Why Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall Is Poised for Monster 2,000-Yard Season

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall may be entering this season after controversy off the field, but his chances at having a career year have never been brighter on the field.

Last year the former Illinois standout had the most yards of his short career with 1,273. He only averaged 3.9 yards per carry, however, and had 13 touchdowns. However, Mendenhall was outstanding in the regular season and his true value to the Steelers isn't replicated in statistics.

His performances in his third season were essentially the performances in his second season after his rookie season in 2008 was prematurely ended by Ray Lewis. Mendenhall took over from Willie Parker midway through the season in 2009, but hadn't fully grown into the role as the team's feature back.

Routinely found in Mike Tomlin's doghouse early in his career—which as of late has been occupied by Keenan Lewis—Mendenhall entered last season for the first time in his career understanding what his role on offense would be.

However, Mendenhall was up against it from the off.

With Ben Roethlisberger's suspension costing him the first four games of last season, the then 23-year-old Mendenhall not only had to carry the Steelers' running game, but also had to carry the whole offense.

Dennis Dixon struggled in the opening game against the Atlanta Falcons—a game that Mendenhall won with a huge touchdown run in overtime—before being replaced by Charlie Batch for the next three outings.

While Charlie Batch is a reliable veteran with a great understanding of the Steelers' system, most teams would have no problem with having nine players in the box against him.

Nonetheless, Mendenhall excelled without a passing game in front of him. Unfortunately the return of the passing game coincided with the start of a game of musical chairs on the offensive line in front of him.

The Steelers lost their starting left tackle, Max Starks, and had to turn to Jonathan Scott to man the position. This doesn't seem like a massive musical chairs move, but it meant that the team didn't have any of its original starters remaining from the start of camp save for Chris Kemoeatu.

Sean Kugler worked wonders with the Steelers' offensive line, but it wasn't a settled group. Maurkice Pouncey was a star, but he was still a rookie. Flozell Adams played well considering his age, but he still wasn't as good as the injured Willie Colon.

This year the Steelers' line should have a more familiar feeling to it and the players involved should benefit hugely from entering a second season with Kugler, who has proven his ability to get the best out of little talent in Buffalo and Pittsburgh.

Willie Colon will be a vital return for Mendenhall, as he excels in the running game. The former Hofstra star is able to get to the second level and work in the screen game, unlike Flozell Adams from last year.

Maurkice Pouncey should only get better in his second season, while Jonathan Scott should be more comfortable after another year of experience. The potential rise of Tony Hills—who is the team's most athletic lineman—as the starting right guard will give the team four potential dominant run blockers to go along with Chris Kemoeatu, Pouncey and Colon.

This is a marked improvement as opposed to last season for Mendenhall, provided they don't suffer a spate of injuries once again.

Physically, Mendenhall should also be entering his peak at this point. He is 24 and has consumed less than 600 hits in his career to this point. Despite the growing stature of Isaac Redman and the return of Mewelde Moore as the team's third-down back, Mendenhall remains the closest thing to a feature back for the Steelers throughout the whole league.

His ability to take hits and continue running hard between tackles, or burst to the outside, allows him to flourish in the running game. However, his talents extend to the passing game also as he has proven to be a good receiver out of the backfield despite making way for Moore more often than not in those situations.

The Steelers often run two tight end sets in Bruce Arians' offense and the loss of Matt Spaeth has promoted David Johnson to the team's second choice in addition to playing the fullback role. Johnson is a vast improvement over Spaeth as a run blocker. He and Heath Miller—as well as Hines Ward on occasion—should not be overlooked when tallying up Mendenhall's prospective yards for the coming season.

With Ben Roethlisberger at the helm the Steelers will always want to pass the ball, but with Mendenhall in the backfield they will be determined to also run it. The Steelers figure to run a very balanced offense; they have an abundance of talent at the skill positions when fully healthy.

When Jerricho Cotchery is arguably only the fifth-best receiver on your roster, you know you figure to have an explosive passing game. The fact that many defenses will now approach the Steelers in passing sets featuring nickel backs, or even dimes, will please Bruce Arians and the rest of his staff.

Mendenhall's physicality may not be on Adrian Peterson's level, but he can be a violent runner and is especially punishing when he sees a defensive back that needs running over. He is not the type of running back that can consistently be taken down by opposing secondaries.

Rashard Mendenhall could have a huge season rushing and while he won't put up Chris Johnson numbers, a 2,000-yard year from scrimmage (both receiving and rushing) is definitely not out of the question.

He may have broke out into a starter last year, but this year Mendenhall will prove his worth as one of the best backs in the league.

Serial tweeting about NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA, soccer and rugby @Cianaf.

I also write for Irish Central and Fantasy Football Life.