Mendenhall still sleeps
Posted on 09. Sep, 2009 by Jesse in Articles
Everyone who knows anything about football knows the Pittsburgh Steelers are a smash mouth rushing team. Two seasons ago Ben Roethlisberger posted an astounding 32 TD passes, but only blind optimists thought he’d duplicate that number again. See, the Steelers are more than an NFL team, they’re an institution. They do things one way: “The Steelers Way”. It means tough D and a dominating rushing attack, end of story. From Chuck Knoll to Bill Cowher, and now under Mike Tomlin, the formula remains intact for the reigning World Champs. After all, it is a great system.
In the NFL, system often dictates upside opportunity for individual players as well. A QB who plays in a Mike Martz offense will excel, just as an RB would do under Mike Shanahan. Now coach Tomlin doesn’t have a large sample size of history for us to evaluate, but the guy obviously understands winning ball. He also knows that the average lunch-box toting Steelers fan wants power football. End of story.
This brings me to the purpose of my piece. I think too many people are sleeping on the Steelers rushing attack this season. Last year both Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall had injury problems, but Mewelde Moore stepped in and produced admirably. Pittsburgh will run the ball in 2009, believe me. But which back will be the lead dog?
Mike Tomlin addressed that very question on Saturday, and reiterated that Willie Parker is still his man. “Willie Parker’s our runner,” Tomlin told reporters. “Rashard’s done a nice job and he’s going to get an opportunity to get his touches, but more important than anything else, Willie Parker is our runner.” Ahhh… the sound of coachspeak.
I won’t mince words here, I’ll get to the point. Parker has had a nice run. He’s a speedy back who erupted out of nowhere and made the most of the opportunity. Tomlin has to continue to back Parker on a veteran-laden team like the Steelers, and has even said that Willie will begin the season as the goal line back. I see this as a masterful tactic aimed at keeping a fire squarely under the butt of Mendenhall, who’s only negative attribute has been a tendency to become complacent. Despite what coach Tomlin is saying in the media, I believe Willie’s run as the top dog in Pittsburgh is almost over. He simply can’t hold up. Willie is fast, but he’s small and he will break down.
On the other hand, Mendenhall is just getting started. By all accounts the Illinois product has size, power, burst, intelligence, and he’s looking like he’s more ready to take the reigns of late. In a run first offense like his, Mendenhall could quickly become a beast when presented with an opportunity.
One year ago, fantasy owners were drooling over Mendenhall. Some experts, myself included, tabbed Mendenhall as the best of the 2008 RB class around draft time. A shoulder injury derailed his season after just four fumble-filled, lackluster games. But all is not lost. Mendenhall is back this year, and he’s ready to Rush-Hard. While most fantasy owners are still drafting Wee Willie as the top option in Pitt, I’ve moved on. I honestly believe that Mendy will take over soon, and when he does, look out.
Just the other night I nabbed Mendy for $4 in a dynasty auction, and he went for $22 last year in that same league. That’s highway robbery. I’m not saying Rush-Hard is going to be a top five guy this season, but I do believe Mendenhall is a value right now in fantasy drafts. With that, I’m advising everyone to buy low on Rush-Hard, and to enjoy the ride. The dude embodies Steelers football, and this he’s about to break out.
So when the NFL Season begins on Thursday night, sit back and enjoy watching Parker take the field as the starter. Then call the Mendenhall owner in your league and buy low. Such a move could pay huge dividends for you later in the year. After all, the institution in Pittsburgh rarely falters.
