Broncoman Calls his shot, Broncos blow out Steelers

by Broncoman on Nov 2, 2009 9:10 PM MST Comment 60 comments

Well, I am not going to sugar coat the loss to the Ravens. I am a firm believer that there is no such thing as a morale victory or a “good” loss in the NFL. We got whipped, but the great thing about the NFL is that there is always next week, and as soon as the gun sounded, it is now next week.

Rather than ponder the what ifs and whys of last week, I think we need to worry about the team in front of us. I called my shot earlier on MHR radio after the game, but will state it again, I think the Broncos will blow out the Steelers. Crazy you say, you Broncoman, questioner of the arm strength and abilities of a QB called Orton, why would you predict a blowout of the Steelers, world champs. Well here is why:

1. The Steeler offensive line is horrible in pass protection and not much better in the run game. Last year’s Steeler team won the SB with arguably one of the worst offensive lines. This year they have given up 20 sacks and Big Ben has been hit and forced into many more bad throws. Look at his TD to INt ratio, which is also middle of the pack. Roethlisberger will struggle against this defense with little time to make his throws. He will make some plays with his feet, but not enough to make it matter.

2. While Pittsburgh has been able to put up a lot of yards (mainly through the air), their points per game are middle of the pack. The reason is their running game is not the same old Steeler running game, their top rusher is averaging just under 60 yards a game, they are not a power football team anymore.

3. You may be worried that the Steelers have had two weeks to prepare, not me, after our loss, I guarantee that the Steelers are thinking this will be a easy win for them and are starting to take a peak ahead and looking at a short week next week and trying to get ready for an in division game with the Bengals.

4. While Pittsburgh’s rush defense is good, it is a bit misleading because the team is below average in pass defense. The Cardinals last year exposed that the Steeler’s defense weakness is against big, physical WR, and we have one of the best in Brandon Marshall and we can line up Schefler wide to create more mismatches against their CB or to force them to move Troy Polamalu to cover Shef and create mismatches on the other side with Royal and Stokely.

5. I expect that we will see a bigger use of Graham, Shef, and Hillis in the passing game to exploit some mismatches with the Steeler LBs.

6. Mile High magic is back, I think that you will see a rowdy crowd Monday night, the energy will be squarely behind the Broncos. That combined with a focused approach from a humbled team will combine for some big plays early for the defense and offense.

7. John Elway

8. Look for the offensive line to be ready for whatever Pittsburgh brings, they faced a Raven team with a better front three across the board that was very motivated, I think they will have their way with Pittsburgh’s DL as the game wear on, look for ball control and keeping the Steeler defense on the field and using the altitude to our advantage, I expect Casey Hampton will be sucking wind and on skates by the end of the game.

9. The Steelers have struggled to beat even very bad teams, this team just doesn’t have the motivation it did last year.

10. If you think Orlando Pace struggled containing Doom because of his leverage advantage, wait until you see Doom against Starks who is a younger version of Pace with less mobility and flexibility than Pace has now, I expect a three to four sack against Starks.

Final prediction Broncos 35 Steelers 9.

This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR

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Comments

Broncoman

I applaud the courage. I hope you are correct.

by T.Dot_Bronco on Nov 2, 2009 9:31 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

You just bumped my prediction up..

from 13-10 win to 16-9. Go Broncos!

Verbose in style, dispersion of thought, procrastination in life.

The guy formerly known as ZAPPA

by Tim Lynch on Nov 2, 2009 10:35 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

LOL...At least you're going in the right direction!

by BroncoSense72 on Nov 3, 2009 8:55 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm with ya Broncoman

But one thing: force them to move Troy Polamalu . Troy covers the whole field. He’s everywhere. Have you ever tried to force a Samoan do do something? It’s a daunting task my friend.

Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks

by KaptainKirk on Nov 2, 2009 10:36 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, seriously.

He is always around the ball……ALWAYS.

I am more pumped for this game since we are coming off of a loss (a humbling one). I really want to see what this team responds after that Baltimore game. Let’s see what they are made of.

Nice writeup Broncoman. I’ll take a win regardless of the final score.

2009 NBA Champions L.A Lakers
2009 NBA Finals MVP Kobe Bryant

by weazel on Nov 2, 2009 10:55 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Really???

WOW! Whatever u are drinkin monday night I want the same thing, would love to see that happen, I expect that loss to humble the team and the fans

by kchav21 on Nov 2, 2009 10:53 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Its gonna all boil down to the O line. If we let Troy kill us and get to Kyle, we will Struggle. If we protect we will win.

by Calibroncoboy on Nov 2, 2009 11:15 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Pass Protection

Does anyone have any good reason why our pass protection was subpar on sunday? Because unless we can clean that up, I’m afraid were going to see a repeat of the Ravens game. You better believe Tomlin is going over every inch of that game to see if he can mimic it. And isn’t Pittsburgh’s pass rush better then Baltimore’s?

Talk me off the ledge people.

by Steeplebomb on Nov 3, 2009 12:09 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

I have a good reason for you.

Ben Hamilton – LG – 50

I love our team, but Hamilton was moved around repeatedly, and his is the one position where I think Pittsburgh will direct most of their pass rush. I’m all for anyone to tell me different, too. But from my seat, I think that 50 needs to take a seat, and let someone else get in there (Hochstein, Olsen) and plug that leak.

No inspirational quote here, just this...GO BRONCOS!!!
EVERYBODY LOVE EVERYBODY!!! - Jackie Moon

by Zogernaut on Nov 3, 2009 1:10 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Reason why:

Complex blitz schemes, consistent pressure from the DTs up front, and #50. Pittsburgh’s pass rush is statistically better (i.e., more sacks), but doesn’t feature two massive DTs, which is the biggest reason why Hamilton got shoved around. Pittsburgh, on the other hand, brings pressure mainly from the second level (much like our LBs do), which means that Polumbus and our TEs will be more of a focus

"I only know as much about myself as my mind can work out under its current conditions. And its current conditions are not good." -- Zaphod Beeblebrox

by Sharpe as a Tack on Nov 3, 2009 8:45 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I think that blitzing the LBs through the A gaps presents a real challenge.

Ngata left early in the game… it could have been even uglier had he stayed in. Pittsburgh has all of the personnel to blitz effectively, and now that Polamalu’s back, I have to say Pittsburgh has a stronger defense than the Ravens. You can’t discount the swagger he gives that squad.

by legendarywalton on Nov 4, 2009 12:37 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

We have a lot of sacks off stunts in the middle of the line with Farrior and Timmons. We hit everywhere, but you have to cover the edges to have any time to throw.

by Phantaskippy on Nov 5, 2009 4:14 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Our pass protection was subpar

because our whole team was subpar. When a team wants it more than you (e.g. a good team that’s desperate and at home) their on-the-field superiority in that game is going to show up in all phases of the game, including the fact that in this one our offensive line (and our defensive line, and our linebackers, and our secondary, and our receivers, etc.) got outplayed. It’s useless to try to pinpoint a specific area in which the Broncos have suddenly gotten worse that other teams can now take advantage of, because there is no such area. Our relative weaknesses and strengths are the same as they’ve been all season. It wasn’t a breakdown in any one area that got us beat. It was simply that the Broncos—the whole team—were unable to match the intensity of the Ravens. If the Broncos are as intense or more intense than the Steelers you’ll see a familiar pattern. The other team will have a hard time getting close to Orton, who will look for and find open receivers. Our pass rush will sack or cause Big Ben to hurry his throws, especially in the second half. We will stifle their rushing attack. Our own running game will get cranked up, especially in the second half. Our dominant offensive line has been least dominant at left guard all season, even when other teams weren’t able to get close to Orton. That hasn’t changed. If you want to worry about a specific position worry about right tackle, because that HAS changed until Ryan Harris returns from his injury. But if the Broncos play with enough intensity—remember, we’re coming off a
loss AND are at home—Polumbus (possibly with TE help) will do fine.

"Surprised to see you, Captain, though pleased." — from Star Trek episode Space Seed.

by spock on Nov 4, 2009 5:52 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Respectfully disagree (but it's a minor quibble)

I think that, while the entire team (may have) looked subpar, the O-line was where that all started and can end.

Consider: if Orton has little time to throw and is harried, he will miss/underthrow/etc. receivers. They will look subpar. He also won’t have time to let plays develop, so no big plays. The whole offense looks subpar. Poor blocking from the line will also negate running effectiveness. Now the RBs look subpar.

On defense, I note that only 17 points were their fault in the second half (7 on a K return TD). Of those, I would only attribute 10 directly to them (the Mason TD and a FG), since Rice’s TD came at the end of the game, when they were worn down. Why were they worn down? Because of a 3-13 performance on 3rd down and few first downs in general on the part of the offense. Why did this happen? See above.

Let me be clear: I won’t place 100% of the blame on the shoulders of the O-line, but I’d put a significant percentage (80?) on theirs alone, with the other minority percentages distributed among the other parts of the team. That result is enough for me to point to them as The Main Reason we lost, and The Main Reason why the rest of our team failed.

"I only know as much about myself as my mind can work out under its current conditions. And its current conditions are not good." -- Zaphod Beeblebrox

by Sharpe as a Tack on Nov 4, 2009 9:44 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

My point is simply

that teams are flat or fired up as a whole. While there are inevitable variations in who has a good or bad game you don’t as a general rule see the O-line fired up and the receivers flat, or the D-line and secondary flat while the linebackers are sky high. A team is an emotional unity. They have or lack intensity as a unity (and that includes the coaches). How many times have you seen a team with a vulnerable secondary come out with fire in their bellies, and during that game the secondary, too, plays well and contributes to the success the team experiences? When the team as a whole is more intense and playing harder each of the players is a better player for that game, and they probably also play more effective as a team, because their heads are collectively and individually more into the game.

I agree that the linemen, on both sides of the ball, are more consequential. It all begins in the trenches. Hence if the team plays well OR poorly a disproportionate share of the credit OR blame falls on the linemen on both sides of the ball simply because those position areas are so important. But I don’t think our O-line played worse than the rest of the team and therefore deserve a disproportionate share of the blame for that reason. Our defense, because they play more of an attacking style than our offense, did make some big plays, but they also got burned on quite a few and the last TD was an example. We had an all-out blitz and the runner slipped through and scored. If the defense was worn down it was because they didn’t stop the Ravens on third downs the way they had before this game.

Bottom line is you win or lose as a team, and in my opinion it makes no sense to apportion out blame. The main reason we lost was the Ravens were more fired up, because they had more to lose AND were at home.

"Surprised to see you, Captain, though pleased." — from Star Trek episode Space Seed.

by spock on Nov 4, 2009 2:40 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Hey guys,

For noting, I respect both of your opinions as I have liked a lot of both of your posts in the past. For this one though, I am going to have to agree with spock. The O-line played subpar, no doubt. But if you watch the game closely, nearly everyone on the offense played subpar. For example, our WRs were not running crisp routes and were not getting separation or cutting routes off short for Orton when he was under blitz pressure. Buck struggled in pass-blocking, and Moreno looked like a rookie – unable to break many tackles or to bounce it out to the edges when the middle was jammed. Orton missed a few open routes, particularly Gaffney down the left sideline on one play that was a certain TD. Marshall made some catches but danced too much afterwards, and Royal continued what I believe to be a disappointing trend of complaining about PI when he is unable to get separation on his routes. I’m pretty sure these are the kind of things McD was talking about when he mentioned that the offense failed to execute.
Just my two cents..

"A man can fail, but he is not a failure until he blames someone else." J. Paul Getty

by SteveAssassin on Nov 5, 2009 12:28 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Flacco was 100% in the 2nd half, as well, if I’m not mistaken. Can’t play that down.

by RaRaDonk89 on Nov 6, 2009 11:22 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Hey guys

I just wanted to address some of your points.

The Steeler offensive line is horrible in pass protection and not much better in the run game…This year they have given up 20 sacks

Actually it has been the complete opposite this year. The offensive line has been phenomenally better than last year in pass protection. Just look at some of the names Max Starks has shut out this year, most recently Jared Allen. The majority of the sacks this year have come from Ben extending the play past a normal drop. You can only expect a lineman to hold a block for so long against a pass rush. I won’t say I mind this, because after all, an extended Ben play is how we won the SB.

Big Ben has been hit and forced into many more bad throws. Look at his TD to INt ratio, which is also middle of the pack.

At least 3 of Ben’s INTs this year have been on Holmes or Mike Wallace not taking the proper hot route reads. And one was a Hail Mary at the end of the 1st half against the Titans. The other 2 he just tried to force into coverage. I don’t think that any of his picks were a result of being hit.

I guarantee that the Steelers are thinking this will be a easy win for them

You don’t know Mike Tomlin. He would not allow this to happen.

force them to move Troy Polamalu to cover Shef

Troy Polamalu rarely plays single coverage. He spends most of the game free-lancing. He is very unpredictable and that is why he gives QB fits.

Look for the offensive line to be ready for whatever Pittsburgh brings, they faced a Raven team with a better front three across the board that was very motivated

Pittsburgh’s pass rush has been a lot better than Baltimore’s this year. Their front 3 might be better, but our LB core is way better than theirs. James Harrison is on fire right now, and with your RT out, I expect Woodley to be blitzing a lot from the left side.

The Steelers have struggled to beat even very bad teams

Our pass defense struggled, but that was with an injured Polamalu. Hopefully, he is up to full game speed after the bye.

Anyway, as far as a blow out goes, I highly doubt that. Since Tomlin joined the Steelers, they have only lost by more than 7 points twice. So out of 43 games only 2 games have been a loss by more than a touchdown. One was the high scoring Pats in 2007 and the other was the Titans last year.

I think it is going to be a very good, close game. Lots of good defense and a lot of hard hitting. I cannot wait.

" I’m glad we play Pitt twice, and not Tenn this year." - Salty Browns Fan.

by Johnny_S on Nov 3, 2009 6:10 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

your words sting of truth. all of them.

I can’t see a blowout either. But I am not a Broncoman.
A great game indeed.

by precisiontint on Nov 3, 2009 8:01 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree that this should be a close game

I just don’t see our offense blowing out this defense. Turnovers will be huge, and Kyle is going to have to look like he did against the Patriots rather than the way he looked last week…

"I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today" -- Wimpy J. Wellington

by Broncs Cheer on Nov 3, 2009 8:41 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Johnny, good sound post

I hoped you just jinxed yourself with that 7 points stat! ;-)

Since the home team wins about 60% of NFL games, I like our chances this week, but so far we have not really blown anyone completely out, including Cleveland and Oakland. Those games got out of hand late.

Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man.

by TJ Johnson on Nov 3, 2009 9:28 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks

I brought that stat up against the Vikings fans predicting blow outs, so hopefully it works again. Haha.

Yeah, I know that home field is a huge advantage for you guys. However, I do wonder what the statistics are for home games against a team that just had a bye. Both are definitely advantages, home field more so IMO.

I expect this game to get out of hand late one way or the other. It seems the majority of our games were not definitively decided until the whistle blew.

" I’m glad we play Pitt twice, and not Tenn this year." - Salty Browns Fan.

by Johnny_S on Nov 3, 2009 9:34 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Not sure, but we beat the chargers after they had their bye. That was in SD, as well.

If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.

by kentuckybronco on Nov 3, 2009 9:42 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

We are a better team than the Chargers , with a much better coach who I believe would utilize the bye more effectively.

" I’m glad we play Pitt twice, and not Tenn this year." - Salty Browns Fan.

by Johnny_S on Nov 3, 2009 9:58 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

No doubt about either of your statements.

Norv Turner is not near as good a coach as Tomlin and the Steelers are better than the Chargers.

I do believe that home field will play a large role in this game. Mile High is gonna be rocking on monday night.

If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.

by kentuckybronco on Nov 3, 2009 10:01 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

It will already play a huge role if Ryan Clark does indeed sit out because of his Sickle Cell trait.

" I’m glad we play Pitt twice, and not Tenn this year." - Salty Browns Fan.

by Johnny_S on Nov 3, 2009 10:30 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Johnny_S

Always great to hear logical points. I love being a homer, but hearing from opposing homers is fun too.

by Flunkie on Nov 3, 2009 3:14 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Haha

It’s definitely hard not to be a homer when you are a fanatic. Glad to be talking with opposing fans that are knowledgeable. It should be a great week of discussion/debate leading up to the game.

" I’m glad we play Pitt twice, and not Tenn this year." - Salty Browns Fan.

by Johnny_S on Nov 3, 2009 4:08 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Bottom line why

Me and my friend (die hard Steeler fan) have a running bet on all Broncos Steelers games that loser buys the other guy dinner at Panchos (which is almost a punishment to have to eat there), but I haven’t lost that bet in over 8 years, the AFC title game he begged me to drop the bet and then they won. The bet is on for this game, I am expecting a well paid for if not horribe dinner at Panchos.

I shall be eating the enchilladas of victory come next weekend

"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
"Good, bad, I'm the guy with the gun" - Ash from Army of Darkness
"H.I., you're young and you got your health, what you want with a job?" - Evelle from Raising Arizona
"It happens sometimes. People just explode. Natural causes." - Agent Rogersz from Repoman

by Broncoman on Nov 3, 2009 4:36 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

This

“Anyway, as far as a blow out goes, I highly doubt that. Since Tomlin joined the Steelers, they have only lost by more than 7 points twice. So out of 43 games only 2 games have been a loss by more than a touchdown. One was the high scoring Pats in 2007 and the other was the Titans last year.”

That, is what I would call IMPRESSIVE. WOW! Total respect to the Steelers. That’s an amazing stat, and says a lot about that team overall, not just the great defense.

I for one, was most worried about this week since the beginning of the season. LeBeau’s a master D-Coordinator, and the weapons at his disposal….. cringe worthy for opponents..

That said, I think this will be a helluva game.

by RockyMountainHigh on Nov 5, 2009 3:10 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

May be Ben's not offensive line

Big Ben historically holds the ball too long which in turn causes more sacks. These sacks may not be all lines fault as much as it is QB holding ball longer than any line can hold their blocks.

by broncos07ok on Nov 3, 2009 6:49 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

B-Man

I like that when you bring it, you bring it strong!

And for that, rec!!!!

Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man.

by TJ Johnson on Nov 3, 2009 9:28 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

I'm completly agree

I’m still sticking with 27-10. Our team will be playing with something to prove. I expect our defense to cause 2 turnovers, 3 sacks from Doom, and a Strong showing from Orton.

Denver rookie head coach Josh McDaniels doesn't have a grasp on how to build a team." - John Clayton, April 23rd, 2009

by diviesti on Nov 3, 2009 10:07 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

i don't think you've watched a Steeler game all year

The Bronco’s have a chance to win this game but to predict a blowout??? come on man

The Steelers haven’t been blown out since 2007 when we lost to the Patriots by 21.

I want some of what you’re smoking.

by WARDANE33 on Nov 3, 2009 10:13 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

If I'm mistaken let me know

But wasn’t our Head Coach calling the plays in that game?

Denver rookie head coach Josh McDaniels doesn't have a grasp on how to build a team." - John Clayton, April 23rd, 2009

by diviesti on Nov 3, 2009 10:36 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

not my point

point is, we might lose to the Broncos but don’t expect a blowout.

too bad you don’t have Tom Brady to go along with JMD.

by WARDANE33 on Nov 3, 2009 11:07 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

or Randy Moss or Wes Welker

" I’m glad we play Pitt twice, and not Tenn this year." - Salty Browns Fan.

by Johnny_S on Nov 3, 2009 11:09 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

everyone thought i was whacky

when i picked the Steelers to beat the Vikings by 18 points 31-13 and we were one Mendenhall fumble away from it being a 17 point win. like i said, we might lose but don’t expect a blowout. that’s not even their style of play.

by WARDANE33 on Nov 3, 2009 11:24 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

we don't have those two

But between Marsh, Royal, Stokely, and Gaffney I think we’ll be just fine.

Because Montana has no professional sports, I gotta support the land of my birth.

Socrates was once executed for 'trolling'.
^Needs explaining: don't call someone asking uncomfortable, slightly antagonistic questions trolls. In all odds they probably just want to learn. It's real easy to differentiate a 'Socratic' post from a trolling one (unless you're a resident of WCG).
^Needs further explaining: I have yet to post anything on WCG, don't worry, I'm not trying to rationalize anything I've done. I've just lurked over there and man, they are the model of post-peloponnesian war Athens.

by Drizzt396 on Nov 4, 2009 12:46 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think

Royal, Stokely or Gaffney would even make the Steelers 53 man roster.

by WARDANE33 on Nov 4, 2009 2:31 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Really????

If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.

by kentuckybronco on Nov 4, 2009 2:39 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Bwahahahahahahaha!

"Surprised to see you, Captain, though pleased." — from Star Trek episode Space Seed.

by spock on Nov 4, 2009 2:41 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

LMAO

Denver rookie head coach Josh McDaniels doesn't have a grasp on how to build a team." - John Clayton, April 23rd, 2009

by diviesti on Nov 4, 2009 3:12 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I like yo Wardane but thats an INSANE comment!

Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
All I want is 53 Rod Smiths. Is that asking too much????
"Peyton Hillis didn’t rip the sleeves off his jersey, they flew off out of fear."
Calijoefornia.

by boydy2669 on Nov 4, 2009 4:28 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I think Stokley could definitely grab a spot over Sweed or McDonald. Royal could probably beat out McDonald for a spot.

However, I don’t think either of the 3 would be our #1, #2, or #3 WR.

" I’m glad we play Pitt twice, and not Tenn this year." - Salty Browns Fan.

by Johnny_S on Nov 4, 2009 6:10 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, obviously they wouldn't be number ones.

They aren’t number ones in Denver. Marshall is our number one. You’re saying that Royal, Stokely, and Gaffney wouldn’t be your 2, 3, and 4 receivers, respectively?

We could break this down further. You guys carry 6 WRs on your roster.

Hines and Holmes are obviously going to make your roster. Then you are saying that Stokely would get a spot over sweed or mcdonald and royal would beat our mcdonald for a spot.

So we have Hines, Holmes, Stokely, and Royal. That is four of the six. I have a very hard time believing that Gaffney is not one of those remaining two. McDonald, Sweed, Wallace, and Logan??? Sweed would get one of the spots, but there is no way that the other three are better than Gaffney.

If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.

by kentuckybronco on Nov 4, 2009 6:39 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Well

I see you have not watched many Steeler games this year. We only carry 5 receivers. Stefan Logan is a RB (return specialist). And Mike Wallace is our #3 receiver. He is an absolute stud and he is just a rookie. None of those 3 guys would replace Ward or Holmes at 1 or 2. I do not believe any of those 3 offer us more than Wallace.

Therefore they would be filling in #4 or 5. Maybe Royal would have a shot at taking Logan’s spot if he can also do ST coverage. Sweed has a very high ceiling if he can ever figure out how to catch a ball, but I could definitely see him losing out a spot to one of those 3 and same with McDonald.

Wallace is better than Gaffney. Sweed is not.

" I’m glad we play Pitt twice, and not Tenn this year." - Salty Browns Fan.

by Johnny_S on Nov 4, 2009 7:05 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

sorry, I just looked at the depth chart.

If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.

by kentuckybronco on Nov 4, 2009 10:09 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Must be the thin air here

by Broncoman on Nov 3, 2009 12:25 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

maybe it's the reefer

by WARDANE33 on Nov 3, 2009 1:18 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

#2

They have had two backs start this year: Parker and Mendenhall. Mendenhall has had two games at or near 200 yards. I wouldn’t call their running game soft this year.

Because Montana has no professional sports, I gotta support the land of my birth.

by Drizzt396 on Nov 3, 2009 11:56 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

The Steelers play with a style of win the turnover battle and create the big play off of them.

Just like the Super Bowl of last, the Steelers would have had a struggle with the Cards if it weren’t for the Harrison INT and TD run. I see this as a cross roads game for the Broncos and whoever wins the turnover battle wins this game. Big Ben’s ability to elude the pass rusher and find the open receiver has given them more success than not. Our corners shouldn’t have too much trouble with the receivers but, Hines Ward has to be contained, he is a big play maker.

Ben has been sacked 13 times in a game and still won, so just getting to him isn’t necessarily going to win the game either. This game will come down to Kyle Orton managing the game and moving the chains. And when they get to the RedZone he has to score, not Prater. We may lose this one too, but it should be a very good game. The only game after this one that we will lose is the Eagles game. 13-3 Baby!!!

by bfree2bronc on Nov 3, 2009 1:19 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

If this is gonna turn nasty, let me just do this

Broncoman Calls his shot, Broncos blow

Post headline, not all of it, but it’s funny to me…hehe.

BTW, before you guys get all butt hurt, it’s all in good fun. Nothing serious meant by it. Just look at the headline. :)

"My doctor said I'd quit getting nosebleeds if I just kept my finger out of there!"
-Ralph Wiggum

by SteelFever on Nov 3, 2009 2:23 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

lol

Because Montana has no professional sports, I gotta support the land of my birth.

by Drizzt396 on Nov 4, 2009 12:48 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

You think the steelers will use this post as bulletin board material?

lol, I sure hope not.

If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.

by kentuckybronco on Nov 3, 2009 3:03 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Let them, if they need this to get motivated then they are in serious trouble

It is like the San Diego game, I think Pittsburgh will try to get pumped up early but will learn quickly that the Broncos have come to play and will probably give up after halftime and worry about Cinncy. Something about that SB hangover, I think Pittsburgh just is not that hungry and I would suspect that an ass kicking now by Denver is the motivation they will actually need.

by Broncoman on Nov 3, 2009 4:27 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I love the way you're talking. You're making me so excited for monday!!!!!!

If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.

by kentuckybronco on Nov 3, 2009 5:16 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

once again,

i don’t think you’ve ever watcehd a Steeler team.

give up? are you serious? did the Bronco’s give up last year? will they give up this year? i don’t think so, these guys have gotten to this level for many reasons, one of them being PRIDE. no team is going to give up in NFL football game between two division leaders let alone the ALWAYS tough minded Steelers.

i hope you are prepared to eat crow tuesday morning cartoonman

by WARDANE33 on Nov 4, 2009 10:54 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

tennessee gave up against new england....

so yeah… it does happen. That said, I doubt PITT will give up. It’s just not a team that’s coached that way.

by RockyMountainHigh on Nov 5, 2009 3:17 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Are you kidding? He is looking forward to aeting this:

"I believe the game is designed to reward the ones who hit the hardest. If you can't take it, you shouldn't play." Jack Lambert

by LongTimeSteelersFan on Nov 6, 2009 1:35 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Really only one question

Does the Broncos O line regroup, reconfigure, and reassert? If they do then the Steelers will fight hard but be a couple touchdowns behind at the final gun. If they play like they did in Baltimore the Steelers could bring some JV players and win by three TDs. The O line had problems Sunday, but let us not forget they have been one of the best O lines in football for the last 2.5 years. Smart money bet – the O line will be back in force on Monday.

by Flunkie on Nov 3, 2009 3:12 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

where is Trinidad Jack?

i enjoy his posts

by WARDANE33 on Nov 4, 2009 12:24 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Homerism

As a fan I want to see lots of excitement and a blowout. As a realist I just want the win.

As a fan, I have been very excited by our Defense this year. I have been disappointed with the Offense, especially the Oline when going up against big, physical Dlines. I wish we stretched the field more with long passes. And special teams leave me gassed.

As a realist, I have been very excited by our Defense this year. I have been satisfied with our Offense but see lots of room for improvement. Dink & dunk all day if that is what wins the game(s)! Special Teams … fire Preifer! Most of our ST errors have been coaching errors.

Bottom line, I am an unabashed homer and stand by my prediction of 12-4 but am now hopeful of 14-2. The only game I think we will probably lose is to the Colts. Mainly because we will be playing in their house. Our upcoming game against the Steelers looks like a close game that we win. Giants and Eagles look tough, but all the other games look imminently winnable. Bring on the Saints in the Super Bowl!

by Endzone on Nov 4, 2009 1:23 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

If you look at this objectively...

Bookies say Steelers are 3 point favorites for this game. Imagine the odds you’d get in Vegas for a two-touchdown win by Broncos. The air must indeed be thin :)

Realistically, I’d predict say Steelers 17 – Broncos 10, with a late pick-six by Troy.

by srulix on Nov 4, 2009 1:28 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

We've been betting underdogs for most of our games this year

so the Steelers being 3 point favorites is just more of the same.

"Surprised to see you, Captain, though pleased." — from Star Trek episode Space Seed.

by spock on Nov 4, 2009 2:59 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Because they've been so right thus far?

Denver rookie head coach Josh McDaniels doesn't have a grasp on how to build a team." - John Clayton, April 23rd, 2009

by diviesti on Nov 4, 2009 3:17 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Take the bookies wit a grain of salt

Steeler fans are notorious for driving the lines up of games, my friend (Steeler buddy) made a whole lot of cash last year by taking the points and betting against the Steelers in the playoffs because the lines were driven up by a bunch of Steler homers betting on their team.

by Broncoman on Nov 4, 2009 4:45 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs