The Steelers may have finally unlocked the mystery that was Rashard Mendenhall.

Mendenhall helped the Steelers gain an early lead, and ended the game rushing for 165 yards and 2 touchdowns, miles above his previous career highs.  The Steelers opened up a dominating 28 point lead before giving up 4 touchdowns in the last 21 minutes.  

Not exactly the win Steelers fans were looking for, but they'll take it. 

The Steelers were facing quite possibly the biggest "must-win" game of the week (the Titans lost and are 0-4).  With substantial questions lurking about the ability of the Steelers defense to close a game in the 4th quarter, the Super Bowl incumbents gave up 3 touchdowns (2 passing touchdowns and one special teams touchdown).  

They hope to work their record to about .500 in Week 5 against the Detriot Lions.

Matthew Stafford, the Lions's number one draft pick, may not play on Sunday.  Daunte Culpepper will likely play in his place.  Without Stafford, the Lions look very much like the team that went 0-16 in 2008.  They have allowed 4 more points per game than any other team in the league, and sit dead last in defense.  

Mike Tomlin will do all that he can to show that the Steelers are still the physical football team that they have always been.  Rashard Mendenhall and Willie Parker (if he plays) will run all over the Lions defense, effectively limited the Lions on offense to passing plays.  As Culpepper has not yet started a game this year, his timing with the Lions receivers, I mean, Calvin Johnson, may be off.  

Kevin Smith is back for the Lions and playing well, so the Steelers may have to be careful.  A few early big plays from Smith and Johnson may set the Steelers back.  

If the Steelers are behind, they may need to rely on Big Ben's arm.  The fact is, though, that Ben has the ability and the weapons to overtake a pathetic Lions defense.  The Steelers get back into the AFC North picture in week 5 and improve to 3-2.

Fantasy Insight:  

The Steelers running backs will have a field day against a Lions defense that has allowed 121.3 rushing yards per game.  While this number is not bad, the Steelers will blow out the Lions by halftime and subsequently run the ball on 75% of their plays.

Player of the game: Rashard Mendenhall - 29 rushes 165 yards 2 TDs

Mendenhall, as mentioned previously, has not done anything in his career up to this point.  In this game, the Mendenhall worked with the Steelers offensive line to put the Chargers behind.  For comparison, a dominating rushing game early is the difference between a struggling sophomore racking up 165 yards and Pro Bowler Ladanian Tomlinson receiving only 7 carries for 15 yards (I do still believe his career is over).