1.   And ... bam ... Milloy was punishing runners, sticking and jolting them, and covering everyone from lumbering tight ends to speedy wideouts.

2.   Bettis is a punishing runner who wears down opponents.

3.   McCain is in a particularly enviable position because this state has a history of rewarding mavericks, and of punishing front runners.

4.   Plus, the Seahawks have a punishing runner of their own in Chris Warren, who leads the AFC in scoring with six touchdowns.

5.   That has helped him become an even more punishing runner and one who becomes more effective as defenses become less eager to take him on.

6.   Both Super Bowl teams have strong offenses headlined by high-profile quarterbacks and punishing runners.