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Around SBN: On Hazards And Hulks And Tigers, Oh My!

Broncos vs. Steelers Wildcard Preview

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.

Star-divide

Weather and Conditions


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.

Sn
Chance Snow
Temperature: 16/32f


For the latest up to the minute weather conditions, go here.


Officiating the game will be Ron Winter with Ed Hochuli's Umpire and Side Judge.


R Ron Winter 14
U Michalek 115 U Hall 49
HL Mapp 52
LJ Arthur 108
FJ Steenson 88
SJ Hill 97 SJ Torbert 62
BJ Reels 83
RA Lapetina
VO Pearson

Injuries and external factors

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.

OFFENSE


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 Pittsburgh Quarterbacks are Ben Roethlisberger (324/513 for 4077 yards, a 63.2% Completion rate, 21 TDs, 14 INTs and a 90.1 QB Rating), Charlie Batch (15/24 for 208 yds, a 62.5% Comp, 0 TDs, 1 INT, and a 72.9 QB Rating) and Dennis Dixon.

Since Running Back Rashard Mendenhall is out, Isaac Redman (110 Car, 479 yds, a 4.4 avg, 3 TDs and 18 Rec, 78 yds) will take over the starting spot. Redman lost two fumbles in a 13-9 win at Cleveland on Sunday, though it was the first game in which he has fumbled this season. Mewelde Moore (22 Car, 157 yds, a 7.1 avg. and 11 Rec, 104 yds, 1 TD), John Clay (10 Car, 41 yds, a 4.1 avg, 1 TD) and Chad Spann are the other options. The lone Fullback is David Johnson (12 Rec, 91 yds, 1 TD).

The starting Wide Receivers are Mike Wallace (72 Rec, 1193 yds, a 16.6 avg, 8 TDs) and Antonio Brown (69 Rec, 1108 yds, a 16.1 avg, 2 TDs). Hines Ward (46 Rec, 381 yds, 2 TDs) is the 3rd Receiver and Emmanuel Sanders (22 Rec, 288 yds, 2 TDs), Jerricho Cotchery (16 Rec, 237 yds, 2 TDs) and Arnaz Battle fill out the rest of this unit.

The Tight Ends are Heath Miller (51 Rec, 631 yds, 2 TDs) and Weslye Saunders (4 rec, 29 yds, 1 TD).

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.

DEFENSE

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.

SPECIAL TEAMS


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 Steelers Kicker is Shaun Suisham, Shaun is 23/31 (74.2%) on Field Goal Attempts this season. His longest was 51 yards and he has been blocked one time. Suisham is 36 for 36 on Extra Points. He has Kicked off 72 times and the average landing area is around the 4 yard line. 28 (38.8%) have gone for touchbacks and 43 have been returned for a 23.7 yard average.

The Punter and Holder is Jeremy Kapinos. Jeremy came in after Daniel Sepulveda went on Injured Reserve during Week 8. He has punted 34 times for a gross average of 45.0 and a 38.3 Net average. Kapinos has put 10 Inside the 20, 1 went for a touchback, 8 were Fair Caught and 21 were returned for a 9.9 average.

The Long Snapper is 7th year man Greg Warren, who has 14 career Special Teams Tackles.


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.

SERIES HISTORY


Pittsburgh is Denver’s most common postseason opponent (6 GP) with the club owning a 3-3 all-time record against the Steelers in the playoffs, including a 3-2 mark at home. As I stated in the preamble, the winner of these games has gone to the Super Bowl 5 times and in three of those instances, claimed the Lombardi Trophy. That is significant.

The Wise Guys in Las Vegas have the Steelers favored by 8.5 points.


THE BOTTOM LINE

I won't lie to you, this is going to be a tough matchup for Denver. They have lost their last three games and they are going up against the #1 Defense in the NFL. I am more concerned with what the Broncos can do Offensively against the Steelers Defense than I am about Pittsburgh's Offense matching up with the Denver Defense. Still, the slate is wiped clean and it's a new, albeit short season and on any given Sunday, one team can beat another in the NFL. It only takes one win to advance.


Go Broncos!


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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?

by dpurvis on Jan 6, 2012 8:30 AM MST reply actions  

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.

Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks
My ship finally came in, but it was the Kobayashi Maru.

KaptainKirk on FaceBook

by KaptainKirk on Jan 6, 2012 9:04 AM MST up reply actions  

Who the hell has less passing yards per game than us?!

[This space for sale]
They say the cool is all over me..

by Teboner on Jan 6, 2012 8:50 AM MST reply actions  

I believe Blaine Gabbert and the Jags

"It's all over fat man!"
-Tom Jackson
"When John Elway is standing in lava with a football, he will stay there and sink until you're open"
-Seanbaby

by Calikula on Jan 6, 2012 9:34 AM MST up reply actions  

Good running game though with MJ Drew.

We can’t pass well, but we sure do run it with effectiveness.

Tim Tebow is Denver's 2012 starting QB. I'm not even kind of sorry that offends some of you (including you Elway).

by McGeorge on Jan 6, 2012 9:51 AM MST up reply actions  

they have a good defense as well

"It's all over fat man!"
-Tom Jackson
"When John Elway is standing in lava with a football, he will stay there and sink until you're open"
-Seanbaby

by Calikula on Jan 6, 2012 10:00 AM MST up reply actions  

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

Brad James

Follow me on Twitter

With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!

by the new Bradfather on Jan 6, 2012 8:54 AM MST reply actions  

Great...Ron Winter

Expect to see offside penalties on Miller and lots of phantom holding calls.

by NYCBronx on Jan 6, 2012 9:11 AM MST reply actions  

he's better than Roidculi

somehow…

Brad James

Follow me on Twitter

With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!

by the new Bradfather on Jan 6, 2012 9:46 AM MST up reply actions  

Hoculi is there too Brad...

Win, lose or draw, we are the Denver Broncos! 13-3 Baby!!! Until we ain't!

by bfree2bronc on Jan 6, 2012 12:03 PM MST up reply actions  

we're better off without him

Brad James

Follow me on Twitter

With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!

by the new Bradfather on Jan 6, 2012 12:22 PM MST up reply actions  

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.

by mozmufc21 on Jan 6, 2012 9:12 AM MST reply actions   2 recs

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

Brad James

Follow me on Twitter

With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!

by the new Bradfather on Jan 6, 2012 9:48 AM MST up reply actions  

they got to play the Seahawks at home, had the game been in Seattle it likely would have been a loss

So, the Sehawks go from being shutout to magically beating us?

"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Follow me on Twitter

by John Stephens on Jan 6, 2012 11:28 AM MST up reply actions  

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

Brad James

Follow me on Twitter

With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!

by the new Bradfather on Jan 6, 2012 12:23 PM MST up reply actions  

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?

"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Follow me on Twitter

by John Stephens on Jan 6, 2012 11:29 AM MST up reply actions  

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.

by mozmufc21 on Jan 6, 2012 3:04 PM MST up reply actions  

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…

Brad James

Follow me on Twitter

With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!

by the new Bradfather on Jan 6, 2012 3:39 PM MST up reply actions  

I feel good about this game

No one is giving us a chance and the Steelers are a wounded beast.

by NYCBronx on Jan 6, 2012 9:14 AM MST reply actions  

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.

by Christopher Shaw on Jan 6, 2012 9:18 AM MST reply actions  

that's the spirit!

Brad James

Follow me on Twitter

With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!

by the new Bradfather on Jan 6, 2012 9:48 AM MST up reply actions  

Anything is possible when the players take the field...

Win, lose or draw, we are the Denver Broncos! 13-3 Baby!!! Until we ain't!

by bfree2bronc on Jan 6, 2012 11:57 AM MST up reply actions  

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.

Tim Tebow is Denver's 2012 starting QB. I'm not even kind of sorry that offends some of you (including you Elway).

by McGeorge on Jan 6, 2012 9:49 AM MST reply actions  

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

Brad James

Follow me on Twitter

With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!

by the new Bradfather on Jan 6, 2012 9:51 AM MST up reply actions  

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!

More passes? You want McCoy to call more passes? I’d tell ‘em not to throw throw the ball unless Giselle Bundchen streaks onto the field and distracts opposing corners.

by Rodney A on Jan 6, 2012 10:53 AM MST up reply actions  

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.

Win, lose or draw, we are the Denver Broncos! 13-3 Baby!!! Until we ain't!

by bfree2bronc on Jan 6, 2012 11:56 AM MST up reply actions  

NO

Larry Triplette (that moron who did the Chargers game at San Diego) is the worst

Brad James

Follow me on Twitter

With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!

by the new Bradfather on Jan 6, 2012 3:26 PM MST up reply actions  

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.

Quotes from my wife (2nd yr football fan) while watching the Broncos with me:
"Honey I know we are losing and you are upset but remember things could be worse. You could be cheering for the Raiders."
"THAT hit [Rahim on Jones] got a flag? What?!?! AND a FINE?!?! Why not just strap pillows to their heads and have a tea party on the 50 yard line since that's as much contact as the NFL will allow."

by DominantDenverDefense on Jan 6, 2012 7:18 PM MST up reply actions  

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.

Give a man a fish, he'll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, he'll eat for a lifetime.
"As a quarterback, all you want is an opportunity to lead your team to victory" - Tim Tebow

by azbroncomaniac on Jan 6, 2012 9:51 AM MST reply actions  

don't say that

my Arizonan friend, McCoy has had too much input

Brad James

Follow me on Twitter

With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!

by the new Bradfather on Jan 6, 2012 9:52 AM MST up reply actions  

lol, agreed to that Brad. I won't feel bad seeing the north end of him heading south.

Give a man a fish, he'll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, he'll eat for a lifetime.
"As a quarterback, all you want is an opportunity to lead your team to victory" - Tim Tebow

by azbroncomaniac on Jan 6, 2012 9:53 AM MST up reply actions  

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.

by Irishrep on Jan 6, 2012 10:38 AM MST up reply actions  

performing well in practice

was a Kyle Orton trait, was it not? #justsaying

Brad James

Follow me on Twitter

With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!

by the new Bradfather on Jan 6, 2012 10:51 AM MST up reply actions  

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…

Win, lose or draw, we are the Denver Broncos! 13-3 Baby!!! Until we ain't!

by bfree2bronc on Jan 6, 2012 11:40 AM MST up reply actions  

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…

Atheist for Tim Tebow!

by CombatChuk on Jan 6, 2012 9:59 AM MST reply actions  

Wear it either way.

It’s good to be a Broncos fan.

If this be Hell, let us make the most of it!

by Trinidad Jack on Jan 6, 2012 10:02 AM MST up reply actions  

Do it Combat, do it do it!

tell him it will be fun playing the Pats or Ravens!

Brad James

Follow me on Twitter

With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!

by the new Bradfather on Jan 6, 2012 10:51 AM MST up reply actions  

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!

Win, lose or draw, we are the Denver Broncos! 13-3 Baby!!! Until we ain't!

by bfree2bronc on Jan 6, 2012 11:37 AM MST up reply actions  

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.

Win, lose or draw, we are the Denver Broncos! 13-3 Baby!!! Until we ain't!

by bfree2bronc on Jan 6, 2012 11:35 AM MST reply actions  

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!!!

Brad James

Follow me on Twitter

With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!

by the new Bradfather on Jan 6, 2012 12:42 PM MST up reply actions  

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.

Quotes from my wife (2nd yr football fan) while watching the Broncos with me:
"Honey I know we are losing and you are upset but remember things could be worse. You could be cheering for the Raiders."
"THAT hit [Rahim on Jones] got a flag? What?!?! AND a FINE?!?! Why not just strap pillows to their heads and have a tea party on the 50 yard line since that's as much contact as the NFL will allow."

by DominantDenverDefense on Jan 6, 2012 7:21 PM MST up reply actions  

It doesn't get any better than this! Go Broncos!!!

Win, lose or draw, we are the Denver Broncos! 13-3 Baby!!! Until we ain't!

by bfree2bronc on Jan 6, 2012 12:58 PM MST reply actions   1 recs

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!!!

A pessimist sees the difficulties in every opportunity.
An optimist sees the opportunities in every difficulty.
- Winston Churchill

First (and only, in our lifetimes) team to three consecutive SB wins (perhaps and then some)!!!! ( =

by PearlJamBroncoGFunk on Jan 6, 2012 1:05 PM MST reply actions  

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!!!

Brad James

Follow me on Twitter

With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!

by the new Bradfather on Jan 6, 2012 3:22 PM MST up reply actions  

Julius Thomas sighting!

glad to see he is still actually alive and breathing….have heard literally nothing about the guy since preseason

by Bronco615 on Jan 6, 2012 4:47 PM MST reply actions  

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!

Quotes from my wife (2nd yr football fan) while watching the Broncos with me:
"Honey I know we are losing and you are upset but remember things could be worse. You could be cheering for the Raiders."
"THAT hit [Rahim on Jones] got a flag? What?!?! AND a FINE?!?! Why not just strap pillows to their heads and have a tea party on the 50 yard line since that's as much contact as the NFL will allow."

by DominantDenverDefense on Jan 6, 2012 7:23 PM MST up reply actions  

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