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Thread: The Pittsburgh Steelers: To Run or Not To Run, That Is the Question

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    Senior Member Array title="polamalubeast has a reputation beyond repute">

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    The Pittsburgh Steelers: To Run or Not To Run, That Is the Question

    The Pittsburgh Steelers: To Run or Not To Run, That Is the Question
    by Timothy Kessler Analyst Written on May 29, 2010
    Karl Walter/Getty Images Although it is too early to tell just yet how much of a focus the Steelers will put on improving their running game, Rashard Mendenhall seemingly isn’t fully confident that OC Bruce Arians is taking Art Rooney’s request to heart.



    "It's tough to say right now because we're just trying to get back into things and I think our offense will form into shape as we get closer to camp. As a running back, you want the ball in your hands; you want to run the ball. That doesn't seem to be our focus. But whatever we're called to do, however this offense is formed and shaped, we'll be willing to do that."



    Reminiscent of a similar request made by Willie Parker a few years back, which fell on deaf ears.



    Rashard Mendenhall also made it clear that he would like to be running behind a fullback as the lead blocker this season, as opposed to a tight end.



    Like all running backs, he would love to have a fullback slamming into the line to create some holes for him; although, it is well documented that OC Bruce Arians does not prefer to use fullbacks in his offense.



    That is what makes the usually soft-spoken Mendenhall and his comments all the more intriguing.



    “As a running back you want a fullback,” Mendenhall said. “A fullback is another set of eyes in the backfield; they kind of read and feel through things that receivers and tight ends don't normally do, so as a running back you want that.


    “ (Fullbacks) being ball carriers they know what you’re trying to do, they know where you’re trying to go and they can get there before you so a lot of times the fullback will end up at the same place after reading a play.”



    Such a statement makes Frank “The Tank” Summers an intriguing player to watch for as well as newly acquired Demetrius Taylor, a 6', 275 lb player out of Virginia Tech who has played fullback in the past.



    If either can prove to the coaches that they can block like a fullback, it might persuade Arians to use the fullback more in the offense.



    Stranger things have happened, I suppose.



    Apparently not seeing the run stressed enough thus far, is this Rashard’s way of reminding Bruce where his focus is supposed to be this season?




    The real question is: why in the world would the Steelers pick up an offensive coordinator who failed in Cleveland with an unbalanced offense that was known for its predictability? He has brought that very same pass-first offense here, to a city known for its running!



    Goes to show you apparently cannot teach an old dog new tricks, if that is what the Steeler braintrust was thinking. But that is the makings of an entirely different article.



    In the end, the only thing I see changing Arian's mind on this issue is Art Rooney and the fact that he can very well lose his job if the running game is not successful this season, as he is in his final year of his contract.




    Here's hoping we see a return to the smash mouth running that was once a trademark of our team.

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    Senior Member Array title="stillers4me has a reputation beyond repute"> stillers4me's Avatar

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    And let the games begin..........



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    Senior Member Array title="solardave is an unknown quantity at this point">

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    It will be interesting to see if we do in fact run more or if they fire BA by mid season. If we don't run effectively don't be surprised to see him fired this year. We have other partners now that can sway the Rooneys.I think we are starting to see a different slant to how the FO does business. Look at the return of Foote, Mac and ARE. This is not characteristic of the FO in the past. The times they are a changin'.

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    Senior Member Array title="salamander has a reputation beyond repute">

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    Fire Arians and run the damn ball!!!!!

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    Senior Member Array title="polamalubeast has a reputation beyond repute">

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    Quote Originally Posted by NEPAsteeler View Post
    Fire Arians and run the damn ball!!!!!

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    Junior Member Array title="focosteeler is an unknown quantity at this point"> focosteeler's Avatar

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    nothing would make me happier at the beginning of this season than to see Taylor put some linebacker on his back while Mendy breaks off a 50 yard TD run

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    Senior Member Array title="polamalubeast has a reputation beyond repute">

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    Quote Originally Posted by focosteeler View Post
    nothing would make me happier at the beginning of this season than to see Taylor put some linebacker on his back while Mendy breaks off a 50 yard TD run


    or TD for Isacc "red zone" Redman

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    Attitude is everything Array title="SteelerFanInStl has a reputation beyond repute"> SteelerFanInStl's Avatar

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    I'd love to see Mendy have 1,500+ yards rushing this year.

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    Senior Member Array title="Psycho Ward 86 has a reputation beyond repute"> Psycho Ward 86's Avatar

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    Quote Originally Posted by focosteeler View Post
    nothing would make me happier at the beginning of this season than to see Taylor put some linebacker on his back while Mendy breaks off a 50 yard TD run
    Are we seriously comparing Redman's suddeness and glide with this Taylor punk?

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    Senior Member Array title="solardave is an unknown quantity at this point">

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    Quote Originally Posted by SteelerFanInStl View Post
    I'd love to see Mendy have 1,500+ yards rushing this year.
    If he stays healthy who is gonna stop him? I just want to see him run Ray Looser over on his way to the endzone. That would be great!

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    Senior Member Array title="smokin3000gt has a reputation beyond repute"> smokin3000gt's Avatar

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    I think we'll definitely see more running this year then last year. Especially after the hard-on mendy gave us all last year! SHWING!
    Quote Originally Posted by 86WARD View Post
    Tomlin is that good.



    PATRIOTS**

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    Shenaniguy Array title="kmsteelerwr15 is on a distinguished road"> kmsteelerwr15's Avatar

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    Quote Originally Posted by smokin3000gt View Post
    I think we'll definitely see more running this year then last year. Especially after the hard-on mendy gave us all last year! SHWING!

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    Senior Member Array title="pepsyman1 has much to be proud of"> pepsyman1's Avatar

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    Talking

    Quote Originally Posted by NEPAsteeler View Post
    Fire Arians and run the damn ball!!!!!
    Hey HomeTownGal, just like being home! You start your own forum and your favorite argument is up and running within 2 days!!! LOL


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    The voice of reason Array title="GoSlash27 has a reputation beyond repute"> GoSlash27's Avatar

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    West Coast offense is gayer than Tim Lumber.

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    Spaghetti Time Array title="Chidi29 has a reputation beyond repute"> Chidi29's Avatar

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    Oh, I think I'm going to like it here.

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    Thee Conservative Steeler Array title="steel9guy is on a distinguished road"> steel9guy's Avatar

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    Quote Originally Posted by GoSlash27 View Post

    West Coast offense is gayer than Tim Lumber.
    wow lol. This forum is already great and hillarius. and btw Run the ball.

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    UK Steelers Contingent Array title="steelerrob is an unknown quantity at this point">

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    I just watched the AFC wild card game vs the Bungles leading up to XL.....RUN THE BALL!!!! But a few nice gadget plays here & there will also help to confuse....

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    Really hoopy frood Array title="ricardisimo is an unknown quantity at this point">

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    Quote Originally Posted by steelerrob View Post
    I just watched the AFC wild card game vs the Bungles leading up to XL.....RUN THE BALL!!!! But a few nice gadget plays here & there will also help to confuse....
    You must miss Bill Cowher something fierce.
    Why does God hate amputees?
    [SIGPIC]http://www.steeluniverse.net/forums/image.php?type=sigpic&userid=82&dateline=127542714 7[/SIGPIC]

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    The voice of reason Array title="GoSlash27 has a reputation beyond repute"> GoSlash27's Avatar

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    Quote Originally Posted by Psycho Ward 86 View Post
    Are we seriously comparing Redman's suddeness and glide with this Taylor punk?
    It starts...

  20. #20
    Living Legend Array title="Dino 6 Rings has a spectacular aura about"> Dino 6 Rings's Avatar

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    So is it? Is the official Bash Bruce Thread !!!

    I'M SO HAPPY IF IT IS!

    Oh wait, no, that would have to have the name Official Bash Bruce Thread wouldn't it.

    So like...um...Run the BALL

    NBBFers For LIFE!!!
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    Junior Member Array title="Steelerfreak58 is an unknown quantity at this point"> Steelerfreak58's Avatar

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    If BA doesn't put more emphasis on running I am sure the Rooney's wont have a problem with giving him his walking papers that is of course really dependent on what the team does over all in the season. I don't think the Rooney's are going to accept missing another playoff season.
    http://www.steeluniverse.net/forums/image.php?type=sigpic&userid=206&dateline=12754085  19

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    Klaatu barada nikto Array title="suitanim has a brilliant future"> suitanim's Avatar

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    So many explosive keywords dropped in that mediocre article...it's got to get the very average intellect of many posters all fired up and lining up their same old lame and stupid arguments all over again.

    Welcome to the new board, just like the old board...

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