Despite a sluggish offense, the Denver Broncos were able to advance to the American Football
Conference (AFC) Championship game by defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers, 23-16 on Jan. 17.
Kicker Brandon McManus was a perfect five-for-five on his field goal attempts and C.J. Anderson punched in a one-yard run for the Broncos’ only touchdown in the victory over the Steelers.
The two biggest storylines of this game revolved around the quarterbacks. Would Peyton Manning perform above his prior performances this season? Would big Ben Roethlisberger be healthy enough to sling the ball around the field?
Manning looked comfortable during the matchup and was able to avoid turning the ball over. He did just enough to squeak by Pittsburgh, as his six yards per pass attempt didn’t scream effectiveness.
Roethlisberger quelled any shoulder concerns by slinging a deep bomb down the sideline on the Steelers’ first play from scrimmage. His 9.2 yards per attempt were impressive, but like Manning, finished without scoring a touchdown.
Despite only trailing 9-10 at halftime, Denver headed to the locker room to several jeers as their offense had sputtered too many times deep in enemy territory.
This trend continued into the fourth quarter, where the Broncos were still losing by a score of 13-12.
With the Steelers mounting a strong drive into Denver territory, Pittsburgh’s third string running back, Fitzgerald Toussaint, carried the ball for what would have been another first down, but Broncos corner back, Bradley Roby, punched the ball out.
Broncos linebacker DeMarcus Ware pounced on the ball and new life was breathed into Sports Authority Field.
Manning would convert an ensuing third and 12 with a 31 yard pass to young receiver Bennie Fowler.
A few plays later, C.J. Anderson punched the ball into the end zone from the one yard line and the Broncos were suddenly in control of the game for the first time, with only three minutes left.
A two-point conversion solidified their 20-13 lead.
After a strong defensive stand, the Broncos were able to force a turnover on downs only one minute later. Denver was able to kick a field goal and ensure a visit from Tom Brady and the Patriots next weekend.
It was an odd game for the Broncos, as the defense’s soft coverage and the offense’s inconsistent running plays and drops nearly allowed the game to slip away.
However, it was once again the defense’s big play ability to turn the momentum of the game in Denver’s favor.
The Broncos will play the New England Patriots in Denver on Jan. 24 at 1:05 p.m. for the chance to advance to the Super Bowl.
Denver will need better run blocking from the offensive line next week, but New England boasts a league-leading rush defense.
Dropped passes were once again a problem for the Broncos, but that timing issue may be resolved by receivers becoming more accustomed to Manning’s velocity versus Osweiler’s.
It seems that New England is the more well-rounded team heading into next weekend, but anything can happen in the playoffs.
It is very likely that the final Brady vs. Manning Bowl will carry the largest implications as Brady guns for another Super Bowl and Manning attempts to preserve his professional legacy.
