Gary Russell...

[kennyes]

For yinz who are more familiar with Gary Russell's play on the collegiate level, who would you compare his running style to? I'm just curious after all the threads and posts about trading FWP, and now with the release of #2, that with the apparent interest in Jones via media source, etc. What do you Kids think about Russell's role and or promise in this season and beyond?


That and...

[Oviedo]

Re: Gary Russell...

Personally, IMO I think that Mendenhall and Russell are the tandem back of the future. If Mendenhall can translate his college skills to the Pro game he is able to both run and receive out of the backfield which may give the flexibility to eliminate the need to a "specialist third down back." By all indications, and right now speculation only, Russell seems to have the ability to come in a run hard between the tackles while RM would be resting. The two of them have the intriguing ability to beat down defenses for 4 quarters. Many unknowns, but you have to like what the possibilities are.

[Shawn]

Re: Gary Russell...

Russell actually compares really well to Mendenhall. They are VERY similar backs. Russell is a tough tougher between the tackles which is saying something. Mendenhall has more speed. But, both are tough runners. They both have terrific hands. Both are receiving threats. Russell teammates at Minnesota were noted as being very confident in Russells ability to move the chains.

[Iron Shiek]

Re: Gary Russell...

Haven't seen this posted yet surprisingly, so here goes:

Per Fanball.com and apparently the Pittsburgh Post Gazette:

Steelers praise Russell
The News
The Steelers have praised Gary Russell and believe he can develop into a "top notch" running back, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Our View
Russell has a shot to make the team as a fourth running back behind Willie Parker, rookie Rashard Mendenhall, and Mewelde Moore. But he won't hold any fantasy value while fighting for scraps.

Exciting news.

[Shawn]

Re: Gary Russell...

Haven't seen this posted yet surprisingly, so here goes:

Per Fanball.com and apparently the Pittsburgh Post Gazette:

Steelers praise Russell
The News
The Steelers have praised Gary Russell and believe he can develop into a "top notch" running back, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Our View
Russell has a shot to make the team as a fourth running back behind Willie Parker, rookie Rashard Mendenhall, and Mewelde Moore. But he won't hold any fantasy value while fighting for scraps.

Exciting news.

I think that's money. The problem...we have too much talent at RB. What a terrific problem to have. And let me tell you something...Moore is also a talented back. We have 4 guys that can flat out carry the rock. IMO...from a pure talent perspective...this is how the talent chart currently lies....

1) Mendenhall...complete package...can run. is fast, is powerful, terrific vision, gifted hands, the guy can also block...and is just a confident, smart guy. He can beat you inside, outside and teams will have to game plan around him. He is a true game changer.

2) Russell...yes I put him above Parker. He is a natural back, with possibly better instincts, and between the tackle running ability than Mendenhall. His vision, and patience reminds me very much of Maurice Clarett during that National Championship run.
He has the hands to make teams also respect him in the passing game. When you need 3 tough yards I would take him over anyone on the team. Problem? Lacks elite speed...won't make people respect the corners like Mendenhall. Because Mendenhall possess the complete game...no one can stack the middle on him.

3) Parker...crazy blazing speed and nothing else. Subpar vision, almost zero power running ability, outruns his blockers, lacks patience, doesn't make teams respect the middle, can't move the chains, and hands of freakin stone. The guy is a good change up back. He is a guy you put in the game when a D is tired. A pure home run hitter.

4) Moore...desceptively good...terrific quickness, very good hands, but lacks power, lacks ability to be a starter. He is the epitome of a third down back. He will keep our starters fresh by playing on third down.

[Mr Smartmonies]

Re: Gary Russell...

Haven't seen this posted yet surprisingly, so here goes:

Per Fanball.com and apparently the Pittsburgh Post Gazette:

Steelers praise Russell
The News
The Steelers have praised Gary Russell and believe he can develop into a "top notch" running back, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Our View
Russell has a shot to make the team as a fourth running back behind Willie Parker, rookie Rashard Mendenhall, and Mewelde Moore. But he won't hold any fantasy value while fighting for scraps.

Exciting news.

3) Parker...crazy blazing speed and nothing else. Subpar vision, almost zero power running ability, outruns his blockers, lacks patience, doesn't make teams respect the middle, can't move the chains, and hands of freakin stone. The guy is a good change up back. He is a guy you put in the game when a D is tired. A pure home run hitter.

.

BUT HE HAD 1300 YARDS

[Oviedo]

Re: Gary Russell...

Haven't seen this posted yet surprisingly, so here goes:

Per Fanball.com and apparently the Pittsburgh Post Gazette:

Steelers praise Russell
The News
The Steelers have praised Gary Russell and believe he can develop into a "top notch" running back, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Our View
Russell has a shot to make the team as a fourth running back behind Willie Parker, rookie Rashard Mendenhall, and Mewelde Moore. But he won't hold any fantasy value while fighting for scraps.

Exciting news.

I think that's money. The problem...we have too much talent at RB. What a terrific problem to have. And let me tell you something...Moore is also a talented back. We have 4 guys that can flat out carry the rock. IMO...from a pure talent perspective...this is how the talent chart currently lies....

1) Mendenhall...complete package...can run. is fast, is powerful, terrific vision, gifted hands, the guy can also block...and is just a confident, smart guy. He can beat you inside, outside and teams will have to game plan around him. He is a true game changer.

2) Russell...yes I put him above Parker. He is a natural back, with possibly better instincts, and between the tackle running ability than Mendenhall. His vision, and patience reminds me very much of Maurice Clarett during that National Championship run.
He has the hands to make teams also respect him in the passing game. When you need 3 tough yards I would take him over anyone on the team. Problem? Lacks elite speed...won't make people respect the corners like Mendenhall. Because Mendenhall possess the complete game...no one can stack the middle on him.

3) Parker...crazy blazing speed and nothing else. Subpar vision, almost zero power running ability, outruns his blockers, lacks patience, doesn't make teams respect the middle, can't move the chains, and hands of freakin stone. The guy is a good change up back. He is a guy you put in the game when a D is tired. A pure home run hitter.

4) Moore...desceptively good...terrific quickness, very good hands, but lacks power, lacks ability to be a starter. He is the epitome of a third down back. He will keep our starters fresh by playing on third down.

I can see Moore losing his job to Mendenhall as third down back by the end of the season. He could find himself exclusively a returner by then. Next year the top 3 backs will be Mendenhall, Russell and then either Parker or Moore. I think Moore stays if he proves he is a top notch returner. Regardless, the odd man out may find himself traded.

[birtikidis]

Re: Gary Russell...

Parker right now is the BEST back we have.
the only reason RM gets the #2 is because of his draft position and potential.
then moore. we know what he can do in the NFL.
russell.. who knows. i'd love for him to be the #1 but it's a long shot at this point because too much copetition above him...

[Ozey74]

Re: Gary Russell...

I would love to see Parker get most of his work in the 4th quarter, after the opposing D spends the 1st three quarters taking a pounding from our other horses.

[birtikidis]

Re: Gary Russell...

i would like to see some change up. a rotation. i would love to see a backfield similar to Rocky and Franco. where both guys can carry the ball and they both offer something different.

[stlrz d]

Re: Gary Russell...

Haven't seen this posted yet surprisingly, so here goes:

Per Fanball.com and apparently the Pittsburgh Post Gazette:

Steelers praise Russell
The News
The Steelers have praised Gary Russell and believe he can develop into a "top notch" running back, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Our View
Russell has a shot to make the team as a fourth running back behind Willie Parker, rookie Rashard Mendenhall, and Mewelde Moore. But he won't hold any fantasy value while fighting for scraps.

Exciting news.

I think that's money. The problem...we have too much talent at RB. What a terrific problem to have. And let me tell you something...Moore is also a talented back. We have 4 guys that can flat out carry the rock. IMO...from a pure talent perspective...this is how the talent chart currently lies....

1) Mendenhall...complete package...can run. is fast, is powerful, terrific vision, gifted hands, the guy can also block...and is just a confident, smart guy. He can beat you inside, outside and teams will have to game plan around him. He is a true game changer.

2) Russell...yes I put him above Parker. He is a natural back, with possibly better instincts, and between the tackle running ability than Mendenhall. His vision, and patience reminds me very much of Maurice Clarett during that National Championship run.
He has the hands to make teams also respect him in the passing game. When you need 3 tough yards I would take him over anyone on the team. Problem? Lacks elite speed...won't make people respect the corners like Mendenhall. Because Mendenhall possess the complete game...no one can stack the middle on him.

3) Parker...crazy blazing speed and nothing else. Subpar vision, almost zero power running ability, outruns his blockers, lacks patience, doesn't make teams respect the middle, can't move the chains, and hands of freakin stone. The guy is a good change up back. He is a guy you put in the game when a D is tired. A pure home run hitter.

4) Moore...desceptively good...terrific quickness, very good hands, but lacks power, lacks ability to be a starter. He is the epitome of a third down back. He will keep our starters fresh by playing on third down.

[NKySteeler]

Re: Gary Russell...

....Oh man!.... This is gonna be a fun season.... We need a "college sports" forum big time!!!

...Back to topic. I do want to see Russell succeed, but haven't seen the flash that some are referencing on this level just yet... Notice that I said "just yet". But for now, there is absolutely no reason whatsoever to kick Parker to the curb. Personally, I just think he hasn't been used correctly. And for that, I blame Arians. (yes, I know... We had no one else... But Arians is still to blame because I view it that way and don't like him.... My opinion and I'm sticking with it. )

Either way, it's a good problem to have, if you ask me. Let the battle in camp begin!

[Shawn]

Re: Gary Russell...

....Oh man!.... This is gonna be a fun season.... We need a "college sports" forum big time!!!

...Back to topic. I do want to see Russell succeed, but haven't seen the flash that some are referencing on this level just yet... Notice that I said "just yet". But for now, there is absolutely no reason whatsoever to kick Parker to the curb. Personally, I just think he hasn't been used correctly. And for that, I blame Arians. (yes, I know... We had no one else... But Arians is still to blame because I view it that way and don't like him.... My opinion and I'm sticking with it. )

Either way, it's a good problem to have, if you ask me. Let the battle in camp begin!

The college section suggestion was fowarded to J awhile ago...haven't heard back about it. huh. Anyways I think the people that like him base it mainly on his college play. Obviously, he hasn't proven jack at the pro level but I do like the fact that the coaches seem to like the kid.

[fordfixer]

Re: Gary Russell...

Parker was leading the NFL (before getting hurt) last year behind a oline that had some problems of it's own. That should count for somthing.

[stlrz d]

Re: Gary Russell...

Parker was leading the NFL (before getting hurt) last year behind a oline that had some problems of it's own. That should count for somthing.

Oh no...here it comes...you're in trouble now!