Isaac Redman: Can He Carry the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Super Bowl?

Isaac Redman has a refined role in the Pittsburgh Steelers offense this coming postseason.

Starting running back.

When Rashard Mendenhall went down with a torn ACL this past Sunday in Cleveland, a collective gasp from millions of Pittsburgh Steelers fans could be heard worldwide. 

This Sunday against Tim Tebow's Denver Broncos, Isaac Redman will be out to prove he is more than serviceable, and is fit to bring the Steelers their seventh Super Bowl in franchise history.

There are several pieces of evidence that support the notion of Redman being up to the task to bring the Steelers back to familiar territory.

First, Isaac Redman has arguably been a more effective running back than Mendenhall this year. Redman's yards per carry is currently at 4.4, while Mendenhall clocks in with a slightly lower 4.1 yards per carry.

Redman also beat out Mendenhall in the yards per carry department last year, running for almost an entire yard more than Mendenhall per carry.

Sure, Redman's statistics are taken from a smaller sample size, but effectiveness can't be ignored even if it comes in a smaller dosage. 

Second, Ben Roethlisberger is recovering. Although his ankle is not at 100 percent and may not be there at any point in the playoffs, Roethlisberger is not hobbling around like he did at Candlestick Park against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 15.

Roethlisberger knows how to play with injuries. If he has some of his mobility back and can create plays, it will take much of the focus off of Isaac Redman's ability to run the football.

Finally, Maurkice Pouncey is back from injury. A Pro Bowl center in his rookie year, Pouncey plays a key role in the Steelers' pass protection and run blocking game. 

With the Steelers' best offensive lineman back, Redman should have an easier time finding holes and seams to burst through. 

With Mewelde Moore currently nursing a knee injury, it will be up to Isaac Redman and rookie John Clay to carry the running game for the time being.

If the Steelers can maintain a balanced offense and stay away from critical injuries, look for Isaac Redman to have a big postseason.