BESTS
Some cool customers
Snow removal: The Broncos’ grounds crew had snow from a morning storm removed from the field early in the afternoon.
Cross-section of fans: There were several Rockies flags in the parking lot as fans showed the World Series also is on their minds.
Visiting support: There was a large contingent of Steelers fans in the house, nearly all of them waving Terrible Towels. It should be just as bad for the home team next Monday night, when there surely will be a large contingent of Packers fans.
WORSTS
Missing the target
Start: Todd Sauerbrun’s opening kickoff went out of bounds at the 1/2-yard line, putting the ball at the Pittsburgh 40. The Steelers drove the other way and scored a touchdown.
Streak busters: Going into Sunday’s game, Pittsburgh had allowed a total of six points in the first half of five games. The Broncos scored 21 points in the first half Sunday.
Record attempt: Pittsburgh kicker Jeff Reed attempted a 65-yard field goal, which would have been an NFL record, at the end of the first half. Reed missed badly as the short line drive landed in Dré Bly’s arms in the end zone.
TURNING POINT
Heads-up rookie
Broncos rookie defensive end Tim Crowder picked up a ball fumbled by Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger at the 50-yard line, and the University of Texas alum ran into the end zone uncontested to give Denver a 21-7 lead with 2:31 left in the first half. Roethlisberger fumbled after being sacked by defensive end Elvis Dumervil on the second-and-10 play from the Denver 38.
CRAZY PLAY OF THE DAY
Cutler shows wheels
In the second quarter, Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler rolled right, then took off running. Cutler, who is deceptively quick, zipped up the field and kept going. He turned toward the middle of the field and continued to cruise, receiving a great downfield block from tight end Daniel Graham, before he was brought down by Troy Polamalu. The Pittsburgh safety was called for unnecessary roughness, turning the 31-yard run into a 39-yard gain that set up a go-ahead touchdown to make the score 14-7. In addition to helping Cutler’s cause, Polamalu is likely to be fined by the NFL.
HIT OF THE DAY
Special slam
In the first quarter, the Broncos turned in their best special-teams coverage work of the season when backup linebacker Jamie Winborn came out of nowhere to slam Pittsburgh returner Allen Rossum to the grass on the Steelers’ 22-yard-line after Denver had tied the game 7-7. Winborn then was swarmed by his teammates.
THE GRADES
Offense: B
Playing without injured center Tom Nalen and wide receiver Javon Walker, the offense still clicked and moved the ball well. Its 31 points were a season high. Its previous high was 23. Quarterback Jay Cutler threw two bad interceptions, but otherwise was efficient, and he was cool during the final, game-winning drive.
Defense: C
The defense slipped as the game went on, but it played well in the first half. Denver forced three turnovers which set the tone. The Denver run defense was improved, but Pittsburgh still had some success on the ground, with Willie Parker gaining 93 yards.
Special teams: A
The unit had one of its best games. The return game was better, the coverage unit was better and Jason Elam was there to win it once again with a 49-yard field goal at the gun.
Coaching: A
Offensively, Denver attacked Pittsburgh’s strong defense well. The defensive unit was more aggressive and faster. The coaching staff has spent a lot of time the past two weeks trying to fix all that went wrong in a 41-3 home loss to San Diego. It worked.
Overall: B
What a huge win. Denver didn’t match up well with Pittsburgh and the Broncos stole the tempo and made it their game on an emotional night when the memories of Darrent Williams and Damien Nash were honored. Denver is 3-3 and has some spirit after trying times the past few weeks.
