Possible Blessing?

For a long time, actually for years now, a lot of us have sung the praises of Redman. I for one believe despite his success, Tomlin and crew never seem to give him the amount of carries he deserves. I know he had 2 fumbles the other day, but does anyone else feel like Mendenhall going down could end up being a blessing in disguise? I like Mendy, but I feel like Redman gives us a solid ground n pound back that can grind out the tough yards in the playoffs. He had almost 100 yards Sunday on 3 quarters of work. And with Moore returning, we will still have a viable option on passing downs out of the backfield. I hope Isaac takes his opportunity this postseason and runs with it....

 

Blessing no, but great opportunity for Redman yes. I would rather have all 3 healthy for the playoffs than Redman, Clay and Spann/Young(who are very green in terms of our offense).

What this does allow is the front office to evaluate Redman and decide on Mendy what to do for next year and beyond. I like Redman's style of running but I like Mendy's ability to take it to the house if he gets into the open field. I am comfortable with Redman at RB but we are very thin and inexperienced behind him. Hope he can stay healthy...

 

That looks good on a highlight film but the problem is the opportunity to take it to the house only presents itself a few times a year. I'd rather see a steady 4 to 6 yards a carry which would help move the chains more often, especially in the redzone where we need it the most, and we stand a better chance of doing that with Redman versus Mendy. That assumes Redman can hold on to the ball of course.

 

Agreed. I would much rather have 4-6 yards per carry. Mendy hasnt really broken many runs this season. Against the Rams, yes. But they were terrible. And I really like how Redman always seems to fight and fall forward. Mendy has a tendency to lay down upon initial contact.

 

Redman reminds me of the "traditional" Steeler style of running the football - a la Jerome Bettis. Assuming that the fumbles were an anomaly, I would say that our offense can become more successful running the ball with Redman than it was with Mendenhall. This will be essential, especially in the early playoff rounds because Ben is unlikely to be as mobile as he has been. Establishing a solid running attack should help to keep the heat off of Big Ben and allow him the time to be an efficient passer. I'm not looking for a lot of "splash" plays in the next few games. Instead, I'm hoping that we see the kind of football that has led to success for the Steelers in the past.

 

I agree, and I think Redman's style of running better suits the below average offensive line we have. They don't need to hold their blocks for as long while Mendy dances behind the line of scrimmage and looks for the huge play. Redman will take what is there and try to get a yard to or two extra every time.

 

"Agreed. I would much rather have 4-6 yards per carry. "

Me too. Thinking about how Detroit was never able to win when they had Sanders taking it to the house as often as he did. You need those consistent first downs on 3rd and short to wear down the opposition and keep their offense on the bench.

 

All I want is to convert a third and short once in a while

 

I do think this is a blessing because it give the Steelers a chance to evaluate Redman, and because I believe that Mendenhall will not be back next year, especially with this serious knee injury. After the playoffs, they will know what gives with Redman, also what they need to do as far as finding a replacement for Mendenhall. I say go through free agency and count on Baron Batch to be Moore's replacement and a clutch player next year.

IMHO, Redman is a better choice then Mendenhall in these playoffs because they will be playing in cold weather cities where the run needs to be estabished. Redman is the straight line runner and not a dance around runner. His style is more suited for the Steelers offense if Arians uses it.

However, I am afraid that Arians will turn to throwing the ball all over the yard since Mendenhall is out. Arians and Ben will go the pitch and catch route and the Steelers will be out of the playoffs in a flash. If that happens, I will blame Tomlin for letting it happen.

Redman is young and fresh because he hasn't toted the rock much this season. He should be primed and ready to do work. Plus, if he does well, he knows that he will be in line as the number one back next year. Everyone will be on his jock.

 

You have that backwards. Mendy dances because the O-Line can't run block. They get pushed back, allow defenders through and get easily pushed into closing the gaps they're supposed to be creating. Mendy started hitting the hole harder as of late but many times he was running into the O-Lineman who were getting owned by the opposing D-Line. As you say, the O-Line is below average... And even moreso when run-blocking is involved.

I agree Redman's style better suits the current O-Line. Because he will just plow through the failing O-Line and into the defenders. Fortunately he generates enough force to fall forward a la Bettis. However, I did notice Redman doing some stutter-stepping, spinning, and getting tackled for a loss against the Browns (usually because defenders were in his face as soon as he got the ball). The O-Line will cause problems for Redman, also. Redman's running style is just a band-aid... Not the cure. And I hope he doesn't get too banged up.