The Rise of Rashard Mendenhall?

By now I'm sure we've all heard the unfortunate news: Willie Parker will sit out Monday Night's game against the Ravens.

I'll admit, the first word that came to mind upon hearing this was “disaster.” Aside from falling into the team-wide offensive cataclysm against Philadelphia, Parker's had an amazing year. It goes without saying that he'll be missed against Baltimore's aggressive defense.

But unless Parker's on your Fantasy team, it might not be time to panic just yet. What about this kid Rashard Mendenhall? You know, the Steelers' first round pick? Supposedly a steal at number 23? A kid with a lethal combination of quickness and power, and an excellent kick returner to boot? Monday's going to be his first NFL start, and probably our first real look at what he can do at the pro level. There's hardly been enough material to judge by so far: 17 regular-season touches combined with a shaky, fumble-prone preseason hasn't painted much of a picture.

This is a big game for the Steelers, and if there's one cliché that everyone's familiar with in football (aside, perhaps, from “defense wins championships”) it's that great players rise to the occasion in big games. I'm not expecting the kind of amazing debut Parker produced, racking up over 100 yards behind a backup O-line and robbing my hometown Bills of a playoff spot in 2004. All I want to see from Mendenhall is just a little glimpse of the brilliance he displayed in college, and maybe a little justification for the hefty contract the Steelers handed him despite already having a top-tier running back in hand.

If he gives just a little glimpse, maybe as little as one really solid play, I'll be entirely satisfied, and the Steelers will be that much closer to beating Baltimore and solidifying their hold over the AFC North.

I don't think that's too much to ask of a first-round pick.