View topic - Mendenhall seems ready for bigger role in Steelers' RB corps

[thesteelhammer Profile]

Really excellent news for the Steelers. A healthy Mendy could be a big key to this season.
http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFL/AFC/AFC+North/Pittsburgh/WWHI/2009/wwhi052809.htm

Mendenhall seems ready for bigger role in Steelers' RB corps
By Mike Wilkening
May 28, 2009


RB Rashard Mendenhall has caught the eye of observers at the Steelers’ OTAs, the way we hear it, looking stronger than he did as a rookie. Mendenhall, who does not turn 22 until June 19, missed most of last season with a broken left shoulder blade, but he is poised to have a regular role in the offense this season. At 5-10 and 225 pounds, Mendenhall may be the Steelers’ back best-suited to handle the short-yardage and goal-line carries, especially with bruising fifth-round pick Frank Summers perhaps still a ways from contributing regularly. However, a source close to the club cautions it is too early to get a clear read on how those carries will be parceled out. Nevertheless, a healthy Mendenhall will significantly strengthen the Steelers’ RB depth and could go a long way in keeping Willie Parker — who has averaged 20.7 carries a game the last three seasons — fresh throughout the season.

[toomuchmerrilhoge Profile]

I really hope so. FWP just can't handle > 25 carries a game throughout the year. I think (keeping in mind who we have as our offensive coordinator) that Mendy and FWP could make a great backfield similar to Franco-Rocky. It sure would give defenses a lot to handle on the field at one time.

[Nel Profile]

5-10, 225 is quite a nice little load.

I bet he is raring to rip in '09.

I see 700 yards.

[mckeesrockstheburg Profile]

I agree that the split time does both well unless one gets on a roll. Games have a feel and a sense as to what's going on within them. Stategic use to rest legs and keep both guys involved. FWP not a tackle buster but Mendy thru the tackles could wear people out, much like The Bus. Add The Tank as leadman and buy stock in BenGay. D's will be hurtin'. Oh wait a minute, we have Arians. Mendy around the end and FWP up the middle. Yeah, THAT's the ticket.

[SteelCityFan Profile]

I agree that the split time does both well unless one gets on a roll. Games have a feel and a sense as to what's going on within them. Stategic use to rest legs and keep both guys involved. FWP not a tackle buster but Mendy thru the tackles could wear people out, much like The Bus. Add The Tank as leadman and buy stock in BenGay. D's will be hurtin'. Oh wait a minute, we have Arians. Mendy around the end and FWP up the middle. Yeah, THAT's the ticket.

[thesteelhammer Profile]

ESPN.com names Mendy as one fo the 6 RBs poised for a big turnaround

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jim_trotter/05/29/rbs/index.html