What an incredibly good game this was. The Denver Broncos survived a few injuries and bad plays in the first half to make the second half much more fun. The Pittsburgh Steelers played an outstanding game all-around. They made big plays when it mattered most, and that, as always, will win you games.
Steelers Setting the Tone
It was a first half to forget for the Broncos. As was a common theme among the early games, the Broncos faced the injury bug once again. This time a critical blow to the offense with Drew Lock being ruled out for the game with a shoulder injury after getting crunched to the ground by Bud Dupree. That play turned into a fumble recovered by the Steelers and later finished by a James Conner 2-yard touchdown run. The hits would keep coming as backup quarterback Jeff Driskel would face the same type of pressure for the rest of the game. Seemingly getting hit on every drop back.
For the Steelers, they looked excellent on both sides of the ball. The defense has made things near impossible for the Denver offense to do anything. The defensive line has taken advantage of an inexperienced and inferior offensive line. The secondary has been flying around, making plays all over the field. Offensively, Big Ben Roethlisberger was getting everything they wanted. Short throws and deep ones, including an 84-yard touchdown pass to rookie Chase Claypool midway through the second quarter. The score at half was 17-3.
The Broncos Bounce Back
The third quarter was all Broncos. They opened with an interception by Justin Simmons. They were able to take the ball inside the five before having to settle for a field goal. Later they’d get their first touchdown of the game on a 20-yard touchdown pass to Noah Fant. The Broncos 11 point third quarter would bring their deficit within three 17-14.
Steelers Answer
The Steelers would answer early in the fourth quarter on a 28-yard touchdown pass to Diontae Johnson. After a forced safety by Pittsburgh, a Benny Snell Jr. fumble gave the Broncos good field position. Denver took advantage of it with a 16-yard touchdown toss to Melvin Gordon on a perfect throw by Driskel. Despite a good sustained drive, the Broncos turned it over on downs, and that all but ended the game. The final score: 26-21. Pittsburgh closes out the home win.
Highlights
OUR BALL!!!@bud_dupree forces it out, @MikeHilton_28 picks it up!#DENvsPIT on CBS pic.twitter.com/4vmCJFOrnz
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 20, 2020
84. Yards. To. The. House.@_BigBen7 | @ChaseClaypool
📺 #DENvsPIT on CBS pic.twitter.com/joAKC0p7cz
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 20, 2020
💪 NOAH. FANT. 💪#DENvsPIT | 📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/OVnr0ehTaK
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 20, 2020
No quit in this squad.@Melvingordon25 | 📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/ziOb12ALi7
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 20, 2020
For the Broncos, they’ll look to get a strike in the W column next week in a home game against old man Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While that will likely be a good game as Denver is the only team Brady has a losing record against, the Broncos need to get some guys back. Lock’s status will be unknown until later in the week. Courtland Sutton is still up and down in his availability. Maybe Phillip Lindsay returns from his turf toe injury.
Now 2-0, Pittsburgh will stay in Pittsburgh and take on a very tough Houston Texans squad. If the defense can continue to dominate and the offense does their thing, this could be a fun game where either team could win it.
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Main Credit Image: Embed from Getty Images
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