Mendenhall, where have you been all my life?
That was the most fun I've had watching a Steeler RB in a long time. Mendenhall racked up 177 yards on the ground and added 2 catches for 26 yards (191 all purpose yards).
Let's all remember that the Chargers run defense is a joke.
Week 3 -----> 149 yards to Miami.
Week 2 -----> 130 yards to Baltimore.
Week 1 -----> 148 yards to Oakland.
Still, don't take anything away from Mendenhall, this was a huge game for him and will likely be a springboard for the rest of his career. He has the size, speed, quickness, and vision. All that he was lacking was confidence. He needed a game like this in a BIG BIG way. I'm not saying he is going to become a Pro-Bowler but the monkey is now off his back and he can move on. After watching what Mendy did tonight can you justify inserting Parker back into the starting lineup next week? I can't. Mendenhall ran the ball like Marion Barber tonight. Ran downhill, was physical, flashed great speed/quickness, kept his legs churning and never let one man bring him down. This guy has taken so much heat lately I'm glad he had a breakout performance on national TV.
Let's also give props to Ben Roethlisberger and Bruce Arians for calling a nice game and getting the RBs involved in the passing game. The Steelers hit their backs in the flat once in a blue moon but tonight they caught 5 balls for 1 TD and almost 60 yards. Hitting Mewelde Moore in the flat on 3rd and 3 or 3rd and 4 is an AUTOMATIC first down. Not sure why we don't use our RBs in the passing game more often. They're always open but Big Ben is usually focusing down field looking for the "big play".
Last week was a busy one but we will find more time this week to break down the game. Early topic ideas for video and screenshots are:
1. Screens or Video on Woodley. Maybe we can go play by play and find out what's up with him?
2. Break down the pass defense?
3. Kemo's week 4 highlight reel?
any input on what Steeler Nation wants us to breakdown this week?
October 5th, 2009 - 05:21
Is it possible that all this time we've been criticising Arians, he's been saying to Ben "look at your RBs in the passing game a little more" and Ben is just now starting to listen? First Willie Parker and Mewelde Moore made some plays out of the backfield against Cincinnati, now Mendenhall and Moore did it against San Diego.
When Arians was the QB coach for the Colts, Marshall Faulk and Edgerrin James were both big parts of the passing game.
When he was OC for the Browns, Jamel White was a receiving target.
Just food for thought.
And to answer your question, I don't see any reason not to give Mendenhall the majority of the carries next week. Let's remember that last year, he was having a good game against a much tougher Ravens D in his only start before he got injured.
October 5th, 2009 - 05:53
How about a breakdown of the changes made to the running game? There was the play that had Legursky in at FB, the doubleteams on the NT, second level blocks by the OL… also, Mendenhall was criticized earlier in the game for not being as good in protection, but he looked pretty solid tonight. (2 BIG blocks that took Chargers out for a bit).
I'd enjoy seeing where Woodley has gone, for sure. Out of curiosity, do any of you know of anywhere keeping track of holds on Harrison?
October 5th, 2009 - 06:03
Wow, what a game, what a game.
The Offense was playing just great. Good calling too, finally one better grade to Arians then C Minus (right Lance?)! It was great to see 38 points on board. Not so great to let 28, but that is another story, and they were the San Diego Chargers.
Some notes n thoughts:
*I dont think FWP will be placed immediately behind Mendy, but Mendy will get more snaps for shizzle!
*We still dont have a top 3 D answer to savvy QBs with great recievers (but then again, it was the Charges! They have a sick O)
*Antonio Gates was a beast over there! And (Townsend vs Gates is a joke right?) lol
*Silverback is back! Welcome sir!
*Hines Ward is a tough MO%#^&( F@*#R or what?!
..
And I vote for number 1 and 2 , in that order!
October 5th, 2009 - 06:22
See Ya Willie.
Roethlisberger is 2nd in YPA right now and 1st in Completion Percentage.
October 5th, 2009 - 07:03
This game was Mendenhalls' coming out party. He's earned a spot now.
Where does the D disappear to in the second half? This is a trend that goes back to last year. We need to be able to stop Baltimore if we want to make the playoffs.
October 5th, 2009 - 09:03
What I'd really like to see if, infact the Pass Defense keeps falling apart late in games because they opposing teams just take more chances at well covered receivers or if we just get overconfident and sloppy.
October 5th, 2009 - 11:46
great game by mendenhall- running and blocking-just needs to protect the ball better-even though he didn't fumble the football,too many times he was carelessly holding on to the football.glad the coaching staff gave mendenhall the majority of the carries and show the steelers organization and us fans what kind of player they drafted!
October 5th, 2009 - 11:48
I like your idea about looking at what's been happening with Woodley….He's been a non-factor.
October 5th, 2009 - 12:18
I agree with the the SD D stinks statement. This is a great step in the right direction, but come on, their best defender was out. The line man handled the chargers, and Mendy shredded them, which are both awesome!
I think Woodley's problems came from this offseason, where he apparently put on some weight. I think he lost his burst of speed. Woodley also seems to be dogging it on certain plays. I think it was the Tenn game where Chris Johnson ran past him, and by the time he decided to run after Johnson, Harrison ran across the field to get him. Maybe he is nursing an injury, but its not a good sign.
October 5th, 2009 - 13:32
Could he be able to try some DE if weight becomes a constant problem to him, or is he too short for DEing for us? I mean like if he just cant get back to that old burst .
October 5th, 2009 - 16:25
I thought of this too, and if this is the case they need to get Arnold Harrison some more freaking reps. I think in general Tomlin needs to do to the D what he has been doing to the O. Bench guys for quarters/halves/games, that are dogging one aspect of the game.
October 5th, 2009 - 08:49
I think the front 7 miss Troy the most. The past three weeks, there are 5-6 plays a game when the D gets a good pass rush but the QB gets the ball out just in time. I think reading Troy gives them the extra two steps needed to get to the QB.
We give the o-line so much grief, that it is only fair to highlight a good game – so I vote for the Kemo knockout vid.
BTW, Mendy’s best play was STONING the LB on pass pro. Ward is an animal.
October 5th, 2009 - 14:47
I wouldn't call myself a member of Steelers Nation, but a post taking a look at the OL's run blocking would be interesting. Was Mendenhall really the main reason they were able to run effectively, or was it just that the OL finally met a front-seven it could handle?
October 5th, 2009 - 16:23
More or the latter. Hartwig and the guards constantly struggle with massive NTs and even DTs. The next two weeks will be a good guage on if the OL is actually progressing, or once again feasting on the scrubs of the NFL.
October 5th, 2009 - 19:49
That would be my guess, too — especially since the Chargers' defense really isn't the same without Jamal Williams. But the one thing that really stands out at this site is the detailed analysis of what goes on in the trenches, so I think it's worth taking a look.
October 5th, 2009 - 18:11
There was definately a few plays that Mendenhall made something out of that willie would have been down instantly.
October 5th, 2009 - 18:19
Mendy looked like the RB from Illinois. He ran suddenly and explosively. Ran more quick than fast, didn't break tackles but ran strong. He looked fluid. He caught the ball well. He didn't dance, one cut then explode. Look at his highlight reels from college. That was the running back we saw last night.
Assuming the O-line continues to play well ( they have improved their pass pro significantly since last year, and have been improving their run blocking) and Mendy totes the rock like this the Steelers will have the most explosive offense in the NFL.
October 5th, 2009 - 19:59
I wouldn't mind seeing a Kemo highlight reel. Man did he bruise some people last night! The steelers offense needs to keep up the good work. The only thing missing is Troy. Once Troy is back, I think we may have a good percentage of the team back.
October 5th, 2009 - 21:25
it's real hard to get a pic of the OL from that view. I just use that pic as a generic background pic and put the rushing stats over the top of it as a good visual in terms of rushing DIRECTION.
The OL, the RB, the other team have no meaning.
You can't find a pic like that each week. If i could, i would insert it.
October 5th, 2009 - 22:49
ahh. ok, that's fine. i just thought you were testing us if we were paying attention. sorry for doubting!
October 5th, 2009 - 21:42
Take a look at Woodley – His lack of production is puzzling. It doesn't look a like his is using his hands well and that he may not have a counter move to his bull rush
October 5th, 2009 - 21:51
Great stuff guys. I wouldn't mind seeing a breakdown of the defensive errors that have been common late in games. Splash play errors, as MT would say. Is the D tired and out of position, are the not he right defensive sets, are there key breakdowns in coverage etc.
October 5th, 2009 - 23:12
I would like a post on Woodley too.
October 5th, 2009 - 21:29
what's with the steelers-jaguars picture? and why do you have a picture of amos zeroue (er, mewelde) when you are writing about mendenhall?
that oline in the picture is marvel – kemo – (hartwig) – darnell – colon… was that picture supposed to be a joke, or just a mistake?
October 6th, 2009 - 23:36
I was most impressed with Mendy's vision. He did a good job of finding the cracks and hitting them hard. There were plays where Willie would have been stoned that turned into 3-4 yard gains because Mendy plowed into a small crack and moved the ball. He also did a good job of bouncing when necessary.
I'd like to see a breakdown of the pass rush in general. Woodley obviously has struggled but I think the pass rush as a whole hasn't been the same, including Harrison. People say he is being double teamed a lot, I'd just like to see an overall breakdown of the pass rush.
October 8th, 2009 - 16:39
I would love to see some film on Kemo's steamrolling. Let's shed some more light on one of the guys who makes this offense go………..and sometimes not go so well.