FRANCO WHO: Isaac Redman of the Steelers shoves aside Stevie Brown on the way to a career-high 147 yards in last night’s 24-20 victory over the Giants at MetLife Stadium. (N.Y. Post: Charles Wenzelberg)
When Giants defensive players peeled off their uniforms in the locker room after their 24-20 loss to the Steelers last night at MetLife Stadium, every one of them likely had temporary tattoos of Isaac Redman’s No. 33 uniform somewhere on their bodies.
Because Redman, the Steelers’ 6-foot, 230-pound running back, trampled the Giants for a career-high 147 yards and a touchdown on 26 bruising carries.
Redman, whose role was expanded with both Rashard Mendenhall and Jonathan Dwyer injured, entered the game with 127 yards on 50 carries for a 2.5-yard average for the season. Yesterday was his first career 100-yard-plus rushing performance.
His 1-yard touchdown run with 4:02 remaining in the game provided the game-winning points for the Steelers, which was fitting, because the Giants could not stop him all game.
“Red do what Red do,’’ Steelers receiver Mike Wallace said. “I see him do that every time he gets in the game. People hate tackling him.’’
“He was unstoppable,’’ Steelers left tackle Max Starks said. “Isaac is a tremendous back. There’s a reason we call him ‘Red Zone Redman.’ He’s just a tough guy to tackle. He’s powerful and nimble. When he makes the decision, he’s a one-cut runner. He’s not dancing. You can either get on the train tracks or get out of the way. If you get on the train tracks, you’re not going to win very often.’’
The Giants did not win many battles when Redman ran at them.
“It’s matter of his will,’’ Steelers guard Willie Colon said.
“That’s the type of guy he is,’’ former Jet and current Steelers receiver Jerricho Cotchery said. “He fights for it. He just wants it.’’
Redman, a native of Paulsboro in South Jersey, rushed for 87 yards on 14 carries in the first half. It was his 28-yard burst to the two-minute warning that put the Giants to sleep for good, allowing the Steelers to kneel down and run out the clock in victory formation.
“I felt pretty good,’’ Redman said. “We were down at running back and it was my turn to step up. We didn’t want to get away from pounding the ball even though we were behind and we were able to. I always try to be a tough runner and not let the first guy bring me down and get those tough extra hidden yards.’’
There was nothing hidden about those 147 yards he stamped on the Giants defense last night.