It was a short Mike Tomlin press conference today. And since more than half of that was eaten up by Tomlin heaping praises on the Raiders, there wasn't a lot of information passed.
But we did learn that Rashard Mendenhall will get some contact this week, a big step forward for the running back as he comes back from a torn ACL.
With the Pittsburgh running game struggling, the Steelers might be tempted to bring Mendenhall back sooner than they originally planned.
The plan when he was activated off the PUP was to wait until after the bye, but that could change to at least get Mendenhall a handful of carries this week and see how he responds.
The results couldn't be much worse than what we've seen.
@ Tomlin said the Steelers will take a similar approach with Troy Polamalu and James Harrison as the one they took last week when neither wound up playing against the Jets.
But what Tomlin meant is that the Steelers will take things day to day.
Like Mendenhall, the plan with Harrison was to bring him back after the bye.
The Steelers have been playing along with Harrison telling him he had a chance to play because that's how Tomlin feels you handle great players. You never tell them never.
But when it comes down to it, Tomlin is going to protect the player from himself. He's not going to allow him to come back too early just because his competitive fire is pushing him to do so.
As for Polamalu, I'm not going to be so quick to write him off.
If he practices by Friday, he'll play. If he doesn't he won't. It will be that simple.
@ Stevenson Sylvester will return to practice at some point this week and could possibly play Sunday.
Heath Miller has torn cartilage between his ribs. The Steelers will rest him in practice this week, but he'll play through the pain.
Heath has torn cartilage between his ribs? Can someone speak to the pain level this causes? I imagin it's nothing like a fractured rib, but I really have no idea.
ReplyDeleteIt's something they will treat with a pain-killing shot before the games, I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteHe also might wear a jacket
I'm a big fan of Mendy, but don't know if necessary to rush back.
ReplyDeleteDon't think it really makes a difference - the running lanes just ain't there. We've had too many rushes for losses in the first two games. Barry Sanders couldn't find a hole either.
I could be in the minority but, when Ben ran the "pistol" it kept the defense on their toes and it worked well....just a thought.
Mendenhall is a glorified Cedric Benson. He wont add anything of note to this offense.
ReplyDeleteAre you crazy? Mendy can dance up a storm behind the line. Look out Hines, Mendy will take your dancing trophy.
ReplyDeleteOk, I am a bit rough on him. I really think he lost the drive after being shell shocked his rookie year with the broken CB. Or, maybe I just miss the bus too much. I really hope I am wrong, and he proves it once he comes back and the line gels.
NS in Atl
The run game is just fine as long as Ben converts those 3rd downs.
ReplyDeleteMendenhall isn't an all pro but he's an above average back.
ReplyDeleteIt's the line that is the problem with our run game. Some our guys can pass block decently but none of them are maulers in the run game.
Cedric Benson has rushed for 1,000 yards in each of the past three seasons.
ReplyDeleteThe Steelers are barely on pace to rush for 1,000 yards as a team right now
Even with the horrible run numbers, the running game seems to have a bigger impact so far than in years past. The Steelers are running when they need to in the 3rd and 4th quarter. There also seems to be a better flow to the offense.
ReplyDeleteThat takes a commitment to the run, and that's what they're doing. Mendy can get to the edge and will be able to break a few that these other guys can't, but I still hope to see plenty of Dwyer and Redman when he gets back, they need to wear down the defenses so these two can do some good work in the second half.
the run game definitely needs to be more consistent, but they have been good at getting the "tough yards" this year. especially the jets game. it wasn't flashy running or big chunks of yards, but the 4th quarter was exactly what you want to see from a team with the lead. they stuffed it down their throat and finished the jets off.
ReplyDeletei think dwyer should get the ball even more this weekend. he's earned it and his style compliments the rest of the offense very well.