The Denver Broncos look to recover from a poor performance in a 26-20 loss to the Seahawks in Seattle in Week 1, while the Steelers roll into the Mile High City coming off a defensively dominant 18-10 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. The Broncos offense, led by rookie Bo Nix, will face another difficult task in the Steelers’ defense, led by T.J. Watt and company.
Denver Broncos Overview
The Broncos have reasons for optimism despite their opening weekend loss. Bo Nix was not overwhelmed by the moment of his NFL debut. He made his share of mistakes that he’ll need to clean up, but he also put the Broncos in a position to win with a touchdown run near the end of the game. If it weren’t for an incredible one-handed catch by Tyler Lockett giving the Seahawks a first down, the Denver Broncos would have had the ball back with a chance to score the go-ahead touchdown. The defense also showed promise, forcing two safeties. And Jonathan Cooper recorded two sacks.
The Broncos’ defense was in the Steelers’ backfield often and produced solid pressure on Seattle quarterback Geno Smith all afternoon. Defensive linemen Zach Allen, D.J. Jones, and John Franklin-Myers must continue to impact the game. OLBs Jonathon Cooper and Baron Browning must continue to create pressure and put either starting QB Russell Wilson or Justin Fields into difficult situations to allow Patrick Surtain and the other DBs to make plays.
Pittsburgh Steelers Overview
The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off an impressive defensive performance led by all-world DL T. J. Watt (four total tackles, two solo tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, and one forced fumble). The Steelers’ defense is a more solid group than the Seahawks, and the Denver Broncos will face another stiff task in keeping Bo Nix upright and out of trouble. Quarterback Justin Fields did not have a good day against the Falcons. It is unclear whether Justin Fields or former Bronco Russell Wilson will start on Sunday as Wilson is struggling with a calf injury, and Pittsburgh’s head coach Mike Tomlin would not commit to either quarterback in a press conference on Tuesday.
Pittsburgh will rely on a strong ground game, spearheaded by RB Najee Harris, who carried the ball 20 times last week for a 3.5-yard average. He will look to take advantage of a Denver Defense that gave up over 100 yards last week to Seattle’s Kenneth Walker III. Look for Pittsburgh to put either Fields or Wilson on the move and pound Harris between the tackles.
It will be interesting to see who the Steelers trot out to start the game at Quarterback. If Russell Wilson starts, it will be his first return to Empower Field at Mile High since the Broncos released him last year, despite still paying him over $37 million to play elsewhere.
Conclusion
This is a game that will be won and lost in the trenches. Do not look for either quarterback to have a big game through the air. The impact from both quarterbacks will depend on their ability to extend plays and keep defenses honest with their scrambling.
The fascinating element swirling around Denver’s front range is whether Russ will play. If he does, expect a Denver Broncos fan base desperate for a winning team to make things uncomfortable for Wilson and the Steelers.
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