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Dion CaputiGM Kevin Colbert also noted that RB Rashard Mendenhall, who tore his ACL late in the 2011 season, is likely to start 2012 on the PUP list.
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Why does that matter? Why should we care about Mendenhall?
Here's why:
Mendenhall put points on the board for the Steelers against the Bengals. He scored four touchdowns, two in each game -- the same amount that Ray Rice scored against the Bengals in 2011. He didn't have the same amount of yards that Rice did against the Bengals (Rice had a total of 346 yards against Cincinnati while Mendenhall had 105), but that didn't matter. What mattered is they each were responsible for a total of 28 points against the Bengals in the 2011 season. Together, for you mathematicians, that's 56 points. That accounts for 17 percent of the total points the Bengals allowed in 2011.
Mendenhall may not be the most talented back the Bengals faced in 2011 but he scored touchdowns like one. Of course there were other factors -- the loss of Pat Sims, the inconsistent play of Rey Maualuga and more -- but one of the reasons is because Mendenhall has nose for the end zone.
We know the Bengals will play the Steelers twice in 2012, we just don't know when they'll play them. If Mendenhall is still on the PUP list when the two teams take the same field, the Bengals could catch a break. Of course the Steelers will probably have a good running back waiting in the wings so it may not matter, but, at least for now, the thought of facing Mendenhall less than two times in 2012 is a happy thought.
0 recs | 6 comments
sounds like they maybe looking for RB in the draft as well
AMAS85 - February 13, 2012
now if
only rapistberger, dyke wallace and those two gay little receivers were in the same boat,. we’d be in great shape! :)
Trevor 85 - February 13, 2012
I normally would say that I dont wish injuries on anyone...but in a Steeler player's case....
Steeler Medical Staff report:
ticalcaldwell - February 13, 2012
Mendenhall is an okay back
but weren’t those TD runs the 1 and 2 yard variety? The Steelers passing game posts the most serious threat.
txbengal29 - February 13, 2012
Yeeeesssssss!
Their against the cap and getting ready to clean more house so I don’t see them making a big move for a replacement.
Bigcatdaddy - February 13, 2012 via Android app
I know ACLs
Its a minimum 5 months before an athlete can start training using cuts and power moves. After 5 months the leg is shrunken and in need of intense gym work for at least one month. Then outdoor workouts can begin such as running. So that is 7 months before the athlete is back on the field. Well if the athlete had the patelar tendon transplant this schedule could be extended and the docs are likely to recommend patellar rather than hamstring transplant.
All in all, a pro football player is doing great if he can start real football training 8 months after his surgery.
BENGALS69 - February 13, 2012
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