Steelers-Broncos Matchup

[KillerBronco#76]

I really love how these teams matchup with eachother. To me they seem like very similar teams and its poetic justice that the two teams most doubted by the media pulled out the wins. They both have great team chemistry and even have similar personalits it seems.

i think Hines Ward is the steelers version of Rod. Both teams have also quality veteran leaders on their team and play with a lot of intensity.

The defenses are going to be alot of fun to watch the teams might send a record for most blitzes ever in a game. Both defenses play aggressive and hit hard. We have Champ- they have polamalu, two amazing defensive playmakers. Then you have the linebacking corps. i mean both team have amazing linebackers, both play 120% all the time, both have plenty of speed, both are excellent blitzers, and both corps hit hard and play mean. The teams also have very good D-linemen not mention big d-linemen that eat up blocks for the linebackers. Now correct me if im wrong but i beleive much like denver the steelers also have a rookie #2 corner.(nor sure on this) i never hear to much about the steelers corners.

Now since the defenses are so well matched i beleive it will really be the Offenses that decide this game. Which offense is going to get it going. I think our D- will match up well against pitts Offense because we are one of the few D's in the league that i beleive can be as physical as their O. Although think the steelers will be able to run on us slightly, because we always tend to give up big run plays when we get caught offgaurd with the blitz.

Denvers offense vs. the steelers D intrigues me. We seem to have had trouble in the past dealing with the 3-4. Of course we will always run even if we arnt getting any yardage but i believe it will be our passing game that will be the difference maker. I beleive this a game where jake will have to step up. Our offense will need to play mistake free football .One thing i think we need to take advantage of is running the screen at the proper times.

Lets not leave out special teams, If denvers special teams plays like they did saturday night we should be fine.

Thats my take on the game id like to know what you guys think and oh yea GO BRONCOS!!!

[fontaine]

Here is an in depth and excellent preview of the Steelers/Colts game which does a great job previewing the Steelers strengths and weakeness.

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/2006/01/13/ramblings/game-previews/3523/

In the first meeting of these teams, seven of Pittsburgh’s first nine plays went for either no gain or a loss, resulting in three straight three-and-outs. The Steelers’ linemen are powerful, but they’re sometimes a bit slow to get out of their stances, and there’s no team in the league that can exploit that better than the Colts with their lightning-quick front four.

The Colts have always had trouble stopping the run, and Pittsburgh’s offense is the most run-oriented in the NFL. Knowing Pittsburgh would run, the Colts brought safety Bob Sanders up to the line on every play, and running backs Willie Parker and Jerome Bettis kept running into a wall of Colts defenders while the lonely Pittsburgh receivers ran around in single coverage.

We're going to need Lynch to do this as well.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger overthrew Hines Ward on a 15-yard pattern on Pittsburgh’s second play — and the Steelers did not throw another pass longer than 12 yards until the final minute of the first half.

Contrast this to the Chargers’ strategy when they upset the Colts. In the first quarter alone, San Diego threw four passes of 15 yards or more, three of which were caught.* Only two of their first 13 plays were runs. When Sanders played up, they threw long, and when he moved back into coverage later in the game, they ran the ball.

To win this game, the Steelers need to reverse their usual run-first mindset. We know they can do it: Roethlisberger averaged 10.4 net yards per pass in the first quarter this season, two yards higher than any other quarterback.

This was on the money. The Steelers came out early and threw the ball rather then just running it and it totally caught the Colts off guard.

Steelers do a great job of covering for the spot the blitzing player vacates. But that play was an aberration; for most of the day, Pittsburgh’s pressure didn’t affect Manning at all.

In Pittsburgh’s 3-4 defense, one linebacker usually drops back into deep coverage. That exposes the one weakness in the Steelers’ defense, their inability to stop passes to running backs (ranked 30th in DVOA).

This is where we'll need Kyle Johnson and Mike to have huge games catching passes in the flat if we can't run the ball.

[KillerBronco#76]

great article thanx for the post!!!

[broncohaven]

I have as much respect for the Steelers as any team in football. They remind me a lot of the Broncos. To be honest, this game concerns me more than the Patriots game did. The Broncos are probably going to be the favorites this week, which means that the Steelers will be able to play the disrespect card for another week.

This is going to be a war, and we'll have to play better than we did against the Pats if we're going to move on to the big one. We'll need to get the running game going, and get the PA working on all cylinders. Jake will handle the blitzes better than Manning because of his mobility and toughness.

I look for this to be an epic match up between two very physical teams, and it's going to be exciting to be a part of it.

[55CrushEm]

I am scared to death of this game......I hope nobody is assuming that now that we have the Title game at home, that we're a lock for the Superbowl....

IMO, Pitt is playing the best football of ANY team right now.....this is a HUGE test for us.

[fontaine]

I say bring 'em on.

This is exactly what I wanted, a home game for the AFC Championship. The Mile High Crowd did a phenomenal job even when our offense was struggling and there wasn't much to cheer about.

I have faith in this team and Mike Shanahan.

[Broncoman13]

I'm not overlooking the Steelers by any means. The winner of this game goes on to win the SB, IMO.

Denver doesn't do well utilizing their running backs in the passing game, but I've seen Kyle Johnson make some great plays after catching the ball. If we throw to any back I hope it's Kyle!

[Old Dude]

Honestly, I thought the Steelers had no chance in hell of beating the Colts.

I was dead wrong. They did everything they had to do. They put enormous pressure on Manning and took him out of the pocket.

They played faster and harder and with more intensity in every phase of the game.

They have a better rush defense than New England had, and a dramatically superior rushing attack.

The only edge I can see at this point is that they will be on their third straight road game, which is historically a killer in the NFL. But even there, the Steelers buck the trend, and have a better record on the road this year than they do at home.

They deserve enormous respect.

[elsid13]

It going to come down to the offense line, which ever team is better handling the pressure will win the game. This is the time for the boys that don't talk to make a statement.

[WolfpackGuy]

Playing the Steelers at home doesn't bother me as much as playing the Colts in their domed home. A tough game nonetheless though. Hell, they're all tough at this point.

[meangene]

Here are my concerns about this game:

1. Our running game has been pretty ineffective late in the season. We particularly have difficulty running against 3-4 defenses. We have had some success throwing the ball early to back off the 8 and 9 man fronts we have been seeing and then coming back to the run game later. I think we will have to do this Sunday. I also think we should see more of Dayne who has been our most effective back of late IMO.

2. Palumalu (or however you spell his freakin name). He is their catalyst and their playmaker. He must be accounted for on every snap. Kind of like Leroy Butler in the Super Bowl v. the Packers.

3. Trick plays / screens. They are great at both and both are great against a blitzing defense. When we blitz, we must maintain our lanes and our responsibilities. Backs who chip and go out for passes must be accounted for. We may not have to blitz as often to get pass rush pressure as against NE but our front four is still not generating a pass rush. This must improve against Pittsburgh.

Overall, I'm more concerned about us playing better than we did against NE than about Pittsburgh per se. If we play well I think our best game is better than theirs. We need to pick it up offensively.

[Odysseus]

Honestly, I thought the Steelers had no chance in hell of beating the Colts.

I was dead wrong. They did everything they had to do. They put enormous pressure on Manning and took him out of the pocket.

They played faster and harder and with more intensity in every phase of the game.

They have a better rush defense than New England had, and a dramatically superior rushing attack.

The only edge I can see at this point is that they will be on their third straight road game, which is historically a killer in the NFL. But even there, the Steelers buck the trend, and have a better record on the road this year than they do at home.

They deserve enormous respect.

I agree 100%. Throw away the stats. This is the playoffs.

Steelers are a scary monster. I hope our 12th man rocks the house.

[Atlas]

It's going to be a great game. The Broncos are a great run stuffing team and The Steelers only have two playmakers on offense in the passing game. Ward and Miller. I think Bailey will do a good job on Ward so it's up to Gold and Brandon to stop Miller if they can Denver should win.

[fontaine]

It's going to be a great game. The Broncos are a great run stuffing team and The Steelers only have two playmakers on offense in the passing game. Ward and Miller. I think Bailey will do a good job on Ward so it's up to Gold and Brandon to stop Miller if they can Denver should win.

Exactly. We match up well with their best options in the passing game since Denver is great at stopping TEs and Champ will be there.

On offense Putzier and Tatum Bell will be absolutely vital. The Steelers really have Farrior who's their best coverage LB. If we can get Putzier to take him away from the box then we can throw those quick passes to Bell and with his speed he won't get caught too easily. Also, his quickness especially outside with be crucial. If Pittsburgh look to blitz then we have to run the counter where Putz, or Bell let their guy get off the line cleanly and they flare out for the quick pass. If Bell can get 100 yards in receiving and running then we can win this game.

[Bronx33]

Pitt has a killer run D jake is going to have to step up bigtime in the passing game, turnovers will be critical in this game because points are going to be hard to come by.

[DivineLegion]

D-Will matchs up very well vs Randel El to...

Champ on Ward
D-Will on Randel El
Fergy on Miller

All in all we can probably acount for all of thier play makers.

[Twidget]

I am scared to death of this game......I hope nobody is assuming that now that we have the Title game at home, that we're a lock for the Superbowl....

IMO, Pitt is playing the best football of ANY team right now.....this is a HUGE test for us.

I don't think it's going to be much of a test other than to see how this board implodes when the bronco's lose.

[Rohirrim]

The best thing we have going for us in this game is Jake. Jake can avoid the rush and Jake can throw on the run. The more rushers they use, the less coverage down field. I expect some big plays.

[Twidget]

The best thing we have going for us in this game is Jake. Jake can avoid the rush and Jake can throw on the run. The more rushers they use, the less coverage down field. I expect some big plays.

That method didn't seem to work for the Colts. Your OLine will have some of the same problems that Indy did. You might want to get some insurance coverage for Jake, he might be hit often and hard.

[TheDave]

That method didn't seem to work for the Colts. Your OLine will have some of the same problems that Indy did. You might want to get some insurance coverage for Jake, he might be hit often and hard.

Manning can't run... Manning can't throw on the run... Jake Can! Big difference between the two

[sirhcyennek81]

Plummer wont be in the pocket that often for pittsburg to get a bead on him.

:Broncos:

[Rulon Velvet Jones]

For anyone mentioning Jake being hit...keep in mind that Roethlisberger is always 1 or 2 whacks away from being knocked out of the game.

[Mile High Shack]

I mean I respect the Steelers and everything

but c'mon guys

who would you rather play

Indy on the carpet in their house

or

Pitt at our house?

c'mon, don't be so negative

[Mile High Shack]

For anyone mentioning Jake being hit...keep in mind that Roethlisberger is always 1 or 2 whacks away from being knocked out of the game.

I think there is something wrong with this hand after he got whacked by the Colts dude in the game

[sirhcyennek81]

same hand that he had a broken thumb with. Movement on offense will beat pittsburg sunday. lots of bootlegs.

:Broncos:

[Mile High Shack]

same hand that he had a broken thumb with. Movement on offense will beat pittsburg sunday. lots of bootlegs.

:Broncos:

don't discount the fatigue factor either

I know everyone is up for the game yadda yadda

but by the 4th qtr, in the mile high air, their 3rd game in a row on the road, that has to start taking effect sometime

Broncos hopefully can "average" or "luck" or "have Pitt give them the game" or whatever term any analyst wants to say about how we win....all the way to a Superbowl

[ludo21]

I'm not overlooking the Steelers by any means. The winner of this game goes on to win the SB, IMO.

Denver doesn't do well utilizing their running backs in the passing game, but I've seen Kyle Johnson make some great plays after catching the ball. If we throw to any back I hope it's Kyle!


Took the words out of my mouth.

KJ will be a HUGE assett in the screen game. We need to run the ball, run screens, and draws to counter and slow their blitz. They will come, and they will get to get Jake, they always do. So i f we can make them stop or blitz on obvious blitzing downs then we will be fine.

[orinjkrush]

don't discount the fatigue factor either

I know everyone is up for the game yadda yadda

but by the 4th qtr, in the mile high air, their 3rd game in a row on the road, that has to start taking effect sometime

Broncos hopefully can "average" or "luck" or "have Pitt give them the game" or whatever term any analyst wants to say about how we win....all the way to a Superbowl

i agree with this completely. add to it that Shanny will have had 24 more hours to plan than Cowher , the travel, and you have set the best of the playoff possibilities. But as the Dolts found out you still have to play lights out, even when Pittsburgh tried to give it away but screwed that up too.

[Mile High Shack]

i agree with this completely. add to it that Shanny will have had 24 more hours to plan than Cowher , the travel, and you have set the best of the playoff possibilities. But as the Dolts found out you still have to play lights out, even when Pittsburgh tried to give it away but screwed that up too.

huge difference between our team and the Colts team

we aren't afraid to hit or get hit, the Colts team is as soft as babies butt, we aren't

[terry251973]

Please Guys.dont Be Like Pats Fans Or The Media And Talk Smack About Us Being Better Than Pitt.that Chit Didnt Work Too Well For The Pats.lets Give Respect To Pitt For Getting This Far After They Were Left For Dead After Cincy Took Over Leading That Division.

[REB]

I give hugh respect to the Steelers. Their D yesterday looked like the Steel Curtain of old and this is going to be one hell of a tough game. Having said that I of course believe that we will win. 9-0 at home this season. 2nd best run D in the league. Jake's scrambling ability could cause fits for the Steelers. Champ Bailey and John Lynch are playing GREAT ball back there. Shanny. Altitude. 12th Man. I just think we have what it takes to make them pay if they come out overly aggresive. Now let's kick some Steeler A$$!!!!!!!

1-2-3 :Broncos:!!!!!!! :charge:

[RIBEYZE]

don't discount the fatigue factor either

I know everyone is up for the game yadda yadda

but by the 4th qtr, in the mile high air, their 3rd game in a row on the road, that has to start taking effect sometime

Broncos hopefully can "average" or "luck" or "have Pitt give them the game" or whatever term any analyst wants to say about how we win....all the way to a SuperbowlPitts big fat QB plus their big fat RB in the thin air equals winded and tired midway through the third. Perfect time for butterfingers Bettis to cough up the rock.

[Cito Pelon]

It's the same deal as last week. Two evenly-matched teams playing in Denver. Pitt is tough, hard-nosed, confident, poised, not scared of anybody. So we'll see who's best, same deal as last week. Tee it up, and we'll see who's best.

[orinjkrush]

there comes a time when you feel like your team has "arrived". chicago felt that way about getting in the playoffs, cincinatti too. giants as well. pittsburg did the unthinkable. they beat indy at home. that was their superbowl. they are very, very, tough, but spent.