Mendenhall’s fumbling problems continue
Pittsburgh running back Rashard Mendenhall has certainly picked up his game this season, averaging 5.4 yards per carry thus far in 2009. But one still has to wonder whether the former first-round draft choice will ever be a truly reliable feature back, as his fumbling problems continue to frustrate fans and coaches alike.
During the second half of Sunday’s 27-17 win against Minnesota, Mendenhall fumbled on the Vikings’ 4 yard line after needlessly leaving his feet and diving through the air, dropping the ball on the way down. (Had Pittsburgh scored on that possession it would have opened up a 20-10 lead.) Mendenhall was subsequently replaced by third-down back Mewelde Moore and didn’t carry the ball again.
Even before Mendenhall played his first game with the Steelers I speculated whether he might have fumbling problems in the NFL, and almost halfway through his second season it seems those fears have been realized. With Willie Parker almost certainly playing his last season in Pittsburgh, the Steelers will be counting on Mendenhall to step up and carry the load in 2010. Any Pittsburgh fans care to weigh in about whether he’ll develop into a back the team can feel comfortable with as the #1 option?
Jason is editor and co-founder of Failure magazine.
