Denver at Pittsburgh
2:15 p.m., Heinz Field, Pittsburgh
KCNC-4, KOA 850 AM and KBNO 1280 AM (Spanish)
Latest line: Pittsburgh by 3
OVERVIEW
Payback, Pittsburgh
Don’t worry about the Broncos coming into Heinz Field flat after their 34-31 defeat to the Indianapolis Colts last week. This isn’t a trip to Buffalo or Detroit. This is a team that took away Denver’s chance to win a Super Bowl last season.
“It’s a big game for us,” cornerback Champ Bailey said of playing Pittsburgh. “We all remember last year, and what they did to us.”
Denver will be focused in the wake of its loss to the undefeated Colts. On top of that, the Broncos still have the bad taste of their loss to the Steelers last season in the AFC title game. They were blown out, and they remember.
Pittsburgh’s struggles this season don’t take away any of the Broncos’ hunger. In addition to payback, this game is critical for Denver as it closes out the first half of the season.
Every team looks at the season in four quarters. The idea is to go 3-1 in each quarter. The Broncos went 3-1 in the first quarter of this season. A victory at Pittsburgh would give Denver a 3-1 record in the second quarter and put it on pace to go 12-4.
“We have a chance to forget about the Colts game and move on,” Denver safety John Lynch said. “We’re concentrating on the Steelers and the chance to get to 6-2.”
PLAYING KEEPAWAY
Down and out?
The Steelers are a beaten bunch right now. The team is down and the fans are nervous. If the Broncos take control from the start, the Steelers and, their fans, could lose their enthusiasm. But Pittsburgh has rebounded in the past. It won its final eight games last season, including the Super Bowl, after heading into December with a 7-4 record. But 2-5 is a lot worse than 7-4. The Broncos have to jump on the Steelers and take away visions of another comeback season.
GET TOUGH ON THIRD DOWN
First on the list
The Broncos’ defense was great in the AFC title game last season on first and second down, but Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger hurt them on third down, where the Steelers were 10-of-16.
Denver’s defense had been better on third down this season. But it slipped against the Colts, who converted 7-of-11 times on third down. That has to be a big focus today.
RUN THE BALL
Time management
The Steelers’ defense has been good, and can keep them in the game. That means Denver needs to establish the run and eat the clock. Expect to see a lot of Mike Bell, regardless if Tatum Bell can play with his two bad turf toes. Mike Bell was outstanding against the Colts. He’ll get a chance to beat the Steelers today.
