I will be rooting for the Broncos

[Amnorix]

Originally Posted by JD10367

I will also be rooting for the Broncos; as a Pats fan, I want Pitt out. And it may happen. The Steelers have been averaging 10 PPG with Ben recently and his numbers are bad, and now Mendenhall is gone. I wouldn't be surprised with another Tebow Miracle (i.e. a 15-13 Denver win).

I guess I wouldn't be totally shocked if Denver won, but I would definitely be surprised.

I'll also root for Denver. I'll take the Bengals over the Steelers as the Pats opponent in the divisional round.

[Mile High Mania]

Originally Posted by Amnorix

I guess I wouldn't be totally shocked if Denver won, but I would definitely be surprised.

Yeah, if there was a team for them to face in Denver this week... as odd as it sounds, the Steelers at this point are a good prospect for an upset win. Defensively, they're a beast and will create a ton of issues. Offensively, Ben is hobbled, Mendenhall is out... and Denver's defense has shown they can play at a high level.

So, it could be an ugly game, but I'm never really betting against Big Ben - the guy is a stud. If Denver wins, I'll be shocked - but I am hoping to be shocked. It's all I can do really.

Prior to their bye... PITT was giving up 20+ points a game, but since then (6 games) only 1 team has broken 9 points scored (49ers scored 20).

In the last 6 games, they've scored 13 @ KC ... 14 and 13 each vs the Browns - while blowing out CIN and STL and losing to the 49ers.

Offensively, I think it's a good matchup for Denver's defense and it will be all on Denver's defense to keep this low scoring.

Denver has to do what they've been doing in the ground game, but they have to pass more often early to keep them honest. It won't be easy and it's likely going to be frustratingly ugly for Denver fans.

[Chiefshrink]

Originally Posted by Mile High Mania

Yeah, if there was a team for them to face in Denver this week... as odd as it sounds, the Steelers at this point are a good prospect for an upset win. Defensively, they're a beast and will create a ton of issues. Offensively, Ben is hobbled, Mendenhall is out... and Denver's defense has shown they can play at a high level.

So, it could be an ugly game, but I'm never really betting against Big Ben - the guy is a stud. If Denver wins, I'll be shocked - but I am hoping to be shocked. It's all I can do really.

Prior to their bye... PITT was giving up 20+ points a game, but since then (6 games) only 1 team has broken 9 points scored (49ers scored 20).

In the last 6 games, they've scored 13 @ KC ... 14 and 13 each vs the Browns - while blowing out CIN and STL and losing to the 49ers.

Offensively, I think it's a good matchup for Denver's defense and it will be all on Denver's defense to keep this low scoring.

Denver has to do what they've been doing in the ground game, but they have to pass more often early to keep them honest. It won't be easy and it's likely going to be frustratingly ugly for Denver fans.

Respectfully disagree. Even with Mendy out the Steelers WRs will scorch your DB backfield. You look out how much better the Chiefs 2ndary is compared to Denver when the Chiefs defeated GB and shut out the Steelers WRs a month ago. No way Denver's 2ndary will shut down Ben, Mike,Antonio and Hines. Pitt's D will do what KC's D did to Tebow by stacking the box and playing man to man forcing Tebow to beat them with his arm with Troy waiting for those Tebow lollipop passes to come floating his way.

[Mile High Mania]

Originally Posted by tooge

I will be rooting for them to get raped repeatedly without lubrication. Then I will be rooting for them to stick with Teabag as their QBOTF, thus ensuring another few years of crap for them on offense. They will fire John Fox within the next three years, then have to start over under the incapable hands of once great player turned horrible and incompitant VP, John Elway. This IS how it will go down.

Originally Posted by sportsshrink

Respectfully disagree. Even with Mendy out the Steelers WRs will scorch your DB backfield. You look out how much better the Chiefs 2ndary is compared to Denver when the Chiefs defeated GB and shut out the Steelers WRs a month ago. No way Denver's 2ndary will shut down Ben, Mike,Antonio and Hines. Pitt's D will do what KC's D did to Tebow by stacking the box and playing man to man forcing Tebow to beat them with his arm with Troy waiting for those Tebow lollipop passes to come floating his way.

That's entirely possible... again, don't misread my comments as if I'm saying Denver can easily win this one. I think it will take their best effort of the year and will be more a factor of what Denver's defense can do more than anything.

Tebow needs to get his head right... he's not as confident during these last 3 games and it's certainly concerning. There were several missed opportunities in the KC game. Take this week to settle down and refocus... rely on what got them here - strong defensive play, strong ground game and making smarter decisions.

If they do stack 8 in the box all day, then they need to become a bit more clever with the short passing game. This is where they miss a capable and reliable TE... they need to come out with something a bit different this week. Don't get too cute, but be smart about it.

If the Steelers' offense starts rolling, then they're going to lose big ...