Denver Broncos Set to Face Steelers for Divisional Round

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 cover Antonio 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 Roethlisberger threw for 380 yards, completing 40-of-55 pass attempts, for three touchdowns; however, the Denver Broncos managed to intercept the veteran quarterback twice.

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On the bright side, the Denver Broncos held DeAngelo Williams to 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 Osweiler started the game off hot, throwing three touchdown passes in the first half (one to Emmanuel Sanders, two to Demaryius Thomas); however, he struggled mightily in the second half. But, this time around, Peyton Manning earned 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 and Gary Kubiak selected 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 behind Blake 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.