Steelers Film Room: Camp Battles: Jonathan Dwyer Vs. Isaac Redman

Part 2: Receiving

When you see a bigger back like Redman, you don’t usually think of them as a receiving threat out of the backfield. In 2012, Redman was actually a fine receiver out of the backfield. He has good hands, as well as the ability to run over people who try to come and tackle him. Redman obviously doesn’t speed by defenders, and he won’t be trying to juke out any defenders. Even though he isn’t fast, you don’t want to get in his way when he has a full head of steam because he will pummel you. Isaac Redman was a good safety blanket for Roethlisberger in 2012, and below I have broken down a play where he turned a simple check down pass into a big play.

Coaches Film from NFL Game Rewind

For this play, Redman isn’t Roethlisberger’s first option, but he is supposed to go and sit right behind the linebackers, in case Roethlisberger needs to dump the pass off to Redman.

Coaches Film from NFL Game Rewind

After securing the pass, Redman turns it upfield, where there is a large amount of space. Redman does have several defenders trying to close in on him though.

Coaches Film from NFL Game Rewind

This play looks to be over because two defenders are piling on Redman, about to tackle him, with a third defender not far behind.

Coaches Film from NFL Game Rewind

Redman has rolled off of the defenders, and begins to head up field, showing off his incredible leg strength.

Coaches Film from NFL Game Rewind

Redman finally gets tackled after dragging this defensive-back with him for several yards.

Additional Notes:

I really didn’t think Redman was much of a receiver at all until I watched his film from 2012. While he isn’t about to juke out a bunch of defenders and make break away plays, he is a very consistnet, safety blanket that Roethlisberger can dump the ball off to. He has good hands, and he caught every catchable ball that I watched of his film. Redman could potentially play a bigger part on third downs due to his receiving ability.