Steelers vs Broncos: Why Isaac Redman Is the Key to a Steelers Win

The last game of Wildcard Weekend features the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos.

And while most of the publicity leading up to the game has centered on Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisbeger's ankle or Denver signal-caller Tim Tebow's leash, the key to a Pittsburgh victory will be an unsung player lined up behind Big Ben.

With starting running back Rashard Mendenhall done for the year after tearing his ACL in the season finale, the job of primary ball carrier in the Pittsburgh backfield will fall to Isaac Redman. For the Steelers to leave the Mile High City with a win today they'll need a solid outing from the second-year pro.

Ben Roethlisberger's high ankle sprain has severely hindered his mobility. Without his trademark ability to scramble and extend the play, both his effectiveness and that of the Pittsburgh passing game has been hampered significantly of late.

That places added pressure on the Steelers' ground game, both to keep Pittsburgh in manageable second and third down distances but also to keep the Broncos defense honest. Roethlisberger will be much more effective in the pocket if the Broncos can't pin their ears back and send blitzers with abandon.

The pressure only increases with the loss of center Maurkice Pouncey, who will miss today's game with an ankle sprain of his own. The Steelers' offensive line has struggled at times with pass protection even when their (arguably) best offensive lineman was on the field this year.

Redman has shown the ability to be effective in the past. The bruising running back averaged 4.4 yards per carry this season, a full half-yard better than Mendenhall. 

So the Steelers rushing attack shouldn't miss a beat, especially since the Broncos have struggled somewhat against the run this year, ranking 22nd in the NFL in that category.

If the Steelers move the ball consistently and emerge, as most people expect, from Sunday's game with a victory, it will likely be on the shoulders of a relative unknown. Although Isaac Redman probably won't be nearly as anonymous after today.