Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers (1 Viewer)

[sgtrobo]

Mendy wasn't used in short yardage situations

Hines Ward also hasn't seen many targets and James Harrison hasn't done any backs-on-backers drills

Guys, there's a reason Mendy isn't getting a lot of action in the pre-season, and it's the same reason that Ward and Harrison haven't.

Sean Kugler is the new OL coach and he is a power rushing OL coach. Tunch Ilkin and Craig Wolfley (former Steelers OLmen) have a show and do some writing for the Steelers during training camp and they have been singing the new OL coach's praises. Note that Colon being mentioned as even "average" is laughable. He was usually terrible, sometimes mediocre. Flozell has already shown more in training camp than Colon showed after 3 consecutive years in the exact same position. Also, Trai Essex and Justin Hartwig were the 2 worst at their positions among starters last season and at least 1, if not both, will be replaced by younger, stronger, more athletic guys.

additionally, the Steelers have run a ton of 9-on-7 drills. They are pure rushing drills. i.e. there is ZERO chance of passing. Last season, James Farrior mentioned that perhaps they ran it "once or twice" during all of training camp, whereas they've run the drill 5-10 times each day in the last week.

Art Rooney II said "we need to run better"

so the Steelers spent a 1st rounder on a C, got a new OL coach who doesn't suck, and snatched up a far superior run blocker for the RT position while grooming a new OC/OG combo (Legursky and Ramon Foster)

290 carries, 4.3 YPC, 1250 yards rushing

40 receptions, 300 yards receiving

10 TDs

 

[gpthatsme]

Mendy wasn't used in short yardage situationsHines Ward also hasn't seen many targets and James Harrison hasn't done any backs-on-backers drillsGuys, there's a reason Mendy isn't getting a lot of action in the pre-season, and it's the same reason that Ward and Harrison haven't.Sean Kugler is the new OL coach and he is a power rushing OL coach. Tunch Ilkin and Craig Wolfley (former Steelers OLmen) have a show and do some writing for the Steelers during training camp and they have been singing the new OL coach's praises. Note that Colon being mentioned as even "average" is laughable. He was usually terrible, sometimes mediocre. Flozell has already shown more in training camp than Colon showed after 3 consecutive years in the exact same position. Also, Trai Essex and Justin Hartwig were the 2 worst at their positions among starters last season and at least 1, if not both, will be replaced by younger, stronger, more athletic guys.additionally, the Steelers have run a ton of 9-on-7 drills. They are pure rushing drills. i.e. there is ZERO chance of passing. Last season, James Farrior mentioned that perhaps they ran it "once or twice" during all of training camp, whereas they've run the drill 5-10 times each day in the last week.Art Rooney II said "we need to run better"so the Steelers spent a 1st rounder on a C, got a new OL coach who doesn't suck, and snatched up a far superior run blocker for the RT position while grooming a new OC/OG combo (Legursky and Ramon Foster)290 carries, 4.3 YPC, 1250 yards rushing40 receptions, 300 yards receiving10 TDs

Nice insight...

 

[zoonation]

I think Mendy is the safest RB choice outside of the big 4 and has a good shot to join that group if he stays healthy.

1300-11

350-3

 

[WFR]

I think Mendy is the safest RB choice outside of the big 4 and has a good shot to join that group if he stays healthy.1300-11350-3

I would be very satisfied with those numbers!THink the TD total may be high by a couple.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Mendy wasn't used in short yardage situations

Nice post, but this part isn't accurate. He was the short yardage back.Mendenhall 28Willie Parker 12Mewelde Moore 7Stefan Logan 1Mendenhall had more than half the Steelers' total rushes in 2009 when the team faced one or two yards to go (any down) and was the only Steeler RB to score a TD from inside the three (he had four).

 

[treat88]

If the kid doesn't learn to protect the ball he's not going to sniff 290 carries, and if he doesn't drop the spin move on contact he's going to get another broken shoulder or worse.

He's a good player with all the job security in the world, but between his running style issues, Pitt's OL, and Bruce Arians I think those banking on him as a safe commodity are in for a let down.

Tomlin's stated intention is to build a offense similar to what the Colts run and the has followed through and acquired weapons to match that.

I have Mendenhall and Addai ranked very closely together in redrafts.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Three fumbles in 288 career touches is good, not bad. Don't care what he does in practice.

 

[treat88]

Three fumbles in 288 career touches is good, not bad. Don't care what he does in practice.

True. Not sure past performance is indicative of the future in this case.Kid carries the ball about as loosely as any back I have ever seen.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Three fumbles in 288 career touches is good, not bad. Don't care what he does in practice.

True. Not sure past performance is indicative of the future in this case.Kid carries the ball about as loosely as any back I have ever seen.

Agree, he looks kinda sloppy - especially with that spin move. Don't recall where I read it, but the RB coach (IIRC) said Mendy was working on finishing runs with power and doing well. Presumable those aren't spins, so maybe he's working on it?

 

[Rovers]

FF is a stats based hobby. For the most part, I like most use historical data, stats, trends etc to evaluate players. Then comes "gut feel". Gut feel is a combination of everything I've ever read, percieved team chemistry, eyeball testing some players, and a myriad of other hard to define impressioins that lead to a stats/gut feel combination of how to rank any given player. I tend to go by gut feel much more than other FF owners, especially when I look at site rankings that I feel rely to heavilly on "metircs, sample sizes" and other stuff that leaves me sometimes more confused than I was in the first place.

I will not be drafting Mendenhall in any league, period. No continuity on the O line, a stand in QB for 4 to 6 games that will likely see a stacked box during that time, and a lame duck QB that will be replaced by a QB that has been the target of negative comments from team mates. Mendenhall doesn't pass my eyeball test either. I see this team as a crash and burn... of course I could be wrong, but it's my gut feel. This is a team that has lost it's identity, excepting for the defense. I've been wrong before...

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Buy.

=Marshall Faulk rushed for 1,319 yards and caught 86 passes in 1998.

Edgerrin James followed that the next two years in Indianapolis by averaging 1,631 yards on the ground and scoring a total of 35 touchdowns.

Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians had an up-close look at both of those running backs during his brief time on the Colts' coaching staff a decade ago. He gets flashbacks when he sees Rashard Mendenhall.

"He is a good combination of both those guys," Arians said. "He has that kind of skill set. There is no doubt he can do what those two did."

It's an understatement that the Steelers have high hopes for Mendenhall in his third year. Despite his rookie year being limited to 19 carries and his second year marred with a benching because of a lack of attention to detail, Mendenhall is the player the Steelers are relying on in the running game.

They decided not to re-sign Willie Parker in the offseason and didn't bring in veteran running backs to compete with Mendenhall.

There was a reason for that.

The Steelers expect Mendenhall to do everything this year, meaning he will rarely come off the field.

"My goal is staying out there until I can't," Mendenhall said. "That's my role."

In this era of the running back by committee, the Steelers are looking in a different direction when it comes to Mendenhall.

"He is such an explosive player that you just don't take those guys off the field," Arians said.

Arians plans to use Mendenhall much more than the 242 carries and 1,108 yards he totaled last year. He expects to utilize Mendenhall more out of the backfield as a receiver as well. Mendenhall caught 25 passes a season ago and found the end zone eight times.

Mendenhall is expected to be the third-down back, the goal-line back and possibly the short-yardage guy, too.

"There are not a lot of those types of players in the NFL that can play in every situation," running backs coach Kirby Wilson said. "He is capable physically and athletically to play in all those areas."

That's not something that happens much anymore in the NFL. Franchises are trying to protect their star running back. Atlanta plans on cutting Michael Turner's workload this year to preserve his durability.

"That is something we don't worry about here," Wilson said. "The best guy is going to play, whether it is one guy, two guys, three guys or four guys. You always want your best players out there at all times."

Other teams simply don't have a single back they can feature the way the Steelers plan to do with Mendenhall.

"You have one guy who can run, but he can't catch," Arians said. "He is a good runner, but we need a receiver on third down. Look at Philadelphia. You don't see LeSean McCoy pass block too much."

One of the things that attracted the Steelers to Mendenhall and one of the reasons they choose him in the first round of the 2008 draft was how he became a complete running back during his junior year at Illinois.

He rushed for 1,681 yards and caught 34 passes while scoring 19 touchdowns for the Illini.

"I think it's because I can do everything well," Mendenhall said. "I did it in college, so I believe they have confidence in me doing all those things."

Mendenhall showed flashes during one of the Steelers' final training camp practices. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger hit Mendenhall out of the backfield on a swing pass, and he outran the speedy Lawrence Timmons to the end zone for a 20-yard touchdown.

"If we can get him out in space," Roethlisberger said, "we think he can be special."

 

[Grahamburn]

If the kid doesn't learn to protect the ball he's not going to sniff 290 carries, and if he doesn't drop the spin move on contact he's going to get another broken shoulder or worse.

He's a good player with all the job security in the world, but between his running style issues, Pitt's OL, and Bruce Arians I think those banking on him as a safe commodity are in for a let down.

Tomlin's stated intention is to build a offense similar to what the Colts run and the has followed through and acquired weapons to match that.

I have Mendenhall and Addai ranked very closely together in redrafts.

 

[Grahamburn]

Buy.

=Marshall Faulk rushed for 1,319 yards and caught 86 passes in 1998.

Edgerrin James followed that the next two years in Indianapolis by averaging 1,631 yards on the ground and scoring a total of 35 touchdowns.

Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians had an up-close look at both of those running backs during his brief time on the Colts' coaching staff a decade ago. He gets flashbacks when he sees Rashard Mendenhall.

"He is a good combination of both those guys," Arians said. "He has that kind of skill set. There is no doubt he can do what those two did."

It's an understatement that the Steelers have high hopes for Mendenhall in his third year. Despite his rookie year being limited to 19 carries and his second year marred with a benching because of a lack of attention to detail, Mendenhall is the player the Steelers are relying on in the running game.

They decided not to re-sign Willie Parker in the offseason and didn't bring in veteran running backs to compete with Mendenhall.

There was a reason for that.

The Steelers expect Mendenhall to do everything this year, meaning he will rarely come off the field.

"My goal is staying out there until I can't," Mendenhall said. "That's my role."

In this era of the running back by committee, the Steelers are looking in a different direction when it comes to Mendenhall.

"He is such an explosive player that you just don't take those guys off the field," Arians said.

Arians plans to use Mendenhall much more than the 242 carries and 1,108 yards he totaled last year. He expects to utilize Mendenhall more out of the backfield as a receiver as well. Mendenhall caught 25 passes a season ago and found the end zone eight times.

Mendenhall is expected to be the third-down back, the goal-line back and possibly the short-yardage guy, too.

"There are not a lot of those types of players in the NFL that can play in every situation," running backs coach Kirby Wilson said. "He is capable physically and athletically to play in all those areas."

That's not something that happens much anymore in the NFL. Franchises are trying to protect their star running back. Atlanta plans on cutting Michael Turner's workload this year to preserve his durability.

"That is something we don't worry about here," Wilson said. "The best guy is going to play, whether it is one guy, two guys, three guys or four guys. You always want your best players out there at all times."

Other teams simply don't have a single back they can feature the way the Steelers plan to do with Mendenhall.

"You have one guy who can run, but he can't catch," Arians said. "He is a good runner, but we need a receiver on third down. Look at Philadelphia. You don't see LeSean McCoy pass block too much."

One of the things that attracted the Steelers to Mendenhall and one of the reasons they choose him in the first round of the 2008 draft was how he became a complete running back during his junior year at Illinois.

He rushed for 1,681 yards and caught 34 passes while scoring 19 touchdowns for the Illini.

"I think it's because I can do everything well," Mendenhall said. "I did it in college, so I believe they have confidence in me doing all those things."

Mendenhall showed flashes during one of the Steelers' final training camp practices. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger hit Mendenhall out of the backfield on a swing pass, and he outran the speedy Lawrence Timmons to the end zone for a 20-yard touchdown.

"If we can get him out in space," Roethlisberger said, "we think he can be special."

The Colts and Rams had a little bit better of a surrounding cast when Faulk and Edge were having monster seasons. The Steelers don't quite have the same pieces in place. Pittsburgh is going to have alot of three and outs to start their year. I realize that Mendenhall is in line for a boatload of touches, but I don't think they'll be highly productive touches, especially early in the season. I'll probably look to acquire Mendenhall after week 3 or 4 when the owner who drafted him is trying to salvage their season.

 

[The Dynasty]

How far is Mendenhall falling with his and the Steelers' OL struggling in preseason?

 

[Godsbrother]

How far is Mendenhall falling with his and the Steelers' OL struggling in preseason?

I know it is only preseason but the Steelers o-line played much better this week. The Giants front 7 is much better than the Lions so maybe they are improving. They gave pretty good pass protection for the most part and the run blocking was pretty good too though they did allow three carries that went for big negative yardage (-7, -7 and a -13 on a failed reverse). Still, they looked much better than preseason week 1. Take it for what it is worth...

 

[JohnnyU]

How far is Mendenhall falling with his and the Steelers' OL struggling in preseason?

None, if anything he's rising. No worries about RBBC in Pittsburgh. How many teams can you say that about?

 

[treat88]

If the kid doesn't learn to protect the ball he's not going to sniff 290 carries, and if he doesn't drop the spin move on contact he's going to get another broken shoulder or worse.

He's a good player with all the job security in the world, but between his running style issues, Pitt's OL, and Bruce Arians I think those banking on him as a safe commodity are in for a let down.

Tomlin's stated intention is to build a offense similar to what the Colts run and the has followed through and acquired weapons to match that.

I have Mendenhall and Addai ranked very closely together in redrafts.

You are confused why?

 

[Grahamburn]

If the kid doesn't learn to protect the ball he's not going to sniff 290 carries, and if he doesn't drop the spin move on contact he's going to get another broken shoulder or worse.

He's a good player with all the job security in the world, but between his running style issues, Pitt's OL, and Bruce Arians I think those banking on him as a safe commodity are in for a let down.

Tomlin's stated intention is to build a offense similar to what the Colts run and the has followed through and acquired weapons to match that.

I have Mendenhall and Addai ranked very closely together in redrafts.

You are confused why?

I guess I'm unsure about the weapons the Steelers have acquired that would match the Colts.Mendenhall has 13 carries for 13 yards so far in the preseason.

 

[treat88]

If the kid doesn't learn to protect the ball he's not going to sniff 290 carries, and if he doesn't drop the spin move on contact he's going to get another broken shoulder or worse.

He's a good player with all the job security in the world, but between his running style issues, Pitt's OL, and Bruce Arians I think those banking on him as a safe commodity are in for a let down.

Tomlin's stated intention is to build a offense similar to what the Colts run and the has followed through and acquired weapons to match that.

I have Mendenhall and Addai ranked very closely together in redrafts.

You are confused why?

I guess I'm unsure about the weapons the Steelers have acquired that would match the Colts.Mendenhall has 13 carries for 13 yards so far in the preseason.

Gotcha and that's fair to question.Losing Holmes really changed that dynamic. He was their Reggie Wayne now...there isn't one.

But, the offensive gameplan is intended to emulate what the Colts/Pats have done. Pass to set up the run. Nothing they have done gives any indication that will change.

I think Mendy will be used far more like Addai has been, for the good or bad FF wise, than as many expect him to be used.

 

[Rick James]

How far is Mendenhall falling with his and the Steelers' OL struggling in preseason?

Got Mendenhall at 2.07 in a 12-team non PPR league this weekend. Couldn't be more pleased.

 

[LTF]

I actually think the Steelers will be a better run blocking unit up front this year. Actually having a true anchor in Maurkice Pouncey (who has been quite impressive so far, a rare rookie starter for the Steelers) at center for the first time since '06 (replacing Hartwig, who was pretty awful last season) already looks to have made a big difference in their interior running from what I've seen. Colon was an undersized tackle who worked hard out there, but I think Flozell is more of a force on the ground. He looked pretty dominant on the right side against the Broncos last week with the first team... when he locks onto you it's pretty much over. If they can set the edges with Starks and Adams, and now have a guy at center who can actually win one on one match ups with d tackles and can also get to the next level to seal off linebackers, I think they can be pretty stout up front on the ground. If he stays healthy, I don't see any reason why Mendenhall won't have a big year with them.

 

[Grahamburn]

I actually think the Steelers will be a better run blocking unit up front this year. Actually having a true anchor in Maurkice Pouncey (who has been quite impressive so far, a rare rookie starter for the Steelers) at center for the first time since '06 (replacing Hartwig, who was pretty awful last season) already looks to have made a big difference in their interior running from what I've seen. Colon was an undersized tackle who worked hard out there, but I think Flozell is more of a force on the ground. He looked pretty dominant on the right side against the Broncos last week with the first team... when he locks onto you it's pretty much over. If they can set the edges with Starks and Adams, and now have a guy at center who can actually win one on one match ups with d tackles and can also get to the next level to seal off linebackers, I think they can be pretty stout up front on the ground. If he stays healthy, I don't see any reason why Mendenhall won't have a big year with them.

What offensive line are you watching?18 carries for 41 yards this preseason against vanilla defenses. 28 of which came against a run defense most people expect to be really poor. He had 13 carries for 13 yards before the Denver game.Pittsburgh's offense is going to be one dimensional, and awful, until Roethlisberger gets back, at which time they'll be mediocre at best.I don't expect a "big year" from Mendenhall in the least.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

I actually think the Steelers will be a better run blocking unit up front this year. Actually having a true anchor in Maurkice Pouncey (who has been quite impressive so far, a rare rookie starter for the Steelers) at center for the first time since '06 (replacing Hartwig, who was pretty awful last season) already looks to have made a big difference in their interior running from what I've seen. Colon was an undersized tackle who worked hard out there, but I think Flozell is more of a force on the ground. He looked pretty dominant on the right side against the Broncos last week with the first team... when he locks onto you it's pretty much over. If they can set the edges with Starks and Adams, and now have a guy at center who can actually win one on one match ups with d tackles and can also get to the next level to seal off linebackers, I think they can be pretty stout up front on the ground. If he stays healthy, I don't see any reason why Mendenhall won't have a big year with them.

What offensive line are you watching?18 carries for 41 yards this preseason against vanilla defenses. 28 of which came against a run defense most people expect to be really poor. He had 13 carries for 13 yards before the Denver game.Pittsburgh's offense is going to be one dimensional, and awful, until Roethlisberger gets back, at which time they'll be mediocre at best.I don't expect a "big year" from Mendenhall in the least.

You must really hate Chris Johnson then? I mean he's averaging 2.1 ypc in the preseason.

 

[Grahamburn]

I actually think the Steelers will be a better run blocking unit up front this year. Actually having a true anchor in Maurkice Pouncey (who has been quite impressive so far, a rare rookie starter for the Steelers) at center for the first time since '06 (replacing Hartwig, who was pretty awful last season) already looks to have made a big difference in their interior running from what I've seen. Colon was an undersized tackle who worked hard out there, but I think Flozell is more of a force on the ground. He looked pretty dominant on the right side against the Broncos last week with the first team... when he locks onto you it's pretty much over. If they can set the edges with Starks and Adams, and now have a guy at center who can actually win one on one match ups with d tackles and can also get to the next level to seal off linebackers, I think they can be pretty stout up front on the ground. If he stays healthy, I don't see any reason why Mendenhall won't have a big year with them.

What offensive line are you watching?18 carries for 41 yards this preseason against vanilla defenses. 28 of which came against a run defense most people expect to be really poor. He had 13 carries for 13 yards before the Denver game.Pittsburgh's offense is going to be one dimensional, and awful, until Roethlisberger gets back, at which time they'll be mediocre at best.I don't expect a "big year" from Mendenhall in the least.

You must really hate Chris Johnson then? I mean he's averaging 2.1 ypc in the preseason.

I've posted enough in this thread. We'll see how it plays out when the season starts.

 

[Abstract]

Drafted Mendy at 3.04 a few hours ago, couldn't pass him up. I'm cautiously optimistic.

 

[wormburner]

Redman or Dwyer for the #2 spot?

 

[steelers86]

Leftwich out 4-6 weeks thanks to his O-Line tonight!!

 

[Happy Ragnarok]

Redman or Dwyer for the #2 spot?

Moore.Redman as occasional short yardage hammer, Dwyer because they pretty much have to hold on to him now while they figure out WTH they have.

 

[Godsbrother]

Redman or Dwyer for the #2 spot?

Moore.Redman as occasional short yardage hammer, Dwyer because they pretty much have to hold on to him now while they figure out WTH they have.

If Mendenhall would get hurt then Redman woudl be the guy to have IMO. Moore would remain in his current role.

 

[WFR]

Redman or Dwyer for the #2 spot?

Moore.Redman as occasional short yardage hammer, Dwyer because they pretty much have to hold on to him now while they figure out WTH they have.

If Mendenhall would get hurt then Redman woudl be the guy to have IMO. Moore would remain in his current role.

I'm struggling wih that.I have Redamn as my Mendenhall handcuff but everything I read is that the Steelers aren't quite sure how they're going to use him FB or RB?I"m lenaing towards Dwyer as the backup with more potential in a dynasty league.

 

[Godsbrother]

Redman or Dwyer for the #2 spot?

Moore.Redman as occasional short yardage hammer, Dwyer because they pretty much have to hold on to him now while they figure out WTH they have.

If Mendenhall would get hurt then Redman woudl be the guy to have IMO. Moore would remain in his current role.

I'm struggling wih that.I have Redamn as my Mendenhall handcuff but everything I read is that the Steelers aren't quite sure how they're going to use him FB or RB?I"m lenaing towards Dwyer as the backup with more potential in a dynasty league.

Dwyer in a dynasty is not a bad idea but unless there is an injury he likely won't get many carries this season.

 

[LTF]

I actually think the Steelers will be a better run blocking unit up front this year. Actually having a true anchor in Maurkice Pouncey (who has been quite impressive so far, a rare rookie starter for the Steelers) at center for the first time since '06 (replacing Hartwig, who was pretty awful last season) already looks to have made a big difference in their interior running from what I've seen. Colon was an undersized tackle who worked hard out there, but I think Flozell is more of a force on the ground. He looked pretty dominant on the right side against the Broncos last week with the first team... when he locks onto you it's pretty much over. If they can set the edges with Starks and Adams, and now have a guy at center who can actually win one on one match ups with d tackles and can also get to the next level to seal off linebackers, I think they can be pretty stout up front on the ground. If he stays healthy, I don't see any reason why Mendenhall won't have a big year with them.

What offensive line are you watching?18 carries for 41 yards this preseason against vanilla defenses. 28 of which came against a run defense most people expect to be really poor. He had 13 carries for 13 yards before the Denver game.Pittsburgh's offense is going to be one dimensional, and awful, until Roethlisberger gets back, at which time they'll be mediocre at best.I don't expect a "big year" from Mendenhall in the least.

As I stated earlier, the offensive line is better with Pouncey anchoring center (probably the best player on the Steelers line, looks like All Pro potential... a very impressive rookie), and with Adams setting the edge at RT. And really, Ramon Foster (or perhaps Legursky) is an upgrade over Trai Essex at RG. Mendenhall is significantly better as well... running with a lot more confidence and avoiding negative plays. Today might have been his best game as a pro. Flashed some very quick footwork and looks a lot more decisive out there. So far in three games, he's 3rd in the NFL in rushing with 332 yards, averaging 5.2 yards a carry, and with 2 TDs. And he's done this against mostly stacked boxes with defenses showing little respect for the passing game. Been very impressive so far, no way around it.

 

[Grahamburn]

I actually think the Steelers will be a better run blocking unit up front this year. Actually having a true anchor in Maurkice Pouncey (who has been quite impressive so far, a rare rookie starter for the Steelers) at center for the first time since '06 (replacing Hartwig, who was pretty awful last season) already looks to have made a big difference in their interior running from what I've seen. Colon was an undersized tackle who worked hard out there, but I think Flozell is more of a force on the ground. He looked pretty dominant on the right side against the Broncos last week with the first team... when he locks onto you it's pretty much over. If they can set the edges with Starks and Adams, and now have a guy at center who can actually win one on one match ups with d tackles and can also get to the next level to seal off linebackers, I think they can be pretty stout up front on the ground. If he stays healthy, I don't see any reason why Mendenhall won't have a big year with them.

What offensive line are you watching?18 carries for 41 yards this preseason against vanilla defenses. 28 of which came against a run defense most people expect to be really poor. He had 13 carries for 13 yards before the Denver game.Pittsburgh's offense is going to be one dimensional, and awful, until Roethlisberger gets back, at which time they'll be mediocre at best.I don't expect a "big year" from Mendenhall in the least.

As I stated earlier, the offensive line is better with Pouncey anchoring center (probably the best player on the Steelers line, looks like All Pro potential... a very impressive rookie), and with Adams setting the edge at RT. And really, Ramon Foster (or perhaps Legursky) is an upgrade over Trai Essex at RG. Mendenhall is significantly better as well... running with a lot more confidence and avoiding negative plays. Today might have been his best game as a pro. Flashed some very quick footwork and looks a lot more decisive out there. So far in three games, he's 3rd in the NFL in rushing with 332 yards, averaging 5.2 yards a carry, and with 2 TDs. And he's done this against mostly stacked boxes with defenses showing little respect for the passing game. Been very impressive so far, no way around it.

I wondered when this bump would be coming. A very nice game for Mendenhall yesterday. I'm also glad that debacle was blacked out so I didn't have to watch it. Stats are stats and you can never take away big runs, but we both know how Mendenhall salvaged his day in week one with a long TD against a worn down defense in overtime. His season would have started pretty lackluster without that play.He's going to continue to face stacked boxes and alot of bodies around the line of scrimmage. So far he's justifying his draft position though. We'll see how he does against Baltimore this week.

 

[Godsbrother]

I wondered when this bump would be coming.

A very nice game for Mendenhall yesterday. I'm also glad that debacle was blacked out so I didn't have to watch it. Stats are stats and you can never take away big runs, but we both know how Mendenhall salvaged his day in week one with a long TD against a worn down defense in overtime. His season would have started pretty lackluster without that play.

He's going to continue to face stacked boxes and alot of bodies around the line of scrimmage. So far he's justifying his draft position though. We'll see how he does against Baltimore this week.

Baltimore will be a good test for both Mendenhall and the offensive line which played exceptional yesterday especially considering how much they were rotating them in and out.

 

[DoubleG]

I wondered when this bump would be coming.

A very nice game for Mendenhall yesterday. I'm also glad that debacle was blacked out so I didn't have to watch it. Stats are stats and you can never take away big runs, but we both know how Mendenhall salvaged his day in week one with a long TD against a worn down defense in overtime. His season would have started pretty lackluster without that play.

He's going to continue to face stacked boxes and alot of bodies around the line of scrimmage. So far he's justifying his draft position though. We'll see how he does against Baltimore this week.

Baltimore will be a good test for both Mendenhall and the offensive line which played exceptional yesterday especially considering how much they were rotating them in and out.

Another positive for Mendy owners though is that Big Ben will be coming back after the bye. That should mean that he wont have to face as many 8 man fronts, as teams will have to respect the passing game more. That should make for even easier sledding for Mendenhall after they bye week. He could be in for strong 2nd half of the season.

 

[WFR]

I wondered when this bump would be coming.

A very nice game for Mendenhall yesterday. I'm also glad that debacle was blacked out so I didn't have to watch it. Stats are stats and you can never take away big runs, but we both know how Mendenhall salvaged his day in week one with a long TD against a worn down defense in overtime. His season would have started pretty lackluster without that play.

He's going to continue to face stacked boxes and alot of bodies around the line of scrimmage. So far he's justifying his draft position though. We'll see how he does against Baltimore this week.

Baltimore will be a good test for both Mendenhall and the offensive line which played exceptional yesterday especially considering how much they were rotating them in and out.

You talking about the Baltimore Defense that just let Peyton Freakin' Hillis get loose for 144 yds on 22 carries?I can see and would be totally satisfied with 100yds/1 TD.

 

[Tybeeman]

I actually think the Steelers will be a better run blocking unit up front this year. Actually having a true anchor in Maurkice Pouncey (who has been quite impressive so far, a rare rookie starter for the Steelers) at center for the first time since '06 (replacing Hartwig, who was pretty awful last season) already looks to have made a big difference in their interior running from what I've seen. Colon was an undersized tackle who worked hard out there, but I think Flozell is more of a force on the ground. He looked pretty dominant on the right side against the Broncos last week with the first team... when he locks onto you it's pretty much over. If they can set the edges with Starks and Adams, and now have a guy at center who can actually win one on one match ups with d tackles and can also get to the next level to seal off linebackers, I think they can be pretty stout up front on the ground. If he stays healthy, I don't see any reason why Mendenhall won't have a big year with them.

What offensive line are you watching?18 carries for 41 yards this preseason against vanilla defenses. 28 of which came against a run defense most people expect to be really poor. He had 13 carries for 13 yards before the Denver game.

Pittsburgh's offense is going to be one dimensional, and awful, until Roethlisberger gets back, at which time they'll be mediocre at best.

I don't expect a "big year" from Mendenhall in the least.

As I stated earlier, the offensive line is better with Pouncey anchoring center (probably the best player on the Steelers line, looks like All Pro potential... a very impressive rookie), and with Adams setting the edge at RT. And really, Ramon Foster (or perhaps Legursky) is an upgrade over Trai Essex at RG. Mendenhall is significantly better as well... running with a lot more confidence and avoiding negative plays. Today might have been his best game as a pro. Flashed some very quick footwork and looks a lot more decisive out there. So far in three games, he's 3rd in the NFL in rushing with 332 yards, averaging 5.2 yards a carry, and with 2 TDs. And he's done this against mostly stacked boxes with defenses showing little respect for the passing game. Been very impressive so far, no way around it.

I wondered when this bump would be coming. A very nice game for Mendenhall yesterday. I'm also glad that debacle was blacked out so I didn't have to watch it. Stats are stats and you can never take away big runs, but we both know how Mendenhall salvaged his day in week one with a long TD against a worn down defense in overtime. His season would have started pretty lackluster without that play.

He's going to continue to face stacked boxes and alot of bodies around the line of scrimmage. So far he's justifying his draft position though. We'll see how he does against Baltimore this week.

Peyton Hillis ran all over Baltimore yesterday 22/144/1, 6.5 yards per carry. I'm not saying Mendy will do the same, but I like his chances. Hopefully he'll be running the ball in the 4Q against a worn out defense. Worn out due to the pounding he's giving them over the 1st 3 quarters.

 

[Godsbrother]

Peyton Hillis ran all over Baltimore yesterday 22/144/1, 6.5 yards per carry. I'm not saying Mendy will do the same, but I like his chances. Hopefully he'll be running the ball in the 4Q against a worn out defense. Worn out due to the pounding he's giving them over the 1st 3 quarters.

I am aware of Hillis' stats (have him on my team ) but I didn't watch any of the Cleveland-Baltimore game so I am not sure how Hillis was able to run so well against a defense that is usually tough against the run. It could be a one week abberation or maybe Cleveland exposed some weaknesses.I still think Baltimore will be a good challenge for Mendenhall and the o-line.