Ben Roethlisberger Injury: Why QB Will Benefit from Isaac Redman and Run Game

Isaac Redman will be getting his first start this season for the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will be the biggest benefactor from Redman getting the start.

Rashard Mendenhall hasn’t been able to get anything going in 2011. He has posted 173 yards and two touchdowns in four games. He is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury, but isn’t expected to play (updated: out).

Roethlisberger has been hampered by a horrific offensive line so far. He has absolutely no time to drop back and throw the football. He stands no chance.

Couple that with the fact that the run game has been non-existent, and Roethlisberger is really behind the eight ball.

If you haven’t seen Redman run the football, you are in for a treat. His style is something that the old Steelers teams would be proud of. His downhill, bruising style of running will wear down the defense late in the game.

Also, his ability to gain yards after contact will allow for third-and-short instead of third-and-long. This will keep the defense honest without being able to go all-out on rushing Roethlisberger.

Redman also has better hands than Mendenhall. With as much pressure Roethlisberger has seen, it would be of help if Bruce Arians would call a couple screens to counter the pressure.

Arians has been under fire for a plethora of reasons in his career in Pittsburgh. It looks even worse once you lose, and the Steelers have already seen two discouraging losses.

Now that Roethlisberger has a foot injury, his agility may be limited slightly. You should still expect him to be moving around the pocket, but Redman will be able to help him in the run and pass game.

Pittsburgh needs a good day from the rushing attack. If they get it, the whole offense will be benefit greatly, especially Roethlisberger.