Anybody think Mendy settled anything tonight?

[Flasteel]

Re: Anybody think Mendy settled anything tonight?

I think Mendenhall is the offensive version of Timmons. And Parker is the offensive version of Foote.

Both Mendenhall and Foote were heralded rookies and much was expected of them. But they failed to live up to those expectations as unusually young 20 year old rookies.

In Timmons' second year, the 21 year old split time with the veteran Foote. Foote was officially the starter because he has experience and the team won two championships with him as a starter, and has one reliable attribute, his run-stopping ability.

In Mendenhall's second year, I expect the 21 year old to split time with the veteran Parker. I think Parker will officially be the starter because he has experience and the team won two championships with him as a starter, and has one reliable attribute, his game-breaking speed.

In Timmons' third year, Foote was released so Timmons is now the starter. He always had more physical abilities, including pass rush, coverage, and bone-crunching suddenness, and now has the experience to allow him to put those natural abilities to good use.

In Mendenhall's third year, I expect that the team will not be able to re-sign Parker, making Mendenhall the starter. He always had more physical abilities, including pass catching, cutback ability, and running between the tackles, and will then have the experience to allow him to put those natural abilities to good use.

That would be a nice analogy, except for one small thing. Mendenhall hasn't flashed anything yet. Granted, Timmons really only got a chance to flash (at least in games) once the opportunities came his way in year two and I do think (barring injury) Mendenhall will very likely see a similar role increase. However, the guy has not seemed special in any way so far (at least to me).

I'm not even close to calling him a bust, but he's displayed fumble problems, gets brought down too easy for a back with his size and power, can't open holes when given a small crack of daylight, and in my opinion displays poor vision. I think he does have a nice burst when given a hole to hit, but like I said, nothing too impressive on the field so far.

Timmons on the other hand, started showing us all something very early in year two. Once LT had the defense digested a little better, he was able to stop thinking and start reacting. Even in the preseason, I remember my jaw dropping a little as he closed on guys in the flats...you could tell he had something special.

Hopefully I'm able to agree with this analogy a little more once the regular season starts.

[mshifko]

Re: Anybody think Mendy settled anything tonight?

i think mendy is going to be a solid RB for us, he's young, will be most effective in combination with FWP...we cannot get rid of FWP. we still need that guy that has proven he can shoulder the load. i think mendy will with time, but right now we need both of these guys to be effective in the running game.