Among the most pressing issues when the Steelers break camp is whether Rashard Mendenhall is ready to provide a spark to a running game that ranked just 23rd in the NFL last season. And whether he is able to team with Willie Parker and give the Steelers their first legitimate 1-2 punch at running back since Jerome Bettis side-stepped his way into retirement. "We know what Willie is," offensive coordinator Bruce Arians said last week. "If Rashard proves to be a real (No. 2 back) we'll do it. If he doesn't, then he'll spell (Parker). We'll just see how that goes." Parker said he has noticed a significant change in Mendenhall compared to last season when the latter was feeling his way through the NFL landscape before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in late September. "He's more comfortable, he's more patient this year," Parker said. "He's got something on his mind this year. I see him in the weight room each and every day so he's ready for the season." Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
When the Steelers drafted Mendenhall, I thought they got a steal, but I have not been reading good things about him. What are Steelers Fans' take on him?
I think he could wind up being alright...right now I early reviews have him falling over the line into that Tim Worley mold, but not too far over that line...yet... He's hesitating too much when he's going towards the line. Last night he had a couple good runs against the 'Skins second team, and that's what I've been looking for, some kind of "promise" or "potential" that he could be good. When he got those couple nice runs last night, he went right for the hole and exploded through. He lacked that in the first preseason game this year and lacked it last year. I want to see him continue without the hesitation, yet start being patient too. I'd love to see he and Parker tear it up in the backfield, but right now, I'm not seeing enough "potential" out of Mendenhall...last night was a step in the right direction.
