Redman ready to lead team in Mendenhall's absence

Posted by Michael David Smith on June 9, 2012, 8:03 AM EDT

Reuters

New Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley is expected to implement a run-first offense in Pittsburgh, and the biggest question is who will do most of the running. After Rashard Mendenhall suffered a torn ACL in Week 17, it appears that the carrying the load will fall toIsaac Redman. And Redman says he’s ready for that.

“Rashard and I really haven’t spoken that much,” Redman told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “We both understand that he’s working as hard as he can to get back. I’m working hard to lead this team until he gets back to 100 percent, and I don’t doubt that I can.”

Redman has every reason to be confident after the way he played when Mendenhall went down: In that Week 17 game when Mendenhall was hurt against the Browns, Redman stepped in and had 19 carries for 92 yards. The next week, in the Steelers’ playoff loss to the Broncos, he had 17 carries for 121 yards. Redman says that’s what gives him confidence in himself, and his teammates confidence in him.

“Ever since I’ve been here, I’ve been doubted by everybody — except the players and coaches,” Redman said. “They understand the type of player I am, and it’s why they’ve kept me around. They see something in me, so I never doubt myself. I’m ready to get out there. Hopefully, I’ll surprise everybody.”

Redman called learning Haley’s offense “difficult,” but he said he’s sure the Steelers will make progress.

“It’s tough right now because everybody’s trying to learn this playbook,” Redman said. “You can’t really play as fast you would like to because we’re doing a lot of thinking right now. It’s been a learning process. By the time we get to training camp, we’ll have this thing down. I want to come into camp mentally ready to play.”

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