Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall was recognized for his outstanding play versus the Jacksonville Jaguars by being named AFC Offensive Player of the Week. This marks the second time in Mendenhall's four-year career that he has received the honor, having previously won for his performance against San Diego in Week Four of the 2009 season.
Mendenhall recorded a season-high 146 yards on 23 carries with one touchdown in the victory over the Jaguars. His 146 yards marked the fourth-highest single game rushing total of his career. He registered a career-long 68-yard run in the second-quarter that set up a 21-yard field goal that gave the Steelers a 17-0 lead.
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Mendenhall surpassed 100 yards in the first half for the first time in his career, totaling 113 rushing yards on 12 carries. Since 1991, it was only the sixth time a Pittsburgh running back gained at least 100 rushing yards in the first half.
This is the second straight week a Pittsburgh player has been named AFC Offensive Player of the Week after Ben Roethlisberger was honored for his performance against the Tennessee Titans in Week Five.
