (very unlikely) and still add another 30 pts receiving (the most likely of the above)? Even with that, he'll be at 225 pts which MIGHT put him at RB12.

The Arizona thing has been beaten into the ground already. When you're starting scrub RBs with a scrub QB, you're going to have issues moving the ball. Next year isn't last year. New coach. New personnel. Doesn't mean it will be a black and white difference overnight, but they aren't condemned to be bad forever. Upgrading at QB and RB is a step in the right direction. Ask Washington about that.

I said RB12 is the top of his range. In other words, an absolute best case scenario. Nowhere did I say that it's likely. However, it's certainly possible. Like I said, this is the NFL. Things move quickly. The Bucs and Redskins didn't have a top 30 FF RB in 2011. The next year Doug Martin finished as RB2 and Alfred Morris finished as RB7. Mendenhall finished RB11 in 2010 and RB16 in 2009. The idea that he could finish as RB12 this year isn't a huge stretch.

The beauty of it is that you won't have to pay anywhere near that price to get him. I haven't been following redraft ADP at all yet, but if the rabid skepticism on these boards is any indication then my guess is that he'll come preatty cheap this season. At the cost of RB30-40, there's room for him to underwhelm relative to my expectations and still provide a positive return on the investment. If you can get the RB25 for RB35 prices, you've done well.

Again, yes, the idea he could finish RB12 is a huge stretch. It's a monstrous stretch. What kind of best case projections do you have for him to finish with 220+ pts in 1 ppr?

10:1 odds to you that he doesn't finish RB12 or higher in 1 ppr. Whatever price you'd like to put on it.

 

[EBF]

Again, yes, the idea he could finish RB12 is a huge stretch. It's a monstrous stretch. What kind of best case projections do you have for him to finish with 220+ pts in 1 ppr?

10:1 odds to you that he doesn't finish RB12 or higher in 1 ppr. Whatever price you'd like to put on it.

He's done it in the past, so clearly it's not beyond him. Use your imagination.

I don't think it's likely and I'm not going to take the bet. My guess is that he finishes RB16-RB24. Too many variables to feel good about his chances of RB1 production. Very realistic chance of a RB2 season though. At the cost of a RB3-RB4, lots of upside and very little risk.

 

[Bayhawks]

Again, yes, the idea he could finish RB12 is a huge stretch. It's a monstrous stretch. What kind of best case projections do you have for him to finish with 220+ pts in 1 ppr?

10:1 odds to you that he doesn't finish RB12 or higher in 1 ppr. Whatever price you'd like to put on it.

If you are talking about a ppr league, I would agree that it is a huge stretch to think Mendenhall will finish as a RB 1. Arians doesn't utilize his RBs much in the passing game; its' just not his style. Regardless of whether Mendenhall were to be a great pass-catcher or not, he wouldn't be very utilized in that role in an Arians' offense.

That being said, if we are talking about a non-PPR, I believe you are mistaken in suggesting that it would be a huge stretch for him to finish as a RB1. In 2011, Wells finished as RB17 in a standard, non-PPR league. He also only played in 14 games; on a ppg basis, he would have been RB7. While the Arizona team & offense in 2013 isn't the same as the Arizona team/offense of 2011, it's also not going to be the same team/offense as Arizona of 2012.

Most people would agree that Mendenhall has equal (or superior) talent to Wells, and in order to finish as RB12, he would have to get about 192 FF points. 1300 total yards & 10 TDs would get him close. I think that's about his ceiling in his current situation, but I wouldn't call it a huge stretch.

 

[B-Deep]

Again, yes, the idea he could finish RB12 is a huge stretch. It's a monstrous stretch. What kind of best case projections do you have for him to finish with 220+ pts in 1 ppr?

10:1 odds to you that he doesn't finish RB12 or higher in 1 ppr. Whatever price you'd like to put on it.

He's done it in the past, so clearly it's not beyond him. Use your imagination.

I don't think it's likely and I'm not going to take the bet. My guess is that he finishes RB16-RB24. Too many variables to feel good about his chances of RB1 production. Very realistic chance of a RB2 season though. At the cost of a RB3-RB4, lots of upside and very little risk.

The only time he cracked top 12 according to pro-football-reference was 2010

That was on a steelers team that made the Super Bowl, this Cardinals team is not that good, and Palmer is not Big Ben, and he is coming off a knee injury

16-24 is possible

24-48 is possible as well

he's a RB 3 with 2 upside to me. If they announce tomorrow he is the uncontested starter, or if that becomes clear in the preseason, I might refine that

 

[gianmarco]

Again, yes, the idea he could finish RB12 is a huge stretch. It's a monstrous stretch. What kind of best case projections do you have for him to finish with 220+ pts in 1 ppr?

10:1 odds to you that he doesn't finish RB12 or higher in 1 ppr. Whatever price you'd like to put on it.

He's done it in the past, so clearly it's not beyond him. Use your imagination.

I don't think it's likely and I'm not going to take the bet. My guess is that he finishes RB16-RB24. Too many variables to feel good about his chances of RB1 production. Very realistic chance of a RB2 season though. At the cost of a RB3-RB4, lots of upside and very little risk.

He did it on 324 carries and 13 rushing TDs (and still only hit RB11). You think he's coming close to either of those in Arizona this year? Again, this isn't about my imagination. If you're going to throw out RB12 upside, I'd like to know how you think it's going to happen. YPC going up? 300+ carries? Going to catch 30+ balls? Scoring double digit TDs? Considering he's never been a big receiving RB (and Arizona hasn't traditionally thrown to their RB), he's going to have to get it on the ground with lots of yards (1300+) and lots of TDs (10+ TDs) just to hit 200 pts. Do you honestly think that's a possibility? Forget what he's done in the past. What are the odds he's hitting those in Arizona in 2013?

I mean, I can start throwing stuff out and say "well, it's possible". I say that Michael Vick's upside is the #1 QB in ppg this year. I mean, it's possible, he's done it in the past, so use your imagination. But is it really likely? Is that his true upside?

If you don't have an answer to how he's going to do it, that's fine. I don't think you do because it's not really possible barring some miracle. But it'd be nice to admit that RB12 is so ridiculously unlikely that it's pointless to list it as upside just because he's done it.

 

[EBF]

Again, yes, the idea he could finish RB12 is a huge stretch. It's a monstrous stretch. What kind of best case projections do you have for him to finish with 220+ pts in 1 ppr?

10:1 odds to you that he doesn't finish RB12 or higher in 1 ppr. Whatever price you'd like to put on it.

He's done it in the past, so clearly it's not beyond him. Use your imagination.

I don't think it's likely and I'm not going to take the bet. My guess is that he finishes RB16-RB24. Too many variables to feel good about his chances of RB1 production. Very realistic chance of a RB2 season though. At the cost of a RB3-RB4, lots of upside and very little risk.

He did it on 324 carries and 13 rushing TDs (and still only hit RB11). You think he's coming close to either of those in Arizona this year? Again, this isn't about my imagination. If you're going to throw out RB12 upside, I'd like to know how you think it's going to happen. YPC going up? 300+ carries? Going to catch 30+ balls? Scoring double digit TDs? Considering he's never been a big receiving RB (and Arizona hasn't traditionally thrown to their RB), he's going to have to get it on the ground with lots of yards (1300+) and lots of TDs (10+ TDs) just to hit 200 pts. Do you honestly think that's a possibility? Forget what he's done in the past. What are the odds he's hitting those in Arizona in 2013?

I mean, I can start throwing stuff out and say "well, it's possible". I say that Michael Vick is going to finish as the #1 QB in ppg this year. I mean, it's possible, he's done it in the past, so use your imagination. But is it really likely? Is that his true upside?

If you don't have an answer to how he's going to do it, that's fine. I don't think you do because it's not really possible barring some miracle. But it'd be nice to admit that RB12 is so ridiculously unlikely that it's pointless to list it as upside just because he's done it.

300 carries at 4 YPC, with double digit TDs, and about 20-30 catches would put him in range.

Not really the point though. By fixating on the RB12 thing you are missing the main crux of the argument, which is that he's undervalued and very likely to outperform his draft slot. It looks like he will be valued as RB3 in most startup drafts. At that cost there is lots of upside.

 

[gianmarco]

Again, yes, the idea he could finish RB12 is a huge stretch. It's a monstrous stretch. What kind of best case projections do you have for him to finish with 220+ pts in 1 ppr?

10:1 odds to you that he doesn't finish RB12 or higher in 1 ppr. Whatever price you'd like to put on it.

He's done it in the past, so clearly it's not beyond him. Use your imagination.

I don't think it's likely and I'm not going to take the bet. My guess is that he finishes RB16-RB24. Too many variables to feel good about his chances of RB1 production. Very realistic chance of a RB2 season though. At the cost of a RB3-RB4, lots of upside and very little risk.

He did it on 324 carries and 13 rushing TDs (and still only hit RB11). You think he's coming close to either of those in Arizona this year? Again, this isn't about my imagination. If you're going to throw out RB12 upside, I'd like to know how you think it's going to happen. YPC going up? 300+ carries? Going to catch 30+ balls? Scoring double digit TDs? Considering he's never been a big receiving RB (and Arizona hasn't traditionally thrown to their RB), he's going to have to get it on the ground with lots of yards (1300+) and lots of TDs (10+ TDs) just to hit 200 pts. Do you honestly think that's a possibility? Forget what he's done in the past. What are the odds he's hitting those in Arizona in 2013?

I mean, I can start throwing stuff out and say "well, it's possible". I say that Michael Vick is going to finish as the #1 QB in ppg this year. I mean, it's possible, he's done it in the past, so use your imagination. But is it really likely? Is that his true upside?

If you don't have an answer to how he's going to do it, that's fine. I don't think you do because it's not really possible barring some miracle. But it'd be nice to admit that RB12 is so ridiculously unlikely that it's pointless to list it as upside just because he's done it.

300 carries at 4 YPC, with double digit TDs, and about 20-30 catches would put him in range.

Not really the point though. By fixating on the RB12 thing you are missing the main crux of the argument, which is that he's undervalued and very likely to outperform his draft slot. It looks like he will be valued as RB3 in most startup drafts. At that cost there is lots of upside.

I'm not missing the point, though. You keep talking about this upside and I completely disagree. At RB3 prices, his upside is MAYBE an average RB2 (RB18-20 overall). He's not sniffing the top 12. He's not getting 300+ carries and he's not topping 1200 yds and he's not getting double digit TDs. His upside is BJGE last year (278/1094/6 along with 22/104). That's a 4.0 ypc. That's a pretty sizable workload and about where I'd say he ends up IF he ends up with the starting job and get almost all the work. That was good enough to land BJGE at a whopping RB21 overall and RB28 in ppg.

I don't see a lot of upside in that. Sure, if you pay RB40 price and end up RB20-28, you ended up "winning", but what did you really win? Shonn Greene, Michael Turner, and Leshoure all scored the same or better. It's serviceable. And if he ends up with those numbers, what does that mean for his future? Not a lot other than more of the same.

So, if you want to argue that he's got upside because he can go from RB40 (which, btw, he isn't THAT cheap) to RB20, then I'll agree that's possible and have at it. If you want to argue he has more upside than that, I'll easily disagree. And if you think that kind of upside (RB40 to RB20) is exciting, then that's fine. It doesn't do much for me because that kind of "upside" rarely helps a team enough to really matter. If I happened to own him, I'd be flipping at RB20 price as fast as I possibly could because it won't ever get higher. Right now, guys like Ingram and Ballard are ranked at RB20. That kind of "upside" simply doesn't excite me.

 

[EBF]

That's fine. I think most people would be happy to get RB25 for RB35 prices and I don't think there are many backs available cheaper who have a better chance of scoring in the top 20 this season. People thought Thomas Jones, Marshawn Lynch, Willis McGahee, and Cedric Benson were done after they washed out of their first teams and it turned out they had some good seasons left in the tank. This feels a lot like that to me.

 

[B-Deep]

That's fine. I think most people would be happy to get RB25 for RB35 prices and I don't think there are many backs available cheaper who have a better chance of scoring in the top 20 this season. People thought Thomas Jones, Marshawn Lynch, Willis McGahee, and Cedric Benson were done after they washed out of their first teams and it turned out they had some good seasons left in the tank. This feels a lot like that to me.

If I am mistaken all of those examples landed on teams that made the playoffs, do you see the cardinals making the playoffs anytime soon?

 

[Ernol]

220 is good but its not exactly elite scoring. I would not put it beyond any starting RB in the league to get lucky and put up 220 points (and “lucky” is essentially what we are saying when looking at “absolute best case scenario”). It certainly would not take a miracle imo as others are suggesting.

If 220ish is the target, and I think that is a good one given the move to a passing league the last few years, Mendenhall has already shown that he can do it twice in his three legitimate shots as a Steeler starting RB.

In 2010, he surpassed that mark by quite a bit (at 245 points). In 2009, he only started 13 games (was not the starter until Week 4 iirc) and still made it to 209 (i.e., on pace again for 245 ish points).

As a best case scenario, I would have no problem at all putting down 220ish for Mendenhall in AZ. In fact, I would have no problem putting that down for Ryan Williams if he were to secure the starting job.

As an example of a best case combo that could get Mendenhall there:

275 carries, 4.3 ypc, 1182 yards rushing, 9 rushing TD

25 receptions, 200 yards receiving, 1 receiving TD

= 223 points.

 

[FF Ninja]

220 is good but its not exactly elite scoring. I would not put it beyond any starting RB in the league to get lucky and put up 220 points (and “lucky” is essentially what we are saying when looking at “absolute best case scenario”). It certainly would not take a miracle imo as others are suggesting.

If 220ish is the target, and I think that is a good one given the move to a passing league the last few years, Mendenhall has already shown that he can do it twice in his three legitimate shots as a Steeler starting RB.

In 2010, he surpassed that mark by quite a bit (at 245 points). In 2009, he only started 13 games (was not the starter until Week 4 iirc) and still made it to 209 (i.e., on pace again for 245 ish points).

As a best case scenario, I would have no problem at all putting down 220ish for Mendenhall in AZ. In fact, I would have no problem putting that down for Ryan Williams if he were to secure the starting job.

As an example of a best case combo that could get Mendenhall there:

275 carries, 4.3 ypc, 1182 yards rushing, 9 rushing TD

25 receptions, 200 yards receiving, 1 receiving TD

= 223 points.

He has surpassed 275 carries only once in his career. He's surpassed 4.1 ypc only once in his career. All of the Arizona RBs combined for only 9 TDs last year on 316 carries.

So yeah, I think 220 is out of reach for ol' Spinthenfall.

 

[Bayhawks]

That's fine. I think most people would be happy to get RB25 for RB35 prices and I don't think there are many backs available cheaper who have a better chance of scoring in the top 20 this season. People thought Thomas Jones, Marshawn Lynch, Willis McGahee, and Cedric Benson were done after they washed out of their first teams and it turned out they had some good seasons left in the tank. This feels a lot like that to me.

If I am mistaken all of those examples landed on teams that made the playoffs, do you see the cardinals making the playoffs anytime soon?

You have referred several times to RBs being on teams that made the playoffs, and does he think the Cardinals are going to make the playoffs anytime soon.

At this point last year, how many people thought the Colts were going to make the playoffs? How about Seattle? The Redskins? The Vikings? Not one of those teams had a winning record in 2011, but they all made the playoffs in 2012. That's 25% of the playoffs teams going from losing records to playoffs in one season. The Colts added Andrew Luck, the Redskins added RGIII. Neither of the other teams added a player/players who were expected to be major factors before the season started, yet Russell Wilson proved to be a major playmaker, Alfred Morris proved to be an invaluable asset, ADP played at an unbelievable level last year, and each team made the playoffs.

You are assuming that the Cardinals are going to be as bad in 2012 as they were in 2011. That would be hard to believe. Thier QB is better, their RB should be better, their #1 WR should be better (since he has a better QB throwing to him), they shouldn't have the injuries on the O-line this year that they had last year, and with the 1st round pick, they should be able to get a impact player.

Would I bet they are going to make the playoffs? No. Would I be as sure as you seem to be that they won't make the playoffs? No, again.

 

[Ernol]

220 is good but its not exactly elite scoring. I would not put it beyond any starting RB in the league to get lucky and put up 220 points (and “lucky” is essentially what we are saying when looking at “absolute best case scenario”). It certainly would not take a miracle imo as others are suggesting.

If 220ish is the target, and I think that is a good one given the move to a passing league the last few years, Mendenhall has already shown that he can do it twice in his three legitimate shots as a Steeler starting RB.

In 2010, he surpassed that mark by quite a bit (at 245 points). In 2009, he only started 13 games (was not the starter until Week 4 iirc) and still made it to 209 (i.e., on pace again for 245 ish points).

As a best case scenario, I would have no problem at all putting down 220ish for Mendenhall in AZ. In fact, I would have no problem putting that down for Ryan Williams if he were to secure the starting job.

As an example of a best case combo that could get Mendenhall there:

275 carries, 4.3 ypc, 1182 yards rushing, 9 rushing TD

25 receptions, 200 yards receiving, 1 receiving TD

= 223 points.

He has surpassed 275 carries only once in his career. He's surpassed 4.1 ypc only once in his career. All of the Arizona RBs combined for only 9 TDs last year on 316 carries.

So yeah, I think 220 is out of reach for ol' Spinthenfall.

We’re talking best case scenario.

He’s only had 3 years as the starting RB in Pittsburgh (2009, 2010, 2011). So saying that he’s “only” done anything once in a 3-year span is hardly damning.

YPC can be highly variable from year to year. Mendenhall has done 4.58, 3.93 and 4.07 in his 3 years as the Steelers starting RB. 4.3 (which is still below his best) doesn’t strike me as being far fetched.

His carries in those three years were 228, 324, 242 (in 13 games, on pace for 297). 275 for any starting back does not seem so far fetched imo, particularly for a back that paced at least that much 2 out of 3 starting years.

Its one thing to say that he’s not going to get there. I wouldn’t expect it either. Its another thing to say that he can’t get there (again, when he already has essentially surpassed a 220 pace twice in his 3 years as a Steeler starting RB).

 

[B-Deep]

That's fine. I think most people would be happy to get RB25 for RB35 prices and I don't think there are many backs available cheaper who have a better chance of scoring in the top 20 this season. People thought Thomas Jones, Marshawn Lynch, Willis McGahee, and Cedric Benson were done after they washed out of their first teams and it turned out they had some good seasons left in the tank. This feels a lot like that to me.

If I am mistaken all of those examples landed on teams that made the playoffs, do you see the cardinals making the playoffs anytime soon?

You have referred several times to RBs being on teams that made the playoffs, and does he think the Cardinals are going to make the playoffs anytime soon.

At this point last year, how many people thought the Colts were going to make the playoffs? How about Seattle? The Redskins? The Vikings? Not one of those teams had a winning record in 2011, but they all made the playoffs in 2012. That's 25% of the playoffs teams going from losing records to playoffs in one season. The Colts added Andrew Luck, the Redskins added RGIII. Neither of the other teams added a player/players who were expected to be major factors before the season started, yet Russell Wilson proved to be a major playmaker, Alfred Morris proved to be an invaluable asset, ADP played at an unbelievable level last year, and each team made the playoffs.

You are assuming that the Cardinals are going to be as bad in 2012 as they were in 2011. That would be hard to believe. Thier QB is better, their RB should be better, their #1 WR should be better (since he has a better QB throwing to him), they shouldn't have the injuries on the O-line this year that they had last year, and with the 1st round pick, they should be able to get a impact player.

Would I bet they are going to make the playoffs? No. Would I be as sure as you seem to be that they won't make the playoffs? No, again.

I don't have to assume they are going to be as bad as 2012. They'd have to GREATLY improve to even make a playoff run, and the year everyone loves from Mendy his team made the freaking super bowl.

does ANYONE think they have a chance at top 2 in their division? They play in a very tough division, they are in a transition period, and their big pickups are an aging QB who has never been the same after a knee injury and a RB coming back from a knee injury

Carson Palmer is NOT andrew luck (why the colts made the playoffs) or RG3 (why the redskins did) and Mendenhall CERTAINLY is not Peterson.

As for the Seahawks, they along with defending the NFC champion 49ers are a BIG part of the issue for the cardinals. This team is building and is going to get beat up in its own division this year, and again p,ays some VERY stout defenses in that division.

Sure, teams surprise in the NFL

that is why I asked the question, does anyone think this team is going to surprise and make the playoffs. I don't. Not every team surprises, some are bad for years on end.

IS it possible?

Sure, they could win the super bowl and mendy could rush for 2k yards, anything is possible at this point. Is it likely, nope.

 

[B-Deep]

And for the record, I only asked the playoff question once. The only other POSSIBLE reference was pointing out that in the one season Mendenhall was a top 12 back (something people were saying he could do since he has done in the past) his team was good enough to play in the Super Bowl.

 

[nightmare]

Drafting an RB40 and having him finish as RB20 is how you win games. It beats crapping out with McFadden/Matthews.

 

[Bayhawks]

I don't have to assume they are going to be as bad as 2012. They'd have to GREATLY improve to even make a playoff run, and the year everyone loves from Mendy his team made the freaking super bowl.

does ANYONE think they have a chance at top 2 in their division? They play in a very tough division, they are in a transition period, and their big pickups are an aging QB who has never been the same after a knee injury and a RB coming back from a knee injury

Carson Palmer is NOT andrew luck (why the colts made the playoffs) or RG3 (why the redskins did) and Mendenhall CERTAINLY is not Peterson.

As for the Seahawks, they along with defending the NFC champion 49ers are a BIG part of the issue for the cardinals. This team is building and is going to get beat up in its own division this year, and again p,ays some VERY stout defenses in that division.

Sure, teams surprise in the NFL

that is why I asked the question, does anyone think this team is going to surprise and make the playoffs. I don't. Not every team surprises, some are bad for years on end.

IS it possible?

Sure, they could win the super bowl and mendy could rush for 2k yards, anything is possible at this point. Is it likely, nope.

Why couldn't they be top 2 in their division?

2 years ago, no one expected the 49ers, with Alex freakin' Smith at QB, a new coach, and a RB returning from an injury and his worst year as a pro to be the #2 seed in the NFL.

Last year, coming off 2 straight 7-9 seasons, with a 3rd round rookie beating out their big FA QB, who expected the Seahawks to become one of the elite teams in the NFC?

The point is that you seem to be predicting way too much continuity from last year: for the Seahawks, in the NFC West, and the in the NFL.

Russell Wilson could go through a sophomore slump; it happens to a number of QBs. Kaepernick could experience something similar, especially as teams get more film of him to study. Lynch has dealt with nagging injuries, specifically to his back the last few years, perhaps this year he'll be hampered again. Gore is getting up in age, and his performance could drop off. Arians was able to help Andrew Luck put up better numbers than anyone expected, perhaps he could do the same for Palmer. The injuries that decimated the Arizona O-line probably won't be repeated. Arizona could use their #1 pick on a stud tackle, they could get a couple guys back healthy, and their O-line could be greatly improved.

Again, in a ppr, I think it's a big reach to predict RB 12 for Mendenhall, but IF he wins the starting job, in a non-ppr, it isn't as far-fetched as you seem to think it is.

 

[Bayhawks]

And for the record, I only asked the playoff question once. The only other POSSIBLE reference was pointing out that in the one season Mendenhall was a top 12 back (something people were saying he could do since he has done in the past) his team was good enough to play in the Super Bowl.

Sorry, that is correct. Perhaps I read your post more than once and assumed you mentioned it more than once.

 

[Young 8]

Why couldn't they be top 2 in their division?

Because 49ers & Sehawks are already there.

 

[HachiGO]

Why couldn't they be top 2 in their division?

Because 49ers & Sehawks are already there.

Lets rewind a year, how would your response of "because the 49ers & Seahawks are already there" have looked? The 9ers looked solid, but the Seahawks weren't very highly thought of. They had some very talented players, but they weren't considered an "elite" team.Now lets look at Arizona:1) they greatly improved their QB situation which will simultaneously make all of Larry Fitzgerald (one of the best receivers in the game), Michael Floyd (first round talent entering his second season), and Robert Housler (freak athlete for his size with 4.46 speed) better and more productive. You can also argue the QB upgrade will help the running game. The colts were horrible two years ago, worst team in the league... Plug in a new QB and they're a playoff team. Carson Palmer is no Andrew Luck, but he isn't Jon Skelton or Ryan Lindley, either. Lets remember this team was 4-0 until Kolb went down.2) they signed Rashard Mendenahll, and will have a fully healthy Ryan Williams back. If you don't like there fantasy outlook, that's fine, but there's no denying there are many professional scouts and teams who believe these two players are extremely talented. They wouldn't have been drafte where they were if they weren't.3) the o-line still needs some work, but it was also decimated by injuries last season. Now that they're healthy, that's already an upgraded slightly before the draft.4) this defense has a lot of talent, there's no denying that. They were being touted as one of the better, if not the best defensive unit in the league at one point early last season. This defense is good enough to keep them in the game now that the offense has enough pieces to do its job.Does anybody else think AZ is on a similar path the Seahawks took? Built a very talented defense - good WRs (Sidney Rice/Golden Tate-Larry Fitzgerald/Michael Floyd) - bring in a first round RB talent (Lynch/Mendenhall) - bring in/draft a competent QB allowing the offense to click (Flynn/Wilson/Palmer). All signs are pointing towards Arizone improving in nearly ever facet of the game, but I think some people are trying a little too hard to bash Mendenhall here. 1) bringing up Arizona's RB stats from last year - doesn't matter what a combination of Lerod Stephens-Howling, William Powell, and an injured Beanie Wells did. A healthy Mendenhall > all of them and Wells (who you could argue is very talented as well) has performed here when healthy. 2) Arizona's offensive line was horrible - true, but they get a few starters back this year and I think it's safe to say they will address this issue in the draft or FA. 3) this offense was led by Jon Skelton and Ryan Lindley, of course the offense as a whole is going to perform poorly. Instead of focusing on Arizona's 2012 team, focus on how the 2013 team is shaping up. Instead of focusing on Mendenhall's 2012 stats while he was clearly unhealthy (anybody else remember him not playing early in the year because he wasn't ready/healthy?) focus ok the fact that he was a first round RB who had been productive every season he was given a chance. Nobody is saying he is going to have an Adrian Peterson like year here, but an RB12-24 has a place on fantasy teams. Not everybody can have a team with four of the top six ranked RBs like the ones some people dream up for their sigs. Ps - please, drop the "RB12" EBF bashing. He clearly stated that as a best case scenario, and when all of the facts are laid out on the table it's not 100% impossible.. It actually looks very possible and I was viewing this new talent/situation combo the exact same way. Some of the responses to that were what I'd expect to read if he had said "Ya know, I think Shonn Greene is going to do very well this year, I wouldn't be surprised to see an RB12-25 type season"

 

[Young 8]

Carson Palmer is no Andrew Luck, but he isn't Jon Skelton or Ryan Lindley, either.

Carson Palmer is a 34yrs old proven loser, he's better than Skelton or Lindley but unfortunately worse than Kaepernick or Wilson

 

[Bayhawks]

Carson Palmer is no Andrew Luck, but he isn't Jon Skelton or Ryan Lindley, either.

Carson Palmer is a 34yrs old proven loser, he's better than Skelton or Lindley but unfortunately worse than Kaepernick or Wilson

Yeah, I think it's safe to say that based on Kaepernick's 11 game sample size.

 

[HachiGO]

Carson Palmer is no Andrew Luck, but he isn't Jon Skelton or Ryan Lindley, either.

Carson Palmer is a 34yrs old proven loser, he's better than Skelton or Lindley but unfortunately worse than Kaepernick or Wilson

My point was Arizona has made some improvements in important areas this offseason, so naturally it's safe to assume the team as a whole will be much better this season. I don't think I ever compared Carson Palmer to Russell Wilson or Colin Kaepernick, so I'm not sure where you're going with that one. I don't think AZ needing to have a better quarterback than SF/Seattle is an end all be all for Mendenhall to produce useful fantasy numbers.

 

[B-Deep]

Carson Palmer is no Andrew Luck, but he isn't Jon Skelton or Ryan Lindley, either.

Carson Palmer is a 34yrs old proven loser, he's better than Skelton or Lindley but unfortunately worse than Kaepernick or Wilson

My point was Arizona has made some improvements in important areas this offseason, so naturally it's safe to assume the team as a whole will be much better this season.I don't think I ever compared Carson Palmer to Russell Wilson or Colin Kaepernick, so I'm not sure where you're going with that one.

Couldn;'t you say the same thing about the seahawks and niners? You could make the argument for the rams as well.

 

[HachiGO]

Carson Palmer is no Andrew Luck, but he isn't Jon Skelton or Ryan Lindley, either.

Carson Palmer is a 34yrs old proven loser, he's better than Skelton or Lindley but unfortunately worse than Kaepernick or Wilson

My point was Arizona has made some improvements in important areas this offseason, so naturally it's safe to assume the team as a whole will be much better this season.I don't think I ever compared Carson Palmer to Russell Wilson or Colin Kaepernick, so I'm not sure where you're going with that one.

Couldn;'t you say the same thing about the seahawks and niners? You could make the argument for the rams as well.

Sure could, but a few people were arguing Mendenhall would have very little chance of succeeding because his new situation was horrible for running backs. I was merely pointing out the the AZ situation has and will continue to change throughout the offseason.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Two thoughts:

1) This isn't something you'd expect to see from an NFL player.

2) I think this is what Bruce Arians was talking about when he mentioned that Mendenhall was a little different than most NFL players. Probably not most coaches' idea of a RB -- especially not Mike Tomlin's.

From the Huffington Post...

I have recently relocated. I packed up all of my belongings, tagged my townhouse with a "For Sale" sign, and have journeyed to the other side of the country, to an entirely new place, completely removed from everything that I am used to, and very different than anywhere that I've ever called home. And honestly, I love it!

Currently in my new abode, I don't hold very many possessions. Mainly some pieces of furniture that I've rented, a suitcase full of clothes, a lone set of towels, a toothbrush, a handful of books, a plain set of dishes, and a small wooden globe from Pier One. Not much more than the bare essentials of living. No flat-screen TV, no high-speed Wi-Fi, no pictures, no snacks, not much of anything that would typically occupy an American living space.

I understand that with the above description alone, the apartment that I now live in may seem to be very dull, boring, or altogether lifeless. However, living here for the very short amount of time that I have, has been beautifully quaint, humbling, and simply joyful. I've discovered a childlike happiness within these silent walls; a peaceful delight that's eluded me for the past few years. Lebanese author and poet, Khalil Gibran once wrote that "your house is your larger self," and I believe my home now accurately reflects my interior feelings of being blissfully clear, reposed, stress-free, and almost entirely at peace.

I've greatly enjoyed the humble beginnings of this new chapter in my life. And as a result of not bringing much with me, I've been able to exist solely in this very place at this particular point in time. That freedom has been wonderfully exciting and has allowed me to connect with everything around me. I've enjoyed experiencing the beautiful weather, the warm people, the architecturally stunning city library, as well as the widely known "All Star Special" at the local Waffle House! I am extremely grateful that I can breathe in the air of a completely new place and leave all things that are behind me, exactly where they belong.

If you are holding on to something that you no longer need to hold on to, I encourage you to let go. It may be that very thing that is keeping you from what you really want deep down inside. And when you let go, what comes in its place may be something that you could have never imaged, but is more beautiful than you would have ever envisioned. That is not just a theory it is something I know to be true. And that is because I am experiencing it right now, in sunny Arizona!

 

[Touchdown There]

Two thoughts: 1) This isn't something you'd expect to see from an NFL player. 2) I think this is what Bruce Arians was talking about when he mentioned that Mendenhall was a little different than most NFL players. Probably not most coaches' idea of a RB -- especially not Mike Tomlin's. From the Huffington Post...

I have recently relocated. I packed up all of my belongings, tagged my townhouse with a "For Sale" sign, and have journeyed to the other side of the country, to an entirely new place, completely removed from everything that I am used to, and very different than anywhere that I've ever called home. And honestly, I love it! Currently in my new abode, I don't hold very many possessions. Mainly some pieces of furniture that I've rented, a suitcase full of clothes, a lone set of towels, a toothbrush, a handful of books, a plain set of dishes, and a small wooden globe from Pier One. Not much more than the bare essentials of living. No flat-screen TV, no high-speed Wi-Fi, no pictures, no snacks, not much of anything that would typically occupy an American living space. I understand that with the above description alone, the apartment that I now live in may seem to be very dull, boring, or altogether lifeless. However, living here for the very short amount of time that I have, has been beautifully quaint, humbling, and simply joyful. I've discovered a childlike happiness within these silent walls; a peaceful delight that's eluded me for the past few years. Lebanese author and poet, Khalil Gibran once wrote that "your house is your larger self," and I believe my home now accurately reflects my interior feelings of being blissfully clear, reposed, stress-free, and almost entirely at peace. I've greatly enjoyed the humble beginnings of this new chapter in my life. And as a result of not bringing much with me, I've been able to exist solely in this very place at this particular point in time. That freedom has been wonderfully exciting and has allowed me to connect with everything around me. I've enjoyed experiencing the beautiful weather, the warm people, the architecturally stunning city library, as well as the widely known "All Star Special" at the local Waffle House! I am extremely grateful that I can breathe in the air of a completely new place and leave all things that are behind me, exactly where they belong. If you are holding on to something that you no longer need to hold on to, I encourage you to let go. It may be that very thing that is keeping you from what you really want deep down inside. And when you let go, what comes in its place may be something that you could have never imaged, but is more beautiful than you would have ever envisioned. That is not just a theory it is something I know to be true. And that is because I am experiencing it right now, in sunny Arizona!

Mendenhall has always tried to look scholarly. He should focus on football and less on his own perceived intelligence.Wonderlic: 23

 

[B-Deep]

Two thoughts:

1) This isn't something you'd expect to see from an NFL player.

2) I think this is what Bruce Arians was talking about when he mentioned that Mendenhall was a little different than most NFL players. Probably not most coaches' idea of a RB -- especially not Mike Tomlin's.

From the Huffington Post...

I have recently relocated. I packed up all of my belongings, tagged my townhouse with a "For Sale" sign, and have journeyed to the other side of the country, to an entirely new place, completely removed from everything that I am used to, and very different than anywhere that I've ever called home. And honestly, I love it!

Currently in my new abode, I don't hold very many possessions. Mainly some pieces of furniture that I've rented, a suitcase full of clothes, a lone set of towels, a toothbrush, a handful of books, a plain set of dishes, and a small wooden globe from Pier One. Not much more than the bare essentials of living. No flat-screen TV, no high-speed Wi-Fi, no pictures, no snacks, not much of anything that would typically occupy an American living space.

I understand that with the above description alone, the apartment that I now live in may seem to be very dull, boring, or altogether lifeless. However, living here for the very short amount of time that I have, has been beautifully quaint, humbling, and simply joyful. I've discovered a childlike happiness within these silent walls; a peaceful delight that's eluded me for the past few years. Lebanese author and poet, Khalil Gibran once wrote that "your house is your larger self," and I believe my home now accurately reflects my interior feelings of being blissfully clear, reposed, stress-free, and almost entirely at peace.

I've greatly enjoyed the humble beginnings of this new chapter in my life. And as a result of not bringing much with me, I've been able to exist solely in this very place at this particular point in time. That freedom has been wonderfully exciting and has allowed me to connect with everything around me. I've enjoyed experiencing the beautiful weather, the warm people, the architecturally stunning city library, as well as the widely known "All Star Special" at the local Waffle House! I am extremely grateful that I can breathe in the air of a completely new place and leave all things that are behind me, exactly where they belong.

If you are holding on to something that you no longer need to hold on to, I encourage you to let go. It may be that very thing that is keeping you from what you really want deep down inside. And when you let go, what comes in its place may be something that you could have never imaged, but is more beautiful than you would have ever envisioned. That is not just a theory it is something I know to be true. And that is because I am experiencing it right now, in sunny Arizona!

why would tomlin not want this in a RB?

jesus the dude is just an average RB not some yoda, and this does not gel with the 'tude issues he had in Pitt this season

 

[Touchdown There]

Two thoughts: 1) This isn't something you'd expect to see from an NFL player. 2) I think this is what Bruce Arians was talking about when he mentioned that Mendenhall was a little different than most NFL players. Probably not most coaches' idea of a RB -- especially not Mike Tomlin's. From the Huffington Post...

I have recently relocated. I packed up all of my belongings, tagged my townhouse with a "For Sale" sign, and have journeyed to the other side of the country, to an entirely new place, completely removed from everything that I am used to, and very different than anywhere that I've ever called home. And honestly, I love it! Currently in my new abode, I don't hold very many possessions. Mainly some pieces of furniture that I've rented, a suitcase full of clothes, a lone set of towels, a toothbrush, a handful of books, a plain set of dishes, and a small wooden globe from Pier One. Not much more than the bare essentials of living. No flat-screen TV, no high-speed Wi-Fi, no pictures, no snacks, not much of anything that would typically occupy an American living space. I understand that with the above description alone, the apartment that I now live in may seem to be very dull, boring, or altogether lifeless. However, living here for the very short amount of time that I have, has been beautifully quaint, humbling, and simply joyful. I've discovered a childlike happiness within these silent walls; a peaceful delight that's eluded me for the past few years. Lebanese author and poet, Khalil Gibran once wrote that "your house is your larger self," and I believe my home now accurately reflects my interior feelings of being blissfully clear, reposed, stress-free, and almost entirely at peace. I've greatly enjoyed the humble beginnings of this new chapter in my life. And as a result of not bringing much with me, I've been able to exist solely in this very place at this particular point in time. That freedom has been wonderfully exciting and has allowed me to connect with everything around me. I've enjoyed experiencing the beautiful weather, the warm people, the architecturally stunning city library, as well as the widely known "All Star Special" at the local Waffle House! I am extremely grateful that I can breathe in the air of a completely new place and leave all things that are behind me, exactly where they belong. If you are holding on to something that you no longer need to hold on to, I encourage you to let go. It may be that very thing that is keeping you from what you really want deep down inside. And when you let go, what comes in its place may be something that you could have never imaged, but is more beautiful than you would have ever envisioned. That is not just a theory it is something I know to be true. And that is because I am experiencing it right now, in sunny Arizona!

why would tomlin not want this in a RB? jesus the dude is just an average RB not some yoda, and this does not gel with the 'tude issues he had in Pitt this season

It gels exactly with why Tomlin booted him. Mendenhall does not make team decisions. He worries way more about philosophy than improving his skills as an rb. See my above post.

 

[Concept Coop]

It gels exactly with why Tomlin booted him. Mendenhall does not make team decisions. He worries way more about philosophy than improving his skills as an rb. See my above post.

You don't know this. 23 is above average. And good for him; I wish I had the balls to sell all the #### I don't need, but let tie me down.

 

[treat88]

It gels exactly with why Tomlin booted him. Mendenhall does not make team decisions. He worries way more about philosophy than improving his skills as an rb. See my above post.

You don't know this. 23 is above average. And good for him; I wish I had the balls to sell all the #### I don't need, but let tie me down.

We do know the bolded tho.

That said, I too wish I could eliminate all the material stuff that complicates my life.

 

[Concept Coop]

It gels exactly with why Tomlin booted him. Mendenhall does not make team decisions. He worries way more about philosophy than improving his skills as an rb. See my above post.

You don't know this. 23 is above average. And good for him; I wish I had the balls to sell all the #### I don't need, but let tie me down.

We do know the bolded tho.

That said, I too wish I could eliminate all the material stuff that complicates my life.

I can agree with that. I just don't buy the notion that this article is a negative. I hope it works out for him, and honestly, respect the guy more after reading this. Sounds a bit Ricky Williams like, and crazy or not, I admire it on some level.

 

[treat88]

It gels exactly with why Tomlin booted him. Mendenhall does not make team decisions. He worries way more about philosophy than improving his skills as an rb. See my above post.

You don't know this. 23 is above average. And good for him; I wish I had the balls to sell all the #### I don't need, but let tie me down.

We do know the bolded tho.

That said, I too wish I could eliminate all the material stuff that complicates my life.

I can agree with that. I just don't buy the notion that this article is a negative. I hope it works out for him, and honestly, respect the guy more after reading this. Sounds a bit Ricky Williams like, and crazy or not, I admire it on some level.

Totally agree.

I'm just not sure that his level of introspection really lends itself to a career and, particularly, a position that is so physically punishing. Regardless, I'm rooting for him to have a nice season and hit a big payday in 2014.

 

[BC3]

Why would Arizona trade for Carson Palmer if they didn't think they could make a playoff run? Bruce Arians IMO is one of the best OC's in the game. He didn't have this much talent at WR/RB/TE (collectively) in Indy last year. He was quoted as saying this OL is not as bad as people think. I believe a veteran QB can make a average OL a good one by checking to plays and taking advantage of a defense. don't write this team off.

 

[EBF]

Mendenhall is from a wealthy suburb in Illinois. If you hear him speak, he's more articulate than the average football player. It takes a lot of natural talent to play in the NFL regardless of your work ethic, but I suspect he's in the league because he's 5'10" 220 with 4.41 speed, and not because of any great burning competitive desire to be the best. I think he's actually a bit of an underachiever relative to his talent level. Nevertheless, he's so talented that he can still find his way into a starting role even despite his "issues." Similar to Benson and Lynch in that regard. At the end of the day, if you're one of the 20 most talented backs in the game, you'll probably end up starting somewhere.

 

[squistion]

Why would Arizona trade for Carson Palmer if they didn't think they could make a playoff run? Bruce Arians IMO is one of the best OC's in the game. He didn't have this much talent at WR/RB/TE (collectively) in Indy last year. He was quoted as saying this OL is not as bad as people think. I believe a veteran QB can make a average OL a good one by checking to plays and taking advantage of a defense. don't write this team off.

To sell tickets?

 

[FF Ninja]

Mendenhall is from a wealthy suburb in Illinois. If you hear him speak, he's more articulate than the average football player.

Yeah, he's a sharp one...

“We’ll never know what really happened,” Mendenhall said. “I just have a hard time believing a plane could take a skyscraper down demolition style.”

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/05/02/rashard-mendenhall-raises-eyebrows-with-bin-laden-tweets/

 

[Concept Coop]

Mendenhall is from a wealthy suburb in Illinois. If you hear him speak, he's more articulate than the average football player.

Yeah, he's a sharp one...

>“We’ll never know what really happened,” Mendenhall said. “I just have a hard time believing a plane could take a skyscraper down demolition style.”

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/05/02/rashard-mendenhall-raises-eyebrows-with-bin-laden-tweets/

If we made a list of people with similar conspiracy theory beliefs, there'd be some very smart people on it. I won’t go into it too much, because it’s off topic. But those claiming he’s not a relatively smart guy are wrong about him, in my book.

 

[Touchdown There]

Mendenhall is from a wealthy suburb in Illinois. If you hear him speak, he's more articulate than the average football player.

Yeah, he's a sharp one...

>Well never know what really happened, Mendenhall said. I just have a hard time believing a plane could take a skyscraper down demolition style.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/05/02/rashard-mendenhall-raises-eyebrows-with-bin-laden-tweets/

If we made a list of people with similar conspiracy theory beliefs, there'd be some very smart people on it. I wont go into it too much, because its off topic. But those claiming hes not a relatively smart guy are wrong about him, in my book.

If relatively smart is average then we are on the same page. The issue is that Mendenhall thinks his iq > average. He needs to focus on hitting the holes harder.

 

[menobrown]

Nevertheless, he's so talented that he can still find his way into a starting role even despite his "issues."

While I think he should be the odds on favorite I still think it's premature to conclude that he has in fact found his way into a starting role again..

As for his comments if that's a reason for people to be down on him that's just silly. Sounds like the kind of thing Arian Foster would write and people would praise him for being so thoughtful.

 

[grateful zed]

He needs to focus on hitting the holes harder.

perhaps he is in it for the long run, to benefit himself and the team. lets some other young, less intelligent, rb take the pounding. keep mendy heathy for mop up duties.

 

[T.Rex]

Mendenhall is from a wealthy suburb in Illinois. If you hear him speak, he's more articulate than the average football player.

Yeah, he's a sharp one...

“We’ll never know what really happened,” Mendenhall said. “I just have a hard time believing a plane could take a skyscraper down demolition style.”

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/05/02/rashard-mendenhall-raises-eyebrows-with-bin-laden-tweets/

Mendenhall is from a wealthy suburb in Illinois. If you hear him speak, he's more articulate than the average football player.

Yeah, he's a sharp one...

“We’ll never know what really happened,” Mendenhall said. “I just have a hard time believing a plane could take a skyscraper down demolition style.”

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/05/02/rashard-mendenhall-raises-eyebrows-with-bin-laden-tweets/

Based on what I've seen from you here on FBG, smart money would be hi IQ is much higher then yours.

 

[FF Ninja]

You'd be wrong, but I'm intrigued as to how you came to that conclusion.