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08:01 AM ET 03.28 | There's a reason running backs aren't often mentioned along with the idea of longevity. As promised, Mike Tomlin ran Willie Parker until his wheels came off and now it's Rashard Mendenhall's turn. Parker was leading the league in rushing entering the 15th game of the 2007 season when his leg was broken. He finished with 1,316 yards and his career was finished 20 months later. Parker carried 337 times in 2006 for 1,494 yards and 321 times in 2007, when he would have had another 40-50 carries had his injury not occurred. ... Mendenhall is the Steelers' horse and Tomlin is going to ride him and he makes no excuses for it. "You know, that's why you draft running backs, to hand them the ball," Tomlin said during an interview last week at the NFL meetings in New Orleans. "Wear and tear is part of the game, specifically at that position. You worry about it, but it doesn't dominate your thought. It's just part of the game."

Mike Tomlin, Getty Images

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March 28, 2011 08:03 AM ET

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Why is this news?

Tebow Time!

Clifton Heights , PA

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March 28, 2011 08:04 AM ET

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Every RB gets run down at some point in their career.

Tebow Time!

Clifton Heights , PA

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March 28, 2011 08:11 AM ET

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QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 08:04 AM ET 03.28 by Tebow Time!

Every RB gets run down at some point in their career.

And then they get picked up by the 'Skins. Sigh.

Devi8ed

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March 28, 2011 08:17 AM ET

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QUOTE(#3):

Originally posted 08:11 AM ET 03.28 by Devi8ed

And then they get picked up by the 'Skins. Sigh.

It is sad that that is the case.

Tebow Time!

Clifton Heights , PA

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March 28, 2011 08:20 AM ET

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QUOTE(#3):

Originally posted 08:11 AM ET 03.28 by Devi8ed

And then they get picked up by the 'Skins. Sigh.

Last year's Redskins backfield was sponsored by Depends, Metamucil and Centrum Silver.

Devi8ed

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March 28, 2011 08:24 AM ET

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Is this another excuse why they lost the Super Bowl? PLEASE!

COUNT DOOKU

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March 28, 2011 08:41 AM ET

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Mendenhall is the main reason the Steelers won the AFC and made it to the Super Bowl. He was key during the Big Ben suspension and he came up big in the playoffs, scoring the winning TD against the Ravens and running over the Jets in the AFC title game. His fumble in the SB had more to do with a great play by the GB defense and nothing to do with how many carries he had over the season. Parker's leg injury did him in, not too many carries.

GoTerps

Cumberland , MD

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March 28, 2011 08:46 AM ET

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The other thing about running backs is, you can show them all the statistics in the world about injuries, short careers, you name it; and they'll still ask for the ball 20-30 times a game. It's not always just on the coach.

SouthernBlueFan

Auburn , AL

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March 28, 2011 08:48 AM ET

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I say run them all into the ground. Get every last mile you can out of a RB and then throw them on the scrap heap.

Suave Loco

San Antonio , TX

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March 28, 2011 08:50 AM ET

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QUOTE(#5):

Originally posted 08:20 AM ET 03.28 by Devi8ed

Last year's Redskins backfield was sponsored by Depends, Metamucil and Centrum Silver.

ROFLMAO!!! Yeah...we ain't gettin' it right on that aspect...SMH

RedSkinChief66

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March 28, 2011 08:51 AM ET

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QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 08:04 AM ET 03.28 by Tebow Time!

Every RB gets run down at some point in their career.

Interview Bum Philips and ask Earl Campbell...

RedSkinChief66

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March 28, 2011 08:54 AM ET

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QUOTE(#10):

Originally posted 08:48 AM ET 03.28 by Suave Loco

I say run them all into the ground. Get every last mile you can out of a RB and then throw them on the scrap heap.

Here here! Then send 'em to DC as Devi8ed stated!

Boomer38

Uniontown , PA

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March 28, 2011 09:01 AM ET

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QUOTE(#8):

Originally posted 08:41 AM ET 03.28 by GoTerps

Mendenhall is the main reason the Steelers won the AFC and made it to the Super Bowl. He was key during the Big Ben suspension and he came up big in the playoffs, scoring the winning TD against the Ravens and running over the Jets in the AFC title game. His fumble in the SB had more to do with a great play by the GB defense and nothing to do with how many carries he had over the season. Parker's leg injury did him in, not too many carries.

That sums it up perfectly

Mangler.

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March 28, 2011 09:13 AM ET

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Aren't running backs supposed to run with the ball? Mendenhall averaged 20 carries a game in 2010, 15 in 2009. Out of how many offensive plays? Come on!

Belichick

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March 28, 2011 09:14 AM ET

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Steelers run the football.

Steelers play defense.

Any RB going to Pittsburgh should understand the drill...

Otis B. Driftwood

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March 28, 2011 09:33 AM ET

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QUOTE(#3):

Originally posted 08:11 AM ET 03.28 by Devi8ed

And then they get picked up by the 'Skins. Sigh.

Not Riggins:)

brotha68

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March 28, 2011 09:36 AM ET

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QUOTE(#19):

Originally posted 09:33 AM ET 03.28 by brotha68

Not Riggins:)

Diesel!!

hbomb

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March 28, 2011 09:41 AM ET

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Gonna feel sad about these RBs getting worn out? Nah. Count the money and enjoy what comes with being an NFL star.

Funny how Earl Campbell always gets talked about in a bad way. Last I checked isn't he a HOfer? May not be in tha hall if Bum hadn't ran him that much.

LocNar

Miami , FL

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March 28, 2011 09:43 AM ET

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This is why 18 games is too much. Football was always a running game. The Steelers have always played with a punishing, power-running game. Teams have a revolving door of players and the Steeler train keeps rolling...