Could Jonathan Dwyer Become Pittsburgh Steelers Feature Back?

It is all but certain that the Pittsburgh Steelers will start off their 2012 NFL campaign without starting running back Rashard Mendenhall, who is coming off of an ACL tear in Week 17 last season. That leaves the Steelers with backups Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer in the mix to carry the load in Mendenhall’s absence.

The consensus is that Redman will start off the season as the team’s starting back and that is something Redman feels comfortable doing.

“Ever since I’ve been here, I’ve been doubted by everybody — except the players and coaches,” Redman said, via thePittsburgh Tribune Review. “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.”

Unfortunately, film study would suggest that Redman is not the guy the Steelers need to be their feature back. That would be Jonathan Dwyer, who has faced weight issues in the past, but now seems to be ready to bring more to the table than ever. Dwyer has lost 20 pounds this offseason and is now ready to be a big part of the Steelers offense.

“I am just realizing how much it takes to get where you are in this league and how hard you have to work and push yourself,” Dwyer said. “This is my year to prove something to myself, the league, to the organization, that I am worth more than what I was.”

Dwyer brings a more physical running style to the table than Redman, which would fit the Steelers mentality. Redman may look the part of a physical rusher, but he often tries to use finesse moves to gain the extra yards. Even with Dwyer’s weight-loss, he will still be able to run with the power and pad level that a guy like Redman lacks.

Now that Dwyer is in shape, he expects to come into camp and impress. He is ready to take on as many carries as the Steelers are willing to give him.

“I know if I come in at the weight I am supposed to be, I will be OK,” Dwyer said. “It is not anybody else’s responsibility to come into camp in shape. It is mine.”

With Mendenhall likely missing the first six games of the season, Redman does remain the season as the starter, but don’t get too used to that picture. Dwyer seems poised to live up to his potential now that he is in the best shape of his NFL career and you can expect him to take away carries from Dwyer in Mendenhall’s absence.

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