When the Broncos run
The core of Denver’s offense is their run game and when it doesn’t get going, like last Sunday against Oakland, the Broncos have a hard time scoring points. They haven’t scored an offensive touchdown in their last seven quarters. C.J. Anderson could return to a prominent role this week, but the problems are up front. Pittsburgh has a stout run defense, only allowing four rushing TDs all season, second fewest in the NFL. They’ve also forced a league-high 10 fumbles. Edge: Steelers
When the Steelers run
With all the credit the secondary gets, Denver’s run defense has been almost as good. Opposing rushers average a NFL-low 3.3 yards per carry against Denver. That’s a big credit to Sylvester Williams, Derek Wolfe and Malik Jackson on the defensive line. Pittsburgh back DeAngelo Williams has played extremely well in Le’Veon Bell’s absence. Edge: Broncos
When the Broncos pass
The big plays have been few and far between in recent weeks and the plethora of drops have made the Broncos’ offense tough to watch. This could be a chance for Denver going against the NFL’s second worst pass defense. Denver’s offensive line was abused by young Khalil Mack last week. Now veteran James Harrison is licking his chops. Edge: Steelers
When the Steelers pass
Ben Roethlisberger is one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks. He leads the league in passing yards per game and he throws at least 10 deep balls a game. Chris Harris, Aqib Talib and Bradley Roby will have their hand full with Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant and Markus Wheaton. They’re hopeful they get at some of their injured safeties — T.J. Ward,David Bruton, Omar Bolden — back for Sunday. Ward said earlier this week “a lot of teams were hot before they played us.” Edge: Broncos
Special teams
Denver put on a clinic on what not to do in special teams Sunday. Emmanuel Sanders muffed a punt that led to Oakland’s game-winning touchdown. Shiloh Keo allowed a punt to bounce inside the Broncos’ 2-yard line, which led to a safety. Brandon McManus missed a field goal and Britton Colquitt hasn’t played great all year. They’ll have to straighten it all out by Sunday especially in the punt return as Pittsburgh has Brown back there fielding and he already has taken one to the house earlier this season. Edge: Steelers
Scouting Report
More ground pound
The Broncos rushed for a season-low 34 yards Sunday against Oakland. In the red zone, they literally went backward. Ronnie Hillman had four carries for -12 yards inside the Raiders’ 20-yard line. C.J. Anderson could play more after resting his ankle injury, but the struggles were more on how poorly the offensive line played. They’ll need to treat that like a gut check game and have a great rebound against Pittsburgh because Brock Osweiler throwing 50-plus passes isn’t a formula for success.
Contain the dynamic trio
It’d be hard to pick a trio of wide receivers that mean more to their team than Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant and Markus Wheaton do to the Steelers. They all have the game-changing speed to bust out at anytime. The Broncos will give them their most difficult challenge this season. It should be a fun battle all game. The crew, especially Brown, will make their catches, but tackling and eliminating the deep bomb will be key to Denver’s success.
Make “the play”
Early in the season, the Broncos’ defense would make a play seemingly every week to escape the jaws of defeat. That unit is still playing on the same level if not better, but the turnovers have decreased. Cornerback Chris Harris talked about Sunday having a higher chance for an interception. Well, Denver could use one or two of those to help their struggling offense get going. Special teams could also pitch in with a big return or force the Steelers to make a mistake. It’s often true that one or two plays win a game.
