Steelers vs. Broncos: Tim Tebow Must Compliment Strong Defense for Denver to Win
If the Broncos are going to have any chance of winning on Sunday and getting to a second round playoff date, they're going to need to score some points.
As Andrew Mason of the New York Times pointed out, even when the Broncos were on a hot streak, they were riding strong play from the defense. Objectively, it's hard to argue that point. Look at their point output in Tim Tebow's wins.
| Miami Dolphins | 18-15 |
| Oakland Raiders | 38-24 |
| Kansas City Chiefs | 17-10 |
| New York Jets | 17-13 |
| San Diego Chargers | 16-13 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 35-32 |
| Chicago Bears | 13-10 |
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A few decent offensive games there, but generally low scoring affairs. Even two of the last three losses have been on the offense. The Patriots torched the Broncos. But while the Bills put up 40 points, three of those scores were on returns (one punt, two interceptions), and the Chiefs put up all of seven points.
They can't rely solely on their defense to beat the Steelers. They tried that against the Chiefs, and lost 7-3. Even with an injured (but playing) Ben Roethlisberger, and Rashard Mendenhall out, the Steelers will put up more than seven points. And Denver won't fluke its way into anything on offense.
No, they will need to actually sustain some offense. That means that Tim Tebow is going to need to throw. Even when the one dimension is as unique as the Broncos' option, you can't be one dimensional against a defense like the Steelers. If you are, you will be shut out.
The Broncos need to go out there on Sunday and try something new. Sure, it might lead to a turnover filled blowout, but who cares? If Denver goes out and plays "not to lose," they're not going to win.
The Steelers' offense is banged up. They will put up more than seven points, but they won't put up a lot. Denver's pass rush will give Roethlisberger some trouble.
The defense will put them in position to win the game. But if they're going to win, the Broncos offense will have to push them over the edge. They won't need to be stellar, but inept isn't going to get it done, neither is inept for 55 minutes, stellar for five.
If the Broncos are to emerge victorious, they will have to put up a consistent, unpredictable offensive game against the Steelers.
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