Welcome to the playoffs, Broncos fans! Despite some possible euphoria that this rematch against the Steelers is going to include a Steelers' quarterback and wide receiver duo that is far less than 100 percent, our ultimate fan knows not to be fooled because our beloved Broncos never make it easy.
However, as Denver Man points out, the magic of Mile High must not be underestimated, nor the kicking and screaming mentality that has truly come to define this 2015-16 Broncos team. Both of those will only pay dividends when it comes to these playoffs (plus, perhaps just a little incentive to make Cody Wallace understand how tough this defense really is).
But mostly, this ultimate fan, like the rest of us, is looking forward to a game where a relatively healthy Broncos team proves what all of us have known since August - this team really could go all the way.
In 12 all-time meetings, we've #BeatTheSteelers eight times https://t.co/kPESHKnkAc pic.twitter.com/uhcvlRAaJg
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 15, 2016
Denver vs. Pittsburgh - Divisional Playoffs
MHR - When the Steelers come to Denver, it will be their fourth road game in four weeks, they'll be playing at altitude, and their two biggest offensive weapons got hammered last weekend. Is this the best-case scenario for Broncos taking on Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers again?
Denver Man: Honestly, I expect the Broncos to win when they play at home regardless of the opponent. It is difficult to answer this question definitively without knowing for certain the status of Roethlisberger, Brown and Williams. Even if all three end up playing, one thing is for certain - they will not be 100 percent, so yes, I agree that Denver may be catching them at a good time. Personally I wasn't ready to see Denver play KC (yet); I think Denver matches up better against Pittsburgh.
MHR - Of all the possible defenses from playoff teams, the Steelers' secondary was among the weakest. How confident are you about our offense matching up with this Steelers' entire defense?
Denver Man: We already saw in the first half of week 15 that Denver wide receivers match up well against Pittsburgh's secondary. In addition, with Pittsburgh having the third-worst pass defense, I suspect Peyton and the receivers are licking their chops. However the matchup I worry about a little is Denver's run game. Pittsburgh has the sixth-best rush defense in the league. Denver did not run well the last time they played the Steelers and that statistic must change this time around.
MHR - There was a lot of discussion about the decision to go with Peyton Manning over Brock Osweiler for the playoffs. Given that we are playing the Steelers - who effectively shut down Oz in the second half of the regular season matchup - does this make even more sense now?
Denver Man: In my opinion, it makes sense to start Peyton no matter who the Broncos face in the playoffs. I try to steer clear of that debate because I support whomever the QB is, but that being said, I'm excited that Peyton is starting. The San Diego game reminded me that beyond his experience and despite age, declining physical abilities, etc, he brings a sense of calm to the offense and to the entire team. The team is going to need and benefit from that calming presence in the postseason.
"18 is a little more amped up, to be honest." READ https://t.co/EWDI8wi7Ur #BeatTheSteelers pic.twitter.com/BfDYR7Bfa3
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 15, 2016
MHR - What kind of offense - and offensive play calls - would you like to see from Gary Kubiak and Peyton Manning in this game?
Denver Man: Many on MHR have been saying this all season but once again it is very important to be balanced in this game. What I mean here is that they need to balance Peyton being under center with Peyton being in shotgun. Keep Pittsburgh guessing. As mentioned before, the running game must be very good. Pound them into submission in the 4th quarter when they are gasping for (thin) air. Finally, make timely adjustments when necessary - like sprinkling the no-huddle into the game plan, for example.
MHR - What offensive stat would you like to see be awesome for the Broncos in this game - and why is that one the most important this week?
Denver Man: Is there a stat for picking up the delayed blitzes the Steelers like to do? The running backs need to be very good in this area. Another reason I prefer Peyton right now - this ability of his to read defenses and those blitzes. Or, to make it easy, I could have just said, NO turnovers! The Wild Card games showed how costly turnovers are. My point is that it is harder to recover from turnovers in the playoffs.
MHR - Which player do you expect to stand out from the Broncos offense?
Denver Man: I would love to say Schofield here, but I'll have to dodge the tomatoes being thrown at me. Wouldn't it be great if he had the games of his life in the playoffs though? I expect Peyton to have his best game of the year.
MHR - Our No. 1 defense did not look so No. 1 against the Steelers at their place last month. What makes you confident this will not happen again?
Denver Man: What makes me at least more confident anyway is the fact that Denver will have the full No Fly Zone playing this time. Welcome back T.J. Ward and Darian Stewart!
MHR - Big Ben showed last weekend just how tough he is when he came back in after a shoulder injury to lead a comeback drive that was made possible by Bengals' personal fouls. Despite being banged up, how much of a threat is he to our defense?
Denver Man: If Ben is healthy, he is the second-best QB in the AFC. He is tough, and he knows how to win the big games. I must admit that when Pittsburgh was up 15-0 and it looked obvious they were headed to Denver, I was thinking "please someone at least lay a big (legal) hit on Ben so he is sore when he arrives here." I barely got the thought out of my head when BAM! Burfict sacks him. I can't possibly see Ben being his usual self this weekend with that injury.
MHR - I asked this last time the Steelers-Broncos met, but let's ask again - who is the bigger threat for our defense, Big Ben or Antonio Brown (assuming healthy)?
Denver Man: They are both incredible players but with it being playoff time I'm going with Ben for the reasons stated above.
MHR - What kind of defensive package/scheme would you like to see from Wade Phillips. How often do you blitz Big Ben (if at all), and should we go zone to mix up the man?
Denver Man: I prefer the defense to play aggressively, so I hope there are some barn-burning blitzes scripted up and used in timely situations. If he is injured, he will not be comfortable in the pocket. Ideally they would play man all game because it gives the defense so much flexibility. However they must make timely adjustments on defense too. If their wide receivers start making plays, I hope the Denver defense use zone as well to provide some double teams.
"OUR FIELD, OUR SHOW!" #Dominate @BossWard43 @darianstewart26 @Grindin_59 @BMarshh54 @DeMarcusWare @Millerlite40 https://t.co/wh9yKirvsc
— L.Lattimore-Volkmann (@docllv) January 16, 2016
MHR - What defensive stat would you like to see be awesome for the Broncos?
Denver Man: Rush yards allowed. Take away their rush attack and make them one-dimensional with a banged-up QB and WR.
MHR - Which player do you expect to stand out from the Broncos defense?
Denver Man: I expect Chris Harris to back up his talk and shut down his man on Sunday. I'm counting on him making his tackles and getting a huge INT. Pick 6? Yes please!
MHR - Last year in this divisional playoff game, Broncos were embarrassed by the Colts. Do you feel confident Kubiak and Phillips will have this team kicking and screaming no matter what happens on Sunday?
Denver Man: Yes, I am confident because we have witnessed kicking and screaming in every game this season, even the losses. Fox and Del Rio were too soft.
MHR - Do you think being humbled by that Steelers game a few weeks ago will help the Broncos stay focused this week on a solid game plan
Denver Man: I believe a team can always learn from losses. An Achilles Heel for Denver has always been overlooking teams at the worst time. I expect the loss a few weeks ago will have them highly motivated. Well, that, and Cody Wallace- LOL.
MHR - Speaking of Wallace, how likely is it the Broncos get any personal fouls for their play this weekend?
Denver Man: Something I want to say here - the refs will be watching everything around Wallace I bet. Play smart Broncos!
MHR - How big of a difference does Mile High make?
Denver Man: I would like to think it makes a huge difference. I love when it's late in the fourth quarter and they start playing the "propaganda" on the Jumbotron - flashing the elevation, showing people climbing snowy mountains, showing players sucking on oxygen just getting into the opposition heads that they are in a bad environment. Not to mention that it's loud in there! The whole place shakes.
MHR - What will you say to the first Terrible Towel-sporting Steelers fan that you see?
Denver Man: I really don't like confrontation or talking smack unless provoked - haha. I will probably say, "At least you won't get Tebow'ed this year!"
Predictions:
Stats for Manning? 300 yards 2 TD 0 INT
Number of yards rushing for the Broncos? 125 yards
Which receiver gets the most yards? Demaryius Thomas, 10 for 120 yards, 2TDs
Number of sacks to Manning? 2 self sacks
Number of sacks on Ben Roethlisberger? 4
Broncos player with the most sacks? Malik Jackson, Derek Wolfe, Von Miller, Shaquil Barrett each get one
Broncos player with the most tackles? Danny Trevathan
Number of penalties on the Broncos? Steelers? 4 penalties each team
Number of field goals/longest by McManus? 2 FGs, longest - 45 yards
Final Score? Denver 27, Pittsburgh 19
The Favorites
- Favorite Broncos game against the Steelers ever? I'm sure there is some awesome game from back in the day that I don't remember. But it's hard not to pick when the Steelers got Tebow'ed in the playoffs. What a night!
- Team you hate to lose to the most? Any team in the AFC West
- Team you love to beat the most? I actually really love beating the Steelers. They have the most obnoxious fans in the league, hands down.
- Team you hope wins the NE/KC game? Trick question! I would love to see NE one and done but to root for KC?? Ewww. Denver can take down either team, so I guess it doesn't matter.
- Favorite Broncos jersey combo? My favorite jersey is Elway but I also love my wife's Chris Harris, Jr. jersey. Plus we share the same last name with Chris!
- Favorite Broncos player on the current roster? A player we have been cheering for since day one - Chris Harris. He is an underrated, home-grown talent. He showed his team loyalty by signing a team-friendly contract.
- Favorite Broncos player of all time? To avoid racking my brain all night long, I will just say John Elway the greatest QB ever.
- Superstitions on game day? I don't know if it is superstition but if it's a home game, I make sure we get there early enough to secure my same parking spot. We head in 1 hour and 15 minutes before game time andwe always purchase a pre-game hamburger from the same vendor of course, the only thing worth eating in the stadium - LOL. (*editor's note: this most definitely qualifies as a superstition...Get.That.Parking.Spot!)
How did you become a Broncos fan?
I was born into a rabid Bronco family. My parents and 2 aunts/uncles purchased season tickets in 1960. Game day was a big event. My sister, cousins and I would be dropped off at grandmas while the parents went to the game. Every now and then I would be lucky enough to get to go. I took my parent's season tickets over in 1995 right before the Super Bowl runs. It's been a life-long commitment!