Denver Broncos 23, Pittsburgh Steelers 16
It didn’t look good for the Broncos well into the third quarter. The Steelers had made big plays and controlled the clock most of the game. The Broncos could not convert on third down and despite never being down by more than four points, they looked unable to break out a game-changing play. Luckily for the 76,877 in attendance, the Broncos had been in this position many times before and made the plays late to steal a playoff victory.
Brandon McManus’ fourth field goal of the day inched them to a 13-12 deficit with 2:45 left in the third quarter. The score would stall there for nearly 15 more minutes of game clock. Both teams battled back and forth to try and take the upper hand but on a windy afternoon neither could finish a drive. As the clock ticked down, the turnover battle became a conscious thought for both teams. The Broncos came out on top 23-16 after the game’s lone turnover and not a moment too soon.
A late turnover by Steelers running back Fitzgerald Toussaint handed the Broncos the ball near midfield and suddenly the balanced attack the home team had been trying desperately to stoke into efficiency, came to life. They took the ball and ran off 6:52 of the game clock and scored eight points to take a 20-13 lead and ultimately seal the victory.
The game featured eight field goals and only two touchdowns. Several big plays were made by the Steelers while the Broncos waited until the fourth quarter to make a few of their own. The one turnover by the Steelers was ultimately the difference and after a field goal and a failed onside kick by the visitors, the Broncos walked off with a win to the relief of the crowd.
Here’s a look at what was said and who had the biggest impact in the Broncos thrilling win.
