With the season still months away, it’s never too early to take a check on the depth chart for the team, and today we check out the running back spot:
1. Rashard Mendenhall – No doubt he’s now the man to carry the load in the Steelers offense. Last season came in and ran for over 1,000 yards, but will be counted on even more in 2010. If the team stays true to their words and run the ball more, Mendenhall could be at or near the top of the AFC and NFL in rushing.
2. Mewelde Moore – Always been a big fan of Moore, and think that when he gets the chances, does well in the Steelers offense. Now he’ll get the chances that went to Willie Parker got after he was set as the backup. Moore always seems to step up when given the chance, and I think the same will happen in 2010.
3. Jonathan Dwyer – The Steelers have high hopes and big plans for this rookie, and early word is that the team has plans of giving the Georgia Tech back some carries here and there to see how he does at the pro level. Again, if the team runs the ball more, Dwyer could be a welcome sight late in games when the team has to close tight games out.
4. Issac Redman – Redman always seems to get a lot of reps in training camp and in preseason games, but then for whatever reason gets cut. Last season he had a shuttle back and forth on the team and on the practice squad, and finally was added to the active roster on January 6th. He had 145 yards in preseason with three scores, and it’ll be interesting to see if he can make the roster this year and if so, what he actually can do.
5. Justin Vincent – Has been with the team since 2007, and has been back and forth off the practice squad. Was inked to a reserve future contract on January 6th.
Fullback
1. Frank Summers – When the Steelers run the ball well, they always seem to have a good fullback leading the way (Tim Lester, Jon Wittman), and Summers may be the next on that list. “The Tank” was the starting fullback for the first two weeks last year, but then was inactive for week three and found himself on the IR. Let’s hope he can be a bruiser that can open holes for Rashard and company in the 2010 season.
2. Demetrius Taylor – The rookie from Virginia Tech is listed at 262 pounds, and he’ll have a shot to do some damage to those that get in his way during training camp. What happens from there is anyone’s guess.
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May 10, 2010 at 11:27 am
Redman was great in last years pre-season, yet all but dissappeared for the regular season.I have to believe he will get another look but I am not as optomistic on his future here in Pittsburgh because of his failure to get on the field last season even with Parker hurt, Moore a 3rd down back and an o-line plagued with inconsistency.Summers might have a shot at a regular job at FB. The above assessment was accurate and he will get a look since the team has made it somewhat official they will look to run more. A steady,bruising FB will be a MUST if thats the route they plan on going. Dwyer makes the team and will probably get some carries, dependant upon how fast he picks up the play-book. He can be a perfect compliment to Mendenhall in the sense that he can get carries and pound his way into the defensive Lb/secondary.It also gives Moore a bit of a rest and that will make him more effective as a runner and receiver. It sounds like I am taking like I am a novice, but I really think that going back to plain old play calling,pounding the ball and using the talents of the RB corp that is available, the team will get production. What I mean is; let the strengths of the players make their impact. Dont ask any of the RB’s to do something they are not good at.Let a young kid like Dwyer run the ball. Dont ask him to be a great blocker or great receiver. If he any of those things, great. If he isnt, just let him be the runner he is expected to be. Never forget the adage: “Its players, not plays”.