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Steelers will start Parker's backup
PITTSBURGH - There's usually pressure on a No. 1-draft pick to step in and produce right away.
The Steelers were hoping to avoid that with Rashard Mendenhall this season. With two-time Pro Bowl running back Willie Parker playing ahead of Mendenhall, the Steelers didn't see the need to rush him into action.
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The Steelers play Baltimore in front of a national audience on a Monday night, with first-place on the line. So much for keeping the pressure off Mendenhall.
"I don't want to put any extra pressure on myself. This job is already enough pressure," said Mendenhall, who hasn't carried the ball since getting 28 yards on 10 carries in the season-opening win over Houston
Baltimore, as usual, boasts a strong defense that ranks first in the league, giving up a paltry 161.5 yards per game. The Ravens are allowing opposing offenses to rush for just 71.5 yards per game.
"This is an extremely good defense. They're No. 1 in the NFL," said quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. "They're bringing guys from every different direction. They've got great players and they're healthy and when they're playing well, they're pretty doggone good."
The Steelers' games against the Ravens have traditionally been extremely physical games.
"It's one of those games where you're going to want to go in and lift a few more weights because it's going to be a physical ball game," said Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward. "For the younger guys who have never been a part of it, they'll learn real quick."
As the Steelers' top draft pick, Mendenhall knows the expectations are a little different, considering how well other rookie running backs have done this season.
Chicago's Matt Forte, a second-round pick, is fourth in the NFL in rushing. Tennessee's Chris Johnson, who was taken a couple selections after Mendenhall was chosen 23rd, leads the AFC.
"You notice it, but every situation is different," said Mendenhall. "All I can control is what I do here, but you notice that stuff."
Mendenhall's situation has dramatically changed this week.
"He's getting his opportunity; that's why we drafted him as the No. 1 pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers," said Ward. "The expectation level is not going to change for us. It's great for him to get an opportunity, but there's nothing we can do about Willie's injury. Willie's disappointed. He's doing everything possible to help Rashard get ready for this."
Mendenhall led the Steelers with 222 yards rushing in the preseason. But he also fumbled three times in the final two games, causing head coach Mike Tomlin to be somewhat hesitant to give the rookie the ball in critical situations.
"I have to stand up to the expectations of the team. I've got to go in and play, and play good," the 21-year-old Mendenhall said. "I'm not concerned. I've got a lot of experience in the preseason. I'm just looking forward going into it."
Odds and end zones
Safety Troy Polamalu (thigh), left tackle Marvel Smith (coach's decision), cornerback Deshea Townsend (heel), defensive end Brett Keisel (calf), nose tackle Casey Hampton (groin), linebacker Donovan Woods (hamstring) and wide receiver Hines Ward (coach's decision) missed practice Wednesday. ... Guard Kendall Simmons was at practice after his wife gave birth to a daughter, the couple's third, late Tuesday night. ... The Steelers will wear throwback uniforms from the early 1960s against the Ravens.
