Good Mendenhall News?

by TheCommish on Aug 10, 2009 11:54 AM EDT Comment 56 comments

Hello All! Like many of you I am anxiously awaiting the beginning of the season as we put our 6th title to defense. I have not been able to attend camp yet this year nor will I due to living in Florida. I always like to go and make my own observations as I feel I have a good nose for talent or lack of. Every day I have been surfing the net looking for the latest on the Team and most importantly the rookies and the young guys. The player I am most concerned about is 2008's first round draft choice. I have not heard much of anything about him and I am looking for some insight as to his progress. The only things I seem to be reading are negative: poor vision, stuffed on goal line, fumbling problem, and his lack of support in the locker room last year.

I pose the question to all, surely there has to be some good scoop on this guy. He was a RB selected in the 1st round!? Tell me what you have and the observations you have made as I am very curious??

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I was there on Saturday…he made at least one nice run up the middle, but they really didn’t do a lot of work with the running backs that day. I really hope he is a dominant force this season.

I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!

by drinkyourmilkshake on Aug 10, 2009 12:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

If he wasn’t working with the backs what was he doing? To me his development is the biggest story of the preseason. Granted the the games are what is going to tell us what he is made of but a lot of attention has been directed toward Sweed and the Rookies. To me there is no bigger story than him. If this guy ends up being a bust it is obviously not good for the organization. I think people may be staying mum on the situation at hand and many of the main writers for the Pittsburgh Steelers maybe afraid to be the first to criticise the organization for a blown first round draft pick.

I hope I am wrong but again I point to the fact that someone who should have a huge sportlight on him at camp and OTAs is not making any noise at all.

by TheCommish on Aug 10, 2009 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree

I think there are much bigger stories in the off-season, specifically the OL. With the injury of Stapleton and Urbik and Shipley not impressing many people, there are lots of problems. Clearly, the OL was bad last year, and it doesn’t seem like much will be different this year. Hopefully, for Ben’s sake, that although they remain not great as individuals they develop as a single unit and improve.

Mendenhall, I believe, will come a long. If he is a huge flop, we still have FWP and could keep him till we can draft another young RB next year. I’m not too worried about it, because I do think he will figure things out at the very least by midseason.

by Johnny_S on Aug 10, 2009 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

likewise

I think the O Line situation is the most overhyped story of camp. The line was good enough to win us a superbowl and win the division in two consecutive years. Big Ben has been sacked over 40 times a year for 3 years in a row for a reason and its not all on the line, it’s partly his style.

I am not hear to debate if our line is good or not, I just want to know if our first round draft choice that makes a lot of money and probably will force Wille out is any good.

by TheCommish on Aug 10, 2009 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The defense...

….was good enough to win us a Superbowl in spite of the OL. Big Ben avoids more sacks with his style than he takes. I’m sorry but there simply is no escaping the fact that we have one of the worst Offensive Lines in the league. Doesn’t matter who else you try and blame it eventually comes back to them.

by KiwiSteelerFan on Aug 10, 2009 8:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Using the words good and line (referring to our OL) in the same sentence

loses this argument for you. It was not “good enough” to win us a superbowl. Our QB, WRs, and defense were great enough to overcome the bad offensive line to win the SB. It is not overhyped that our OL is awful. Yes, Ben’s style of play makes a bad situation worse, but there is no escaping that the OL is the weakest portion of our team.

I am here to debate, because this is a blog.

by Johnny_S on Aug 11, 2009 9:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ben's style

I guess you drink the ESPN cool aid too. Peyton and Brady hold onto the ball. 5 secs, 7 secs and don’t move. Why? Cause they don’t have to, their line consistently picks up blitz. What happened to Peyton’s quick release when J. Peezy sacked him twice in the 2005 division game? He knew he was coming, and still couldn’t get the ball away, why? Cause the line didn’t do its job. If the line has a blown assignment, miscommunicates, or just flat out can’t pick up their man there is nothing the QB can do. That is just something people want to hold on to because they don’t like Ben and have to have something bad to say about him. No one on the team is going to throw the line under the bus but they know how bad those guys suck. The staff knows they don’t have a SB caliber line. For you to drink the kool-aid instead of believing what ya eyes tells you is crazy. Our line is one of the worst. Hopefully we adjust our scheme to their inability to be more effective offensively.

by tannofsteel84 on Aug 11, 2009 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You recognize the difference between opinion and fact, right? Because you state this particular opinion of yours as if it is a fact that can’t be debated.

by worldtrip on Aug 11, 2009 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

4th last in ypc (sandwiched between Detroit and Cincy)...

….4th last in sacks given up, only San Fran, Detroit and Cincy worse. Here endeth the debate.

by KiwiSteelerFan on Aug 11, 2009 6:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No it doesn't but whatever

by worldtrip on Aug 11, 2009 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

In Arians we trust?

by Johnny_S on Aug 11, 2009 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Line Line Line Line Line!

That’s all that Steeler Nation seems to want to speak of. We all have an opinion on the matter and mine just seems to think the situation is over hyped. Why has our scouting department invested 1 major draft pick in 2 years then. Do you question the ability of our player and personal department to access the talent that is on the active roster. Rashard Mendenhall, whom this post was about, would not have been drafted if our line was an overwhelming need. Also I think we have lofty expectations of our O line are a bit skewed after you lose a 2 Hall of Famers in Faneca and Dawson in the last 6 years. We are not always going to have HOF guys up there but we do have some continuity going which is a good thing. Also if you are debating that Manning does not have a quick release and is a product of a good line you must not have watched much football in the past 10 years. Although I don’t like P Manning or his team, the man has earned his spot in Canton. Ted Cottrell stated how many more sacks Bruce Smith would have had if not for having to play against Manning twice a year before division realignment.

by TheCommish on Aug 11, 2009 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

hartings

by SteelerStuckintheSouth on Aug 11, 2009 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just mean they didn’t do a lot of contact drills that day with the running backs to get a sense of how he performs in those situations…he was working with the running backs all day.

I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!

by drinkyourmilkshake on Aug 10, 2009 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have been following a couple of real-time updaters at camp

From what I have heard about Mendenhall it has not been great. Jim Wexell’s tweets seem to redundantly say he is having trouble hitting his holes and running between the tackles. Hopefully, this is something that can get fixed up in the preseason.

by Johnny_S on Aug 10, 2009 12:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

From what I've heard

He’s looking fast and healthy, but as Johnny_S said, he’s having trouble navigating to the open lanes, which surprises me, because the one thing I thought I noticed with him was that he seemed to have very good vision and patience, and could follow blocks very well.

Time will tell.

"That Troy Polamaga guy looks like Predator"-A keen observation during Superbowl 43. Thanks to Walterfootball.

by HighSchoolSteeler on Aug 10, 2009 12:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Wexell seemed to imply at one point that he thinks the reason Mendenhall is struggling is that his lanes in the spread offense at Illinois were so much bigger that he has never really done much running between the tackles like his is being asked to do now.

I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!

by drinkyourmilkshake on Aug 10, 2009 2:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

i’m starting to have tim worley / greg hawthorn / walter abercrombie flashbacks

by leroy jenkins on Aug 10, 2009 2:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

LEEEROOOOOOOOOY JENKINS!

by Johnny_S on Aug 10, 2009 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kudos… its a stretch, but it works.

by NYSteelersFan4 on Aug 10, 2009 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry to be a downer but i I think he's still a year away...

Unfortunately, for those of us who want to see Mendenhall become a stud, every-down back right away, we’re going to be disappointed. Jim Wexall’s right: running from the Spread is very different than running from the back of the I. For one thing, the RB is aligned at 5 yds deep in the Spread vs. 7 in the I, which means you’re basically running to a spot and making your cut as opposed to having to see the whole field and find the cut as the play develops. For another, in the Spread the OL’s splits are waaay bigger, so like Wexall said, the lanes are bigger, too. Also, they ran a ton of option at Illinois, which obviously they don’t do in the pros, which means Mendenhall isn’t operating in as much space as he did in college. And finally, he missed just about all of last year so he’s still way behind in learning how to be an I back. I hate to say it but I wouldn’t get my hopes up too high for him this year. I’m not saying he’ll be a bust. As a matter of fact, I really think he’s going to be good. I just don’t think it will be this year. He’s got too much learning to do.

by cliff harris is still a punk! on Aug 10, 2009 3:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

problem is the life span of a Running back in the NFL is really not that long anymore….

I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!

by drinkyourmilkshake on Aug 10, 2009 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He’s not going to unseat Parker this year. I see parker with the rushing title again. Hopefully that earns him a contract. I’ll be sad when (if) they do let him go.

by Max Powers on Aug 10, 2009 4:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Well

Looks like FWP is movin up my fantasy board!!

is Perenialness a word? cuz if so, thats what the stillers got. perenialness

by Steelchamps !! on Aug 10, 2009 4:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Reading too much into spread

If a running back can run, it doesn’t matter what offense he played in college. The impact of the spread on how it translates to the NFL is much more of a factor for QBs, WRs and OL than it is on RBs. Obviously there is a learning curve for everyone coming out of college. For RBs it’s mostly a gut-check and toughness curve. Can you take the pounding? Are you willing to take it? If you can answer yes to both questions, then it comes down to whether you can run, catch and block and to what extent your NFL team’s offense needs you to do those three things. Steve Slaton had no trouble adapting to NFL defenses. He’s obviously a perfect fit for the Texans offense but most importantly he showed the vision, toughness and quickness to succeed against NFL defenses. Mendenhall is a bigger, stronger, faster and a more instinctive runner than Slaton. If he passes the gut-check and toughness questions then he will have a very good NFL career. The only negative I see in him so far is that I think he is a bit of prima dona, but let’s see how he looks in games.

by steeler.lifer on Aug 10, 2009 4:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

By no means am I giving up on Mendenhall

But I’m still hurting that the Panthers picked J-Stew 13th overall back in ‘08. I was really hoping to see him in the Black and Gold, but that’s all in the past now.

I’m just hoping Rashard does well. With success will come confidence, which is something he needs.

"That Troy Polamaga guy looks like Predator"-A keen observation during Superbowl 43. Thanks to Walterfootball.

by HighSchoolSteeler on Aug 10, 2009 7:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Sunday Session

I attented the family day session on Sunday and he made one play that grabbed my attention. It was a flash of brillance if you will, of how high his ceiling is.

It was during 7 on 7. He was split wide I believe, and the speed in which he got into the secondary was unbelievable, splitting Taylor and Mundy for a 20 yard or so pass gain with plenty of yac.

Of course it is camp, they aren’t hitting, and they were being very laid back I must say. But his potential as a receiving threat is unlike anything Steeler Nation has seen in a long time.

by dwatts5000watts on Aug 10, 2009 10:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That's 7on7 though

I do not think his problem is in the open-field. Clearly he has a good juke-stick. But he has to get to open field, and he is having trouble getting through the OL holes to get there.

by Johnny_S on Aug 11, 2009 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

A Few Points

I have a feeling Mendenhall is not going to be the type of Steeler RB we want him to be. A bust? I dont know. I just think he’s soft. Some of you were saying he cant find the holes. Well IMO make a hole! Good RB’s do sometimes do that.

Secondly, I hate to say it Frank “The Tank” fans. I dont see it in him either. And hey people. Stop trying to “Bus-ify” him. Move on. But the guy from Bowie State I do like. See, hunger is unmeasurable
And for u guys still hatin on the O-line. U dont know much about FB. When there is a trophy right in your face. And it was’nt just Ben’s effort. Think! Go Steelers!

by C-Mac on Aug 10, 2009 11:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Every Team...

Has its flaws. There has never been a Super Bowl team that hasn’t had a single weakness. O-line happens to be ours. Think!

by Hines Ward on Aug 11, 2009 12:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

there’s probably never been a Superbowl champ with that glaring a weakness though. And probably only a couple of other SB champs with a defense that dominant against it’s competition (Ravens and Bears perhaps…)

Perhaps you could make an argument for the QB on the Ravens championship winning team?

by KiwiSteelerFan on Aug 11, 2009 1:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Every team has a weakness...maybe not glaring...

But our OL kind of picked it up in the playoffs, that’s how you win a SB. Minimize your weakness.

by Johnny_S on Aug 11, 2009 9:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

true...

they didn’t suck quite so badly down the stretch and improved further into the playoffs. Obviously the level of competition steps up at that point but they were still a weak group even then. Just less weak than they had been earlier in the season. This is the only hope I have, Starks played his first season as a LT (bar a few games in past years), Kemo was in his first year as a starter, Hartwig in his first year as a Steeler. Stapleton an undrafted rookie and Colon, well Colon was Colon. Here’s hoping his training camp reports are more than just early season hype. There is reason to be optimistic, last year’s line was very inexperienced but I think I’d have been more optimistic if we’d managed to get some more ammunition there over the off season.

by KiwiSteelerFan on Aug 11, 2009 6:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

How can you give up on a rookie that quickly?

Holy crap! Frank Summers is a rookie and has ZERO NFL seasons under his belt. Let him get some knowledge on how the NFL works before you totally kick him out the door. Jebus!

by Johnny_S on Aug 11, 2009 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

or their entire offensive unit

by SteelerStuckintheSouth on Aug 11, 2009 8:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

the Ravens, I mean

by SteelerStuckintheSouth on Aug 11, 2009 8:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mendenhall is just a boy...for now!

Take a look at the roster; Mendenhall just turned 22. Summers turns 24 before the opener and Redmond will be 25 in November. Add the fact that one of the meanest, toughest players not wearing black and gold broke his shoulder less than a year ago. I know he’s making 7 figures but give him a little time, he’s basically a 22 year old rookie with a little PTSD. Let him get up to game speed and test that shoulder with some solid contact . He’ll only get a little thicker and stronger this season and over the next 3 years we own him. Can’t see how he won’t take over all of Moore’s duties by next season. The FO signs fast Wille to a cheap 3 year deal (fair for an oft injured, 30 year old, 2 down back) as insurance, but he probably loses a step and doesn’t finish that contract. Mendenhall is a prototype 3-down back. Get your Mendenhall jersey now…..

Did you know?

L.Tomlinson averaged 3.6 ypc and put the ball on the carpet 8 times as a 22 year old rookie?

by steelerwheeler on Aug 11, 2009 1:48 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Good Stuff Steelerwheeler….Rec’D

I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!

by drinkyourmilkshake on Aug 11, 2009 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good stuff is rite

Im thinkin bout getn the REDMANN Jersey. just watched MORE you tube hilites and he exciting. What a GREAT backfield we have. for real

is Perenialness a word? cuz if so, thats what the stillers got. perenialness

by Steelchamps !! on Aug 11, 2009 5:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Let him beat up on a first team Defense before you drool too much, he’s never gone against top grade opponents. He’s exciting, but he needs to do it against the best.

by Phantaskippy on Aug 13, 2009 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mendy

I have to say, the little I saw of him last year was disappointing. Very soft. He does the best in open field, where he is suprisingly shifty for a stout RB.

However, what really concerns me is the shying away from contact. I remember a couple of times last preseason where he literally ducked away from contact. Btw, the only way you can fracture your scapula is if you turn your back to an oncoming tackler (ie Ray Lewis)…RM saw Ray coming right at him and turned his shoulders to the side and Ray whacked his scapula. Getting stuffed in goal line drills, shying away from contact, getting called out by your head coach…very concerning.

To make it as a RB in the NFL you must break tackles. For FWP reputation as only being a fast runner who gets to the outside, this is not true. Willie breaks many more tackles than he is given credit for. I am waiting to see if RM shows the ability to break tackles at LOS.

As a former RB I can say this…you either have it or you don’t. RB’s do not need years to mature and develop their skills etc…it’s there or it isn’t.

I hope RM shines soon. If he doesn’t recover this year and show some serious skills, the odds are very good he will be considered a bust. Very rare for a RB to look mediocre for a couple of years and then explode as a superstar.

Again, I want him to validate himself as a 1st round pick. I just have some serious doubts. If that Redman kid continues to have a good preseason, the coaches will have an interesting decison when it comes to final cuts.

by SteelerMike on Aug 11, 2009 10:20 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

I don’t think this is what your implying but just to clarify their is 0% chance Mendenhall gets cut this year….probably next year for that matter.

I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!

by drinkyourmilkshake on Aug 12, 2009 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No I wasn’t implying he would get cut, I just was wondering if Redman really shows promise what they’ll do.

To sum up how I feel of RM…the little I’ve seen of him, I haven’t liked. That doesn’t mean he can’t or won’t improve dramatically.

Lets hope he does.

by SteelerMike on Aug 12, 2009 9:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Very Much Agree.

There is an intangible “it” that you need to have. In college we had a “great” running back come in to my small school, he could break tackles, outrun the defense and put on a highlight reel in any practice or scrimmage, and defense was our strength. then in games he disappeared. Just couldn’t get it done. Eventually they gave up on him and moved our starting CB to RB and did much better.

Mendenhall has time to turn it around, but right now he looks like that guy. Just doesn’t get it done.

by Phantaskippy on Aug 13, 2009 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

2008 draft class looking extremely shaky right now

Guys,

Is it me or does it seem like the 2008 draft class isn’t look too great right now? I believe this past year, both Mendenhall and Sweed were way over their heads. Hills and Bruce Davis haven’t show anything and I’ve heard very little news about Ryan Mundy this preseason. The reports on Dixon have been mixed. It’s still early in preseason, but last year’s class need to show something. Tomlin won’t keep you around just because you are a draft pick, especially if there is someone else behind you that is better.

by datruth4life on Aug 12, 2009 2:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Funny, I felt really good about our draft at the time, especially Sweed, Mendy, Humpal, and Mundy. Since then, no on has distinguished themselves at all. Mendy and Sweed could both end up living up to expectations and make us forget all of this (thrown in minor contributions from Dixon and maybe Mundy), but the clock is ticking. I also remember being disappointed in the ’07 draft, but that one is looking great.

charity standing orders

by BadMaafala on Aug 12, 2009 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

So far, yeah, pretty shaky, but that’s par for the course in Pittsburgh. I can’t think of a single Steelers rookie in recent history that had a good first season (with the obvious exception of BB, and what a rookie season for the ages that was). Hell, even Troy started off slowly. I’ll start to panic a little more if we get through this next season without any of these guys distinguishing themselves, because our good players tend to start showing their skill in the second year. Like Woodley and Gay from the 2007 draft class, Santonio from 2006, Heath and McFadden from 2005, etc.

There’s still time. And the signs are there. These reports that Sweed is clearly leading the battle for 3rd WR are like chicken soup for my soul.

by gcn on Aug 13, 2009 1:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That draft was a slow draft, we took upside players who weren’t going to contribute right away.

There is some maturity issues with both Sweed and Mendenhall, hopefully they are getting worked out.
If those problems didn’t exist, we would not have been able to draft them. We didn’t need players right away, so we took gambles that we could afford to take. If they work out we will be in an incredible position to keep being a dominant team for a long time, if they don’t we redraft and move on. Either way I didn’t expect either to contribute early.

As for the life span of RB, that relies heavily on workload, and Mendy got none last year. He really is a rookie this year, no matter what Tomlin expects of him. I think we’ll see the real him this year, but probably not early.

by Phantaskippy on Aug 13, 2009 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's just you truth

Relax and enjoy the season. I think we’ll see four 08 Draft guys make solid to significant contributions to another SB winning season. Relax and enjoy.

by steeler.lifer on Aug 12, 2009 2:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

we'll know when we see him in pre-season games

The only way to see if he is good is to be in drills playing full on. He could look awful but then what running back doesnt when playing the Steeler D. That being said we may be due for a 1st round bust they can’t be great every year bound to happen sooner or later.

On a different note I was watching how the Steelers missed out on Marino. A crying shame he was a great QB and had he been drafted by the Steelers would have retired with multiple rings and we’d be chanting one for the toe now. Marino in his prime with a running game and defense OMG SF vs Steelers in the 80’s with Marino at QB Or The 85 bears against the Steelers with Marino The SB’s of the 80’s would have been much more entertaining.

by thefirst3peat on Aug 12, 2009 6:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

The Commish

Your picture in your profile is very inappropriate. I am now going to try and find a picture of Rothelisburger raping a some girl at a hotel.

You have to hate losing more than you love winning.

by Mr MaLoR on Aug 12, 2009 9:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

And you cry about

“classless squealer fans”?

Hahaha…..don’t forget that Stabby McMurderWitness WAS arrested, charged. booked and held on solid criminal conspiracy and obstruction of justice charges. NOT ~~accused~~ in civil court by some random psycho.

I know….i know…the truth hurts…..

by tobiathan on Aug 13, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mendenhall will start tonight, so we'll see something ...

rather that is good or bad, who knows? I am a little disturbed that Wexell is saying that Carey Davis isn’t going anywhere? Why not? What has he done to deserve a roster spot?
Him staying on the squad only means that either Redman, the Tank, or A. Johnson will be cut. I’d rather go with the rookies.

by datruth4life on Aug 12, 2009 11:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Me too. I’ve seen enough of Davis. I’d rather see the rookies you mention make team.

by SteelerMike on Aug 13, 2009 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Until they blow an assignment and get BB blown up. Backs are huge because even if they give up a sack they Have to get an angle so the LB or DE can’t blow up the QB. one of those guys gets in there and misses a read and BB is gone.

You earn your team spot with blocking. Being a good runner doesn’t make you worth a QB.

by Phantaskippy on Aug 13, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rebutal

Hey. That guy calling himself Hines Ward. Dont take my entries personal to the extent that you have to use my word (think) in you response. Be creative and come from your own heart. Stop bitin my s—-. Like for another example Hines Ward . Come on dude!

Go Steelers!

by C-Mac on Aug 13, 2009 9:53 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs