Stud No. 2 – Aqib Talib
On a day in which the Broncos secondary was again susceptible to giving up big plays against the Steelers wide receivers, the biggest plays might have been Aqib Talib’s end zone defense against them. Talib registered two passes defended on the day, both of which came in the end zone and prevented potential tide-turning touchdowns.
On a fourth-and-one on Pittsburgh’s second possession, Ben Roethlisberger took a shot at the end zone with Markus Wheaton and Talib made a spectacular leaping defense of the pass. The play kept points off the board and Denver’s ensuing possession pinned the Steelers back on their own three-yard line. Denver would extend their lead to 6-0 shortly thereafter.
The second came at a much more critical time. Pittsburgh was leading 10-9 and driving on their first possession of the second half. Denver had failed to score on the opening possession and the Steelers were at the Broncos’ 10-yard line with a chance to go up by two scores. Talib went to battle with Martavis Bryant and emerged the victor, forcing the Steelers to settle for a field goal.
Without those two plays, Denver is booking beach time this week.
