The Denver Broncos enter this week prepping to face a Pittsburg Steelers team that torched them for over 400 offensive yards just three weeks ago.
If the Denver Broncos plan on making it to the next round of the playoffs, the team must address how they will coverAntonio Brown. Brown had one of the best games in his career against the Denver Broncos, recording 16 receptions for 189 yards and two touchdowns. Moreover,Ben Roethlisbergerthrew for 380 yards, completing 40-of-55 pass attempts, for three touchdowns; however, the Denver Broncos managed to intercept the veteran quarterback twice.
Next: Denver Broncos: Chris Harris, Von Miller All-Pro Selections
On the bright side, the Denver Broncos heldDeAngelo Williamsto just 1.9 rushing yards per attempt, as he struggled to find room on the ground to run. Williams finished the game with 14 carries for 26 yards and a touchdown. With Williams struggling on the ground, the Denver Broncos forced the Steelers to turn to the passing game, which proved to be fatal. The Denver Broncos entered halftime with a 14 point lead, but they squandered it in the second half.
The Pittsburg Steelers managed to shutout the Denver Broncos in the second half of the game, resulting in 21 unanswered points, with the Steelers winning by a score of 34-27.Brock Osweilerstarted the game off hot, throwing three touchdown passes in the first half (one toEmmanuel Sanders, two toDemaryius Thomas); however, he struggled mightily in the second half. But, this time around,Peyton Manningearned the start for the Denver Broncos, so we can expect a different game.
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While Peyton Manning and Brock Osweiler both present their pros and cons for the matchup against the Steelers, Manning offers a veteran leadership and prior successes in the playoffs. The Denver Broncos andGary Kubiakselected the quarterback they believed would give them the best chance at winning. However, Peyton Manning recorded the second-most interceptions in the NFL this season (one behindBlake Bortles), but notably, Bortles played in more games and attempted almost 300 more passes than Manning.
Needless to say, Peyton Manning is not the prolific passer he once was earlier in his career, but if he manages the game well against the Steelers, the Denver Broncos do not need him to throw for 300 yards and a few scores. Earlier in the season, Peyton Manning struggled to throw the ball downfield, resulting in defenses cheating up to stop the quick passes and running game. With Brock Osweiler starting for the Denver Broncos, running lanes opened up due to his threat of throwing the ball deep and keeping defenses honest.
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The Denver Broncos saw their running game trend in a positive direction with Osweiler under center, regularly resulting in eitherRonnie HillmanorC.J. Andersonrecording over 100 yards on the ground. The Denver Broncos need their running game to be a factor if they plan on advancing past the Pittsburg Steelers this weekend. With the Pittsburg Steelers having one of the weakest defenses out of all playoff teams, the Denver Broncos have a nice matchup on their hands.
Peyton Manning has not started a game since his horrific showing against the Kansas City Chiefs, so it will be a point of interest on how quickly the Denver Broncos’ offense establishes itself. The Steelers are power by a high-octane passing attack, butChris HarrisandAqib Taliblook to headline the Denver Broncos’ secondary in shutting down Antonio Brown,Martavis Bryant, andMarkus Wheaton.
Earlier this week, the Associated Press (AP) announced their first-team and second-team All-Pro teams, withVon Millerearning first-team honors, and Chris Harris receiving second-team honors. Harris believed that his showing against the Steelers resulted in him being left off the first-team, so this gives him a chance to showcase his talents to a national audience on why he deserved to be a first-team All-Pro. Look for Chris Harris to seek revenge for a poor showing earlier in the season.
Next: Denver Broncos: Chris Harris, Von Miller All-Pro Selections
The Denver Broncos look to be the better team heading into the AFC Divisional round of the playoffs. If the Denver Broncos shut down Antonio Brown, the Steelers do not stand a chance at advancing in the payoffs. Look the Denver Broncos’ number-one rated defense to step up when the games mean the most. The Denver Broncos are finally nearing full-health and look poised to advance to the next round. Kickoff is on 1/17/16 at 2:40 pm (MST). Go Broncos!
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