Gripping drama unfolds

[mesaSteeler]

Gripping drama unfolds
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-31-afc-northaug31,0,2713431.story

Former Illinois star Rashard Mendenhall has a bright future with the Steelers—as long as he learns to hang on to the football

August 31, 2008

As he sat down to a lunch of lemon pepper roasted chicken, potato wedges and several small M & M cookies, Rashard Mendenhall had much to be thankful for.

He is playing for a stately organization with a tradition of winning and weathering storms.

He is playing on a team that won the AFC North last season, with one of the game's top quarterbacks, Ben Roethlisberger.

He is not being counted on to be a savior in the backfield, only to come out of the bullpen in relief of Willie Parker.

But his indoctrination to the NFL has not been without potholes. Mendenhall, a product of Niles West and Illinois, fumbled three times in his last two exhibition games, prompting coach Mike Tomlin to tell reporters he would be hesitant to use Mendenhall in games that count.

Teammates have tried to "help" him by making him carry a football around the team facility, and then trying to swat the football away. Mendenhall has been forced to cough up $100 to every teammate who has been able to make him fumble.

He has had to endure the usual rookie jabs. One day he walked into his meeting to find a Ron Zook Fan Club towel on his desk. Mendenhall, most certainly, is not a member.

Pittsburgh is an adjustment for Mendenhall. He recently bought a townhouse, but he's living without his mother, who is staying in Champaign, and his brother, who has transferred to Illinois State from Illinois.

Playing on a team that considers itself a family should ease the transition.

"It's a good place," he said. "I like how everyone carries themselves around here."

But the Steelers do not like how he carries the football. Specifically, he carries it too low and running backs coach Kirby Wilson is working on getting Mendenhall to carry it higher.

"He's making progress, but it's not going to change in a month," Wilson said.

Wilson was with the Patriots when they drafted Kevin Faulk in 1999 and Faulk carried the ball the way Mendenhall does. Wilson said it took a good two months into the regular season before Faulk had the problem squared away.

Mendenhall's fumbling issue, as well as the presence of Pro Bowler Parker, likely will limit his opportunities early in the season. Wilson said Mendenhall probably will get between four and nine touches per game, depending on the situation. His primary responsibility will be to spell Parker when he needs a rest.

The good news is the Steelers believe Mendenhall is capable of playing in every situation.

"He's a complete back, outstanding between the tackles," Wilson said. "He's going to be a real special runner in this league."

If Mendenhall gets homesick, it may help to know some of the people working closest with him also know the words to "Oskee Wow Wow." Wilson was a running back at Illinois in 1980-81 and Steelers starting fullback Carey Davis came out of Illinois in 2003.

There may have been a part of Mendenhall that was pulling for his hometown Bears to take him with the 14th pick in the April draft.

Before the draft, few would have suspected he would end up in Pittsburgh. The Steelers really didn't need a running back. And Mendenhall was rated the second-best back in the draft by some analysts, so most—including the Steelers—figured he would be long gone by the time the Steelers' 23rd pick came around.

Now the Steelers hope Mendenhall and Parker can give them a one-two punch that will enable them to fend off the rest of the AFC North.

The Ravens won only five games last year, but they beat the Steelers in the season finale. The Bengals are an explosive offensive team that might be getting its defensive house in order. And the Browns finished in second place in the North only because the Steelers won a tiebreaker. Cleveland then had one of the most impressive off-seasons in the NFL, acquiring Corey Williams, Shaun Rogers and Donté Stallworth, among others.

Mendenhall has drawn comparisons to another player who made his living in these parts.

"He reminds me of a faster Jerome ," Steelers veteran cornerback Ike Taylor said.

Funny, [B]Mendenhall's favorite player as a kid was none other than Bettis. He said he liked Bettis and former Raiders receiver Tim Brown after becoming familiar with them through video games.

"I can see the similarities," Mendenhall said. "He's a big guy, real agile, real good feet. He's a little more laid back, but he likes to have fun."

Since he became a Steeler, Mendenhall has spoken with Bettis a few times, and Bettis offered advice on life in the NFL.

The best advice he could give him at this point: Hold onto the football, kid.

[Southern Steeler]

Jerome telling someone to hold onto the ball is irony at it's finest considering how the Colts game almost unfolded.

[SteelrzGirl]

Gripping drama? I thought someone got in a fucking car accident or shot or something.

[Doc]

i was hopeful we signed 3 pro bowl lineman....

[SteelrzGirl]

Mike Tomlin to tell reporters he would be hesitant to use Mendenhall in games that count.Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, doesnt every game count? Unless you find yourself clinching a bye and divison lead going into the playoffs where you are untouchable in your last game of the season. And how often does that happen?

[Southern Steeler]

I think he was referring to non-preseason games, Chas

[SteelrzGirl]

non-preseason would be regular season? which would be games that count?

[jasen@cardiostack]

if both mendenhall and sweed continue to suck this will go down as a draft that will set this orginization back a few years. we ignored major needs because you can never have enough skill position player, right.

[Superman]

non-preseason would be regular season? which would be games that count?

better clarification...in tight games where the outcome is not decided yet. If there's a blowout, we'll see Retard come in and try to hang onto the oblong pigskin.

[Supersteeler]

if both mendenhall and sweed continue to suck this will go down as a draft that will set this orginization back a few years. we ignored major needs because you can never have enough skill position player, right.

Fuck it, cut them now! They've reached their full potential and can never improve. Get rid of them at once.

I can't help but wonder if people know how dumb they sound with this crap. They have never played a fucking GAME before in their NFL lives. Not one single, solitary game. As in none. Zero. Zilch.

[Steel Dino]

Fuck it, cut them now! They've reached their full potential and can never improve. Get rid of them at once.

I can't help but wonder if people know how dumb they sound with this crap. They have never played a fucking GAME before in their NFL lives. Not one single, solitary game. As in none. Zero. Zilch.

It's ok man,......

It think all the man is trying to say is IF
Mendy and Limas don't live up to their potential, and lord knows they both have a long road to hoe, that this draft is very suspect......

ANd from that prespective.....he is correct sir.

[Supersteeler]

It's ok man,......

It think all the man is trying to say is IF
Mendy and Limas don't live up to their potential, and lord knows they both have a long road to hoe, that this draft is very suspect......

ANd from that prespective.....he is correct sir.

It is at the bare minimum, 1 year too early to start throwing around BUST talk, that is so asinine I can't even put it into words. People who are looking to pile on the Steelers front office as being inept will jump at the most miniscule things and which most of the time are wrong anyway. I will never understand the need to start lebeling everything and everyone before there is any real information whatsoever to go on other than one traning camp and a few meaningless games. Come on.

Talk to me in 2010, then you can tell me something that will have some basis other than guesswork about this draft.

[jasen@cardiostack]

It is at the bare minimum, 1 year too early to start throwing around BUST talk, that is so asinine I can't even put it into words. People who are looking to pile on the Steelers front office as being inept will jump at the most miniscule things and which most of the time are wrong anyway. I will never understand the need to start lebeling everything and everyone before there is any real information whatsoever to go on other than one traning camp and a few meaningless games. Come on.

Talk to me in 2010, then you can tell me something that will have some basis other than guesswork about this draft.

what is assinine is morons like you who since they were drafted talking about how they are going to be difference makers for us. how they are going to be good. when as you say they havent even played a down yet

[SteelerFan448]

if both mendenhall and sweed continue to suck this will go down as a draft that will set this orginization back a few years. we ignored major needs because you can never have enough skill position player, right.

Which would have been no different than reaching for linemen who could have also sucked through this point. You have to give these guys who have a chance to be centerpieces of our offense for years to develop. It's not like there was any ounce of value for linemen in the first two rounds when we were up.

[Ski_Alta]

Jerome telling someone to hold onto the ball is irony at it's finest considering how the Colts game almost unfolded.


i wish people would stop bringing this bullshit up. ONE fucking play...ONE!
name another fumble he had that you can remember off the top of your head and don't go googling the shit either. i'm pretty sure everyone knows about the play in question, jerome didn't have a problem coughing up the ball. fumbling .01 percent of the time is hardly irony... more like advice

[Ski_Alta]

if both mendenhall and sweed continue to suck this will go down as a draft that will set this orginization back a few years. we ignored major needs because you can never have enough skill position player, right.



you know we haven't played ONE FUCKING MEANINGFUL SNAP yet right?

[Doc]

wow..testy bunch.

[Ski_Alta]

wow..testy bunch.

my fault...i'm just amazed that people are so quick to write draft picks off, prior to preseason.lol

[Southern Steeler]

wow..testy bunch.

no shit....I wasn't baggin on Bussy. Just making an observation. Pissy people.

[Blitzburghv5]

It is at the bare minimum, 1 year too early to start throwing around BUST talk, that is so asinine I can't even put it into words. People who are looking to pile on the Steelers front office as being inept will jump at the most miniscule things and which most of the time are wrong anyway. I will never understand the need to start lebeling everything and everyone before there is any real information whatsoever to go on other than one traning camp and a few meaningless games. Come on.

Talk to me in 2010, then you can tell me something that will have some basis other than guesswork about this draft.

Man, i dont even give this bust talk any credence around here anymore. 2 years ago we had folks labeling Santonio a bust. Last year they had Timmons overrated and the second coming of Alonzo Jackson. Rookie players fumble (they havent completely adjusted to the speed, the intensity nor the strength of NFL players).

I know these rookies will contribute to this team more than they will become a detriment. It was a nice gesture seeing Sweed lend moral support to his fellow draft class rookie mate when he coughed it up. Im sure Mendenhall was there to offer encouragement for Sweed when he dropped what looked to be a huge gainer.

Do what i do and pay this bust talk no credence. They'll eat those words in a season or two.

[FAB802]

I love three day weekends.

[Vader]

Man, i dont even give this bust talk any credence around here anymore. 2 years ago we had folks labeling Santonio a bust. Last year they had Timmons overrated and the second coming of Alonzo Jackson. Rookie players fumble (they havent completely adjusted to the speed, the intensity nor the strength of NFL players).

I know these rookies will contribute to this team more than they will become a detriment. It was a nice gesture seeing Sweed lend moral support to his fellow draft class rookie mate when he coughed it up. Im sure Mendenhall was there to offer encouragement for Sweed when he dropped what looked to be a huge gainer.

Do what i do and pay this bust talk no credence. They'll eat those words in a season or two.

How is what the nay-sayers are doing any worse than what you are doing? They are saying that so far they don't appear to be working out. But conversely you say they WILL contribute to this team and that they will be good players.

[SteelrzGirl]

i wish people would stop bringing this bullshit up. ONE fucking play...ONE!
name another fumble he had that you can remember off the top of your head and don't go googling the shit either. i'm pretty sure everyone knows about the play in question, jerome didn't have a problem coughing up the ball. fumbling .01 percent of the time is hardly irony... more like advice

Against the jets in the playoffs

[FAB802]

Against the jets in the playoffs

You Bettis haters are ridiculous.

[SteelrzGirl]

there's a 3rd playoff fumble but I cant remember who the opponent was. But the Jets fumble almost cost us the game. I remember it specifically, because I flashed to it before I stroked out during the Indy game.

In fact, was it not also another missed FG that saved his ass in that one too?

[BermudaSteel]

i was hopeful we signed 3 pro bowl lineman....

You and me both...

[SteelrzGirl]

My bad. It was not.

Down seven, Roethlisberger completed two passes toward the end of the third quarter and got the offense on a roll. Then Bettis fumbled with 14:19 left in regulation. The sense of defeat started filling the stadium. The defense held the Jets to a three-and-out, and Roethlisberger responded with a 66-yard touchdown drive, capped by a 4-yard shuffle pass to Hines Ward for a game-tying touchdown with six minutes left.

The rallying cry for the Steelers came during the overtime. The Steelers had the ball at their 13-yard line. Whisenhunt called a pass that ended up going 9-yards to Ward. Even though Duce Staley and Bettis were wearing down the tired Jets defense with the run, the pass call meant a lot to Roethlisberger.

"I was surprised at that call," the quarterback said. "It showed the coaches have confidence in me. I like that. We opened with a pass. It wasn't a good pass, so they probably got scared."

After two runs, Roethlisberger put the Steelers in position to win the game by scrambling to his right, and, instead of running, firing a quick pass to Ward, who had gotten behind a fallen defender. Ward went 17 yards to midfield, and from there the Steelers basically stuck to the ground to put Jeff Reed in position to win the game with a 33-yard field goal in OT.


http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs04/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&id=1967915

[Blitzburghv5]

How is what the nay-sayers are doing any worse than what you are doing? They are saying that so far they don't appear to be working out. But conversely you say they WILL contribute to this team and that they will be good players.

Well because nay-sayers are too fuckin quick to label someone a bust when there hasnt been one damn snap of the ball in a regular season contest. If we left team engineering up to folks like these no way would this team have any success (we'd still be searching for an heir apparent to the lead receiver role since Holmes wouldve been cut by these same folks for his fumbles). Colbert and company have a proven track record rounds 1-4 in recent years. Why give credence to armchair gm's who dont know nuts to gnats about the game ? They just like to hear themselves bitch.........they arent happy unless they're unhappy.......about anything regarding this team.

And yeah.....i did say they WILL BE CONTRIBUTORS......the same thing i said with Nate, Santonio and Timmons during their rookie campaigns.

As far as appearing not to be working out---what arent they seeing ? Mendenhall minus the fumbles looks like a star in the making.......Im impressed with the rookie with what ive seen. And as far as Sweed goes, that was a nice attempt on the reviewed out-of-bounds play. He fought for it....something another tall and lanky receiver from days gone by failed to deliver on in his early NFL campaign.

I guess im patient and willing to give our rookie players room for mistakes. After all they are rooks.........I just see positives where others wanna bury em for in-game mistakes.

This forum needs its own piss-n-moan thread..........let them deposit their diatribes in that respository.

[Southern Steeler]

In fact, was it not also another missed FG that saved his ass in that one too?

Doug Brien missed two FG's (I believe) in that game that would have won it for the Jets.

[SteelrzGirl]

That Jets game gave me stress too

[Jaiyeson]

I remember listening to that game at work on the radio. One of the most stressful days of my life, not even being able to see what was going on.

[Sluzilla]

it amazes me how some seem to hope and pray for the destruction of their team...

[Parasite]

I would hardly say Mendenhall has "sucked" thus far. He has shown flashes of brilliance. He just needs to hold onto the ball better and finish his runs with a little more authority. He will be a very good running back in this league.

[Supersteeler]

it amazes me how some seem to hope and pray for the destruction of their team...

Pretty much the point of my stupid tyrade. I'll never understand it. Only thing I can figure is that people really, really want to be proven correct when they make early predictions about who we should not have drafted, even at the expense of the team.

[SteelrzGirl]

I would hardly say Mendenhall has "sucked" thus far. He has shown flashes of brilliance. He just needs to hold onto the ball better and finish his runs with a little more authority. He will be a very good running back in this league.

HEY! Im still making chocolate cake every Sunday for Nate! I aint givin up on Mendenhall yet.

[Blitzburghv5]

HEY! Im still making chocolate cake every Sunday for Nate! I aint givin up on Mendenhall yet.

So whats the history behind Nate and chocolate cake...........i didnt get the bulletin apparently.

[Supersteeler]

So whats the history behind Nate and chocolate cake...........i didnt get the bulletin apparently.

It's SG's Bil Cosby reference. Dad is great, he gives us chocolate cake!

[SteelrzGirl]

It's SG's Bil Cosby reference. Dad is great, he gives us chocolate cake!

lol Thanks SS! Nate is great! He gives us chocolate cake! lol

[FAB802]

She just didn't like the pudding pop reference?

[Steel Dino]

It's all good fellows.......

Just people speakin' their minds....

[Superman]

no shit....I wasn't baggin on Bussy. Just making an observation. Pissy people.
kinda like a guy who builds ships is a shipbuilder, a guy who builds houses is a house builder, and then there's SDS. Dude sucks ONE goat's dick and fucks ONE sheep and he's labeled the rest of his life.

[FAB802]

kinda like a guy who builds ships is a shipbuilder, a guy who builds houses is a house builder, and then there's SDS. Dude sucks ONE goat's dick and fucks ONE sheep and he's labeled the rest of his life.

So, he's Doc's new hired hand?

[Parasite]

HEY! Im still making chocolate cake every Sunday for Nate! I aint givin up on Mendenhall yet.


As long as me and SteelerAl can have a piece too. I think you me and him are pretty much the only Nate die-hards around here.

[Max Power]

Some people just don't have a clue nor will they ever. Those who can not see ANY positive ever and would not be happy if the Chief himself came down from the gates of Heavan to give them a pat on the back.

I'm surprised that some of them can even type.

Anyone thinking that Sweed and Mendenhall are just under achieving busts taking up cap space simply have no sense what so ever and likely never will.

It's too bad one can not surgically implant comon sense, there are more than enough donors here on this site. We could spare a little from each of us to those who haven't a clue nor a lick of comon sense.