The (8-8) Denver Broncos, winners of the AFC West division, will host the (12-4) AFC North division champion Wildcard Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card playoff round this week. It is the first playoff appearance for the Broncos since January 22, 2006 in the 2005 season AFC Championship. Ironically, it was the Pittsburgh Steelers that defeated them by the score of 34-17. This game marks the 7th time the Broncos and Steelers have met in the postseason (3-3). In five of those, the winner has gone on to Super Bowl.
The game is set for 2:30 pm MST on Sunday January 8th at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. CBS will broadcast the game with Jim Nantz calling the play by play and Phil Simms providing the color commentary.
The current forecast for the game calls for chilly weather.
R Ron Winter 14U Michalek 115 U Hall 49
HL Mapp 52
LJ Arthur 108
FJ Steenson 88SJ Hill 97 SJ Torbert 62
BJ Reels 83
RA Lapetina
VO Pearson
The Steelers will be without their leading tackler FS Ryan Clark (100 TKL, 1 SK, 5 PD, 1 INT), who cannot play in Denver due to his sickle cell medical condition. RB Rashard Mendenhall (228 carries, 928 yds,a 4.1 avg, 9 TDs and 18 catches for 154 yds) has a torn ACL and will not play. QB Ben Roethlisberger is hobbled by a bad left ankle. They have also lost RB Baron Batch, QB Byron Leftwich, T Willie Colon, DE Aaron Smith, P Daniel Sepulveda, NT Chris Hoke, RB Jonathan Dwyer and DB Curtis Brown to Injured Reserve.
Just this week, Pittsburgh placed LB Chris Carter on Injured Reserve and promoted RB Chad Spann to the active roster from their Practice Squad. CB and ST's standout Anthony Madison re-signed with the Steelers on Tuesday and is expected to play in Denver because Cortez Allen has a separated shoulder. Madison will play as a Special Teams "gunner."
Maurkice Pouncey had a setback in practice on Wednesday. If he can't suit up on Sunday, Doug Legursky will take his place.
This chart represents the Rankings for the Steelers Offense as compared to the Broncos Defense. I have also included last week's rankings for the Broncos so you can see progress or regress. The DVOA stat is taken from Football Outsiders and is explained here.
| Steelers | Broncos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Offense | Rank | Category | Rank | Defense |
| 20.3 | 22nd | Points For | 24th | 24.4 |
| 372.3 | 12th | Total Yds | 20th | 357.8 |
| 253.4 | 10th | Pass Yds | 18th | 231.5 |
| 118.9 | 14th | Rush Yds | 22nd | 126.3 |
| 42 | 10th | Sacks | 10th | 41 |
| N/A | N/A | Forced Fumbles | 26th | 11 |
| 15 | T-17th fewest | Interceptions | T-28th | 9 |
| 46% | 4th | 3rd Downs | 6th | 33.50% |
| 16.30% | 6th | Overall DVOA | 19th | 6.40% |
| -13 | T-28th | Turnover Margin | T-26th | -12 |
| 77 | 14th | QB Hits Allowed | N/A | N/A |
The current Offensive Line is in it's 9th or 10th combination this year due to various injuries. Last week's starters were LT Max Starks (2 False Starts, 1 Hold, 4.5 Sacks Allowed), LG Chris Kemoeatu (4 Pen, 2 HLD, 3.5 SA), C Maurkice Pouncey (3 Pen, 2 HLD, 3.5 SA), RG Ramon Foster (1 FS, 1 HLD, 4 SA) and RT Marcus Gilbert (4 FS, 7 SA). Jonathan Scott (5 Pen, 3 HLD, 4.5 SA), Doug Legursky (2 Pen, 1 HLD), Trai Essex (1 FS, 2 HLD, 2 SA) and Jamon Meredith are the backups.
This chart represents the Rankings for the Steelers Defense as compared to the Broncos Offense.
| Steelers | Broncos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Defense | Rank | Category | Rank | Offense |
| 14.2 | 1st | Points Against | 25th | 19.3 |
| 271.8 | 1st | Total Yds | 23rd | 316.6 |
| 171.9 | 1st | Pass Yds | 31st | 152.1 |
| 99.8 | 8th | Rush Yds | 1st | 164.5 |
| 35 | T-17th | Sacks | 9th | 41 |
| 10 | T-27th | Forced Fumbles | N/A | N/A |
| 11 | T-24th | Interceptions | T-8th fewest | 13 |
| 39% | 19th | 3rd Downs | 30th | 30.80% |
| -5.80% | 7th | Overall DVOA | 23rd | -5.10% |
| 101/854 | T-16th | Penalties | T-16th | 101/842 |
| N/A | N/A | QB Hits Allowed | 24th | 68 |
The Steelers employ a 3-4 Defensive front. LDE Ziggy Hood (31 TKL, 1.5 SK, 1 PD), NT Casey Hampton (31 TKL), RDE Brett Keisel (48 TKL, 3 SK, 6 PD, 2 FF) are the starting linemen and Cameron Heyward (11 TKL, 1 SK, 1 PD, 1 FF), Steve McLendon (13 TKL, 1 SK) and Al Woods are the backups.
The Linebacking corp for the Steelers is a good one. LOLB LaMarr Woodley (39 TKL, 9 SK, 2 PD, 1 INT), LILB James Farrior (78 TKL, 2 SK, 3 PD), RILB Lawrence Timmons (93 TKL, 2.0 SK, 1 FF, 5 PD, 1 INT) and ROLB James Harrison (59 TKL, 9 SK, 2 FF) are the starters and Larry Foote (47 TKL, 1.5 SK, 1 PD), Jason Worilds (38 TKL, 3 SK, 1 FF), Stevenson Sylvester (7 TKL, 1 FF), Chris Carter (3 TKL) and Mortty Ivy (1 TKL) are the 2nd teamers.
In the Defensive backfield, the Left side Cornerbacks are William Gay (61 TKL, 13 PD, 1 INT) and Bryant McFadden (10 TKL, 1 PD, 1 FF). Ike Taylor (44 TKL, 14 PD, 2 INT) starts on the right side and Keenan Lewis (37 TKL, 6 PD,1 INT) backs him up. The Strong Safeties are Troy Polamalu (91 TKL, 1 SK, 14 PD, 2 INT), Will Allen (9 TKL), and Da'Mon Cromartie-Smith (3 TKL). Ryan Mundy (37 TKL, 1 PD, 1 INT) will start at Free Safety in place of Ryan Clark.
This chart represents the Rankings for both teams Special Teams Units.
| Steelers | Rank | Special Teams | Rank | Broncos |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44.7 | 18th | Punt-Avg(Gross) | 6th | 47.4 |
| 38.6 | 19th | Punt-Avg (Net) | 8th | 40.2 |
| 10.5 | 13th | Punt Ret-Avg | 3rd | 12.7 |
| 8.4 | 12th | PR-Avg Allowed | 19th | 11.5 |
| 25.1 | 8th | Kick Ret-Avg | 11th | 24.5 |
| 23.7 | 17th | KR-Avg Allowed | 12th | 24.6 |
| 23/31 | 31st | FG Made/Att | 27th | 19/25 |
| 1.60% | 9th | Overall DVOA | 15th | 0.50% |
The Pittsburgh Return men are Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders. Brown Emmanuel has 27 Kick Returns for a 27,3 average and 30 Punt Returns for a 10.8 yard average and one Touchdown. He has also made 26 Fair catches. Sanders has 5 Kick Returns for an 18.6 average and 3 Punt Returns for a 7.3 yard average.
7 recs | 51 comments
Two Things
First, I’m sure they are stretching in the image above, not practive Tebowing ;)
Also, didn’t Pittsburg win a wild card spot, not the AFC North?
dpurvis - January 6, 2012
*practicing, not sure what I was typing....
dpurvis - January 6, 2012
You are right
The media guide said they finished in 1st place, so I assumed they won the division and did not double check the fact. Thanks.
KaptainKirk - January 6, 2012
SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW
Tony Astorino - January 6, 2012
Who the hell has less passing yards per game than us?!
Teboner - January 6, 2012
I believe Blaine Gabbert and the Jags
Calikula - January 6, 2012
Good running game though with MJ Drew.
We can’t pass well, but we sure do run it with effectiveness.
McGeorge - January 6, 2012
they have a good defense as well
Calikula - January 6, 2012
Well
the Steelers’ defense covers a multitude of sins on their part, they have a more horrendous turnover ratio than we do and are inferior in the hidden yardage game, if we win field position wars and the turnover battle, I think we win this game in a close one. You heard me Tebow, NO TURNOVERS. I respect (while hating) the Steelers, but this game is winnable, let’s do it. GO BRONCOS!!! Run McGahee up their gut all game long! #SHOCKTHEWORLD
the new Bradfather - January 6, 2012
Great...Ron Winter
Expect to see offside penalties on Miller and lots of phantom holding calls.
NYCBronx - January 6, 2012
he's better than Roidculi
somehow…
the new Bradfather - January 6, 2012
Hoculi is there too Brad...
bfree2bronc - January 6, 2012
we're better off without him
the new Bradfather - January 6, 2012
That Which Is Appalling
Three Points:
1. Steelers Overrated
Look at who they played and the scores of some of their games. This is a team that got blown out by the Ravens, fairly dominated by SF, beat the Colts by 3, KC by 4, got to play Cleveland twice, St. Louis, Seattle, AZ, beat Jax by 7, Cincy twice and Tenn. Yes, they beat New England but not handily. Had they our schedule what would their record have been? Every team in our division is a little scary (ask GB), unlike the Browns who were never considered a threat to anyone’s playoff hopes.
2. Naysayers
Same people who disparaged the Broncos before the season started are the same people who have no faith in this game and are selling their tickets or going reluctantly. There should be a penance for this lackadaisical attitude.
3. Home Field Advantage
If the Mile High Magic has anything to do with Home Field Advantage then ‘fans’ not going or selling their tickets is only increasing the likelihood of the Broncos losing. If we want Home Field Advantage then fans have to show up and make noise. Increase our chances of success by being a vocal and intimidating force.
mozmufc21 - January 6, 2012
plus
they got to play the Seahawks at home, had the game been in Seattle it likely would have been a loss, they would have been owned worse than the Ravens. Beyond that, they played the Seahawks and Cardinals before either team was playing well. Watch for our Broncos, Seattle and Arizona to all make vast strides next year
the new Bradfather - January 6, 2012
So, the Sehawks go from being shutout to magically beating us?
John Stephens - January 6, 2012
well
as I also said in the comment, the Seahawks were a much better team later in the year, but the AFC North is a quality division, I cannot refute that, I hate being 8-8, I want to make the playoffs with a much better record next year, and we will. Sorry to offend
the new Bradfather - January 6, 2012
Are we really going to play “who has the tougher division” when the AFC North has 3 teams in the playoffs and no one in your division has a winning record?
John Stephens - January 6, 2012
Wakey, Wakey
Yeah, because each of you got to beat on the Browns twice. What are the records of the teams the AFC North had to play this season? Pittsburgh beat Indy by a stellar 3 pts., KC by 4, Jax by 7, Cleveland by 4 and squeakout many of their games.
So, you give no credence to whether a team has a tough schedule? By your reasoning then what is the reason for the playoffs at all? Should we not just crown the team with the best record league champions? Guess doesn’t deserve to be in the playoffs then? Your team either.
A true competitive division would have every team vying for the top spot. Not one or two teams struggling to win games. The Steelers schedule was not competitive. They may have made it so by barely beating ‘mediocre’ teams. If Pittsburgh had to play Detroit, GB, SD twice, Oakland twice, KC twice, Buffalo, Jets and Miami their record would probably be a lot different.
mozmufc21 - January 6, 2012
if Cleveland had a competent coach
they’d probably have a better record, plus, perhaps the Broncos did the right thing in letting Peyton Hillis go after all…
the new Bradfather - January 6, 2012
I feel good about this game
No one is giving us a chance and the Steelers are a wounded beast.
NYCBronx - January 6, 2012
I love the fact...
that nearly every sports analyst is essentially handing this game to the Steelers.
Love it.
Love it.
Love it.
Now let’s shock the world and bring the magic back to Mile High.
Christopher Shaw - January 6, 2012
that's the spirit!
the new Bradfather - January 6, 2012
Anything is possible when the players take the field...
bfree2bronc - January 6, 2012
I am so excited for this game. I can’t wait.
Snow? That would be so awesome. And beneficial to our chances as well. Tebow hasn’t been throwing the ball all that well in great weather, but running should not be affected.
Big Ben will have all kinds of trouble in snow with his gimpy leg. Would love to see us hit him often.
Would be a dream, but I could see us win a close low scoring game if Tebow can commit one TO or less. Our D also has to do their part and get the ball once or twice. Our D hasn’t forced at TO since the Bears game and that won’t cut it.
McGeorge - January 6, 2012
The Steelers
TO ratio is worse than ours, if you can believe it, we’ll win in hidden yardage as well. If we don’t turn the ball over PLEASE TEBOW don’t turn the ball over, I do think we win a close one because that’s just the way it is
the new Bradfather - January 6, 2012
Snow would be a huge advantage to us
All the sudden both teams would need to keep the ball on the ground more, which plays into what we do well (run), against what we don’t do well (pass), while also playing into what the Steelers won’t do well (run without Rashard) and against what they do do well (pass).
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
Rodney A - January 6, 2012
There is a storm front moving into the Rocky Mountain region and the call is for 70% chance of snow 2-4 inches possilbe by tomorrow night.
Seems like this storm is not a huge one and they’re only calling for scattered snow showers Sunday at game time with temps around 33-34 at kickoff. By 4th quarter the temp should be down in the upper 20’s making the ball very hard. Field goals would be a plus if they can be made. Prater has the advantage there with his leg over Suisham. Let’s hope Eddie has a big day and special teams doesn’t get the penalties…Ron Winters is probably the worst NFL official I’ve watched.
bfree2bronc - January 6, 2012
NO
Larry Triplette (that moron who did the Chargers game at San Diego) is the worst
the new Bradfather - January 6, 2012
Agreed
An idea….they have (or had?) Celebrity Boxing but that got boring…I submit for your approval a new twist on that idea…REFEREE BEATDOWN CAGEMATCH! Our slogan could be “No matter who loses, everyone wins!” First up is Triplette vs Winter. We could even make it a Battle Royale and throw in Hochuli…although that would skew the betting lines b/c EVERYONE would bet on the 50 year old dude with pythons like the Governator.
DominantDenverDefense - January 6, 2012
To me, this game outcome rests squarely with Mike McCoy's coaching
If we do the same unimaginative offensive routine we’ve been doing, we’re in trouble. If McCoy trusts his players and opens up the playbook with play calling surprises, we have a good chance. The Steelers will be stacking the box, we have to outcoach that. Screens, short dumps, reverses, roll outs, we have to get away from our predictability.
azbroncomaniac - January 6, 2012
don't say that
my Arizonan friend, McCoy has had too much input
the new Bradfather - January 6, 2012
lol, agreed to that Brad. I won't feel bad seeing the north end of him heading south.
azbroncomaniac - January 6, 2012
This game will come down to players executing their assignments from Tebow on down...
bfree2bronc - January 6, 2012
How does anyone know how good pratice was this week ?
Wondering how many dropped passes there were ?
broncosfaninphilly - January 6, 2012 via mobile
doesn't matter..
i actually hope we have bad practices this week. before each of the last two games, tebow and other players said “we’ve had the best practices we’ve had all season.” that did not translate into production at all on game day.
Irishrep - January 6, 2012
performing well in practice
was a Kyle Orton trait, was it not? #justsaying
the new Bradfather - January 6, 2012
There's one thing I hate to see and that's a receiver in practice going on a route and catching the ball by himself.
I want to see someone shadowing and harrassing them all the way. Same with Tebow, put somebody in his face and make it real time looking. Practice is so lame…
bfree2bronc - January 6, 2012
lol Tebowing in picture = Lunges
I’m excited, my director at work is a big Squealers fan. So nothing would delight me more than to proudly wear my Orange Dawkins jersey to work on Monday…
CombatChuk - January 6, 2012
Wear it either way.
It’s good to be a Broncos fan.
Trinidad Jack - January 6, 2012
Do it Combat, do it do it!
tell him it will be fun playing the Pats or Ravens!
the new Bradfather - January 6, 2012
Win, lose or draw (well the rules won't let that happen) hold your head up and be proud of the direction the Broncos are headed.
This season is a wake up call to the rest of the NFL, the Broncos are coming!
bfree2bronc - January 6, 2012
RB Willis McGahee's 4 years in the backfield at Baltimore gives him valuable experience against his former rivals..
McGahee gained 145 yds last week in a disappointing lose to the Kansas City Chiefs. It looks like Willis is back to full strength and could play a vital role in determining the outcome Sunday. I expect Fox/McCoy to come out with the same 15 plays scripted and try to establish the ground game to open up the passing game. This will be a tall task going against the #1 defense on just about every category and I suspect Tebow will have to make the run work on his own legs.
The Steeler front 7 is getting long in tooth, but don’t let that fool you into thinking they won’t bring their best game. Establishing the run is vital in keeping the old defense on the field and letting our defense rest. I look for head coach Mike Tomlin to sub in and out with this group as they have the next-man up philosophy and it works to perfection without skipping a beat. The Broncos in the 2nd half can use the no-huddle to slow the incoming subs but if they can’t get yardage on 1st and 2nd down it won’t do them much good. Without ball control the Steelers have the advantage…
If Tebow can catch the Steelers secondary in man coverage he should pull the trigger so to speak and let it fly. Hopefully our receivers have a great game and Eddie Royal does his thing on special teams, we’ll need every point we can get (do you hear that John Fox?)…Yes Praters leg should get a workout and I hope he is up to the task as the temp will be cool and the ball hard. Steelers advantage…
Our defense has to pressure Big Ben into hurries and the coverage has to be good. Ben is tough to bring down even with an ankle injury and is very accurate when he has time to throw. Remember in ’09 when Santonio Holmes burnt Champ and a couple of occasions. The defense has to stop the run with whoever it is and make Big Ben make mistakes. Ithink our defense matches up fairly well against the Steelers offense and I would give them a push…
Won’t predict the outcome as I think this game can go either way and whoever makes the least mistakes will most likely win.
bfree2bronc - January 6, 2012
I do think Fox
will sign off on a more aggressive gameplan this week. After all, it is the playoffs, the value of playing it close to the vest becomes increasingly irrelevant the more you play with the house money. GO BRONCOS!!!
the new Bradfather - January 6, 2012
Willis is kicking major butt
but he is NOT full strength. The dude was limping all over the field during the Chiefs game. I’m seriously concerned about his durability during the playoffs. Teams with a strong running game like ours need to lean on that aspect of their game even more in the playoffs and I’m not sure Willis is in the best shape to handle that role. Then again, the dude played with a freakin plate in his hand so you know he isn’t coming out unless his legs get separated from his body.
DominantDenverDefense - January 6, 2012
It doesn't get any better than this! Go Broncos!!!
bfree2bronc - January 6, 2012
Good info here Kirk!
got a few things going for Us…
Ben being not at 100%.
No Mendenhall.
No Clark.
Possibly no Pouncey?
It’s a home game.
Pretty close to 100% of Our players are at 100%.
Snow? I think that would be in Our favor. We have the ‘better’ running game.
Matt Prater.
Three straight losses in Our rear view. Should be fuel for the team for sure.
Haven’t forced a turnover since Week 14. We’re due, man. We’re due.
Steelers may be counting this as an ‘easy’ victory? (See GB against the Chiefs)
Tebow’s first home start as a Bronco was a victory. Maybe his first home playoff start will be the same! (I could definitely live if it didn’t have to be a ‘comeback’, I’d be just fine with Us putting on an absolute stomping! ; )
Now, some of these are only possible things going in Our favor. But hey, let’s hope a couple balls bounce in Our favor, and most importantly, hope for the Victory!!! It’s our 7th – SEVENTH meeting with them in the post-season, and Elway’s back in with the team. That has to mean something!! Let’s GO BRONCOS!!!
PearlJamBroncoGFunk - January 6, 2012
there is no Pouncey as well
and yes, the Steelers like to throw the ball all over the field, let Ben get his yards, so long as they come the way they did in the 49ers game, which would mean we win the turnover battle definitively. GO BRONCOS!!!
the new Bradfather - January 6, 2012
Julius Thomas sighting!
glad to see he is still actually alive and breathing….have heard literally nothing about the guy since preseason
Bronco615 - January 6, 2012
Unkind, I say. Unkind!
Tezcatlipoca - January 6, 2012
Should I call the ambulance now
and have them prepare for your arrival with severe alcohol poisoning? Better stock up on the Jack because we’re not going to bring it weak on Sunday!
DominantDenverDefense - January 6, 2012
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