Broncos-Steelers: Similar feel, different outcome
The Denver Broncos 23-16 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Divisional Playoff should have come as no surprise to fans in Denver or observers across the NFL landscape. Denver did just as it has done so many times this season: Just enough to get the win.
For the 13th time this year, the outcome of the game was decided by only one score, and for the 10th time that outcome ended in Denver’s favor. The game was again a total team effort, and this time they walked away from the Steelers with a seven-point win.
The Denver defense surrendered its highest yardage total of the season, giving up 396 yards to Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers. But most of that yardage came in-between the 20s and Pittsburgh was held to just one touchdown and three field goals on the day.
The Broncos offense, on the other hand, did just enough with their excellent field position to put points on the board on six different drives. They capitalized on the game’s only turnover, putting their only touchdown of the day on the board after a Steelers fumble. It proved to be the difference in the game.
Special teams was the real difference-maker, as the Broncos punt unit routinely pinned Pittsburgh deep, put the offense in good positions and the field goal unit was a perfect five-for-five.
It took a village to get the win, but here’s who shined brightest (and who needed some help from the rest of town) against the Steelers in the AFC Divisional Playoff.
