T.J. Ward: Steelers are hot because they haven't played us

It's tough to win on the road when the home team has a playoff atmosphere, but that doesn't seem to phase T.J. Ward who may not even be healthy enough to play in this weekend's game between the Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Steelers have been red hot in recent weeks having scored 30 or more points in five straight games, winning four of those. Ben Roethlisberger even dropped 456 yards on the Seattle Seahawks. This is obviously one of the leagues premier offenses, with Big Ben able to find the elite trio of wide receivers in Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant and Markus Wheaton.

But Ward doesn't seem to be concerned.

"They're hot because they haven't played us yet," Ward said, according to The Denver Post. "A lot of teams were hot before they played us."

Technically, Ward has a point. The Broncos boast their own elite trio of cornerbacks in Chris Harris Jr., Aqib Talib and Bradley Roby who are all excited for the chance to go up against the Steelers group. The Broncos are a group that hasn't allowed a 300 yard passer all season, nor have they given up 30 points to any opposing team.

In fact, the Broncos No Fly Zone has proven itself over and over again and if they do find a way to shut down the Steelers on Sunday, it would not be the first time a red hot team was put on ice by the Broncos defense this year.

The only problem I have with Ward's comments is that it has probably already become bulletin board material for the Steelers offense. Why give them any extra motivation? Especially when you might not even be on the field to back up your words.

This tough match-up may have just gotten a little tougher.