Steelers vs. Broncos: How Tim Tebow Stacks Up Against Steelers

It's quite an interesting matchup in Pittsburgh versus Denver, and Tim Tebow will once again be the main man under the lights against the Steelers defense.

That being said, let's break down Pittsburgh's D and Denver's offense to see how Tebow matches up.

The Steel Curtain Defense

Pittsburgh's finished the 2011 NFL season ranked No. 1 against the pass and No. 8 against the rush. All together they allowed just 272 total yards and 14.2 points per game (rank No. 1).

On some level it doesn't matter who's on the field for defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau anyway, because the correct gameplan and scheme always seems to be in play. As for the Denver game, Pittsburgh will have to go without their leading tackler Ryan Clark.

In an article by Brad Lendon of CNN, Clark is playing because of a blood disorder:

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Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark, one of the team's leading defenders, won't play in Sunday's NFL playoff game in Denver because physical exertion in the city's mile-high altitude may aggravate Clark's sickle cell trait.

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As unfortunate as that is for Clark and the Steelers, it does make their pass defense more vulnerable. That being said, expect Pittsburgh to blitz quite often to try and force some turnovers.

On the year, Pittsburgh ranks No. 29 (tied with Washington and Philly) with a -13 turnover differential. Being that Tebow does like to run, the best chance to force turnovers is to blitz him.

Tim Tebow and the Broncos Offense

Denver may rank No. 1 in rushing (average 164.5 per game), however, they also rank No. 31 in passing (average 152.1 per game). So, they must be expecting the Steelers to vehemently stack the box all game long.

If Denver wants to move the ball on a consistent and effective basis, they must try to throw the ball. Even though Pittsburgh is without Ryan Clark, remember, this is the Steelers and they will lock it down.

What Tebow must do when dropping back is to simply buy time and scramble when needed. His strengths come into play when a play breaks down and it becomes backyard football. But in order to establish that as a game factor, his play-action and fake rollouts must be carried out to a T.

The biggest thing is that Tebow can't be afraid to make a mistake, because if Pittsburgh gets into his head, which is quite possible because it's Pittsburgh, he will turn the ball over and get shutdown on the ground.

As long as Tebow doesn't turn the ball over and can minimally change the field position, the Broncos have a solid shot to pull off the upset at home.

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