Mewelde Moore (1 Viewer)

[prgromek]

with Parker and Mendenhall not looking great and Parker's injury history, is Mewelde Moore a good speculative play right now?

Thoughts?

 

[russel58]

with Parker and Mendenhall not looking great and Parker's injury history, is Mewelde Moore a good speculative play right now?Thoughts?

I think he is worth a flier in a PPR league

 

[ultimatefootballnetwork]

This is an interesting thread, and you can count me among those that think that Moore is a pro-bowl caliber RB who is Brian Westbrook with less breakaway speed but better hips and a better blocker.

Which is why the Steelers situation shocks me. Moore was clearly the best RB in Pittsburgh last season and the offense was awful with Willie Parker. Depending on what happens with Mendenhall, I think the Steelers are a good bet to repeat if they turn Moore into Big Bens Brian Westbrook.

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...&p=10516036

I'm going to put this in every thread about the Steelers RBs so no one misses it. The shark play here is to take Mewelde Moore with a late pick and wait for the inevitable.

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...&p=10767450Edit: If Mewelde Moore is on waivers pick him up or you will regret it.

 

[encaitar]

I always thought the Vikings were stupid to play Michael Bennett and Onterrio Smith over Mewelde. He has tons of talent. I think the problem for most teams is his size, it's hard to believe he can carry a full load.

 

[SSOG]

In before all of the Steelers homers show up and post 3,000 links detailing how Mewelde Moore's role with the team is a 3rd down back.

 

[MCguidance]

In before all of the Steelers homers show up and post 3,000 links detailing how Mewelde Moore's role with the team is a 3rd down back.

I would like to hear your opinion if you had a chance. Or point me in a direction where youve given it. TIA, ssog.

 

[SSOG]

In before all of the Steelers homers show up and post 3,000 links detailing how Mewelde Moore's role with the team is a 3rd down back.

I would like to hear your opinion if you had a chance. Or point me in a direction where youve given it. TIA, ssog.

I love Mewelde Moore. I think he's a great talent and a joy to watch. He's the kind of guy who just makes good things happen when he's on the field. He's a wonderful asset for any team, and one of the best players in the league at his clearly-defined role. He's also possibly the most talented back on the roster in Pittsburgh. I've been a big fan of his ever since his rookie year. As my sig clearly shows, I own him in my dynasty league (in fact, I've owned him continuously since the initial dynasty draft). He really saved my bacon and won me a couple of games last year to get me into the playoffs. I cannot say enough good things about him.All of that said, he's the third down back, and he will remain the third down back unless both Parker and Mendenhall get injured. All he is for my team is last-ditch emergency depth should all else fail. While I'd love to see him becoming the featured back in Pittsburgh (or even get 50% of the pie), I'm not optimistic about the chances of it ever happening.

 

[Mr. Mojo]

In before all of the Steelers homers show up and post 3,000 links detailing how Mewelde Moore's role with the team is a 3rd down back.

I would like to hear your opinion if you had a chance. Or point me in a direction where youve given it. TIA, ssog.

I love Mewelde Moore. I think he's a great talent and a joy to watch. He's the kind of guy who just makes good things happen when he's on the field. He's a wonderful asset for any team, and one of the best players in the league at his clearly-defined role. He's also possibly the most talented back on the roster in Pittsburgh. I've been a big fan of his ever since his rookie year. As my sig clearly shows, I own him in my dynasty league (in fact, I've owned him continuously since the initial dynasty draft). He really saved my bacon and won me a couple of games last year to get me into the playoffs. I cannot say enough good things about him.All of that said, he's the third down back, and he will remain the third down back unless both Parker and Mendenhall get injured. All he is for my team is last-ditch emergency depth should all else fail. While I'd love to see him becoming the featured back in Pittsburgh (or even get 50% of the pie), I'm not optimistic about the chances of it ever happening.

 

[ultimatefootballnetwork]

In before all of the Steelers homers show up and post 3,000 links detailing how Mewelde Moore's role with the team is a 3rd down back.

I would like to hear your opinion if you had a chance. Or point me in a direction where youve given it. TIA, ssog.

I love Mewelde Moore. I think he's a great talent and a joy to watch. He's the kind of guy who just makes good things happen when he's on the field. He's a wonderful asset for any team, and one of the best players in the league at his clearly-defined role. He's also possibly the most talented back on the roster in Pittsburgh. I've been a big fan of his ever since his rookie year. As my sig clearly shows, I own him in my dynasty league (in fact, I've owned him continuously since the initial dynasty draft). He really saved my bacon and won me a couple of games last year to get me into the playoffs. I cannot say enough good things about him.All of that said, he's the third down back, and he will remain the third down back unless both Parker and Mendenhall get injured. All he is for my team is last-ditch emergency depth should all else fail. While I'd love to see him becoming the featured back in Pittsburgh (or even get 50% of the pie), I'm not optimistic about the chances of it ever happening.

I agree completely. Moore will certainly keep his role as 3rd down back. But he will also start playing on 1st and 2nd down. "3rd down back" is a skill set, not a position. Tiki Barber, Brian Westbrook and Leon Washington were all labeled 3rd down backs until they started becoming featured players on their respective offenses.

 

[EBF]

The biggest thing working in Moore's favor is the total ineptitude of Pittsburgh's run blocking. With no running game, the Steelers will be forced to throw more often than they normally would. This favors Moore because he's an excellent receiver. He was prolific in this department at Tulane and he's certainly a better pass catcher than Parker or Mendenhall. Look for him to get a lot of snaps if Pittsburgh becomes a true pass-first offense.

 

[dmac37]

The biggest thing working in Moore's favor is the total ineptitude of Pittsburgh's run blocking. With no running game, the Steelers will be forced to throw more often than they normally would. This favors Moore because he's an excellent receiver. He was prolific in this department at Tulane and he's certainly a better pass catcher than Parker or Mendenhall. Look for him to get a lot of snaps if Pittsburgh becomes a true pass-first offense.

After watching the Thursday night game I was thinking that MeMo could be the Steeler RB to own in PPR. Between the o-line and FWP/Mende running nightmare, I think there is a good chance that the Steelers become a pass heavy offense with MeMo getting the most snaps.Only problem with this is if FWP looked so bad because he is not healthy right now and returns to form in a few weeks.

 

[Jackal King]

When I replace Tomlin as coach...I'm implementing a no huddle offense and Moore becomes my feature back.

 

[ScottyDog]

I just won Mewelde on our Waiver auction. I am going to stash him away for a rainy day. Specifically week 14 at Clevland after Fast Willie gets hurt and Mendenhall dissapoints. By the way, Fast Willie Parker is not that fast anymore. He will just be called Willie Parker here real soon.

 

[az_prof]

I Love Moore too and enjoyed watching him play for my Vikings. But his problem has always been that when he gets a chance to start his body just cannot hold up to the beating. He could be a three down back in terms of talent but he doesn't have the ability to take the pounding. He's best as a COP and third down back.

 

[UnknownCoach]

Well he's the no huddle passing attack back but to answer your question, no he isnt going to start unless at least one of the other two is hurt. Pittsburg strength is still their defense. They arent going to come out at the start of the game and try to speed things up like Buffalo is trying to do. Few opponents are as adept at stuffing the rushing attack as Tennessee is. Pittsburg will get their chance to beat up some teams and run down the clock, and that's not Moore's strength.

 

[SSOG]

I agree completely. Moore will certainly keep his role as 3rd down back. But he will also start playing on 1st and 2nd down. "3rd down back" is a skill set, not a position. Tiki Barber, Brian Westbrook and Leon Washington were all labeled 3rd down backs until they started becoming featured players on their respective offenses.

Actually, "3rd down back" is neither skill set nor position. Pass blocking and pass catching are skill sets. Runningback is a position. "3rd down back" is a *ROLE*. Just because some players have been cast for that role and gone on to demonstrate that they could handle more than just that role doesn't mean that *ALL* players will do so (and you're a little early on that Leon Washington train- he's not a featured player on the Jets yet). You say Tiki Barber. I say Jerious Norwood. Norwood was clearly a very talented back who was performing like gangbusters in a limited role, averaging 6+ yards per carry in back to back seasons. So what did Atlanta do? They spent big bucks to bring in Michael Turner and kept Norwood in his clearly defined role. You say Brian Westbrook. I say Kevin Faulk. Faulk's one of the few guys on the Patriots roster that actually predates Bill Belichick. Since Faulk joined the team, the Patriots have gone through a bushel of RBs, including Antoine Smith, Corey Dillon, Lawrence Maroney, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, and now Fred Taylor. Despite all the churn, Faulk's role has remained exactly the same.So, is Mewelde Moore the next Tiki Barber or Brian Westbrook? Or is he the next Jerious Norwood or Kevin Faulk? In my mind, it's abundantly clear that he's on the latter career path. He's played for three different head coaches now- Mike Tice, Brad Childress, and Mike Tomlin. He's had multiple seasons where he was clearly the best RB on the roster. Despite this, none of these head coaches has even CONSIDERED putting him in the featured role, and what few times he's been thrust into it due to injury, he's returned to his 3rd down role as soon as the other backs returned healthy. Expecting him to suddenly buck five seasons worth of evidence and three coaching staffs' evaluations at this stage of his career seems like folly to me.

 

[ultimatefootballnetwork]

I agree completely. Moore will certainly keep his role as 3rd down back.

But he will also start playing on 1st and 2nd down.

"3rd down back" is a skill set, not a position.

Tiki Barber, Brian Westbrook and Leon Washington were all labeled 3rd down backs until they started becoming featured players on their respective offenses.

Actually, "3rd down back" is neither skill set nor position. Pass blocking and pass catching are skill sets. Runningback is a position. "3rd down back" is a *ROLE*. Just because some players have been cast for that role and gone on to demonstrate that they could handle more than just that role doesn't mean that *ALL* players will do so (and you're a little early on that Leon Washington train- he's not a featured player on the Jets yet). You say Tiki Barber. I say Jerious Norwood. Norwood was clearly a very talented back who was performing like gangbusters in a limited role, averaging 6+ yards per carry in back to back seasons. So what did Atlanta do? They spent big bucks to bring in Michael Turner and kept Norwood in his clearly defined role. You say Brian Westbrook. I say Kevin Faulk. Faulk's one of the few guys on the Patriots roster that actually predates Bill Belichick. Since Faulk joined the team, the Patriots have gone through a bushel of RBs, including Antoine Smith, Corey Dillon, Lawrence Maroney, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, and now Fred Taylor. Despite all the churn, Faulk's role has remained exactly the same.So, is Mewelde Moore the next Tiki Barber or Brian Westbrook? Or is he the next Jerious Norwood or Kevin Faulk? In my mind, it's abundantly clear that he's on the latter career path. He's played for three different head coaches now- Mike Tice, Brad Childress, and Mike Tomlin. He's had multiple seasons where he was clearly the best RB on the roster. Despite this, none of these head coaches has even CONSIDERED putting him in the featured role, and what few times he's been thrust into it due to injury, he's returned to his 3rd down role as soon as the other backs returned healthy. Expecting him to suddenly buck five seasons worth of evidence and three coaching staffs' evaluations at this stage of his career seems like folly to me.

This is a great take, and I agree that the "perception" of Moore (or "well defined role" as you call it) is firmly established. But it's worth looking into the backs you are using as comparisons. Kevin Faulk is a "3rd down back" because he is smart, has good hands and is good in space but never had role in the running game because he was never particularly good at it. Faulk's career rushing average is 4.1 ypc. His 8.7 yards per reception reflect his strength as a receiver.

I'll preface this next point by saying that if I were the Falcons, I'd get Norwood the ball more often, but you insist that Norwood has a "defined role" even though 2008 was only his 3rd season. So how do you reconcile this?

Norwood 2008 (3rd season): 95 carries, 36, receptions, 131 touches, 827 total yards, 6 TDs

Tiki Barber 1999 (3rd season): 62 carries, 66 receptions, 128 touches, 867 total yards, 2 TDs

So who's to say Norwood isn't going to become the next Tiki Barber too?

As for coaches, Mike Tice started Moore as feature back frequently, but Brad Childress simply refused to use Moore. Moore had 44 carries in 2 seasons under Childress who used Ciatrick Fason and Artose Pinner ahead of Moore on his depth chart. He was just an idiot. He's the one who put Moore into the stereotype of "doesn't carry the ball".

Moore's career rushing average is 4.6, good for 8th highest among active RBs and the solid majority of his carries have come as a starter and on 1st down. And Moore's level of productivity with 15+ touches has been established. There's a difference between "productive" and 115+ yards per game and Moore averages pro bowl numbers. At some point, a wise enough coach might think to test a "well-defined role" and see if the 4.6 ypc and 9.0 ypr hold up.

Given that Willie Parker is looking like Shaun Alexander circa 2006 and Mendenall is getting closer to being labeled a significant bust, the point that makes this whole discussion moot is that Moore "the 3rd down back" is still the best option on 1st and 2nd downs. The other guys are crushing the offense by putting the Steelers in 3rd and long.

You can't expect to win with 13 carries for 19 yards. And anyone who thinks it's "just one game" for Willie Parker, Parker had 11 carries for 19 yards in the 2nd half of the Super Bowl and didn't top 50 yards rushing in 5 of his 11 starts in 2008. The guy is finished. Moore will be the guy by default.

 

[EZD222]

I love Mewelde but...I waited and waited and waited for the Vikings to see what I saw and it never came around. I'm just not doing that again.

 

[SSOG]

This is a great take, and I agree that the "perception" of Moore (or "well defined role" as you call it) is firmly established. But it's worth looking into the backs you are using as comparisons.

Kevin Faulk is a "3rd down back" because he is smart, has good hands and is good in space but never had role in the running game because he was never particularly good at it. Faulk's career rushing average is 4.1 ypc. His 8.7 yards per reception reflect his strength as a receiver.

You bash Faulk's effectiveness in the running game and offer up his career YPC, but let's add some context. If you establish a 30-carry minimum, Faulk had the highest ypc of any RB on the team in 2000. He had the highest ypc of any RB on the team in 2001. He had the highest ypc of any RB on the team in 2002. He had the highest ypc of any RB on the team in 2003. He tied for the highest ypc of any RB on the team in 2004. He had the highest ypc of any RB on the team in 2006. He had the highest ypc of any RB on the team in 2008. That's 7 of the last 9 seasons where Faulk has led the team in ypc... and didn't have his role as a runner expanded. He didn't have a role in the running game because that wasn't the best use of his particular skill set, not because he wasn't particularly good at it.

I'll preface this next point by saying that if I were the Falcons, I'd get Norwood the ball more often, but you insist that Norwood has a "defined role" even though 2008 was only his 3rd season. So how do you reconcile this?

Norwood 2008 (3rd season): 95 carries, 36, receptions, 131 touches, 827 total yards, 6 TDs

Tiki Barber 1999 (3rd season): 62 carries, 66 receptions, 128 touches, 867 total yards, 2 TDs

So who's to say Norwood isn't going to become the next Tiki Barber too?

Falcons management.

As for coaches, Mike Tice started Moore as feature back frequently, but Brad Childress simply refused to use Moore. Moore had 44 carries in 2 seasons under Childress who used Ciatrick Fason and Artose Pinner ahead of Moore on his depth chart. He was just an idiot. He's the one who put Moore into the stereotype of "doesn't carry the ball".

Moore's career rushing average is 4.6, good for 8th highest among active RBs and the solid majority of his carries have come as a starter and on 1st down. And Moore's level of productivity with 15+ touches has been established. There's a difference between "productive" and 115+ yards per game and Moore averages pro bowl numbers. At some point, a wise enough coach might think to test a "well-defined role" and see if the 4.6 ypc and 9.0 ypr hold up.

Given that Willie Parker is looking like Shaun Alexander circa 2006 and Mendenall is getting closer to being labeled a significant bust, the point that makes this whole discussion moot is that Moore "the 3rd down back" is still the best option on 1st and 2nd downs. The other guys are crushing the offense by putting the Steelers in 3rd and long.

You can't expect to win with 13 carries for 19 yards. And anyone who thinks it's "just one game" for Willie Parker, Parker had 11 carries for 19 yards in the 2nd half of the Super Bowl and didn't top 50 yards rushing in 5 of his 11 starts in 2008. The guy is finished. Moore will be the guy by default.

Tice only used Moore as a featured back when injuries dictated- if Onterrio Smith, Michael Bennett, and Moe Williams were all down.Also, are you calling Mike Tomlin an unwise coach? You think he doesn't know what he's doing? We've had three different coaches look at Moore and say he can't handle a full workload. You don't think there's anything to that? NFL fans have seen Moore in 71 games, tops. NFL coaches have seen Moore in THOUSANDS of practices. They have measured and weighed and poked and prodded Moore. They've looked at him outside, they've hired their doctors to look at him inside. They've seen him in shorts, in shells, in full pads, in no contact, in full contact. Three different coaching staffs have looked at Mewelde and said "this guy can't handle the full load"... and yet, based on 400 career carries, you're willing to look at Moore and say you know better than them? That's hubris.

This isn't a case where Moore hasn't been given a shot as a featured back. He has. He was the featured back last year because of injuries. He was the featured back in Minnesota (also because of injuries). Everyone and their mother saw him in that expanded role. They saw that his numbers held up very well. The coaches saw him do it live, then taped it and watched the film of him doing it hundreds of times. And after seeing that he still performed very well in a featured role... they took him out of a featured role. This tells me they know something we don't. When three completely different coaching staffs are in such incredible agreement over a player, I'm certainly not going to bet against them.

Don't forget that there are a lot of NFL skills that the casual fantasy fan doesn't concern himself with. For instance, staying healthy is a skill. Carrying a full load is a skill. Stamina is a skill. That's a skill that NFL coaches are very aware of that fantasy players don't give a fig about. A fantasy player looks at a stat line and says "man, if you doubled his attempts, that production would double! Think of how many points he'd score!". An NFL coach looks at a stat line and says "man, if you doubled his attempts, he'd snap in half, or his production would drop through the floor. He'd start getting gassed and blowing blocks in the 4th quarter and getting our franchise QB killed."

There is no "next Tiki Barber". There is only Tiki Barber. Mewelde Moore is not the next Tiki Barber... he's the first Mewelde Moore.

 

[Godsbrother]

In before all of the Steelers homers show up and post 3,000 links detailing how Mewelde Moore's role with the team is a 3rd down back.

Yep, no point listening to people that follow the team closely.How about this:The Steelers offensive line is awesome and their offensive philosphy is the same the now under Bruce Arians as it was under Ken Whisenhunt during the Bettis years. Mewelde Moore has the power of Jim Brown, the hands of LT2 and the moves of Barry Sanders. He is the most complete back in the history of the NFL and the only thing keeping him from gaining 2000 yards and 18 TDs this season is the stupid Steelers coaching staff that have no idea what they're doing and can't see world class talent when it is right in front of their nose.

 

[VaCatFan]

I don't think Moore takes over as lead back unless Parker and Mendenhall both go down to injury. Moore works really well in the role he currently has, 3rd down back, spell the lead back for a breather, and the "two minute" back. If he becomes a starter, he starts to get some dings, but plays through them. I think all the teams/coaches he's been with value him in his current role. He can be a "spot starter" for a couple of games and put up decent numbers, but my personal belief is that he may not be able to handle 20+ carries and 5/6 receptions a game over the course of a 16+ game season and playoffs. I think in a ppr league, he can certainly be a #3 rb as he'll probably get his 4-5 receptions and a combined 60 yards a game.

 

[SSOG]

In before all of the Steelers homers show up and post 3,000 links detailing how Mewelde Moore's role with the team is a 3rd down back.

Yep, no point listening to people that follow the team closely.

I don't know if you thought I was being sarcastic or that I happened to disagree with you and was secretly rolling my eyes at your fervor. That's not the case. I agree with you 100%, I just couldn't provide the links backing up my position since I'm not a Steelers homer, so I was waiting for the guys who really knew the team to show up and provide the evidence.

 

[Maroney=Sped]

I love Mewelde but...I waited and waited and waited for the Vikings to see what I saw and it never came around. I'm just not doing that again.

Look, you've been hurt. I feel you. It's not your fault, chief. :hug:

 

[Chaka]

This is an interesting thread, and you can count me among those that think that Moore is a pro-bowl caliber RB who is Brian Westbrook with less breakaway speed but better hips and a better blocker.

Which is why the Steelers situation shocks me. Moore was clearly the best RB in Pittsburgh last season and the offense was awful with Willie Parker. Depending on what happens with Mendenhall, I think the Steelers are a good bet to repeat if they turn Moore into Big Bens Brian Westbrook.

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...&p=10516036

I'm going to put this in every thread about the Steelers RBs so no one misses it. The shark play here is to take Mewelde Moore with a late pick and wait for the inevitable.

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...&p=10767450Edit: If Mewelde Moore is on waivers pick him up or you will regret it.

You should forward this to Mike Tomlin. I don't think he got the memo.

 

[Maroney=Sped]

You should forward this to Mike Tomlin. I don't think he got the memo.

Don't joke about this stuff. There are some here who might just do that.

 

[Louisville Slugger]

You should forward this to Mike Tomlin. I don't think he got the memo.

Don't joke about this stuff. There are some here who might just do that.

I just read on another site that Willie Parker may be having a hamstring issue. I assume that would explain his poor performance in week one.

 

[Gopher State]

I can see Moore taking over

They said on ESPN that several NFL scouts now call Parker "slow" Willie Parker, and he has lost a good step+ in his speed.

 

[Short Corner]

He's a passing down back on a team that can't run the ball. I don't see how he won't play a more significant role.

 

[mozzy84]

I can see Moore taking over

They said on ESPN that several NFL scouts now call Parker "slow" Willie Parker, and he has lost a good step+ in his speed.

he can't hold up though even if he did. really sounds like alot of people wishful thinking in here, he's a third down back and thats it. parker and mendenhall arnt going anywhere imo.

 

[Chaka]

I can see Moore taking over

They said on ESPN that several NFL scouts now call Parker "slow" Willie Parker, and he has lost a good step+ in his speed.

he can't hold up though even if he did. really sounds like alot of people wishful thinking in here, he's a third down back and thats it. parker and mendenhall arnt going anywhere imo.

How do you know he can't hold up? He had a nice 8 game stretch last year where he averaged over 18 touches per game and performed quite well. We have no idea how well he can hold up.Why speak in absolutes like that?

 

[ultimatefootballnetwork]

I can see Moore taking over

They said on ESPN that several NFL scouts now call Parker "slow" Willie Parker, and he has lost a good step+ in his speed.

he can't hold up though even if he did. really sounds like alot of people wishful thinking in here, he's a third down back and thats it. parker and mendenhall arnt going anywhere imo.

How do you know he can't hold up? He had a nice 8 game stretch last year where he averaged over 18 touches per game and performed quite well. We have no idea how well he can hold up.Why speak in absolutes like that?

It's called the "Not For Long" League yet people are 100% sure that nothing will change.

 

[Mr. Retukes]

Be careful what you wish for, Mewelde fans!! Moore is great in a limited role, but there's just no way he can produce at that level for a long period of time. Either his body will break down (as has happened with most smaller RBs that try to play full time), or defenses will be able to game-plan for his style of play and reduce his effectiveness.

 

[Short Corner]

Be careful what you wish for, Mewelde fans!! Moore is great in a limited role, but there's just no way he can produce at that level for a long period of time. Either his body will break down (as has happened with most smaller RBs that try to play full time), or defenses will be able to game-plan for his style of play and reduce his effectiveness.

Right, and these are the only two possible outcomes.

 

[sterjs]

Be careful what you wish for, Mewelde fans!! Moore is great in a limited role, but there's just no way he can produce at that level for a long period of time. Either his body will break down (as has happened with most smaller RBs that try to play full time), or defenses will be able to game-plan for his style of play and reduce his effectiveness.

It wouldn't be the first time an undersized career 3rd down back emerged to become a starter and effective fantasy RB. Charlie Garner, Tiki Barber, Brian Westbrook...It's unlikely, but his upside is >0.

 

[Godsbrother]

In before all of the Steelers homers show up and post 3,000 links detailing how Mewelde Moore's role with the team is a 3rd down back.

Yep, no point listening to people that follow the team closely.

I don't know if you thought I was being sarcastic or that I happened to disagree with you and was secretly rolling my eyes at your fervor. That's not the case. I agree with you 100%, I just couldn't provide the links backing up my position since I'm not a Steelers homer, so I was waiting for the guys who really knew the team to show up and provide the evidence.

Sorry, I guess I did take you post wrong. There have been a lot of threads lately about Moore possibly taking over as the starter and pretty much all of us that follow the Steelers closely don't there is much of a chance in that happening any time soon.The reasons are as follows:1) Tomlin loves Parker. That isn't going to change just because he is off to a slow start. Parker only had a few carries in the 1st preseason game and some of the tentativeness he showed last Thursday could be due to rust.2) If Parker continues to struggle over the course of the season then he probably will begin to lose carries. However Rashard Mendenhall is likely to be the main beneficiary in that case. They need to see what they have in Mendenhall and the Steelers already showed last year that if Parker goes down, Mendenhall is next in line.3) None of the Steelers RBs were effective on the ground last week. Parker and Mendenhall both averaged 1.5 ypc, Moore 1.6 ypc. The problems with the Steelers ground game last week were many and go much deeper than just the RBs.4) The Steelers love Moore on passing downs and the no-huddle offense. This is the role they envisioned when they signed him and they don't have anyone else on the roster that is as good at it as Moore. They also don't believe that he (or any other back) will be as effective if he is carrying the full load. I have been wrong before and I'll be there again but I think this sums up the situation right now.

 

[tim_whatley]

I don't know if you thought I was being sarcastic or that I happened to disagree with you and was secretly rolling my eyes at your fervor.

I often roll my eyes at fervor, but not secretly.

 

[Godsbrother]

I don't know if you thought I was being sarcastic or that I happened to disagree with you and was secretly rolling my eyes at your fervor.

I often roll my eyes at fervor, but not secretly.

You need to roll your eyes secretly.

 

[Short Corner]

In before all of the Steelers homers show up and post 3,000 links detailing how Mewelde Moore's role with the team is a 3rd down back.

Yep, no point listening to people that follow the team closely.

I don't know if you thought I was being sarcastic or that I happened to disagree with you and was secretly rolling my eyes at your fervor. That's not the case. I agree with you 100%, I just couldn't provide the links backing up my position since I'm not a Steelers homer, so I was waiting for the guys who really knew the team to show up and provide the evidence.

3) None of the Steelers RBs were effective on the ground last week. Parker and Mendenhall both averaged 1.5 ypc, Moore 1.6 ypc. The problems with the Steelers ground game last week were many and go much deeper than just the RBs.4) The Steelers love Moore on passing downs and the no-huddle offense. This is the role they envisioned when they signed him and they don't have anyone else on the roster that is as good at it as Moore. They also don't believe that he (or any other back) will be as effective if he is carrying the full load. I have been wrong before and I'll be there again but I think this sums up the situation right now.

This. Memo is their passing down back. If they continue to have a 65/35 split Moore is the back to have in Pitt. In a PPR it's not even close.

 

[HF21]

In before all of the Steelers homers show up and post 3,000 links detailing how Mewelde Moore's role with the team is a 3rd down back.

Yep, no point listening to people that follow the team closely.

I don't know if you thought I was being sarcastic or that I happened to disagree with you and was secretly rolling my eyes at your fervor. That's not the case. I agree with you 100%, I just couldn't provide the links backing up my position since I'm not a Steelers homer, so I was waiting for the guys who really knew the team to show up and provide the evidence.

Sorry, I guess I did take you post wrong. There have been a lot of threads lately about Moore possibly taking over as the starter and pretty much all of us that follow the Steelers closely don't there is much of a chance in that happening any time soon.The reasons are as follows:

1) Tomlin loves Parker. That isn't going to change just because he is off to a slow start. Parker only had a few carries in the 1st preseason game and some of the tentativeness he showed last Thursday could be due to rust.

2) If Parker continues to struggle over the course of the season then he probably will begin to lose carries. However Rashard Mendenhall is likely to be the main beneficiary in that case. They need to see what they have in Mendenhall and the Steelers already showed last year that if Parker goes down, Mendenhall is next in line.

3) None of the Steelers RBs were effective on the ground last week. Parker and Mendenhall both averaged 1.5 ypc, Moore 1.6 ypc. The problems with the Steelers ground game last week were many and go much deeper than just the RBs.

4) The Steelers love Moore on passing downs and the no-huddle offense. This is the role they envisioned when they signed him and they don't have anyone else on the roster that is as good at it as Moore. They also don't believe that he (or any other back) will be as effective if he is carrying the full load.

I have been wrong before and I'll be there again but I think this sums up the situation right now.

From Rotoworld:Steelers coordinator Bruce Arians expects Ben Roethlisberger to use the no-huddle offense more this season than he ever has.

"That package has tripled in size now, and it's damn near the whole offense," Arians said. "It's evolved to where he can almost use 80 percent of the playbook in it and he's gotten very proficient at it." Big Ben is one of the best no-huddle quarterbacks in the game. With a failing running game, we expect a marked increase in pass attempts this year.

In PPR MeMo could still produce even if Parker is the starter. I wouldn't expect the world from him, but he could be a be a high-floor/low-ceiling type of RB.

 

[Sheriff66]

In before all of the Steelers homers show up and post 3,000 links detailing how Mewelde Moore's role with the team is a 3rd down back.

Yep, no point listening to people that follow the team closely.

I don't know if you thought I was being sarcastic or that I happened to disagree with you and was secretly rolling my eyes at your fervor. That's not the case. I agree with you 100%, I just couldn't provide the links backing up my position since I'm not a Steelers homer, so I was waiting for the guys who really knew the team to show up and provide the evidence.

Sorry, I guess I did take you post wrong. There have been a lot of threads lately about Moore possibly taking over as the starter and pretty much all of us that follow the Steelers closely don't there is much of a chance in that happening any time soon.The reasons are as follows:

1) Tomlin loves Parker. That isn't going to change just because he is off to a slow start. Parker only had a few carries in the 1st preseason game and some of the tentativeness he showed last Thursday could be due to rust.

2) If Parker continues to struggle over the course of the season then he probably will begin to lose carries. However Rashard Mendenhall is likely to be the main beneficiary in that case. They need to see what they have in Mendenhall and the Steelers already showed last year that if Parker goes down, Mendenhall is next in line.

3) None of the Steelers RBs were effective on the ground last week. Parker and Mendenhall both averaged 1.5 ypc, Moore 1.6 ypc. The problems with the Steelers ground game last week were many and go much deeper than just the RBs.

4) The Steelers love Moore on passing downs and the no-huddle offense. This is the role they envisioned when they signed him and they don't have anyone else on the roster that is as good at it as Moore. They also don't believe that he (or any other back) will be as effective if he is carrying the full load.

I have been wrong before and I'll be there again but I think this sums up the situation right now.

I would agree with everything above but one thing to remember, if Mendenhall does start taking carries away from Parker, he could see some 3rd down duty as well, he is supposed to have pretty good hands catching the ball.

 

[Chaka]

Be careful what you wish for, Mewelde fans!! Moore is great in a limited role, but there's just no way he can produce at that level for a long period of time. Either his body will break down (as has happened with most smaller RBs that try to play full time), or defenses will be able to game-plan for his style of play and reduce his effectiveness.

This statement has very little basis in reality. Plenty of small backs produce for long periods of time and there is more evidence to suggest they hold up better than the big boys (e.g. Brandon Jacobs, Steven Jackson types).MeMo produced at a high level for an 8 game stretch last year. There is no evidence that he couldn't continue to produce if called upon. Which is the operative phrase here, will he be called upon?

 

[Louisville Slugger]

Be careful what you wish for, Mewelde fans!! Moore is great in a limited role, but there's just no way he can produce at that level for a long period of time. Either his body will break down (as has happened with most smaller RBs that try to play full time), or defenses will be able to game-plan for his style of play and reduce his effectiveness.

This statement has very little basis in reality. Plenty of small backs produce for long periods of time and there is more evidence to suggest they hold up better than the big boys (e.g. Brandon Jacobs, Steven Jackson types).MeMo produced at a high level for an 8 game stretch last year. There is no evidence that he couldn't continue to produce if called upon. Which is the operative phrase here, will he be called upon?

In my humble opinion M.Moore is the best rb on the Steelers right now. Parker has lost a step and Mendenhall has yet to have a good moment in the pros.

 

[Chaka]

Be careful what you wish for, Mewelde fans!! Moore is great in a limited role, but there's just no way he can produce at that level for a long period of time. Either his body will break down (as has happened with most smaller RBs that try to play full time), or defenses will be able to game-plan for his style of play and reduce his effectiveness.

This statement has very little basis in reality. Plenty of small backs produce for long periods of time and there is more evidence to suggest they hold up better than the big boys (e.g. Brandon Jacobs, Steven Jackson types).MeMo produced at a high level for an 8 game stretch last year. There is no evidence that he couldn't continue to produce if called upon. Which is the operative phrase here, will he be called upon?

In my humble opinion M.Moore is the best rb on the Steelers right now. Parker has lost a step and Mendenhall has yet to have a good moment in the pros.

I think a lot of people believe that. I agree that he is probably an upgrade over FWP, the jury is still out on Mendenhall.Ever since MeMo was in Minny he seemed to always produce when given the opportunity and many people on the outside have never understood why he never got a shot at an expanded role. Clearly there is something that coaches see that makes them hesitant to give him a larger role. Lots of theories as to why but no actual facts to support them.

 

[mozzy84]

I can see Moore taking over

They said on ESPN that several NFL scouts now call Parker "slow" Willie Parker, and he has lost a good step+ in his speed.

he can't hold up though even if he did. really sounds like alot of people wishful thinking in here, he's a third down back and thats it. parker and mendenhall arnt going anywhere imo.

How do you know he can't hold up? He had a nice 8 game stretch last year where he averaged over 18 touches per game and performed quite well. We have no idea how well he can hold up.Why speak in absolutes like that?

he could never hold up in minnesota and he hardly even got the ball, and he never played through injuries and thats why he never got the ball up here. That and he was hurt pretty much all of last august during training camp. You're right I have no idea if he can hold up but I am basing my comment that he can't on those factors. I just dont see him putting parker to the bench without a parker injury and I dont own any of these guys.

 

[Chaka]

I can see Moore taking over

They said on ESPN that several NFL scouts now call Parker "slow" Willie Parker, and he has lost a good step+ in his speed.

he can't hold up though even if he did. really sounds like alot of people wishful thinking in here, he's a third down back and thats it. parker and mendenhall arnt going anywhere imo.

How do you know he can't hold up? He had a nice 8 game stretch last year where he averaged over 18 touches per game and performed quite well. We have no idea how well he can hold up.Why speak in absolutes like that?

he could never hold up in minnesota and he hardly even got the ball, and he never played through injuries and thats why he never got the ball up here. That and he was hurt pretty much all of last august during training camp. You're right I have no idea if he can hold up but I am basing my comment that he can't on those factors. I just dont see him putting parker to the bench without a parker injury and I dont own any of these guys.

I accept that, I remember an ankle kept him out of action for awhile during the Onterrio Smith era up in Minny.Then again considering that FWP does not seem like a pillar of durability there is a possibility MeMo will see significantly increased action during the 2009 campaign. And as I mentioned he performed quite well in an 8 game stretch last year.

 

[ultimatefootballnetwork]

he could never hold up in minnesota and he hardly even got the ball, and he never played through injuries and thats why he never got the ball up here. That and he was hurt pretty much all of last august during training camp. You're right I have no idea if he can hold up but I am basing my comment that he can't on those factors. I just dont see him putting parker to the bench without a parker injury and I dont own any of these guys.

This is the wild thing with Moore, while there are no answers as to why he's never gotten a shot at a larger role, there is also some wild inaccurate misconceptions out there as well. Moore is often labeled injury-prone, but he hasn't missed a game to injury since late in the 2004 season and he's had a lot of all-purpose yards since then. As for what happened in training camp...he missed less time than Willie Parker and I think we all know that training camp is a good time to rest veteran RBs who have a secure place on a roster. There's not much to read into that.

The fact is, Moore has been very durable over his career.

 

[Louisville Slugger]

he could never hold up in minnesota and he hardly even got the ball, and he never played through injuries and thats why he never got the ball up here. That and he was hurt pretty much all of last august during training camp. You're right I have no idea if he can hold up but I am basing my comment that he can't on those factors. I just dont see him putting parker to the bench without a parker injury and I dont own any of these guys.

This is the wild thing with Moore, while there are no answers as to why he's never gotten a shot at a larger role, there is also some wild inaccurate misconceptions out there as well. Moore is often labeled injury-prone, but he hasn't missed a game to injury since late in the 2004 season and he's had a lot of all-purpose yards since then. As for what happened in training camp...he missed less time than Willie Parker and I think we all know that training camp is a good time to rest veteran RBs who have a secure place on a roster. There's not much to read into that.

The fact is, Moore has been very durable over his career.

Moore is worth a roster spot at this point. It is not out of the relm of possibility that Moore takes the majority of carries at some point in the near future.Parker simply cannot stay healthy. In this offense he should be able to produce far more than what he has over the last couple of years. For all the Mendenhall hype the guy hasn't done ANYTHING to prove that he is going to have any value.

M.Moore on the other hand has produced every single time he has touched the ball.

 

[qimqam]

You bash Faulk's effectiveness in the running game and offer up his career YPC, but let's add some context. If you establish a 30-carry minimum, Faulk had the highest ypc of any RB on the team in 2000. He had the highest ypc of any RB on the team in 2001. He had the highest ypc of any RB on the team in 2002. He had the highest ypc of any RB on the team in 2003. He tied for the highest ypc of any RB on the team in 2004. He had the highest ypc of any RB on the team in 2006. He had the highest ypc of any RB on the team in 2008. That's 7 of the last 9 seasons where Faulk has led the team in ypc... and didn't have his role as a runner expanded. He didn't have a role in the running game because that wasn't the best use of his particular skill set, not because he wasn't particularly good at it.

It's called the 3rd and 20 draw ... it does wonders for your rushing average

 

[treat88]

It's called the 3rd and 20 draw ... it does wonders for your rushing average

Faulk is a great player, it's a compliment for Moore to be compared to him.

 

[qimqam]

I can see Moore taking over

They said on ESPN that several NFL scouts now call Parker "slow" Willie Parker, and he has lost a good step+ in his speed.

he can't hold up though even if he did. really sounds like alot of people wishful thinking in here, he's a third down back and thats it. parker and mendenhall arnt going anywhere imo.

Didn't Mendenhall crush his shoulder the first time he touched the ball? Hasn't Parker been banged up for the past year or so and missed quite a few games?