Take a trip back through Broncos history with photos from some of the Broncos' best games against the Steelers.
Broncos running back Bobby Anderson takes a second-quarter screen pass from quarterback Steve Ramsey to the Steelers 24-yard-line for a gain of 22 yards, setting up their second score, a field goal, in Pittsburgh on Sunday, Nov. 28, 1971. In on the tackle for the Steelers are Andy Russell (34), Mel Blount (47), and Ben McGee, on ground. (AP Photo/HC)
Defensive tackle Lyle Alzado rushes the Steelers quarterback during a game at Mile High Stadium.
Defensive end Barney Chavous rushes Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw during a game at Mile High Stadium.
Running back Otis Armstrong runs over some Pittsburgh Steeler tacklers in a Sept. 22, 1974 tie at Mile High Stadium.
Denver's Mile High Stadium, with the Colorado Rocky Mountains in background, Dec. 24, 1977 is packed with fan's prior to the AFC playoff game between the host Denver Broncos and the Pittsburgh Steelers. (AP Photo)
Denver Broncos running back Otis Armstrong (24) goes into end zone on one leg as he scores against Pittsburgh Steelers in Saturday's AFC Playoff Game in Denver on Dec. 24, 1977. Steelers safety Glen Edwards misses flying tackle. (AP Photo)
Denver Broncos running back Rob Lytle (41) dives into end zone to score in first quarter of Saturday's AFC Playoff Game against Pittsburgh Steelers at Mile High Stadium, Dec. 24, 1977 in Denver. Jim Allen (45) of Steelers lies on field after missing Lytle. (AP Photo)
Broncos running back Rob Lytle (41) is hoisted in jubilation by teammate Claudie Minor after Lytle scored against Pittsburgh Steelers in first quarter of AFC Playoff Game, Saturday, Dec. 24, 1977 in Denver. Linebacker Jack Ham of Steelers walks past the jubilation. (AP Photo)
Denver Broncos quarterback Craig Morton, left, pats stomach of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw after AFC Game, Saturday, Dec. 24, 1977 at Denver's Mile High Stadium. Morton and the Broncos beat the Steelers, 34-21, to win their first Playoff Game in their NFL history. (AP Photo)
Running back Sammy Winder scores a touchdown during a September 4, 1983 win (14-10) over the Steelers in Pittsburgh.
Steve Busick tackles a Steeler while Mike Harden closes in.
Barney Chavous rushes the Steelers' QB.
Running back Steve Sewell runs the ball during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Linebacker Karl Mecklenburg tackles a Steelers ball carrier during a January 7, 1990 playoff win (24-23) over Pittsburgh at Mile High Stadium.
Denver Broncos running back Melvin Bratton (32) dives over teammate Doug Widell (67) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive and Keith Willis (93) to score a second-quarter Broncos touchdown on Jan. 7, 1990 in Denver. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
John Elway scrambles out of the pocket against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
John Elway scrambles during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 21, 1993.
Running back Robert Delpino dives into the end zone during a November 21, 1993 win (37-13) against the Steelers.
John Elway hands the ball off during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 21, 1993.
John Elway speaks with Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Neil O'Donnell after the game on November 21,1993.
John Elway drops back to pass during the AFC Championship Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Terrell Davis begins the game with a long rush during the AFC Championship Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Gary Zimmerman blocks at the offensive line, guarding his quarterback.
Darrien Gordon deflects a pass from Yancey Thigpen and intercepts it in the end zone.
Rod Smith makes a reception and stretches for a first down to keep a third-quarter drive alive against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Jason Elam kicks what turns out to be the deciding field goal of the game in the Broncos' 24-21 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh on January 11, 1998.
Denver Broncos in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
John Elway celebrates with Tony Jones after their victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers for the AFC Championship against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium January 11, 1998.
Owner Pat Bowlen carries the AFC Championship trophy after the win against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Mike Shanahan holds up the AFC Championship trophy and says, "This is not the one we want." The Broncos beat the Steelers 24-21 at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Rod Smith rushes the ball on a reverse play against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 12, 2003.
Al Wilson at the line of scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 12, 2003.
Clinton Portis rushes the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 12, 2003.
Broncos defenders converge to stuff a Steelers ball carrier against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 12, 2003.
Broncos defenders converge to stuff a Steelers ball carrier against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 12, 2003.
Shannon Sharpe celebrates after his touchdown reception against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 12, 2003.
Mario Fatafehi celebrates after sacking Tommy Maddox against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 12, 2003.
Nick Ferguson forces a fumble on Jerome Bettis' carry against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 12, 2003.
Jason Elam celebrates his game-winning field goal as time expires against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 12, 2003.
Jason Elam is surrounded by his teammates after kicking a 47 yard game winning field goal against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 12, 2003.
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Joey Porter (55) chases Denver Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer (16) out of the pocket in the first quarter of football action at Pittsburgh, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Deshea Townsend (26) can't break up a first quarter touchdown pass from Denver Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer to Rod Smith (80) during their football game in Pittsburgh Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Hines Ward (86) collides with Denver Broncos' John Lynch, bottom left, and Al Wilson (56) and loses the ball on the goal line late in the fourth quarter of football action at Pittsburgh, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006. The ball was intercepted by Broncos' Curome Cox in the end zone. The Broncos beat the Steelers 31-20. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, far left, is dragged down by Denver Broncos defensive linemen Elvis Dumervil, front right, and Alvin McKinley, back right, as linebacker Nate Webster, far right, comes in to cover in the fourth quarter of the Broncos' 31-28 victory in an NFL football game in Denver on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark, right, reaches out to stop Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall from scoring a touchdown after catching a pass in the third quarter of the Broncos' 31-28 victory in an NFL football game in Denver on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007. Marshall's reception set up a touchdown pass to tight end Tony Scheffler. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Clark Haggans, back, pulls down Denver Broncos running back Travis Henry after a short gain during an NFL football game in Denver on Oct. 21, 2007. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Denver Broncos kicker Jason Elam (1) watches with Pittsburgh Steelers special teams players Ike Taylor, second from left, and Troy Polamalu, fourth from left, and Broncos special teams player Chad Mustard, left, as Elam's kick sails through the uprights for the winning score in the fourth quarter of the Broncos' 31-28 victory in an NFL football game in Denver on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Von Miller and Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger chase down a fumble during fourth-quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
Willis McGahee rushes the ball during third-quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
Denver Bronco Matt Willis (12) and Pittsburgh Steeler Troy Polamalu (43) battle for a pass in second quarter of the AFC Wild Card playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
Tim Tebow scrambles for 10 yards during fourth-quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
Champ Bailey (24) breaks up a pass to against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. (Photo by Gabriel Christus/ The Denver Broncos)
Robert Ayers celebrates a sack during second-quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
Demaryius Thomas (88) scores the game-winning touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. (Photo by Gabriel Christus/ The Denver Broncos)
Demaryius Thomas escapes from Ike Taylor and the Steelers defense for a touchdown to win the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
David Bruton jumps into the stands after the win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) passes the ball during first quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on September 9, 2012.
Von Miller sacks QB Ben Roethlisberger in fourth-quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Von Miller reacts after sacking QB Ben Roethlisberger in fourth-quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Demaryius Thomas scores a touchdown in third-quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Tracy Porter deflects a pass in the second-quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Jacob Tamme #84 scores a touchdown in fourth-quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Chris Harris Jr. sacks Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger in third-quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Peyton Manning greets QB Ben Roethlisberger after the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Bennie Fowler (16) carries the ball for a first down during fourth quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Divisional Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 17, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware (94) recovers a fumble during fourth quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Divisional Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, January 17, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) talks with Pittsburg Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin before action in the AFC Divisional Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, January 17, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) carries the ball during fourth quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Divisional Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, January 17, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) waits for the snap during first quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Divisional Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 17, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware (94) sacks Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during fourth quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Divisional Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 17, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos placekicker Brandon McManus (8) kicks a 45 yard field goal during fourth quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Divisional Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, January 17, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos defensive back Darian Stewart (26) grabs Pittsburgh Steelers running back Fitzgerald Toussaint (33) during first quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Divisional Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 17, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) pushes off Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ross Cockrell (31) on a first down reception on Denver's 4th quarter scoring drive against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL AFC Divisional playoff game at Denver, Colo. January 17, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) spikes the ball after scoring a two-point conversion during fourth quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Divisional Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 17, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib (21) reacts after breaking up a pass during third quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Divisional Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 17, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) catches a pass during third quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, November 25, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (25) reacts after an interception during third quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, November 25, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay (30) reacts after a touchdown during fourth quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, November 25, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos nose tackle Shelby Harris (96) intercepts the ball at the end of the game during fourth quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, November 25, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
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As the Broncos approach the season, we're chatting with reporters who cover each of the team's opponents. We continue with Missi Matthews, a team reporter for Steelers.com
For a look at all angles of the Broncos' Week 2 matchup, click here.
Aric DiLalla: What is Ben Roethlisberger's status as he recovers from a season-ending elbow injury, and what's the team's outlook for him for the season?
Missi Matthews: "Everybody from our team president, Art Rooney II; our general manager, Kevin Colbert; [head coach] Mike Tomlin has said and has consistently said — I'm talking about from the very beginning of the offseason — that he is on schedule, maybe even ahead of schedule. They're very confident he will be ready for the start of the season — for even Week 1. We open against the Giants on 'Monday Night Football.'"
AD: When healthy, do you expect him to be the same quarterback that we've seen over the last 15 years?
MM: "Yeah, absolutely. I even go back to training camp last year, 2019. Ben just looked so good. You could just tell he had a little pep in his step. He was ready to go for the season. I think he was really wired for it as well. It was just unfortunate. Six quarters into that season, he goes down and he's out for the rest of the year."
AD: JuJu Smith-Schuster had a 97-yard touchdown against the Broncos the last time these two teams played and had a Pro Bowl season. He kind of took a step back last year without Roethlisberger. What are the expectations for him in Year 4?
MM: "I don't think JuJu put up numbers that he was happy with, that probably anybody was happy with. Even just from an inside perspective, it was extremely difficult for anything to get going on the offense last year due to the injury of Ben. It's not even like they had one quarterback come in and play the remainder of the year. There were two young guys in Mason Rudolph and Devlin Hodges who kind of went back and forth. Mason Rudolph came back in when they benched 'Duck' [Hodges] in the Jets game. And then he got hurt. I think really not having Ben, who everybody was used to, who just really understood the Steelers' offense — it was obviously built around him, being that this is going to be his 17th season in 2020 — I think that hurt everybody. And I think not having a ground game either definitely hurt things in terms of the wide receivers and tight ends last year."
AD: At running back, is James Conner still the guy to know at that position, or is there another player Broncos fans should keep an eye on?
MM: "He unfortunately dealt with a few injuries last season and missed six games. Everybody is confident that he can return to that Pro Bowl running back that we saw the season prior. Everybody has said that. They did draft a running back in the draft, but it wasn't with their first pick. Everyone thought — we didn't have a pick until the second round — that it was going to be a running back. It was not. They went wide receiver. They still have Benny Snell Jr. who was a rookie last year and stepped up when Conner got hurt. Jaylen Samuels is kind of that Swiss Army knife guy that can kind of do it all. They do have depth there at that position. Obviously they want James to return to that Pro Bowl caliber and be the man again."
AD: Devin Bush is probably always going to be tied to the Broncos because of the trade last year. How would you grade his rookie season, and what do you expect this year from him?
MM: "I think the sky is the limit for Devin Bush. Being a rookie is never an easy thing, being that first-round draft pick when you know the team had to trade up 10 spots to get you. That was a position the Steelers' defense was really missing — some stability. He was a rookie and probably had some great moments, also had some not-so-great moments, because you're learning on the fly, being thrown into the mix. He played so many snaps, was able to keep up, keep his body healthy. I think he will really get more in tune with the playbook in Year 2. Coach Tomlin always talks about the Year 2 jump of wanting to see even more out of guys because you've had the chance to go through it. You know what to expect. Also Minkah Fitzpatrick coming in helps settle the defense, as well. I think that helped Devin a lot, too."
AD: The Steelers ranked fifth in total defense in 2019. Is there a sense this group is going to be just as good in 2020?
MM: "I think so, and I think there's pressure on them to be even better. Stephon Tuitt was a huge loss. He was also injured after Ben Roethlisberger. When you hear Steelers, you know Ben, but Stephon Tuitt was having a really good season until he got hurt. He's coming back healthy. That's more stability among the defensive line. Of course the Steelers lost Javon Hargrave to the Eagles in free agency. He was definitely a key player. Knowing that Minkah's going to have a full offseason, a full preseason, a full training camp with the Steelers — that also is going to help out as well."
AD: You mentioned a couple of those losses. Which addition — via either free agency or the draft — could have the biggest impact in our Week 2 game next year?
MM: "I think any rookie's kind of jumping on a moving train unfairly due to the circumstances. I think a lot them have special teams capability. That's what we heard from Steelers management after the draft. Eric Ebron, who the Steelers brought in through free agency, I think he is somebody who Ben is going to love who can really help that offense and maybe he's a guy that can help take pressure off JuJu Smith-Schuster, as well."
AD: What's the mood in Pittsburgh about the team's ability to make a run back to the playoffs with a healthy Roethlisberger?
MM: "It was two straight years of not making the playoffs, which is very atypical in Pittsburgh for sure. There's obviously excitement because you figure the rest of Ben's body — yes, he had to undergo surgery, and he's rehabbing and he's working hard — but his legs are going to be fresh. His body didn't take as many physical hits and things that he typically endures during the season. I definitely think there's excitement. It's crazy to say, but when the Steelers traded for Minkah Fitzpatrick, it wasn't a popular move. It was like, 'Are you kidding me? You just lost your starting quarterback. That first-round draft pick could be really high. You're trading it away?' I think Minkah quickly proved [his value]. He came in and played. His first game, i just remember his first interception, and that's when everyone was like, 'Oh, wow. OK. Maybe this isn't so bad.' That first-round draft pick that we traded for Minkah to the Dolphins was No. 18. It's not like it was a top-10 pick. I think there's excitement that the defense is going to continue to grow. And anytime that you get your franchise quarterback back, there's definitely excitement with that, as well."
