Being benched best thing to happen to Mendenhall
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Rashard Mendenhall gets ready for the start of Tuesday's afternoon workout at Saint Vincent College.
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Mike Tomlin would not fall into the category of strict disciplinarian as such things go in NFL coaching circles. He's neither softy nor despot.
Twice, however, he has used one of the tools in his box, the big stick, and both times he got good results.
The first occurred in 2008 when Tomlin benched Santonio Holmes for the Oct. 26 game against the New York Giants, two days after police arrested him for marijuana possession. Holmes went on to earn Super Bowl MVP that season.
The other time Tomlin benched a player came in the third game of last season when he would not use Rashard Mendenhall in the backfield in Cincinnati, even after Willie Parker was hurt during the game. Tomlin explained that Mendenhall had a few practice lapses the previous week.
All Mendenhall did the next week was rush for 165 yards against the San Diego Chargers and finish the season with 1,108 yards and a 4.6-yard average per carry.
The next two logical questions then: Who will Tomlin bench next to get such spectacular results? And, where can Mendenhall go from here?
"I think if he continues on the path that he's on right now he's going to have one heck of a year," said Kirby Wilson, who coaches the Steelers' backs.
The rocky start to Mendenhall's career has taken a back seat to his potential as a star running back in the NFL. He had only 45 yards through his first three games -- 39 on one carry in Chicago -- before Parker's injury opened the door for him to start. He not only became their horse, he looked like the thoroughbred they drafted in the first round. If he could top 1,100 yards under last year's conditions, 1,500 is well in his range.
"I really try not to get into all that," Mendenhall said about any talk of yardage totals he might attain. "After having that year and experience, I feel I'm better and more comfortable but I don't really get into that. I'll just take each game as it comes."
First Published August 12, 2010 12:00 am
