Can Isaac Redman Shoulder The Load For The Steelers' Running Game in 2012?

[Shoe]

I think one most also factor in that Redman will get more attention from opponents with Mendy being injured. I still believe Mendy will be back after 6 games.

IMO, that would be really good for Redman. For a young, unproven guy like this, I think it's good to have a fire constantly under him, to make him not take anything for granted. I don't know much about Redman, but I think a lot of young people (not just football players) can quickly get a sense of complacency/entitlement and NOT push themselves when they need to.

In the ideal situation, Redman comes out of the gates and runs well. If/when Mendenhall comes back (around Week 6), Redman will feel pressure to continue to stay in games (as mentioned, he will get dinged no matter what), knowing that last year's starter is back and wanting his job back. If Mendy doesn't come back, I think a young guy like Redman might take a more laxed approach to battling through injury/adversity.

[ikestops85]

Don't discredit the fact that if Redman will show behind this line Mendenhall certainly will. I whole heartedly believe that Mendenhall behind this line could enter elite territory if he's healthy.

I'm thinking you might be right. I think Mendy has elite talent if he can get to the second level. The problem has been that our line doesn't let that happen very often. That is why Redman has been more successful (in my opinion) running behind our bad line. He hits what should be the hole and then pushes, digs, scrounges, squirms, and fights for every inch.

I hope Mendy comes back better than he was and puts highlights on Sports Center every week. I hope Redman does the same thing.

[grotonsteel]

I'm thinking you might be right. I think Mendy has elite talent if he can get to the second level. The problem has been that our line doesn't let that happen very often. That is why Redman has been more successful (in my opinion) running behind our bad line. He hits what should be the hole and then pushes, digs, scrounges, squirms, and fights for every inch.

I hope Mendy comes back better than he was and puts highlights on Sports Center every week. I hope Redman does the same thing.

I have to agree with you. I believe Mendy is more dangerous in open field and he has good pair of hands.

With improved O-line (on paper for now) and contract year Mendy might put some crazy numbers if healthy.

[feltdizz]

I have to agree with you. I believe Mendy is more dangerous in open field and he has good pair of hands.

With improved O-line (on paper for now) and contract year Mendy might put some crazy numbers if healthy.

Mend has all the makings of an elite RB once he gets to the second level.. the problem though is he rarely gets there and is easily tackled. I'm hoping the Mendenhall of 2010 in the playoffs shows up. That guy was a beast...

I was extremely disappointed with him last year.

[Oviedo]

Mend has all the makings of an elite RB once he gets to the second level.. the problem though is he rarely gets there and is easily tackled. I'm hoping the Mendenhall of 2010 in the playoffs shows up. That guy was a beast...

I was extremely disappointed with him last year.

I've said it many times. Can't judge anything about offensive performance given the bad OL we have had. Put Mendy behind a solid OL and he will do very well.