On the rise: Steelers beat Broncos 28-10

Let me preface this post with the fact that I am still very tired from staying up late.  Therefore, silliness may take over…

Last night’s game was an amazing show of two very good defenses. The first half some might say was boring. Not me, but I did see some Ravens fans commenting on twitter that the game was boring.  (I refrained from reminding them that their game on Sunday was almost a shutout and was boring as could be for a full 60 minutes of football, but I digress)

Denver kicked off the game by driving down the field, throwing at Will Gay’s side the entire time. While they settled for a field goal, they had picked apart the defense and I have to admit, I was a little nervous.  But the rest of the game resulted in either an interception, including one run back for a TD by Ty Carter in the second quarter, or a punt.  Steeler Nation knows all about Mitch Berger.  Believe me, we’re happy Sepulveda is back and healthy.  Though, we would also like to see him less on the field and a lot more on the sidelines.

Ben came out, looked stiff and couldn’t get anything off on the Steelers first drive.  The Broncos secondary kept those boys locked up tight the entire first half. There was just no where to go with the ball on passing plays.  Luckily, Rashard had a great night rushing for 155 yards in all.  He’s really come in to his own and it’s so nice to see an effective running game.  Now if it could just be as effective running to the left as it is to the right.  It’s a little bit predictable.  And even John Gruden said it’s a play the Steelers have run for 40 years.  I don’t want to knock something that ain’t broke, but let’s add a little something to the mix maybe? Mark my words, soon, very very soon, Rashard is gonna break one and get straight to the house . Maybe this next Sunday.  That would be so pretty *dreams*.

During the second half, a Broncos fan had the nerve to tweet that Ben really isn’t that good after he threw a bad pass .  Look here Mr. Denver, only Steeler Nation can dog our QB.  And believe me, when he messes up, we’re the first on his back.  But to you, Mr. Broncos, that’s Mr. Roethlisberger, you know the QB with 2 rings in 5 years.  The QB who threw 21 out of 29 for 233 yards last night and who is one of the elite QBs in the League.  Yes, that QB, he sucks huh?  How many interceptions did Orton throw last night? Let me help you, the same number of TD’s Ben threw. How about that? (Answer: Three)

The second half was a much better offensive showing than the first.  Both Hines and Santonio found their groove and were able to wear down the Broncos secondary.  Hines had 7 catches for 44 yards and 2 TDs.  Santonio had 6 catches for 93 yards.  And Mike Wallace, who has clearly become a go to guy – and quick too – had 4 catches for 69 yards and 1 TD. Go Wallace.  Steeler Nation loves you.

Steelers defense is always good, but nothing fires up Steeler Nation more than big plays in big moments.  Ty Carter kicked that off in the 2nd quarter by picking off Orton for 6.  He also had another pick later in the game and Troy got a pick at an opportune time, in the 4th quarter with a little over 8 minutes remaining which is what led to the Wallace TD.

The thing about the game last night, the second half anyway, is that they played as a team.  Heath Miller was blocking on pass protection, the line was protecting Ben, the defense made big plays and big moments – and Deebo cracked the living daylights out of Buckwalter (these are moments when my inner linebacker lights up).  That is what Steelers smashmouth football is all about, if you didn’t know. This is what turn  Steeler Nation into a towel waving frenzy. Invesco field looked much like Heinz Field last night, didn’t it? I’m not sure who was louder, Broncos fans or the thousands of Steelers fans who infiltrated the stadium.  Steeler Nation travels well.

Now with that win behind us, and the Steelers finding their groove enough to shine like the 6-time champions we know they are, it’s time to focus on the Bengals and rightfully assume our spot at the top of the AFC North.

Go Steelers!!!