Pittsburgh Steelers Game Day Preview: Denver Broncos
Welcome to the most comprehensive Pittsburgh Steelers Game Day Preview on the internet! This is your one stop shop for everything you need to know about the Steelers and their upcoming opponent!
Mike Drakulich of Pittsburgh SportsNation brings you inside the huddle for both teams, providing all fans with a Game Preview, the Steeler’s Keys to Victory, Score Prediction, a detailed breakdown of each team, Fantasy Football Impact, Game Information, Individual Stats, Team Stats, and the latest Injury Report.
Heck, you even get the weather at kickoff. The only thing you’re missing is a game uniform!
Steelers look to keep road dominance going at Denver
Ben Roethlisberger is normally pretty reserved no matter who the upcoming opponent is.
Playing against Denver, however, has special meaning, especially with Broncos CEO and Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway watching.
“That’s why I wear 7, because of him,” Roethlisberger said Wednesday morning. “He was a hero of mine growing up. Anytime you get in the record books, it’s humbling and it means a lot. When your name is close to his and then you get to pass him, it’s just an honor.”
Roethlisberger has had great and not so great memories while playing at Mile High Stadium.
Big Ben lead the Steelers to Super Bowl XL with a terrific performance in the 2005 AFC Championship Game. He threw for 275 yards, two touchdowns, and scored on a late run to boot.
The last time the two teams met in the playoffs, the Steelers were leading in the 4th quarter and were going for more until Fitzgerald Toussaint fumbled. Denver came back to stun the Steelers and went on to win the Super Bowl.
“That’s a special place because of the history, because of [Elway],” Roethlisberger said. “We’ve had some history there, as well. Anytime you go into a place that’s had a legendary type quarterback that I grew up watching, it is kind of special.”
Roethlisberger modeled his game after his idol, which has turned out pretty well for the two time Super Bowl winning quarterback.
“I joke he could throw a ball through a car wash, and it wouldn’t get wet,” Roethlisberger said. “He had such a big arm. He wasn’t really a runner, but would run. That’s kind of been my game. I’m not a running quarterback, but you’re not afraid to run and get the yards when you need to. Those kinds of things I molded my game after him. I wish my arm was as strong as his, though.”
Now Big Ben and his teammates would like to add to those fond memories, and defeating the Broncos Sunday would be a huge step closer to attaining those goals.
“This is a special group,” Steelers guard David DeCastro said of the 2018 Steelers. “We care about each other. It’s as simple as that. Yeah, there’s money involved. Yeah, it’s a business. But at the end of the day, you try to put that aside and don’t let the guy next to you down. That’s always the way I’ve looked at football. I was lucky enough to get drafted here. I’m thankful for it …
“That’s what life is about, right? Making memories.”
The Steelers are coming off a breathtaking comeback against Jacksonville, whom they trailed by 10 points late in the game, only to stun the Jaguars 20-16 on a last second touchdown run by Roethlisberger.
“A lot of football left,” Ben Roethlisberger cautioned Tuesday.
Indeed there is, as Denver starts a pretty tough stretch of opponents the Steelers will face to end the season.
The Steelers weren’t at their best at Jacksonville, but somehow they stuck together and found a way to win. That is a mark of a championship caliber team.
“Everyone cares a lot about each other – even when things aren’t going well,” DeCastro said. “There were a lot of bumps in this game, here-we-go-again-type feelings. ‘We can’t score points. We’re sloppy. We can’t convert third downs.’ It seemed like everyone took their turn making mistakes …
“It’s easy to point fingers and give up and make excuses. The fact that everyone stuck with it says a lot. The defense gave us a chance. It came down to the last drive and we won. It was awesome.”
The grind continues vs the Broncos.
“If your good is enough to win on a lot of days and your great can win every time, that’s a pretty special team,” said DeCastro. “If we can keep doing it, it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
Steelers Keys To Victory
Offense
- Open some holes for James Conner.
- Get some passes across the middle to Vance McDonald, and or James Washington. Open up the outside for Antonio Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster.
- Utilize the deep ball.
Defense
- Make life for Case Keenum miserable. Set T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree loose.
- Stop Phillip Lindsay. Force Keenum to beat you.
Prediction
The Broncos have had some tough games. They have already played Kansas City twice, the LA Rams, and Houston. They played all of those teams tough, but in the end, the better team won.
Denver has been a House of Horrors for Pittsburgh since the start of this series back in 1950. They are only 3-8-1 lifetime in Denver.
This current Steelers team doesn’t really care what the numbers say. They simply show up and play to the best of their abilities. So far, so good in 2018 as Pittsburgh is living up the preseason expectations of being a Super Bowl favorite.
The Steelers can beat you via their running game or on the back of Ben Roethlisberger. The defense has grown into one of the better units in the NFL. They’ve held opponents to an average of just 18 points during their six game winning streak.
This is an important game for Pittsburgh if they continue to have aspirations of securing a 1st Round bye in the playoffs. Pittsburgh is 16-1-1 in their past 18 road games, and unless the Steleers offense implodes this week, that record will grow to 17-1-1 around 7:30 pm Sunday night.
Steelers 27 – Broncos 16
Game Information
- NFL Week 12 Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos
- Venue: Mile High Stadium, Denver CO.
- Kickoff: Sunday, November 25th, at 4:25 pm
- Game Tickets Link
- TV: CBS (locally KDKA-TV, channel 2) | Announcers: Jim Nantz (play-by-play) Tony Romo (analyst) | Tracy Wolfson (sideline)
- Local Radio: Pittsburgh- 102.5 WDVE-FM/970 WBGG-AM | Announcers: Bill Hillgrove (play-by-play) Tunch Ilkin (analyst) | Craig Wolfley (sideline)
- National Radio: ESPN | Announcers: Jason Benetti (play-by-play) | Kelly Stouffer (analyst)
- Weather at Kickoff: 44 and sunny! Winds SSE 5-10 mph.
- Vegas Line: Pittsburgh -3
Fantasy Football Focus
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Start: QB Ben Roethlisberger, RB James Conner, WR Antonio Brown, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, Steelers Defense
- Sleeper: TE Vance McDonald
- Sit: TE Jesse James
Denver Broncos
- Start: WR Emmanuel Sanders
- Sleeper: RB Phillip Lindsay
- Sit: QB Case Keenum, Denver Defense
Steelers-Broncos History
- Series History: Series began in 1970
- The Steelers are 8-14-1 in the overall Regular Season series against the Broncos.
- Steelers are 5-6 at home vs the Broncos.
- Steelers are 3-8-1 on road vs the Broncos.
- Streak: Steelers won previous meeting.
- Last Regular Season Meeting: Dec. 20, 2015, in Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh 34, Denver 27)
- Steelers are 3-5 in the Post-Season vs the Broncos.
- Last Post-Season Meeting: Jan. 17, 2016, at Denver (Denver 23, Pittsburgh 16) – AFC Divisional Playoff
Game Notes
- Denver WR Emmanuel Sanders was drafted by Pittsburgh in the third-round of the 2010 NFL Draft, and played with the Steelers for four seasons (2010-13).
- Pittsburgh looks to extend its current winning streak to seven on Sunday, and improve to 16-1-1 in their last 18 road games.
- Ben Roethlisberger needs 298 passing yards to reach 3,500-passing yards in 2018 and for the ninth season in his NFL career, and sixth consecutive, dating back to 2013.
- Roethlisberger is one 300-yard passing game from notching 60 such games in his regular-season NFL career.
- Antonio Brown needs five touchdown catches to reach 75 in his NFL career and with the Steelers.
- Brown, with 100 catches in 2018, will become the first player in NFL history to record 100 or more receptions in six consecutive years.
- JuJu Smith-Schuster is one touchdown receptions shy of 10 in his NFL career.
- T.J. Watt needs three sacks to reach 20.0 in his NFL career.
- Cam Heyward is 1.5 sacks from becoming tying Aaron Smith (44.0) for the second-most by a Steelers defensive lineman since sacks became an official statistic in 1982 (Keith Willis: 59.0).
A look at the Pittsburgh Steelers!
- Overall Record: 7-2-1
- Head Coach: Mike Tomlin (12th Season with Steelers)
- Overall Regular Season Record: 123-62-1 (.664)
- Playoff Record: 8-7 (Qualified for playoffs 8 times)
- 2018 Pittsburgh Steelers Roster
- Steelers Team Statistics, including Defensive Stats
- Last Game: Pittsburgh 20 Jacksonville 16
Scouting the Steelers
Quarterback
Ben Roethlisberger has been on fire during the Steeler’s winning steak. Big Ben’s big arm, along with his uncanny ability to slip out of the pocket and extend plays makes him one one of the league’s best.
Running Backs
Le’Veon Bell who? James Conner has shown he more than capable of shouldering a starters share of carries. He has slimmed down and has added speed and quickness to an already powerful running style. Conner has become a dual threat and is one of the best RB’s in the NFL. Jaylen Samuels is an H-Back type of player that can line up all over the field. He is especially dangerous catching passes out of the backfield. Steven Ridley is a capable runner that can be counted upon on an as needed basis.
Wide Receivers
What more can you say about Antonio Brown? He is the league’s best wide receiver. His dedication and drive to be the best is unmatched by any player in the league. JuJu Smith-Schuster heads into his 2nd season and has picked up where he left off. Speaking of rookies, James Washington was a Camp favorite of Roethlisberger, and could quickly establish himself as a dangerous weapon in the slot as the 3rd receiver. Justin Hunter is a nice deep threat. Darrius Heyward-Bey is mainly used on special teams. Ryan Switzer has been good in the return game, but has also established himself as a reliable target for Roethlisberger out of the slot..
Tight Ends
Jesse James is reliable as ever. Vance McDonald is making a big impact in his 2nd year as a Steeler, often delivering punishing hits while being tackled . Xavier Grimble provides a big target for Roethlisberger in the Red Zone.
Defense
Up front, the Steelers deploy Cam Heyward and Stephon Tuitt as their defensive ends. In the middle, Javon Hargrave and Daniel McCullers will rotate. Tyson Alualu and Kameron Canaday will see time at defensive end as well. L.T. Walton can play all three spots.
The linebacker unit goes Bud Dupree and T.J. Watt on the outside, with Vince Williams and Jon Bostic in the middle. Anthony Chickillo and Matthew Thomas back-up Dupree and Watt, while L.J. Fort and Tyler Matakevich are reserves in the middle.
In the secondary, Artie Burns and Joe Haden are the starters at cornerback. Backing them up will be Brian Allen, Mike Hilton, Cameron Sutton, and Coty Sensabaugh. Rookie Terrell Edmunds starts at strong safety, with Morgan Burnett backing him up and seeing plenty of action in nickle and dime formations. Sean Davis is the starter yet again at free safety, with Jordan Dangerfield and Marcus Allen as reserves.
Stats
Quarterback
- Ben Roethlisberger (3,202 yards passing | 23 TD passes | 10 interceptions | 14 sacks | 76 yards rushing | 3 TD’s)
Running Backs
- James Conner (796 yards rushing | 10 rushing TD’s | 45 receptions | 411 yards receiving | 1 receiving TD’s)
- Stevan Ridley (56 yards rushing | 0 rushing TD’s | 3 receptions | 18 yards receiving | 0 receiving TD’s)
- Jaylen Samuels (26 yards rushing | 0 rushing TD’s | 3 receptions | 22 yards receiving | 1 receiving TD’s)
- Roosevelt Nix (0 yards rushing | 0 rushing TD’s | 3 receptions | 36 yards receiving | 0 receiving TD’s)
Wide Receivers
- Juju Smith-Schuster (64 receptions | 866 receiving yards | 3 receiving TD’s)
- Antonio Brown (62 receptions | 807 receiving yards | 11 receiving TD’s)
- Ryan Switzer (21 receptions | 147 receiving yards | 1 receiving TD’s)
- James Washington (8 receptions | 77 receiving yards | 1 receiving TD’s)
- Justin Hunter (3 receptions | 21 receiving yards | 0 receiving TD’s)
- Darrius Heyward-Bey (1 receptions | 9 receiving yards | 0 receiving TD’s)
Tight Ends
- Vance McDonald (33 receptions | 417 receiving yards | 1 receiving TD’s)
- Jesse James (22 receptions | 344 receiving yards | 1 receiving TD’s)
- Xavier Grimble (4 receptions | 47 receiving yards | 0 receiving TD’s)
Kicker
- Chris Boswell (Extra Point: 31-35 | FG: 8-11 | 0-19: 0-0 | 20-29: 3-3 | 30-39: 3-3 | 40-49: 1-4 | 50+: 1-1 | Long: 50)
*Injured
A look at the Denver Broncos!
- Overall Record: 4-6
- Head Coach: Vance Joseph (2nd Season with Broncos)
- Overall Regular Season Record: 9-17 (.346) | 9-17 (.346) with Broncos
- Playoff Record: 0-0 (Qualified for playoffs 0 times)
- 2018 Denver Broncos Roster
- Denver Team Statistics, including Defensive Stats
- Last Week: Denver 23 LA Chargers 22
Scouting the Broncos
Quarterback
Case Keenum isn’t playing anywhere near as good as he did last season in Minnesota. He has just 11 touchdowns to go with 2,605 yards passing. he has been intercepted 10 times and sacked 24 times.
Running Backs
Phillip Lindsay has taken over the lead back role for Denver. Royce Freeman has also passed Devontae Booker on the depth chart. Lindsay has 670 yards rushing and five rushing scores.
Wide Receivers
Emmanuel Sanders is the Broncos leader with 60 receptions, 763 receiving yards, and three touchdowns. With Demaryius Thomas now in Houston Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick are left to pick up the slack. Sutton’s upside is pretty big and should have a great career going forward.
Tight End
The Broncos have a trio of tight ends led by Jeff Heuerman. Matt LaCosse and Jake Butt are also options for Case Keenum.
Defense
This isn’t your typical Denver defense. The Broncos defense allows 23.5 PPG and give up 375.5 yards per game. Pittsburgh matches up well against both their run and pass defense.
Stats
Quarterback
- Case Keenum (2,605 yards passing | 11 TD passes | 10 interceptions | 24 sacks | 35 yards rushing | 1 TD’s)
Running Backs
- Phillip Lindsay (670 yards rushing | 5 rushing TD’s | 24 receptions | 187 yards receiving | 1 receiving TD’s)
- Royce Freeman (332 yards rushing | 5 rushing TD’s | 5 receptions | 28 yards receiving | 0 receiving TD’s)
- Devontae Booker (144 yards rushing | 1 rushing TD’s | 23 receptions | 162 yards receiving | 0 receiving TD’s)
Wide Receivers
- Emmanuel Sanders (60 receptions | 763 receiving yards | 3 receiving TD’s)
- #Demaryius Thomas (36 receptions | 402 receiving yards | 3 receiving TD’s)
- Courtland Sutton (23 receptions | 459 receiving yards | 2 receiving TD’s)
- Tim Patrick (4 receptions |73 receiving yards | 1 receiving TD’s)
Tight End
- Jeff Heuerman (29 receptions | 237 receiving yards | 2 receiving TD’s)
- Matt LaCosse (11 receptions | 137 receiving yards | 1 receiving TD’s)
- Jake Butt (8 receptions | 85 receiving yards | 0 receiving TD’s)
Kicking
- Brandon McManus (Extra Point: 24-24 | FG: 14-17 | 0-19: 0-0 | 20-29: 2-2 | 30-39: 6-6 | 40-49: 4-4 | 50+: 2-5 | Long: 53)
*Injured
#Traded
Steelers – Broncos: Offense vs Defense Match-Up
- Steelers Offense: Steelers average 419.8 YPG | Broncos defense allows 375.5 YPG
- Rushing: Steelers average 97.7 YPG | Broncos defense allows 127.9 YPG
- Passing: Steelers average 322.1 YPG | Broncos defense allows 247.6 YPG
- Scoring: Steelers average 29.9 PPG | Broncos defense allows 23.5 PPG
- Steelers Defense: Steelers allow 326.8 YPG | Broncos offense averages 389.3 YPG
- Rushing: Steelers allow 99.6 YPG | Broncos offense averages 124.8 YPG
- Passing: Steelers allow 227.2 YPG | Broncos offense averages 264.5 YPG
- Scoring: Steelers allow 22.5 PPG | Broncos offense averages 22.8 PPG
Defensive Stats
- Pittsburgh– Sacks: 37 | Interceptions: 6 | Fumbles: 8
- Denver– Sacks: 31 | Interceptions: 10 | Fumbles: 7
Injury Report (11/23/2018)
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Out: OT Marcus Gilbert (Knee), DE Stephon Tuitt (Elbow)
- Doubtful: N/A
- Questionable: Matt Feiler (Pectoral)
Denver Broncos
- Out: ILB Brandon Marshall (Knee), S Dymonte Thomas (Ankle)
- Doubtful:
- Questionable: CB Bradley Roby
NFL Standings
Pittsburgh Steelers 2018 Schedule
Preseason (3-1)
Thursday, Aug. 9 @ Philadelphia W, 31-14 (KDKA)
Thursday, Aug. 16 @ Green Bay L, 51-34 (KDKA)
Saturday, Aug. 25 TENNESSEE W, 16-6 (KDKA/NFL Network)
Thursday, Aug. 30 CAROLINA W, 39-24 (KDKA)
Regular Season (7-2-1)
Sunday, Sept. 9 @ Cleveland 1 p.m. | TIE- 21-21
Sunday, Sept. 16 KANSAS CITY 1 p.m. | L- 42-37
Monday, Sept. 24 @ Tampa Bay 8:15 p.m. | W- 30-27
Sunday, Sept. 30 BALTIMORE 8:20 p.m. | L- 26-14
Sunday, Oct. 7 ATLANTA* 1 p.m. | W- 41-17
Sunday, Oct. 14 @ Cincinnati* | W- 28-21
Sunday, Oct. 21 BYE WEEK
Sunday, Oct. 28 CLEVELAND* | W- 33-18
Sunday, Nov. 4 @ Baltimore* | W- 23-16
Thursday, Nov. 8 CAROLINA | W- 52-21
Sunday, Nov. 18 @ Jacksonville | W- 20-16
Sunday, Nov. 25 @ Denver* 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Dec. 2 LOS ANGELES CHARGERS* 8:20 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Dec. 9 @ Oakland* 4:25 p.m. (NBC)
Sunday, Dec. 16 NEW ENGLAND* 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
Monday, Dec. 23 @ New Orleans* 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Dec. 30 CINCINNATI* 1 p.m. (CBS)
* – Times may change due to flexible scheduling
Postseason
Sat.-Sun., Jan. 5-6 Wild Card Weekend
Sat.-Sun., Jan. 12-13 Divisional Playoff Games
Sunday, Jan. 20 Conference Championships
Sunday, Jan. 27 Pro Bowl (Orlando, Fla.)
Sunday, Feb. 3 Super Bowl LIII (Atlanta, Ga.)
