LLT
07-19-2010, 09:30 AM
Pittsburgh Steelers Preview: Seven Reasons Rashard Mendenhall Will Have a Big Season
By Chris G.
July 19, 2010 71
There may be no more important player on the Pittsburgh Steelers offense than Rashard Mendenhall.
The third year running back will be a focal point of the Steelers offense, particularly at the start of the 2010 season while Pittsburgh is without Ben Roethlisberger.
After being the first running back that the Steelers have taken in the first round (23rd overall) since Tim Worley in 1989, there were high expectations for Mendenhall even as a rookie.
However, after a lackluster preseason, there were concerns regarding Mendenhall and he did not do much to disprove these in rushing for only 58 yards on 19 carries in the four games he played as a rookie.
The disappointing season came to an early end as Mendenhall suffered a shoulder injury against Baltimore in his first career start.
Mendenhall needed a fresh start in 2009, but did not fair much better. In week three, Mendenhall was benched because he did not know his assignments.
What could have been a major setback, Mendenhall took as motivation.
“It’s a learning experience…I just look forward to getting an opportunity to play and show the fans and my teammates what I can do.”
Mendenhall did just that. In only 12 starts, he had 1,108 rushing yards averaging 4.6 yards per carry and seven touchdowns plus another 261 yards receiving and a touchdown.
With a greater emphasis expected to be placed on the ground game, Mendenhall is poised to have a big season.
Focus on the Running Game
“I think Mike and I certainly agreed coming off the season that we need to run the ball more consistently to get to where we want to get to…So that’s part of the thinking in the offseason: We need to figure out how to get better running the football.”
With those words that Steelers president Art Rooney II spoke to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, it became clear that the Pittsburgh would be running the ball more this season.
In 2007, Mike Tomlin’s first year as head coach, Pittsburgh averaged 135.5 yards per game on the ground, good enough for third in the league.
Since then, their production has dropped off, averaging only 105.6 yards per game in 2008 and 112.1 yards per game in 2009, ranking 23rd and 19th in the league respectively.
Though the Steelers will not return to the Cowher days of running the ball 35-40 times per game, they will put an emphasis on situational running.
Mendenhall can expect to get more carries on short yardage downs and goal line situations. This should up his production in both yardage and touchdowns.
More importantly, he will likely be utilized more in the fourth quarter to wear down defenses as well as keep the clock moving.
Experience
For the first time in his career, Mendenhall will not have former Pro Bowl running back Willie Parker ahead of him on the depth chart. This being his third season, Mendenhall has proven to be the quality back that the Steelers need.
Unlike last season, Mendenhall will not be getting benched because he did not know the playbook. His awareness of assignments in the offense will be a huge benefit.
Mendenhall will be able to use this knowledge to continue to develop as a complete back, as he should be an every down back this season.
Playing on third downs will open up the playbook for the Steelers as he is their most dangerous option in the backfield.
With his speed and quickness, he can find himself picking up big chunks of yardage on draw plays and after posting 25 receptions last season, Mendenhall has a chance to build on this number, particularly with one less receiving threat after trading Santonio Holmes.
Tomlin and Arians Need to Use Him
Besides Mendenhall’s gain in experience, Tomlin and offensive coordinator Bruce Arians need to use him this season. Why? Their boss told them they need to run the ball more.
In a change from his usually stubborn ways, Arians had a simple solution to improve the ground game this year. How was that?
Arians says, “You just focus on it.”
By no means will they change their offensive philosophy a significant deal, but they will change it when it comes to situational football.
As mentioned before, it is clear that the coaching staff needs to improve their short yardage offense and that can start by using Mendenhall in these situations rather than lining up with an empty backfield.
There are other areas that Arians feels that they can improve as well.
“At the end of the game, in the four-minute [offense] to run out the clock and not punt the ball, short yards, goal line are areas we have to be more efficient.”
Becoming more effective in these areas will be a direct reflection of Mendenhall’s success and will also open up the offense to more play action passes which should result in better team success.
So, has the focus changed? According to what Frank Summers told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette , he believes it has.
“I see us working on it more in walk-throughs. There’s more emphasis on it, we’re going over it in meetings.”
Running the ball may also become easier with new offensive line coach Sean Kugler, who replaced Larry Zierlein.
Multidimensional Offense
Often times Arians became very predictable with his offense, particularly in the empty backfield situations. Using Mendenhall more will help diversify the Steelers offense, making it more unpredictable and more difficult to defense.
Coach Tomlin stresses the importance of running the ball to his football team.
“We’ve got to run the ball more effectively in critical situations because that’s how we desire to play football, and it increases our chances of winning. It makes us a more dominant football team.”
Mendenhall will be the key factor in becoming a more dominant football team.
As mentioned before, the result of using Mendenhall would enable the offense to implement more play action passes. These passes do not always have to go deep either. They may be able to design plays to go to Mendenhall.
Teams will also be less likely to load up against the pass or against the run, alleviating much of the pressure that goes on the offensive line to pick up pass or run blitzes.
Also, as a possible three down back, a ton of possibilities open up for plays that go to Mendenhall. He should get plenty of touches, being one of the most dangerous options for the Steelers offense.
Welcome Pouncey to the Line
The Steelers can try to use Mendenhall all they want, but without the blocking up front, he will not be able to gain too many yards, even with his vaunted spin move.
Enter Maurkice Pouncey, the Steelers first round selection this year. He will be an instant upgrade on a talent starved offensive line.
Expected to start at right guard, Pouncey will be a force along the line to help open up holes for Mendenhall, which became much more difficult after the team lost starting right tackle Willie Colon for the season.
Even so, the drafting of an offensive lineman in the first round further indicates the dedication that Pittsburgh places on running the ball better this season.
Lack of Depth
Mendenhall should also get a vast majority of the carries this season, and as I have stated multiple times, should be a three down back.
Why?
Because the Steelers lack proven depth behind Mendenhall.
Mewelde Moore is an experienced veteran who is capable of carrying the load for a few games if necessary, but he is not nearly the playmaker that Mendenhall is and could lose his third down role to Mendenhall this season.
Beyond Moore, there are no experienced running backs on the roster.
Isaac Redman showed a ton of potential as a goal line back during camp last season, but was not a part of the active roster.
Jonathan Dwyer was a late round selection with a ton of potential, but he is a rookie who has a lot to prove.
Two other young backs, Frank Summers and Justin Vincent, also lack NFL experience and will be fighting for a roster spot, let alone taking time away from Mendenhall.
Given the rather dire condition of the Steelers backfield, Mendenhall will be expected to be the go-to guy when it comes to gaining yards on the ground and unless beaten out, will be the goal line back as well.
Leftwich to Start the Season
The biggest factor that will get Mendenhall off to a great start is the fact that Byron Leftwich is expected to start at least the first four games of the season.
While an effective quarterback, Leftwich cannot carry a team like Roethlisberger can and it should not be expected that he will be throwing the ball 30 times a game which probably means that the Steelers won’t have the same offensive output as last season, which may not be a bad thing according to Hines Ward.
“Last year, we had a prolific offense. We had two 1,000-yard receivers, a 1,000-yard back and a 4,000-yard quarterback, and we were out of the playoffs. Go figure that.”
Ward believes that the offense needs to be more balanced.
“I mean it’s great to put up numbers but to complement our defense – who weren’t as powerful as they normally are – we have to control the ball more, time of possession. I suspect we can.”
Along with passing plays called by Arians with Leftwich in the lineup, there should also be less passing plays from the no huddle offense, a favorite of Roethlisberger’s.
So the bottom line, will Mendenhall be the answer? Ward says yes he can.
“I predict we’ll be more balanced. Look for Mendenhall, for us to use a lot of him.”
A hot start for Mendenhall would signal great things to come for the rest of the season.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/422041-pittsburgh-steelers-preview-seven-ways-rashard-mendenhall-will-have-a-b#page/8
By Chris G.
July 19, 2010 71
There may be no more important player on the Pittsburgh Steelers offense than Rashard Mendenhall.
The third year running back will be a focal point of the Steelers offense, particularly at the start of the 2010 season while Pittsburgh is without Ben Roethlisberger.
After being the first running back that the Steelers have taken in the first round (23rd overall) since Tim Worley in 1989, there were high expectations for Mendenhall even as a rookie.
However, after a lackluster preseason, there were concerns regarding Mendenhall and he did not do much to disprove these in rushing for only 58 yards on 19 carries in the four games he played as a rookie.
The disappointing season came to an early end as Mendenhall suffered a shoulder injury against Baltimore in his first career start.
Mendenhall needed a fresh start in 2009, but did not fair much better. In week three, Mendenhall was benched because he did not know his assignments.
What could have been a major setback, Mendenhall took as motivation.
“It’s a learning experience…I just look forward to getting an opportunity to play and show the fans and my teammates what I can do.”
Mendenhall did just that. In only 12 starts, he had 1,108 rushing yards averaging 4.6 yards per carry and seven touchdowns plus another 261 yards receiving and a touchdown.
With a greater emphasis expected to be placed on the ground game, Mendenhall is poised to have a big season.
Focus on the Running Game
“I think Mike and I certainly agreed coming off the season that we need to run the ball more consistently to get to where we want to get to…So that’s part of the thinking in the offseason: We need to figure out how to get better running the football.”
With those words that Steelers president Art Rooney II spoke to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, it became clear that the Pittsburgh would be running the ball more this season.
In 2007, Mike Tomlin’s first year as head coach, Pittsburgh averaged 135.5 yards per game on the ground, good enough for third in the league.
Since then, their production has dropped off, averaging only 105.6 yards per game in 2008 and 112.1 yards per game in 2009, ranking 23rd and 19th in the league respectively.
Though the Steelers will not return to the Cowher days of running the ball 35-40 times per game, they will put an emphasis on situational running.
Mendenhall can expect to get more carries on short yardage downs and goal line situations. This should up his production in both yardage and touchdowns.
More importantly, he will likely be utilized more in the fourth quarter to wear down defenses as well as keep the clock moving.
Experience
For the first time in his career, Mendenhall will not have former Pro Bowl running back Willie Parker ahead of him on the depth chart. This being his third season, Mendenhall has proven to be the quality back that the Steelers need.
Unlike last season, Mendenhall will not be getting benched because he did not know the playbook. His awareness of assignments in the offense will be a huge benefit.
Mendenhall will be able to use this knowledge to continue to develop as a complete back, as he should be an every down back this season.
Playing on third downs will open up the playbook for the Steelers as he is their most dangerous option in the backfield.
With his speed and quickness, he can find himself picking up big chunks of yardage on draw plays and after posting 25 receptions last season, Mendenhall has a chance to build on this number, particularly with one less receiving threat after trading Santonio Holmes.
Tomlin and Arians Need to Use Him
Besides Mendenhall’s gain in experience, Tomlin and offensive coordinator Bruce Arians need to use him this season. Why? Their boss told them they need to run the ball more.
In a change from his usually stubborn ways, Arians had a simple solution to improve the ground game this year. How was that?
Arians says, “You just focus on it.”
By no means will they change their offensive philosophy a significant deal, but they will change it when it comes to situational football.
As mentioned before, it is clear that the coaching staff needs to improve their short yardage offense and that can start by using Mendenhall in these situations rather than lining up with an empty backfield.
There are other areas that Arians feels that they can improve as well.
“At the end of the game, in the four-minute [offense] to run out the clock and not punt the ball, short yards, goal line are areas we have to be more efficient.”
Becoming more effective in these areas will be a direct reflection of Mendenhall’s success and will also open up the offense to more play action passes which should result in better team success.
So, has the focus changed? According to what Frank Summers told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette , he believes it has.
“I see us working on it more in walk-throughs. There’s more emphasis on it, we’re going over it in meetings.”
Running the ball may also become easier with new offensive line coach Sean Kugler, who replaced Larry Zierlein.
Multidimensional Offense
Often times Arians became very predictable with his offense, particularly in the empty backfield situations. Using Mendenhall more will help diversify the Steelers offense, making it more unpredictable and more difficult to defense.
Coach Tomlin stresses the importance of running the ball to his football team.
“We’ve got to run the ball more effectively in critical situations because that’s how we desire to play football, and it increases our chances of winning. It makes us a more dominant football team.”
Mendenhall will be the key factor in becoming a more dominant football team.
As mentioned before, the result of using Mendenhall would enable the offense to implement more play action passes. These passes do not always have to go deep either. They may be able to design plays to go to Mendenhall.
Teams will also be less likely to load up against the pass or against the run, alleviating much of the pressure that goes on the offensive line to pick up pass or run blitzes.
Also, as a possible three down back, a ton of possibilities open up for plays that go to Mendenhall. He should get plenty of touches, being one of the most dangerous options for the Steelers offense.
Welcome Pouncey to the Line
The Steelers can try to use Mendenhall all they want, but without the blocking up front, he will not be able to gain too many yards, even with his vaunted spin move.
Enter Maurkice Pouncey, the Steelers first round selection this year. He will be an instant upgrade on a talent starved offensive line.
Expected to start at right guard, Pouncey will be a force along the line to help open up holes for Mendenhall, which became much more difficult after the team lost starting right tackle Willie Colon for the season.
Even so, the drafting of an offensive lineman in the first round further indicates the dedication that Pittsburgh places on running the ball better this season.
Lack of Depth
Mendenhall should also get a vast majority of the carries this season, and as I have stated multiple times, should be a three down back.
Why?
Because the Steelers lack proven depth behind Mendenhall.
Mewelde Moore is an experienced veteran who is capable of carrying the load for a few games if necessary, but he is not nearly the playmaker that Mendenhall is and could lose his third down role to Mendenhall this season.
Beyond Moore, there are no experienced running backs on the roster.
Isaac Redman showed a ton of potential as a goal line back during camp last season, but was not a part of the active roster.
Jonathan Dwyer was a late round selection with a ton of potential, but he is a rookie who has a lot to prove.
Two other young backs, Frank Summers and Justin Vincent, also lack NFL experience and will be fighting for a roster spot, let alone taking time away from Mendenhall.
Given the rather dire condition of the Steelers backfield, Mendenhall will be expected to be the go-to guy when it comes to gaining yards on the ground and unless beaten out, will be the goal line back as well.
Leftwich to Start the Season
The biggest factor that will get Mendenhall off to a great start is the fact that Byron Leftwich is expected to start at least the first four games of the season.
While an effective quarterback, Leftwich cannot carry a team like Roethlisberger can and it should not be expected that he will be throwing the ball 30 times a game which probably means that the Steelers won’t have the same offensive output as last season, which may not be a bad thing according to Hines Ward.
“Last year, we had a prolific offense. We had two 1,000-yard receivers, a 1,000-yard back and a 4,000-yard quarterback, and we were out of the playoffs. Go figure that.”
Ward believes that the offense needs to be more balanced.
“I mean it’s great to put up numbers but to complement our defense – who weren’t as powerful as they normally are – we have to control the ball more, time of possession. I suspect we can.”
Along with passing plays called by Arians with Leftwich in the lineup, there should also be less passing plays from the no huddle offense, a favorite of Roethlisberger’s.
So the bottom line, will Mendenhall be the answer? Ward says yes he can.
“I predict we’ll be more balanced. Look for Mendenhall, for us to use a lot of him.”
A hot start for Mendenhall would signal great things to come for the rest of the season.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/422041-pittsburgh-steelers-preview-seven-ways-rashard-mendenhall-will-have-a-b#page/8