I think Mendenhall got the message...

[BlitzburghRockCity]

Now that is the kind of performance you want to see out of your 1st round draft choice. 29/165 yds and 2 TD's. He was running with authority, with power, with conviction, he was seeing the field and following his blocks, he was a solid weapon for Ben in the pass game when he needed to check down, he was what we've been waiting for since the day he was drafted.

At this point, regardless of the fact that San Diego is smaller up front than last year, that their defense is able to be man handled more easily than before, this was a game that Rashard needed. Tomlin needed him to have this game, Arians did as well, so did the line; now let's hope he can continue that and move forward to be our feature back.

[DanRooney]

Hopefully Mendenhall remains the starter. This guy knows how to hit (and find) holes and is not scared to run through the tackles. I don't even want to see Willie on the field unless its a situational change-of-pace move or for a Mendy breather.

[K Train]

never once did i doubt him

[Black@Gold Forever32]

I was really impressed with Mendenhall tonight.....I was pissed on how he allowed himself to be benched last week.....I made the comment that he needed to take the diapers off and he did that tonight....Great game by Rashard and this why the Steelers spent a first round pick on this guy.....I love Parker but its clear that Mendenhall is hitting the hole with alot more authority then Willie....It could be argued that Parker could have had a game like this tonight but I don't know since Willie is banged....Turf toe is no joke so I say let Willie get healthy and we will need him down the road with the way this team goes through RB's the last couple years.....

--- Added 10/4/2009 at 10:49 PM ---

never once did i doubt him

I never doubted but was frustrated with him....I'm hoping this game was a spring board for him and he is lights out the rest of the year for this team......

[LarryNJ]

Yes he got the message. Great game and good attitude. I like the way he acted after the long runs in the 4thQ...he simply walked back to the huddle. I guess Tomlins plan worked!


Get Willie healthy...you need 2 backs.

[Lunchbucket]

A true pleasure to see good blocking and a running game.

[steelersforever1983]

always do believe in run first.

[scott0326]

Great game by both Mendenhall and the O-line, I wonder after this big game if Mendenhall will be starting next week.

[HUNT4SEVEN]

Yes props to the O-line they handled their business tonight!! an with a running back with vision we should be a very BALANCED an dangerous offensive team now! I still don't like u Arians but u called a great offensive game tonight!

[DanRooney]

I think what really helped Mendenhall (other than a horrible Chargers D) is Ben's passing setting up the run. Remember, this kid ran in a spread offense in college.