Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp Primer: The Running Backs
by Michael Bean on Jun 13, 2010 8:11 PM EDT
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Let's continue with our breakdowns of each and every positional battle that will sort itself out when the Pittsburgh Steelers open their 2010 training camp in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. We began with the quarterbacks and tight ends, now let's move on to a position that should take on more importance in 2010 than the past two seasons - the running backs.
Overview
Following the Steelers disappointing 9-7 finish to the 2009 season, team president Art Rooney Jr. publicly stated that the Steelers would be renewing their commitment to running the football in 2010 and beyond. Following a year in which the team missed the playoffs despite setting numerous franchise records passing the ball, the proud franchise would revert back to 'Steelers football'. Considering Ben Roethlisberger's situation, the make up of the offensive line, and how Rashard Mendenhall performed last season, Steelers fans can only hope that Rooney's promise is put into action by offensive coordinator Bruce Arians.
The Man
That would be Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh's first-round draft pick in 2008. After missing almost all of his rookie season after having his shoulder obliterated by Ray Lewis, Mendenhall gave Steeler Nation a taste of why the Steelers pounced at the opportunity to select the former Illinois star.
After being benched by Mike Tomlin for Pittsburgh's Week 3 tilt against the Cincinnati Bengals, Mendenhall had his coming out party as a pro against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday Night football the following week. Credit Tomlin for the motivational mastery - Mendenhall hadn't been paying attention to the little things in practice earlier in the year. That wasn't an issue for the rest of the year. Mendenhall finished the season.
Mendenhall's final 2009 stats
242 carries, 1,108 yards, 7 TDs, 4.6 Y/A, 25 receptions, 261 yards, 1 TD
Competing For Carries
The Steelers are hoping that a legitimate number two emerges to compliment Mendenhall now that Willie Parker has taken his act to Washington D.C. Here are the candidates.
- Mewelde Moore - One of Mike Tomlin's hand-picked free agent acquisitions during his first year in Pittsburgh, Moore has done a little bit of everything the past three seasons. He filled in as a regular ball carrier in 2008 when Parker and Mendenhall were both injured; he has been the offense's 3rd down back; he's been an adept pass catcher out of the backfield; returned punts and generally been everything the organization could have hoped for when they inked him to a modest three year deal. FOr as good as he's been, Moore has limited upside at this stage in his career as a regular ball carrier. And despite having great instincts finding seams to slither through, Moore has proven that he's not much of a short-yardage or goal line force. That's not to say he can't carry the ball 8-12 times per game if necessary, just that he might be better suited as the team's third down 'back and not as a regular part of the rotation with Mendy.
- Jonathan Dwyer -
A more suitable candidate to emerge as the team's number two rushing threat could be rookie Jonathan Dwyer, a 6th round draft pick from Georgia Tech. Dwyer could easily be the steal of this year's draft if he can help the Steelers solve their short yardage and red zone woes. Dwyer, unlike fellow bruiser Frank Summers, is more versatile and nimble than his 235 pound frame suggests. He ran over, past and around ACC competition for multiple years before testing poorly at the Combine and sliding down draft boards.
Also In The Mix
What To Expect
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wait wait wait wait
Redman isn’t the man?
by shleeve on Jun 13, 2010 8:52 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
haha
Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)
by Michael Bean on Jun 13, 2010 8:56 PM EDT up reply actions
that gets a rec
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Greg Llyod, Andy Russel, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene and Jerry Kramer
"It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one." George Washington
Canal Street Chronicles resident Steelers Fan
by WVPiratesfan on Jun 13, 2010 11:06 PM EDT up reply actions
good write up
im looking forward to one of the young guys stepping up because we’ll certainly need it. i think we can get our own version of earth wind and fire with dwyer moore and mendy. we have all the tools to get a great ground game going again this season. kemo and colon are already turning into great run blockers and with pouncey in the mix this season we should be better on the interior.
by steel.curtain.number2 on Jun 13, 2010 9:04 PM EDT reply actions
earth wind and fire
would be Dwyer, Mendy and Logan
Earth has to be a power back so Dwyer or Summers if he makes the team
Wind has to be an all purpose back = Mendenhall
and Fire has to be a speedy back like Bradshaw from the Gints and Sproles from the Chargers
so by default i would think Logan.
Or just play Redman and we will be okay
I love Vegas
Franco made that play because he never quit on the play. He kept running, he kept hustling. Good things happen to people who hustle."
Salary cap casualty?
I guess you meant salary casualty cause we don’t have a cap this year, do we? I really think Moore will be kept unless he really has a bad showing. I would also like the “till the wheels fall off” philosophy with the no. 1 back to be a little less literal than it was with FWP. Hopefully Mendenhall doesn’t get much more than 300 and Dwyer/Moore/Redman get the extra work…
May he who has never had drunken sex cast the first shot glass!
Ok I officially love our RB depth
I see out of a typical 20 plays on offense how the plays will break down.
Mendenhall 15 – Usual running plays and pass plays
Moore 3 – Comes in on 3rd downs to pass block and catch to occasional pass
Dwyer 2 – Short Yardage Bruiser this year.
Maybe Dwyer getting more work later in the year to save Mendy for the playoffs.
The Driver of the Sweed Bus - All aboard, next stop 70 Catches 900 Yards 7TD's
^ Ooooops did I jinx it?
DaMon Cromartie Smith to make the 53 Man Roster!
by Josh Roberts (ESGB) on Jun 13, 2010 9:13 PM EDT reply actions
Where's the speed?
I’m not necessarily sold on Dwyer, he’s a 6th round pick. I also don’t like the idea of beating up Mendenhall all year long either, at this point you don’t have a really good back-up for him.
" Just go and lay your hand on a Pittsburgh Steeler fan, and then I think you'll finally understand"
" In America" Charlie Daniels Band
by idiscgolftexas on Jun 14, 2010 7:36 AM EDT up reply actions
Speed is with Mendy and possibly Logan getting some looks, he was good in the CFL
The Driver of the Sweed Bus - All aboard, next stop 70 Catches 900 Yards 7TD's
^ Ooooops did I jinx it?
DaMon Cromartie Smith to make the 53 Man Roster!
by Josh Roberts (ESGB) on Jun 14, 2010 8:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Mendenhall has okay speed, but that's not his game.
I would like to see Logan get some opportunities, but I doubt we will see it. If you don’t have some legit change of pace speed, I fear we won’t see many big plays in the running game this year.
" Just go and lay your hand on a Pittsburgh Steeler fan, and then I think you'll finally understand"
" In America" Charlie Daniels Band
by idiscgolftexas on Jun 14, 2010 9:12 AM EDT up reply actions
There is really no elite or great speed like we had with Willie
The only one could be Logan. But i imagine his blocking must be bad since he is so small. Mendy has good speed and Dwyer is a bruising type of back with good speed himself. I think we need more of an explosive back and I dont see one. Dont get me wrong I love our RB corps now.
I love Vegas
Franco made that play because he never quit on the play. He kept running, he kept hustling. Good things happen to people who hustle."
Just realised this discussion is pointless
who needs great speed at RB?
List of great Steeler RB’s
Harris
Hoge
Bettis
Foster
Parker
Bleier
Only one speed guy there, the rest are power guys. p.s. I took guys from the leading rushers list as my definition of great.
The Driver of the Sweed Bus - All aboard, next stop 70 Catches 900 Yards 7TD's
^ Ooooops did I jinx it?
DaMon Cromartie Smith to make the 53 Man Roster!
by Josh Roberts (ESGB) on Jun 14, 2010 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions
how is it pointless
i was mentionin earth wind and fire and the only way you have fire is if you have a speedy back.
I figure with Mendy rb1, Moore rb2, Dwyer projected rb3, we can be a three headed monster that can pound people to submission.
I love Vegas
Franco made that play because he never quit on the play. He kept running, he kept hustling. Good things happen to people who hustle."
not meant as an insult man
just saying, that traditionally speed backs do not do well in Pittsburgh.
I would like a speed guy on the roster but no point bringing in a lesser guy just for his speed. that would be like keeping Isaiah Williams just for his height.
The Driver of the Sweed Bus - All aboard, next stop 70 Catches 900 Yards 7TD's
^ Ooooops did I jinx it?
DaMon Cromartie Smith to make the 53 Man Roster!
by Josh Roberts (ESGB) on Jun 14, 2010 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions
you mean
traditionally speed backs do not do well in Pittsburgh.
Except Willie Parker? I think that is a misnomer. A good back is a good back, no matter what system he is in. You think Chris Johnson wouldn’t be successful at pittsburgh? I beg to differ. Is Logan a ‘lesser’ back, I think we don’t have the talent right now at RB to supplant Logan’s skill set. If he can block then I’d happily say goodbye to moore. I feel like he would add more to the offense, if he can block.
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Jun 14, 2010 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions
I love Willie and respect his time here.
There is a big difference when it comes to slogging around in the choppiness of Heinz Field (esp before we got new turf installed), Parker wasn’t able to bring it outside in the mire, we would have been better off with a ‘mudder’. He would break off that 60+ yd run which padded his many +1, +2, -1yd stats.
i know it wasnt English
Lets hope we take care of the rest of the games in the world cup. Go USA!! or for you Go England
I love Vegas
Franco made that play because he never quit on the play. He kept running, he kept hustling. Good things happen to people who hustle."
The backs ESGB mentioned, have generally one thing in common
Overwhelming O-lines. We don’t have that level of talent around here currently, so IMO, we need more speed to offset some of our deficiancies up front. Bleier, Foster, Bettis, and Harris all had the benefit of dominant O-lines.
" Just go and lay your hand on a Pittsburgh Steeler fan, and then I think you'll finally understand"
" In America" Charlie Daniels Band
by idiscgolftexas on Jun 14, 2010 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions
+1
I love Vegas
Franco made that play because he never quit on the play. He kept running, he kept hustling. Good things happen to people who hustle."
Can't believe
You left Redman off of that list
by RoethlisCrosby on Jul 30, 2010 6:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Nice write-up Mike. I like Mendenhall a lot, and I think he’s at his most dangerous when he’s running the ball as well as catching out of the backfield. He should be our franchise back for hopefully the next 5-10 years, and I’d like to see him start getting the majority of action.
Following the Steelers disappointing 9-7 finish to the 2009 season, team president Art Rooney Jr. publicly stated that the Steelers would be renewing their commitment to running the football in 2010 and beyond.
Do you think that maybe all this anger at passing the football is misdirected? Last year, we finished 12th in total points and 7th in offensive yards per game. Our total passing yards were good for 9th and our overall QB rating was 5th in the league. And by league standards, we were still below average in terms of pass attempts: our 33.5/game tied us for 18th.
Much of the blame for last season’s debacle should go to the defense. We were tied for 20th in points allowed per game and were 16th in total passing yards given up. Our 12 interceptions were 25th worst and our total of 37 touchdowns against was decidedly average.
Author at Pensburgh.com
The anger at passing is absolutely correct
Look at the stats from the games against the Chiefs, Raiders, and Browns. 2:1 pass:run ratios against three of the worst teams in the league versus the run. We lost all three of those games as our injury-ridden and tired defense crumbled in the 4th quarter.
The only silver lining is that missing the playoffs may have saved Troy’s career.
They both
hold responsibility.
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Jun 14, 2010 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree that at times last season, both units were individually at fault for losing some games. But I think the off season anger that everyone has directed at the offense in general and passing in particular is disproportionate to the anger (if any) that’s been directed at the defense. Had our defense been merely above average, and not elite as it’s been the last couple of years, we would have made the playoffs without a problem and gone on to defend our title.
Author at Pensburgh.com
Well
I think that is because people feel that with the additions of BMac, Troy P, Larry F, and Aaron Smith; add in the improvement of Ziggy hood, Lawrence Timmons, and Sunny Harris, the defense will be taken care of. Most feel that the problems on defense was talent and not scheme.
The offense on the other hand most people believe that the problem is scheme and not talent. The OC has not changed so he will be highly scrutinize. Add that with the fact that we lost our #1 WR from last year and that compounds the anxiety of how the offense will fair this year.
The running game needs improvement. Even with a great defense, you only help out your team when you can run the clock and 3rd and 3 is a running play conversion. Best believe though, if we don’t see injuries and see the same performance on defense, defense will get a heavier load of criticism .
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Jun 14, 2010 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
defense will get a heavier load of criticism .
I think they should have gotten a heavier load this off season. Yes Troy is back, but Foote and Smith are only getting older, and no one knows how Ziggy will perform as a starter. And beyond that, it was the passing defense that killed us this year, as well as Lebeau’s insatiable desire to play cushion at every possible instance, even when it was obvious our corners couldn’t do it..
The fact of the matter is that the defense had a worse year than the offense, but they’ve gotten a pass from nearly everyone.
Author at Pensburgh.com
Yea
but Lebeau’s system has worked time and time again. BA systen has never worked well. Lebeau’s system has had that unit ranked #1 in the nfl several times. When has BA had an offense in the top 5? So if you have one bad year, when your best player on defense is out and another important starter and playing with a 5th corner who is starting. People will give him a pass. I think that is reasonable.
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Jun 14, 2010 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
There have been plenty of years when our defense hasn’t been ranked number one, or even in the top 10. What about in 2006, not mention other years.
Part of the problem is also personnel. The Steelers’ front office has invested more time in building a defense with solid players than making sure the offense keeps pace. Evidence of this is the receiving corp and O-line we’ve been saddled with. No offense is going to survive, whether it’s BA’s or another’s, with that lack of talent.
Author at Pensburgh.com
Lack of talent?
Ben
Ward
Santonio
Heath
Rashard
Wallace
Faneca
Burress
M. Smith
Pouncey (TBD)
Pretty talentless group of players for sure
There is no dark side of the moon really .. .. .. matter of fact it's all dark
by chewiesteeler on Jun 14, 2010 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Spaeth
Johnson
McHugh
Bright
The Driver of the Sweed Bus - All aboard, next stop 70 Catches 900 Yards 7TD's
^ Ooooops did I jinx it?
DaMon Cromartie Smith to make the 53 Man Roster!
by Josh Roberts (ESGB) on Jun 14, 2010 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Gay
Carter
A. Harrison
There is no dark side of the moon really .. .. .. matter of fact it's all dark
by chewiesteeler on Jun 14, 2010 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions
chewiessteeler – I’m talking about last year’s group only, not players from the past 5-10 years. Last year’s defense, in my opinion, had more talent on it than our offense.
Author at Pensburgh.com
You said "plenty of years"
That does not sound like you were referring to only one year. However, one year does not a trend make.
There is no dark side of the moon really .. .. .. matter of fact it's all dark
by chewiesteeler on Jun 14, 2010 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions
When referencing personnel, I was referring to this year. Plenty of years referred to a comment made by tan of steel.
Author at Pensburgh.com
OK
Let’s look at is this way:
The Steelers opening day starters (est.) on Offense: 4 1st rounders, 1 2nd rounder, 3 3rd rounders, 1 6th and 1 UDFA
Defense: 4 – 1st, 2 – 2nd, 0 – 3rd, 2 – 4th, 1 – 7th, 2 – UDFAs
I’d say the offense is more talent top heavy than the D.
There is no dark side of the moon really .. .. .. matter of fact it's all dark
by chewiesteeler on Jun 14, 2010 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s a good point of view. I still think it’s close, and could go the other way, i.e. 6 1st or 2nd round players on D compared to 5 on O.
Author at Pensburgh.com
I'd agree with that
I think it is pretty close, not necessarily as drastically uneven as you alluded to initially.
And we have reached common ground (I think). No, let’s head to Washington and see if we can rub off on Congress.
There is no dark side of the moon really .. .. .. matter of fact it's all dark
by chewiesteeler on Jun 14, 2010 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions
It'll never happen
lol :O
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Jun 14, 2010 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions
CHEERS
There is no dark side of the moon really .. .. .. matter of fact it's all dark
by chewiesteeler on Jun 14, 2010 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Dude
you loss all credibility when you say ‘lack of talent’ on offense. Since every position now has been invested with a number one pick. The offense is plenty talented. Don’t get it twisted, BA is not doing more with less, he is doing less with more.
How many teams can lose their #1 WR and have a guy waiting in the wings to step up? Not many. Not saying that Wallace is going to step up, I’m just saying its unrealistic to sit here and cry that we have had a lack of talent at the WR position. We had two WRs get 1000 yards and a third to go over a 700 who if he would have been playing more from the beginning of the year, would have been closer to a 1000 yards. Then look at how rare it is for teams to have 3 WRs to have a 1000 yard year in the same year. Arizona did it last year but can you name another one off the top of your head? Didn’t think so.
People cry and cry about the offensive line but fail to realize that a) it takes time to build a line because that is 5 positions you have to fill. b) The steelers were hit with an unusual circumstance with the departure of alan faneca, the retirement of jeff hartings, the injury problems if kendall simmons, and the back injuries of marvel smith. They ended up having to replace 4 starting offensive linemen in a very short period of time. You cannot and should not have expect the Steelers to have done much more than they have already. I applaud the Steelers for not folding under pressure and just picking up a offensive lineman in the first round because thats what everyone wanted. They stuck with their guns and got the right value and the right guy for their pick. If they would have picked an guy and he flopped then it would have been a waste of a pick. c) People seem to ignore the progress of the line this past year. Once pouncey is able to settle into his C position and Foster/Urbik fills the RG position we will have a good line once again.
They have been years when our defense wasn’t ranked number one or even the top 10, but that hasn’t been many, but name a year when our offense was ranked #1? Thought so.
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Jun 14, 2010 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions
This:
BA is not doing more with less, he is doing less with more.
Me likey. And its a tough spot to be in. Seemingly the only way to lose Arians is to have a losing season. Rock / Me / Hardplace
There is no dark side of the moon really .. .. .. matter of fact it's all dark
by chewiesteeler on Jun 14, 2010 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yea its a tough spot
but the guy is proving that he really doesn’t have what it takes to be a top OC in the NFL, didn’t have talent with the browns, now has talent with the Steelers, same results, offensive wise. This very well might be BA last chance at being a coordinator, His career might be demoted to nothing but QB coach positions. But people expect success and improvement, what can you do.
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Jun 14, 2010 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions
What I'm saying though
is if the Steelers go 11-5, 12-4 IN SPITE of BA, then there is no way they shite can him.
There is no dark side of the moon really .. .. .. matter of fact it's all dark
by chewiesteeler on Jun 14, 2010 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions
If we win the bulk of those games with defense it's possible
But I agree that it would still be unlikely
by barnerburner on Jun 14, 2010 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions
they
just won’t renew is contract, heck look how long its taking tomlin to get his signed.
I think they are waiting to see what happens with the CBA. Tomlin might not get a deal till next year. BA is done unless Mendenhall gets 16-1700 yards this season.
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Jun 15, 2010 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions
tannofsteel – I’m only talking about last year’s group of players. I thought the defense had more talent on it than the offense. It’s tough to quantify, but that’s what I thought. Making historical comparisons wasn’t what I was after.
Author at Pensburgh.com
both sides were talented
the offense was more talent, especially last year. With no troy or aaron smith. How can you say the defense was more talented? You best players on defense last year was James harrison and Lamar Woodley, while the offense had Ben R. and Santonio Holmes. Then after that you have Mendy, Heath Miller, Hines ward, and Mike Wallace.
After harrison and woodley on D, who did you have? Ike talylor? Casey Hampton?
Even just looking at last year, the offense was way more talented than the defense, one of the first years that it was.
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Jun 14, 2010 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Not to mention Ben hurting his shoulder against the Dolphins
That’s two silver linings.
Even if we made it into the Playoffs, we wouldn’t have made it far. Not with that horrid Defense of ours.
Quitter's Proud United Member #11
Not with that horrid Defense of ours.
I’m very happy you said that, Mini Hulk.
Author at Pensburgh.com
Llamarr Woodley
would beg to differ…
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Jun 14, 2010 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions
And
I disagree with that mentality.
Making it to the playoffs and losing, is better than not making the playoffs at all.
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Jun 14, 2010 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm sorry
But I stand by what I said. Compared to the Defense we had against the Cardinals the year before, they were horrid.
Quitter's Proud United Member #11
Thats fine
don’t apologize. All I was saying is that Lamarr as talking about all the noise they would make in the playoffs if they got in, thats all, lamar would beg to differ :)
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Jun 15, 2010 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions
does Logan factor in on RB depth?
I’d axe Summers to keep Logan
"I sweat at the sound of hearing the names of Harrison and Woodley."- Mr MaLoR
by kick him in the head on Jun 13, 2010 10:46 PM EDT reply actions
true, true
I didn’t really mention him here or in the MSP RB mini-preview, but I perhaps should have. I just don’t see Arians getting innovative enough to use him in the running game. MAYBE in the passing game since, hell, he loves to pass. But anyway, good point. He could get a few looks.
Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)
by Michael Bean on Jun 13, 2010 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Blitz why are you thinking that Arians can think creatively
because last year we ran teh Hyopcloid once and had the Big Legurski line up as a Fullback once and both of those worked the only time we used them, needless to say they were never seen again. Also see Couch, Tim on why we should not have hired him as the OC in the first place
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Greg Llyod, Andy Russel, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene and Jerry Kramer
"It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one." George Washington
Canal Street Chronicles resident Steelers Fan
by WVPiratesfan on Jun 13, 2010 11:46 PM EDT up reply actions
I called it his check the box plays
Ran it and checked the box and moved on. Problem is he didn’t go back to the ones that worked and It drove me nuts all year. I think he’s trying so hard to outsmart people he doesn’t even keep track of what’s working and whats not.
If you buy a foreign made product you give money to a person who will not be buying an American made product that you get paid to make. Think about it next time you're at the store.
Yeah no
Please no
"I'm from Maryland, and no one can beat me!"
by John Stephens on Jun 14, 2010 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions
After missing almost all of his rookie season after having his shoulder obliterated by Ray Lewis,
Thats a nice way of putting it
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Greg Llyod, Andy Russel, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene and Jerry Kramer
"It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one." George Washington
Canal Street Chronicles resident Steelers Fan
I find it ironic that the photo Blitz picked is Spindenhall catchy a pass
cause if Arians had his way…..thats all he’d do.
hehehe
Didnt notice that. Good call :) However, in yet another paradoxical twist, Arians, despite his love of throwing the ball, doesn’t at all appreciate the beauty of utilizing RBs in the passing game.
Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)
by Michael Bean on Jun 14, 2010 3:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Why would he?
They’re “running” backs and his mind is programmed to skip right past any instances of the word whenever he’s examining the roster and determining what he has to work with.
But if Tomlin cleverly changed the position title to “receiving” backs, he might be able to trick Arians into running working some RB screen passes every now and then.
by barnerburner on Jun 14, 2010 6:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Tight Receiver
TWSS
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
not gay
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
just had to put that out there
it’s getting kinda crazy out there if you know what I mean….
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
Nice article Blitz
Should we make Mendy predictions?
I’d say 1550 yards, 9TDs, 350 rec yards 1 rec TD. Possible pro bowl if Ray Rice comes down with a bad case of crabs (likely in Baltimore).
"I'm from Maryland, and no one can beat me!"
I'm
pulling for Logan to make the same as a RB, we need some speed back there. All we need is a couple big runs from him to get people to respect him and back off.
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Jun 14, 2010 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Mendenhall is going to have one HELL of a year
I can see him carrying the load for the first 4-6 games with Ben gone.
I just hope he gets his touches when Ben comes back. I hated being a passig team. We’re the Pittsburgh Steelers. We should be running our opponents over and getting TDs. We should be known for our Defense being the most feared.
Quitter's Proud United Member #11
Exactly
And the thing we were missing after the 70s was the QB. We always had a great D and a consistent run attack but we never got a solid replacement for Terry B. Not until 2004.
A brief aside: imagine we drafted Danny Marino back when, we’d be now sitting on 7-8 Lombardi’s.
This year will surprise many critics, I am excited…
I know people get all excited thinking
how many Lombardi’s the Steelers would have had they drafted Marino. The whole dynamic of the team would have been so much different based just on the effects of his salary alone. Who knows which players would have actually ever been on the team and who may have never even been drafted.
I’d say that if we could simply insert Marino and all else stays the same, you’re probably right, the Steelers likely would have won another sticky or two. However, we can’t, and considering he never won a Super Bowl, I’m not among those who think it would have been a certainty had the Steelers drafted him.
There is no dark side of the moon really .. .. .. matter of fact it's all dark
by chewiesteeler on Jun 14, 2010 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions
My bad, bro
There is no dark side of the moon really .. .. .. matter of fact it's all dark
by chewiesteeler on Jun 14, 2010 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions
No seriously, I wasn't being snarky
you’re most likely right in regards to salary.
It’s hard for me not to get all agog over things like this. This Team O’Ours!
my pointed nips
TWSS
"Who is Joe Namath? This is a guy who, if he played in the league today, I'd probably just go hit him late and see what he did, just for the hell of it. Joe Namath can go to hell; he can kiss my ass." - Greg Lloyd, after NBC commentator Joe Namath accused Lloyd of playing dirty.
by count'em_six on Jun 14, 2010 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions
We'll get at least one more Lombardi with Ben under center
….Unless he decides to f*ck up again.
Quitter's Proud United Member #11
or down
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
Why no mention of Tebow?
"Who is Joe Namath? This is a guy who, if he played in the league today, I'd probably just go hit him late and see what he did, just for the hell of it. Joe Namath can go to hell; he can kiss my ass." - Greg Lloyd, after NBC commentator Joe Namath accused Lloyd of playing dirty.
Tebow
There is no dark side of the moon really .. .. .. matter of fact it's all dark
by chewiesteeler on Jun 14, 2010 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Thank you.
"Who is Joe Namath? This is a guy who, if he played in the league today, I'd probably just go hit him late and see what he did, just for the hell of it. Joe Namath can go to hell; he can kiss my ass." - Greg Lloyd, after NBC commentator Joe Namath accused Lloyd of playing dirty.
by count'em_six on Jun 14, 2010 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Don't mention it
EVER
There is no dark side of the moon really .. .. .. matter of fact it's all dark
by chewiesteeler on Jun 14, 2010 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions
huh?
"Who is Joe Namath? This is a guy who, if he played in the league today, I'd probably just go hit him late and see what he did, just for the hell of it. Joe Namath can go to hell; he can kiss my ass." - Greg Lloyd, after NBC commentator Joe Namath accused Lloyd of playing dirty.
by count'em_six on Jun 14, 2010 10:59 PM EDT up reply actions
I have no idea what I was responding to.
I was reading something on how stupid my basketball team is and just randomly typed something.
Quitter's Proud United Member #11
Why didn't you mention the FB?
Was this ghost written by Airens?
If you buy a foreign made product you give money to a person who will not be buying an American made product that you get paid to make. Think about it next time you're at the store.
Curious if he is going to write a full back article by itself
"I'm from Maryland, and no one can beat me!"
by John Stephens on Jun 14, 2010 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Had the same thought
but since there’s really only one in camp and Summers was in this artical, I just thought I’d ask.
If you buy a foreign made product you give money to a person who will not be buying an American made product that you get paid to make. Think about it next time you're at the store.
Demetrius Taylor
What happened with the idea of rookie Demetrius Taylor from Virginia Tech as a FB? He is 262 pounds, solid weight and had decent “40” time. Sounds like a great lead blocker. Also being from Virginia Tech, I am sure that he also has Special Team skills. I think that we could do away with one of the Tight Ends – we are talented there.
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