The Steelers and the Cardinals met again tonight for the second time in six months. Last the stake was nothing less than the Super Bowl, this time, it was, nothing….
The Steelers were successful in their first exhibition season. Not because they scored more points, although that is always nice, but because they appear to have avoided major injury.
According to ESPN.com, the star of the show was undrafted rookie free agent Isaac Redman, who scored twice in late 4th quarter goal-line situations. ESPN reports that Redman not shyed away from taking on the Steelers All-Pro linebacking corps, and further informs that he scored in two goal line drills in training camp.
The drive was set up by an interception return by rookie corner Joe Burnett, who picked off a Brian St. Pierre pass and returned it to the three, setting up Redman’s first touchdown.
Third string quarterback Dennis Dixon, who for the record was 10-19 for 112 on the night, later led an 80 yard drive that resulted in another Redman touchdown.
Mendenhall’s Performance and Ominous Sign?
In what could perhaps be an ominous sign, 2008 first round selection Rashard Mendenhall started the game, but was held to 24 yards on 9 carries which amounts to a 2.7 yard average.
Isaac Who?
With Willie Parker, Mendenhall, Mewelde Moore, and Cary Davis ahead of him, Isaac Redman would figure to be a long shot to make the team. But the former stand out from Bowie State in Maryland does have precedent on his side.
Steelers Director of Football Operatioin Kevin Colbert has shown a penchant for finding undrafted free agents who bud into NFL stars, Willie Parker and James Harrison being only two of many.
