The Steelers have a tough task this week as the AFC West-leading Denver Broncos come to town but we have all the info you’ll need on the matchup.
The Steelers face their third-straight division-leading opponent this weekend with the Denver Broncos bringing their league-leading defense to Heinz Field. Ben Roethlisberger and company will try to keep their playoff hopes alive against a very tough squad in their final home game of the regular season.
Throughout the season Still Curtain will be taking you inside to get the dirt on the opposing team through the FanSided network. We’ll be interviewing the opposing teams’ site to get you the inside info on the opposition.
This week we have Tylor Walden, editor of Predominantly Orange, FanSided’s Denver Broncos-themed site. Taylor gives us the info on the quarterback situation in Denver along with a prediction for the game with score.
It has been announced that Brock Osweiler will be the starter for the Broncos but Peyton Manning will return to practice this week. Do Broncos fans want Manning back out on the field sooner rather than later?
It is quite an interesting situation because from what I have read and interacting with fans, it is nearly a 50-50 split. In my opinion, it is better to wait until he becomes fully healthy. Because of Osweiler’s success (3-1 as a starter) there is no need to rush Manning back so quickly.
It was mentioned that he was moving around well, so we could see him back on the field before the season begins. That then is when the real question will be answered.
I am a firm believer that “Whoever gives the team the best chance to win.” If Kubiak believes that Manning gives them the best chance to win when he returns, I am behind it. But I will be more interested on how Manning does in game action after missing time with the foot injury.
So, do Broncos fans want Manning back out on the field sooner rather than later? To get him prepared for the playoffs, I will say yes. But I am more for waiting for him to return until the coaches are 150% confident that he has fully healed.
The biggest matchup of the game is looking to be the Steelers receivers against the Broncos corners. How does Denver’s secondary matchup against all the offensive weapons the Steelers have?
I believe this is going to be a huge matchup. On the Pittsburgh side you have Antonio Brown, who is top three at his position. Then you have Martavis Bryant, who can bust out a big play whenever called upon. And Markus Wheaton is a solid play as well, so I am looking out for him as well.
For the Broncos, Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr. are arguably one of the best corner back tandems in the league. Pair that up with Bradley Roby in the nickel and the three are a solid unit. Darian Stewart at free safety has been quietly a solid player himself.
I think if T.J. Ward returns for this game, I would give the edge to the secondary of the Broncos. But Ward is dealing with a nagging ankle injury, so this practice will really determine how this unit does.
To answer your question, this could be a stalemate. The Steelers defense will make some plays and so will the Broncos secondary. Whichever unit makes the bigger plays will propel their team to victory.
What is the impression of the coaching job Gary Kubiak has done so far in his first year with the team?
For a team that has dealt with so much in regards to the offense, I have to give credit where it is due. Kubiak has really done a solid job to coach the team to a 10-3 record. Last week’s game against Oakland showed that Kubiak has a few more things to fix in his coaching.
The guy has had two different quarterbacks and an offensive line that has dealt with injuries and inconsistency. But the important part is that he is getting the job done for the most part. The hire of Wade Phillips has also helped his case because of how dangerous that defense has become.
While the offense has struggled for the most part this season, the defense has bailed them out. And for the most part of the season, Kubiak has done a good job of adjustments. The biggest adjustment going from Manning to Osweiler was the most impressive moment for me this season.
Dec 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) calls an audible in the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Who has to step up the most for the Broncos to pull out the win and clinch their playoff spot this Sunday?
Brock Osweiler without question. Seeing him in the final game of the season in 2014 and in the preseason the past two years has really boosted my confidence in him. And I knew he would be in good hands learning from Peyton Manning.
The biggest thing for him is to not hold on the ball for so long and to not make many mistakes. The last thing I need to see is for William Gay to be dancing in the end zone after getting a pick-six off of Osweiler.
In the grand scheme of things, I am hoping that Osweiler learned from the loss last week. And this could be a good week to do it. The Steelers rank 31st in pass defense, so while the Broncos signal caller does not need to pull off “Star Wars” numbers, if he can stick to what he did in his first three starts and find the open receiver, he will be okay.
This is going to be a true road test for Osweiler, but I have the confidence that he can do enough to lead the Broncos in a positive direction.
What is your prediction with score for the game?
This is perhaps one of the most challenging predictions I have had to do all season. The games between the Broncos and Steelers have always been a classic.
I believe it comes down to who has the final possession. The Broncos defense will keep the Broncos in the game, but can the offense rebound after going nearly two full games without a touchdown?
I think this game goes into overtime. And I am a firm believer in defense winning championships, so the Broncos will score a field goal and the Broncos defense forces a turnover on downs to win the game.
Final/OT: Broncos 27 Steelers 24
There you have it Steeler Nation, what would you have asked about the Broncos?
Check out Predominantly Orange for my answers to Tylor’s questions.
Here we go Steelers! Here we go!