| Patrick Angello. 20th January, 2006 - 7:49 pm
 I know, as Bronco fans we should be thanking the Steelers for knocking off the dreaded Colts and giving us a home game for the AFC Championship. I say we thank them by beating them like a rental car in Hawaii.
The problem is, how to go about it? Both teams “shocked” their opponents last week by throwing the ball – a lot! Ben Roethlisberger was like 6-7 on the first drive as Pittsburgh marched down the field with ease. But both teams are (primarily) running teams. Will this formula work again? Who has the edge? Can Pittsburgh actually win 3 tough road games in the playoffs?
To answer that first question, no. Both teams need to run the ball, and both teams will. Either way, Denver has the advantage. Both their offensive line and running back tandem are hands-down better than Pittsburgh’s. Also, if the teams start throwing the ball, look for Roethlisberger to have difficulty adjusting to the speed of Denver’s DBs and throw a few picks. Both teams will blitz like crazy, but Jake can move, unlike Manning. Besides, Jake has been very careful in his decision making this season, and there’s no way he blows it now.
The overall edge has to go to Denver for a couple reasons. The Broncos are at home, and had a bye week. Any rust they may have was already worked through last week. The noise in Denver will be incredible (finally) and the crowd will not go away, unlike the Colts fans. Denver is also not about to take Pittsburgh lightly. We know what needs to be done, and there is no way Mike Shanahan will field an unprepared team for a game this big at home.
Finally, asking the Steelers to beat the #3, #1, and #2 teams on the road in back-to-back-to-back weeks is asking a TON. I know they are tough and they like to talk, but Denver is tough as well. The Colts are soft and the Bengals were all talk. And one injury will not completely deplete the Broncos, unlike the Bengals. Denver will pick up the blitz packages and manage to move the ball. Is there a better kicker in the playoffs than Jason Elam?
Just like last week, I’ll be at my brother’s house – NOT wearing anything Broncos related (it’s bad luck). Hey, my attire could be the last edge we need!
I say 24-21 Broncos. Bring on the Panthers! |
