LLT
06-08-2010, 04:23 AM
Pittsburgh Steelers Backfield Will Be a Running Concern in 2010
by Nick DeWitt
June 07, 2010
The Pittsburgh Steelers were out of character last season after having trended that way since Mike Tomlin took the reins in 2007.
They became a passing team.
Power running has been out of vogue in Pittsburgh since Jerome Bettis parked the bus permanently after the 2005 Super Bowl season. Willie Parker took over full time duties after that, and he was more of a fast, cutback runner.
The Steelers have lacked a true pounder ever since.
Now Rashard Mendenhall takes up the mantle of Steelers feature back, a position that has known greatness for the better part of the last half century.
The Steelers already plan to run the ball more often in 2010. Mendenhall proved he could handle the workload with a 242 carry, 1,108 yard season punctuated by seven touchdowns.
Mendenhall can run both inside and outside and he showed a knack for breaking tackles and gaining extra yards. His style (not his ability) is similar to Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings.
Unfortunately, that includes the propensity for fumbles while trying to gain extra yards.
Mendenhall's ball security improved late in the season and should be a focus for him when it comes to improving his game in 2010.
But Parker is gone and Mewelde Moore is not talented enough to carry backup duties by himself. So the Steelers selected Jonathan Dwyer of Georgia Tech in the sixth round of the draft.
Dwyer has the potential to be a great compliment to Mendenhall and to be the pounder that has been lacking in Pittsburgh since the Bettis days. He's a tough inside runner with good technique and a sturdy frame.
Added to that punch will be the pass catching ability of Moore, who is the best backfield receiver. He was effective on screens and in the flat. The Steelers will likely look to use him in those situations again in 2010.
Isaac Redman is an interesting piece as a goal line back. He is an aggressive, strong runner who does his best work in between the tackles.
Frank Summers will also return from his injury as the team's fullback/halfback. Summers is another big inside guy, but his injury concerns and his one-dimensional game may put his roster spot in jeopardy.
While the Steelers are recommitting themselves to running the ball, it may be more of a necessity than anything with Ben Roethlisberger suspended for at least the first four games of the season. Mendenhall and company will be heavily relied upon to carry the load and take the heat off of whoever starts under center.
Mendenhall is due for a true breakout season and is a candidate to challenge for a rushing title if the Steelers truly commit to the ground game and also repair some of the lapses in their offensive line blocking.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/402385-pittsburgh-steelers-backfield-will-be-a-running-concern-in-2010
by Nick DeWitt
June 07, 2010
The Pittsburgh Steelers were out of character last season after having trended that way since Mike Tomlin took the reins in 2007.
They became a passing team.
Power running has been out of vogue in Pittsburgh since Jerome Bettis parked the bus permanently after the 2005 Super Bowl season. Willie Parker took over full time duties after that, and he was more of a fast, cutback runner.
The Steelers have lacked a true pounder ever since.
Now Rashard Mendenhall takes up the mantle of Steelers feature back, a position that has known greatness for the better part of the last half century.
The Steelers already plan to run the ball more often in 2010. Mendenhall proved he could handle the workload with a 242 carry, 1,108 yard season punctuated by seven touchdowns.
Mendenhall can run both inside and outside and he showed a knack for breaking tackles and gaining extra yards. His style (not his ability) is similar to Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings.
Unfortunately, that includes the propensity for fumbles while trying to gain extra yards.
Mendenhall's ball security improved late in the season and should be a focus for him when it comes to improving his game in 2010.
But Parker is gone and Mewelde Moore is not talented enough to carry backup duties by himself. So the Steelers selected Jonathan Dwyer of Georgia Tech in the sixth round of the draft.
Dwyer has the potential to be a great compliment to Mendenhall and to be the pounder that has been lacking in Pittsburgh since the Bettis days. He's a tough inside runner with good technique and a sturdy frame.
Added to that punch will be the pass catching ability of Moore, who is the best backfield receiver. He was effective on screens and in the flat. The Steelers will likely look to use him in those situations again in 2010.
Isaac Redman is an interesting piece as a goal line back. He is an aggressive, strong runner who does his best work in between the tackles.
Frank Summers will also return from his injury as the team's fullback/halfback. Summers is another big inside guy, but his injury concerns and his one-dimensional game may put his roster spot in jeopardy.
While the Steelers are recommitting themselves to running the ball, it may be more of a necessity than anything with Ben Roethlisberger suspended for at least the first four games of the season. Mendenhall and company will be heavily relied upon to carry the load and take the heat off of whoever starts under center.
Mendenhall is due for a true breakout season and is a candidate to challenge for a rushing title if the Steelers truly commit to the ground game and also repair some of the lapses in their offensive line blocking.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/402385-pittsburgh-steelers-backfield-will-be-a-running-concern-in-2010