Stealing A Steeler's Spotlight

Rashard Mendenhall / Tom Cool (Wikimedia Commons)

When it comes to the Super Bowl, the defensive line dominates the majority of Pittsburgh Steeler conversations. The media is ignoring the efforts of Rashard Mendenhall, running back for Steelers. It’s Mendenhall that is ranked No. 7 in the NFL in rushing with 1,273 yards, which accounted for 75% of the total rushing yards for the Steelers.

Mendenhall became the first running back drafted in the first round by the team since Tim Worley in 1989. Mendenhall’s pro career includes fours played as a rookie and one game as a starter before his rookie season fell short. The season ended short however due to shoulder injury playing against Baltimore Ravens. This may be a reason for his lack of media attention due to being in the sidelines during 2008 Super Bowl while the Steelers basked in the glory of their win.

This season however, Mendenhall scored 121 yards and a touchdown in the AFC Championship Game against the New York Jets, ranked third in the NFL in defense. The Steelers running game crushed the Jets defense, which includes 95 of the 166 rushed yards at halftime by Mendenhall. He has been such a big factor that the Steelers averaged 37 rushes per game in the playoffs and only 25.5 passes despite having thrown the ball 55.4 percent of the regular session. It is a mystery how the spotlight is not shining on a player with stat's like these.

Turning Point: Mendenhall Fumbles

The turning point of the game was when Rashard Mendenhall fumbled. This caused the Pittsburgh Steeler to lose a possible touchdown and gain the lead in the process. The Packers scored a touchdown which made the Steelers need two touchdowns to win the game. Even with Mike Wallace’s touchdown that cut the Packers lead to three points, Mason Crosby’s field goal at 2:07 furthered the Packers lead to 31-25. Although the Steelers did score a touchdown after the Packers touchdown to close the gap to one touchdown, there was not enough time left in the remainder of the match to tie the game or take the lead One touchdown would only tie the game and wit less than 2 minutes remaining, this caused great pressure for the Steelers as the last drive determined their lose or victory.