Mendenhall knows run game a necessity vs. Falcons‎

[polamalubeast]

PITTSBURGH (AP) - For months, the Pittsburgh Steelers have emphasized upgrading their running game. Rashard Mendenhall is determined to prove all this buildup is a lot more than idle talk.

With the Steelers starting the very inexperienced Dennis Dixon at quarterback Sunday against Atlanta, Mendenhall knows that getting the running game going is a necessity to balancing an offense that simply can't be as pass-heavy as it is with Ben Roethlisberger under center.

There were a few flirtations a season ago with the Steelers' running game of the past, as Mendenhall ran for 165 yards against San Diego and 155 against Denver. But it was their passing game and one of the NFL's best defenses that were largely responsible for the Steelers' 24 victories the last two seasons.



Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/football/nfl/wires/09/08/2020.ap.fbn.steelers.mendenhall.s.moment.0162/#ixzz0yyWzdMYM

[GoSlash27]

This game is going to rest on the shoulders of our secondary more than anyone else. Atlanta will want to pass early and often to force us into a one dimensional offense. If we can disrupt that, we can kick their asses up between their shoulder blades.

[cold-hard-steel]

Rushhard needs to make good on his take of the game.Sounds good to me . Make em respect that running game.Other opponents will watch the film.I feel we can get er done.

[steelpride12]

Mendy and the rush game is going to be key in the 4 games Ben is gone in total. We can't rely on Dixon to be passing us to victory, Ben may be able to do so, but Dixon will eventually start making mistakes.

[Kaeg]

I agree with the rush game, but I'm thinking it may be that much harder since the other teams probably figure to make DD beat them and will stack against the run. If we can still run over these team under this set up, we are surely going to be a good running team this year.

[Psycho Ward 86]

It helps us quite a bit that Babienaux will be suspended for the game. But DE Abraham is still a force, and DE Bierman is their 2nd best player according to Bucky Brooks (or Pat Kirwan? I dont remember which, but both are smart analysts). And dont forget about 2nd year man Peria Jerry. He was considered a top 10 overall pick if he could stay healthy. At first glance it might seem like the Falcons have a heavily overrated defense, but they definitely have so fast rising stars on that squad and some decent FA pickups.

[Steeldude]

it all depends on the steelers' O-line.

hopefully mendenhall ditches the useless spin move.

[solardave]

Don't forget Dixon can run and so can Redman. Our defense wins this game by getting to Ryan early and often disrupting his game.

[Galax Steeler]

We need to settle in and get Mendenhall a going. If we can establish the run and move the chains we should be ok in this game.

[stlrtruck]

So we need the run game? Weren't there a bunch of us commenting on that same sentiment last year?

[steelpride12]

Which all comes down to the O-Line must perform well!

[vasteeler]

it all depends on the steelers' O-line.

hopefully mendenhall ditches the useless spin move.

i dont want him to completely ditch the spin move ........but yeah maybe cut back a little