Mendenhall to Start?

[Steelreal]

There is a huge difference between a franchise quarterback and a solid runningback. The QB is, of course, going to get much more leway in terms of turnovers because he is much harder to replace.

I am not talking about Leeway. I'm talking about criticism. It seems that EVERYON can get criticized except Ben. Ben had a 33 rating and played like ass vs the Jets and guys are making excuses for that bad play. Its incredible. Ben also played poorly in the Super Bowl after the Jets game and a guy blames Mendenhalls fumble. Really? Like I said put Ben on the bench for a guy that he is better than (Leftwich) and you watch how Ben acts. Think Ben is happy? I dont, nor should he be.

[Seven]

I think there's valid reasons to play and sit Mendenhall. But I don't think his fumble in SB XLV has any relevance.

That was a turning point in the game no question. But it was only one play out of about 140. You can't pin the loss on him, or at least you shouldn't. Also I wont defend every fumble, but that was more about a good play by Mathews than carelessness on Mendy's part.

Now back to today.

I don't think anyone puts that loss solely on him, but it was an unfortunate mistake which no doubt attributed to the Steelers losing. As I said earlier, DJ missed the block but Matthews was in Mendenhall's line of sight. I see no reason why he shouldn't have held on.

As far as him playing today, Bouchette says he isn't starting. Which makes me ask why dress him? Tomlin said two weeks ago that unless Mendenhall was going to start there wasn't room for him on the active roster, so what has changed between now and then? It sounds like he is going to be used situationally on passing downs. I don't get it. If he's dressing, he should start.

[zulater]

I don't think anyone puts that loss solely on him, but it was an unfortunate mistake which no doubt attributed to the Steelers losing. As I said earlier, DJ missed the block but Matthews was in Mendenhall's line of sight. I see no reason why he shouldn't have held on.

As far as him playing today, Bouchette says he isn't starting. Which makes me ask why dress him? Tomlin said two weeks ago that unless Mendenhall was going to start there wasn't room for him on the active roster, so what has changed between now and then? It sounds like he is going to be used situationally on passing downs. I don't get it. If he's dressing, he should start.

Mendenhall could turn a game with 3 or 4 catches out of the backfield. So I can see that. He's dangerous in space.

[Count Steeler]

I don't think anyone puts that loss solely on him, but it was an unfortunate mistake which no doubt attributed to the Steelers losing. As I said earlier, DJ missed the block but Matthews was in Mendenhall's line of sight. I see no reason why he shouldn't have held on.

As far as him playing today, Bouchette says he isn't starting. Which makes me ask why dress him? Tomlin said two weeks ago that unless Mendenhall was going to start there wasn't room for him on the active roster, so what has changed between now and then? It sounds like he is going to be used situationally on passing downs. I don't get it. If he's dressing, he should start.

Sounds like Todd and Mike can't get on the same page. Sure hope Ben and Todd have a meeting of the minds.

[Seven]

Mendenhall could turn a game with 3 or 4 catches out of the backfield. So I can see that. He's dangerous in space.

But doesn't Chris Rainey give you the same thing?

[Count Steeler]

Heard/read that all 5 backs are dressed today.

[zulater]

But doesn't Chris Rainey give you the same thing?

Not hardly. Rainey doesn't read the field very well and doesn't make the most of his blocks and tends to run into traffic.

[Seven]

Not hardly. Rainey doesn't read the field very well and doesn't make the most of his blocks and tends to run into traffic.

I don't think I buy it. The longest reception Mendenhall has ever had was 35 yards and only has 2 receiving touchdowns in his entire career. You could probably sell me on the idea of him being used in pass protection easier than you could that he is dynamic out of the backfield. But again, Baron Batch fills that need quite nicely. I think Mendenhall's game-breaking ability is severly overrated while the rest of his skills tend to be underrated. My opinion that if he's playing it should be as the starter stands. I don't see any advantage to dressing him otherwise. Hopefully I'm wrong.

[zulater]

I don't think I buy it. The longest reception Mendenhall has ever had was 35 yards and only has 2 receiving touchdowns in his entire career. You could probably sell me on the idea of him being used in pass protection easier than you could that he is dynamic out of the backfield. But again, Baron Batch fills that need quite nicely. I think Mendenhall's game-breaking ability is severly overrated while the rest of his skills tend to be underrated. My opinion that if he's playing it should be as the starter stands. I don't see any advantage to dressing him otherwise. Hopefully I'm wrong.

You make a solid argument. But whatever role he fills today I just hope he does it well.

[Count Steeler]

You make a solid argument. But whatever role he fills today I just hope he does it well.

Maybe his sweats are still in the wash, so Tomlin doesn't want another incident. Hope he contributes in some way.

[steeldawg]

dwyer starting but you will see alot of mendy by the 2nd quarter, also look for huge games from ben, wallace, and brown today.

[Steelreal]

Does that mean that if BR doesn't make "the tackle" that you would have lost respect for Bettis?

It was a great play but should it have come down to that? Ben played great in the 1st half but like in true BR form he can NEVER put together a whole game of elite play. He isnt focused, he doesnt have killer instinct. How often do we blow anyone out? 4 40 point games in NINE years? You guys are so critical on all the other Steelers and I agree with most of your assessments. However, when it comes to Ben Roethlisberger a blind eye is turned. The rally cry is always "HES WON 2 SUPER BOWLS". So did Ike Taylor so does that make him better than Reavis? No. IN those 3 Super Bowls Ben Roethlisber has less TDs than INTS In those 3 Super Bowls (3 TDS and 5 INTS). He has a Qb rating of 64.4 in those 3 Super Bowls. And Clutch? At times yes he is. But the totality of the numbers says it all. Ben Roethlisbers has 20 TDs and 17 ints in his playoff career. If that was Leftiwch, Batch or Bristers numbers would the thoughts be the same?

[zulater]

Maybe his sweats are still in the wash, so Tomlin doesn't want another incident. Hope he contributes in some way.

I'm sure there's an old pair of Duce's still around.