Happy Monday, #BroncosCountry –
It's officially game week and the Broncos are back practicing in preparation for the Pittsburgh Steelers this weekend. Here are a couple things to get caught up on, starting with what to look for Sunday:
1. Everything you need to know about #PITvsDEN
Pro Football Focus has broken down the good and the bad for the Broncos and Steelers' Divisional round matchup this Sunday.
The Broncos lost a commanding lead in the second half just weeks ago at Heinz Field and will look for redemption and a shot at the conference title.
There are three question marks for the Steelers in quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder), wide receiver Antonio Brown (concussion) and running back DeAngelo Williams (foot). The loss of Brown would be a major hit to the Steelers:
The Steelers' receiving corps minus Antonio Brown has not been great this season. Their next-best WR is Marcus Wheaton (75.4), and he has only produced average grades this year outside of one big week versus Seattle. Both WR Martavis Bryant (70.8) and TE Heath Miller (73.7) have had up-and-down seasons.
The loss of Williams for a second week could be big, but running backs Fitz Toussaint and Jordan Todman could wreck havoc for the Broncos defense. Together, the duo rushed for 123 yards on 28 carries.
What isn't good about the Broncos defense? Since something has to be picked, we'll go with their run defense. Of the 20 Broncos defenders that have played significant snaps this season, 16 of them graded above average against the run.
Read more of the good and the bad here.
2. Miller focused on Super Bowl 50
Don't expect to see anything more from outside linebacker Von Miller until the season's over and/or until he has a ring on his finger.
3. In case you missed it …
- Broncos center Paradis did not have typical NFL journey
- Broncos can prove they have learned from playoff letdowns
- NFL Playoff Musings: The matchup that will decide each divisional game
- Five players for AFC West fans to watch in the CFP Championship
- Battle-tested Broncos primed for playoffs