Garrett Ellwood - Getty Images
Tim Tebow of the Denver Broncos runs out of the tunnel prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 1, 2012. (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/Getty Images)
The AFC West Champion Denver Broncos are hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday in the Wildcard round of the 2011 NFL Playoffs. The team media guide for the matchup has quite a few factoids in it this week that I hope to share with you. To begin with, the Broncos are division champs for the 11th time in franchise history and the 9th time in Owner Pat Bowlen’s 28 seasons with the club.
- Head Coach John Fox is just the 3rd individual in franchise history to lead the Broncos to the postseason in his first year with the team (Red Miller-1977, Wade Philips-1993).
- The Broncos became just the 6th team since the current playoff format was introduced (1990) to enter the postseason after starting the season 1-4.
OFFENSE
- Denver finished with the league’s top rushing attack (164.5 ypg) after totaling 2,285 rushing yards (190.4 ypg) over its last 12 games—the most productive 12-game rushing stretch in team history.
- QB Tim Tebow ranked 2nd among all NFL quarterbacks with 660 rushing yards—a total that ranks as the most by a Broncos quarterback in franchise history.
- RB Willis McGahee led the Broncos with 1,199 rushing yards and seven 100-yard rushing games.
- WR Demaryius Thomas totaled 25 receptions for 448 yards (17.9 avg.) with three touchdowns in Denver’s final five games to mark the most receiving yards in team history during the last month of a season (Dec./Jan.).
- T Ryan Clady joined T Claudie Minor ('74-77) as the only players in club history to start every game during their first 4 years. Clady has started 64 consecutive games to begin his career as one of just three players from his 2008 draft class to accomplish that feat.
- C J.D. Walton is one of three offensive linemen who entered the NFL last year to have started every game for his team.
- G Zane Beadles is tied for 4th among offensive linemen who entered the NFL in 2010 with 30 starts, including opening 14-of-16 games as a rookie last season and all 16 contests in 2011.
DEFENSE
The Denver Defense finished the 2011 regular season in a lot better shape than it did in 2010.
| 2010 |
Rank |
|
Rank |
2011 |
| 29.4 |
32nd |
Points |
24th |
24.4 |
| 390.8 |
32nd |
Total Yds |
20th |
357.8 |
| 236.2 |
25th |
Pass Yds |
18th |
231.5 |
| 154.6 |
31st |
Rush Yds |
22nd |
126.3 |
- CB Champ Bailey was named to his 11th career Pro Bowl in 2011 to tie for the 3rd-most selections in NFL history.
- S Brian Dawkins, who joined the Broncos as an Unrestricted Free Agent on Feb. 28, 2009 after playing his first 13 seasons with Philadelphia, completed his 16th NFL season playing the safety position—tied for most in league annals.
- DE Elvis Dumervil, who led the NFL in sacks (17) in 2009, returned to the Broncos defense after missing the entire 2010 campaign with a pectoral injury suffered during training camp.
- Dumervil ranks third in the NFL in sacks per game (.70) and is tied for the 3rd-most 2+sack games (14) in the league since his rookie season in 2006.
- LB Von Miller tied for 3rd in the AFC with 11.5 sacks this season—a total that ranked 2nd among all league rookies. He also tied Rulon Jones for the most by a rookie in franchise history.
SPECIAL TEAMS
WILDCARDS
- The Broncos have played in 7 Wildcard Playoff games and have a 1-6 record. However, they are 1-0 at Home, beating the Jacksonville Jaguars 42-17 on December 27, 1996.
- The Steelers are Denver’s most common postseason opponent (6 GP) with the club owning a 3-3 all-time record against Pittsburgh in the playoffs, including a 3-2 mark at home.
- The Last Denver Home Win against the Steelers: 24-21 (1/11/98)
- The Last Denver Home Loss against the Steelers: 34-17 (1/22/06)
- Denver is 7-3-1 at home during regular season play against Pittsburgh.
- The Steelers open as 8 point favorites.
- The Broncos are 120-1 underdogs to win the Super Bowl.
- In five of the previous six playoff meetings between these two clubs, the winner has gone on to play in the Super Bowl.
The Broncos’ 53-man roster features 14 players who have appeared in a combined total of 79 playoff games. Of those 79 playoff games, 22 have come in the Wild Card round by a total of 10 different players.
BRONCOS WITH PLAYOFF EXPERIENCE (active roster only)
GP = Total Games Played
W.C. = Wild Card Games
Div. = Divisional Playoff Games
Conf. = Conference Finals
S.B. = Super Bowl Games
It should be an exciting game on Sunday. Postseason play has returned to Denver!
Go Broncos!
GO BRONCOS!
wasn’t the Steelers also Elways first post season game in his first playoff campaign? I believe that was his 2nd year.
Broncs55 - January 4, 2012
yes in 1984
hopefully we have a better outcome Sunday than that was!
the new Bradfather - January 4, 2012
funny, something else similar to Elway
Broncs55 - January 4, 2012
of course
Elway’s opposing signal caller, Mark Malone, never raped anybody, he just had a Tom Selleck mustache
the new Bradfather - January 4, 2012
lol
Broncs55 - January 4, 2012
This should be an interesting week
Especially with Gimpy Rapist and Mendenhall out. As long as we can cover those deep threats in Wallace, Brown, and Sanders, I think we should be OK.
H-bizzle - January 4, 2012
you forgot, their 2nd best safety Clark isn't coming either lol
Broncs55 - January 4, 2012
i would say best
polamalu isn’t that good and Rogers proved that in the super bowl. In their defensive scheme he is free to do whatever. He’s just runs around. He’s horrible tackler he just throws his body as players. Clark is a beast though its best for us he’s can’t go they will be missing him
David Swanson - January 4, 2012 via mobile
ha i ment second best
David Swanson - January 4, 2012 via mobile
they are both good at what they do :)
Troy is just like Dawkins, he is a run stuffing hard hitting safety that can cover okay.
Clark is an excellent coverage safety which is what they are historically best for.
Broncs55 - January 4, 2012
I think Polamalu does just fine...
…but only if he has Clark helping him in coverage. The two of them make a pretty formidable safety tandem. Polamalu is basically a lighter LB who sometimes can cover and jump routes, but his biggest strength is at the line.
H-bizzle - January 4, 2012
That DEFINITELY helps.
Thanks, Mile High! You’ve officially taken out one player from the opposing team, just by being a mile high!
H-bizzle - January 4, 2012
I hope the Broncos think this way about Troy...
…because if they do, he’ll have a career day.
Troy was hobbled by an achillies injury that never healed till this past off-season. And you call yourself a football fan for saying “he just runs around”? I am concerned about how he keeps smacking his head into the ball carrier though, so you aren’t 100% off base with your post.
PaVaSteeler - January 4, 2012
Polamalu is one of the most over-rated players in the NFL today. Fact.
Not saying he’s not a good player, but he’s no way as influential as people say. I’m more worried about your linebackers in all honesty…
James Reid - January 4, 2012
Most over rated? LOL
He was the DPOY last year.
Han - January 4, 2012
Overrated- "To overestimate the merits of; rate too highly."
The guy is a good player of that there is no doubt, but to be awarded DPOY last season was staggering. He got totally shown up in coverage last year, in a league that is becoming more “passer friendly”. Not the attributes you would expect in a player that is considered best in his position, let alone the whole defensive side of the ball.
James Reid - January 4, 2012
You keep wanting to use his coverage last year...
…when for the last entire half of the year, including the Super Bowl, he had an achillies injury that kept him from playing above 75% of his capabilities.
Keep telling yourself he’s over-rated; he’ll be in the HOF first ballot.
PaVaSteeler - January 4, 2012
Guess who was voted NFL Defensive Player of the Week?...
…yea, the over-rated guy who just runs around a lot.
PaVaSteeler - January 4, 2012
I know Polamalu
is a great player, I just hope we can use some plays to sucker him into making bad decisions, we shall see, the Broncos need to play their best but only a fool would say we don’t have a legitimate chance. If the Broncos cut out the turnovers and force two or three, I say my beloved Broncos win by 7 or more!
the new Bradfather - January 4, 2012
Any Given Sunday...
…No one gave the Seahawks a chance against the Saints last year, no one gave the Giants a chance against the undefeated Patriots in the Super Bowl.
Hopefully it will be an exciting game, with no injuries on either side.
Good Luck; see you Sunday!
PaVaSteeler - January 4, 2012
Yes, thanks!
the new Bradfather - January 4, 2012
I think Polamalu
Has faded a bit over the years.
I remember back in the 2005 Playoff game where he blew through two offensive linemen to tackle Tatum Bell on what was sure to be a huge run.
I’ve never seen anything like that before, and I don’t think he’s the same player now.
NYCBronx - January 4, 2012
Wow, Tatum Bell
that’s way back, you’re confusing the stripling youths like Sayre!
the new Bradfather - January 4, 2012
Didn't he get busted for stealing stuff from the Lions locker room?
H-bizzle - January 4, 2012
Yes
back when Kevin Smith was brand new
the new Bradfather - January 4, 2012
You haven’t watched him this year then.
John Stephens - January 5, 2012
Kinda like this?
http://www.steelersdepot.com/2011/10/steelers-troy-polamalu-animated-gif-titans/
H-burgSTEELfanatic - January 5, 2012
Exactly!
NYCBronx - January 5, 2012
same old Troy
H-burgSTEELfanatic - January 6, 2012
I definitely wouldnt say Palomalu is overrated
I remember back in 09 when you guys lost like what 4 or 5 straight? they were saying because palomalu wasnt in. Denver fans know full well how bad the defense misses Dawkins, and Troy is like that for the Steelers, only better
Calikula - January 4, 2012
Troy
is a warrior, can’t talk smack about him. I wish the Broncos had a couple more like him on the team.
NewEraNugg - January 4, 2012
This
eastCOrange&Blue - January 4, 2012
And besides...
He has Great Hair!
metalman5050 - January 4, 2012
And don't forget...
that he has Great Hair!
metalman5050 - January 4, 2012
Why do you think Pittsburgh has become such a center for medical research...
…they’re trying to perfect human cloning before Troy retires.
PaVaSteeler - January 4, 2012
The team plays better when he is on the field
Its kindof like Tebow for us. I think everyone elevates their game due to him.
trumanj - January 4, 2012
This is an absolute joke. I’d love to hear why you think he is overrated. I will start my argument with 2010 DPotY, PFF’s top rated safety this year, and Advanced NFL Stats 2nd highest rated safety.
Your move.
John Stephens - January 5, 2012
Have you see any other safeties do what Polamalu does? I doubt it.
Look at some of his highlights and watch as your jaw hits the floor.
H-burgSTEELfanatic - January 5, 2012
Polamalu has really cool hair
but then again, so do I…
the new Bradfather - January 4, 2012
Couple games ago I saw
him run into a TE head first and get up all wobbly….he was seeing stars LOL I wouldn’t doubt if he has “played through” a couple different concussions.
Disturbed70 - January 4, 2012
Yes, unfortunately he has a habit of thinking his hair is added protection...
…but you’ll notice, the Steelers kept him out of the rest of the game, despite his protestations, and in spite of the fact (as mentioned here quite frequently) that our Defense suffers in his absence. This, unlike the Browns, who risked life and mental acuity of their QB after Harrison knocked him out, all for the sake of a 4-12 season.
PaVaSteeler - January 4, 2012
Yeah that was dumb
I thought they shoulda kept Seneca in there. He made a pretty good throw to put it in the red and that hit Harrison put on McCoy was brutal
Calikula - January 4, 2012
Troy's hair only protects him
if he is truly a Nazarene, as Biblical Samson. If he’s not, then it is merely an impeccable adornment, not a representation of strength
the new Bradfather - January 4, 2012
If we are talking about the same play
it was an offensive lineman, not a TE that he took down.
ncmt40 - January 5, 2012
The play I was talking about
Was an outlet pass to the TE ….Troy lowered his head and bounced right off him. The TE went sideways a little and went down. Troy got up all wobbly :)
Disturbed70 - January 5, 2012
Nice Re-Kap,Kap
I like the photo of Tebow Two. That was a good touch.
Let’s hope that all the injuries and altitude add up to really hurt the Steelers this Sunday. And let’s also hope that the Broncos can over come the major injuries of their own. And let’s also hope that the offensive play calling will be adjusted to utilize Tebows abilities to throw on the move. And let’s also hope that Tebow will hit open WRs. And let’s also hope that the WRs will catch the passes thrown to them. And let’s also hope that Denver’s DBs are able to handle the Picksburger WRs. And let’s hope that Elvis Von Doomerville can pressure and sack Big Head Ben and the Monsters. And let’s hope that the Zebra’s call a fair game. And let’s hope that the Steelers fans do not dominate the seats at Mile High. And let’s also hope that the Broncos can sustain several drives by getting several first downs. And let’s hope that McCoy can get Tebow into a rhythm early and call a effective, balanced attack. And let’s hope that win or lose the Broncos are a better team this time next year and entering the playoffs on a roll with their helmets held high.
KoloradoKaos - January 4, 2012
the photo is nice.
all we can hope is that tebow escapes from the fire breathing horse mouth on the upper left that’s looking to eat him alive.
oxmouth - January 4, 2012
if not we need to have quinn ready to go.
oxmouth - January 4, 2012
oh brother.
KoloradoKaos - January 4, 2012
Very Well Said!!
CenCalBronco - January 4, 2012 via mobile
*** NEWS FLASH***
Dawkins sits out of practice again.
My guess is he’ll sit all week but play since it’s playoffs. I’m not so sure about how much he’ll play tho.
Broncs55 - January 4, 2012
I read this morning that his neck injury might be career ending. :-(
DE_BroncoFan - January 4, 2012
key word in there, "might"
he’s had neck injuries his whole career practically
Broncs55 - January 4, 2012
God Bless Dawk
win, lose or draw, preferably the former, he is committed to us, so I’m committed to him throughout his life, we are Bronco brethren and brethren in Christ, love ya Dawk!
the new Bradfather - January 4, 2012
I just Hope.
That our boys walk the talk and come out out on top! Broncos on 3. 1 2 3 BRONCOS!!!
CenCalBronco - January 4, 2012 via mobile
Broncos!
darn I was late
Broncs55 - January 4, 2012
Interesting Whisperings
Fun stuff, rec’d
BdogBronco - January 4, 2012
Agreed...
…and I appreciate the hospitality. Good luck on Sunday.
PaVaSteeler - January 4, 2012
All right Broncos fans we need help from beyond the grave
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_WyUwNPOzQ&ob=av3n, this is the best I know how
the new Bradfather - January 4, 2012
gave me goose bumps
Boiler etc - January 5, 2012
Thanks for the look at the big picture Kap!
You have to look at the season as a whole, and we are miles ahead of where I thought we’d be right now. Granted, when we were as poor as we were last year, anything looks better. Still, I’m comfortable believing this year was a BIG success!
Now….back to this week. We need to go all in this week….open the playbook, and spread the field no matter the consequence! I would imagine they will get an inspirational speech by #7, and I’d love to be a fly on the wall for that!
GO BRONCOS!!
Broncotodd - January 5, 2012
playoffs
Denver needs to do to Pittsburg what West Virginia did to Clemson.
harryfugginknutts - January 5, 2012
it's too bad
West Virginia can’t play another bowl winner next week in a bracket, I hate the BC$ :(
the new Bradfather - January 5, 2012
I'm starting to agree about the BCS being lame
in terms of not having seeding and playoffs. If so, this year it would still end up LSU / Bama
Boiler etc - January 5, 2012
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Mile High Report to post a comment.