Denver Broncos: 3 Matchups to Watch vs. Pittsburgh

Guarantees have been made.

Chris Harris Jr. has been waiting since December 20, 2015 to see Antonio Brown again.  On that date, Brown torched Harris and the Broncos with 16 catches for 189 yards en route to a 34-27 come-from behind victory for Pittsburgh.

CHJ counts it as possibly his worst game as a professional.  In an Arnie Stapleton Denver Post article, Harris is quoted as saying:

"“I didn’t have a good game that night,” Harris said. “It was tough that game. It was pretty much on me that game. We didn’t have anybody in our secondary that game. I think all my safeties were gone. I think I was out there with (Josh) Bush and (Shiloh) Keo, so that was a hard game. It won’t be anything like that again.”"

Ok, so not quite a guarantee but we know that Harris will be ready for his matchup with Brown, he faces the top receiver week in and week out, his preparation is legendary and his will is among the strongest we’ve ever seen.  Wade Phillips, who has coached a lot of players calls CHJ the best player he’s ever coached.  That’s huge praise from a legendary coach.

Brown is second (barely), statistically in yards and receptions for the Steelers but he is tied for the league lead with 11 touchdowns.  He has been the best wideout in the game for at least the last three seasons, even earning a Madden cover for his prowess.  He is a tough cover but if there’s anyone in the NFL up to the task, it’s Harris who is arguably the best corner in the league.

Containing the Steeler offense will be key on a cold day in Denver, as will sustained, time-consuming drives.  The Broncos have a historically stout home presence that needs to be maintained.  If all of those things come together, there’s no reason the Broncos can’t handle this Steeler team.