Steelers vs. Broncos: 6 Reasons You Shouldn't Count Denver Out

If the winds of Mile High Stadium could talk, they would tell a pretty good tale.

One of a young team coming back from an awful start to the 2011 NFL season to win in the most dramatic fashions, led by a second-year quarterback who seemed to pull magic out of his helmet every week.

The winds would tell you about a defense that has young stars emerging, a rookie in Von Miller who looks like the real deal at linebacker and veteran leadership in the secondary with Champ Bailey and Brian Dawkins. The defense may not be among the best in overall statistics, 20th overall, but they played with an intensity that was evident in each come-from-behind win.

And then there was the coach, the much maligned coach. The one who would not listen to fans or the media, disregarded billboards and fought through turmoil to make the decision that was right for his team. The one person who stood steadfast in knowing when to hold his new starter out and begin to play to him.

And for those reasons, the Broncos should not be counted out of their "home" playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Here are a few more to consider.

New Season, New Beginning

They lost their last three contests in some awful fashions.

But with the playoffs comes a new opportunity to make a fresh start.

Can this team rid themselves of opportunity lost and look toward the game today as a way to make a huge statement against one of the NFL's best teams?

Willis McGahee

He was the "silent" partner in the Broncos offense.

While it looked like Tim Tebow was the only offense for the team, McGahee led the rushing attack for the Broncos with 1,199 yards on the ground. Combine that with Tebow's 660 yards rushing and the Broncos had a nice two-pronged attack.

Look for McGahee to get more touches today and attempt to break through the Steelers top-ranked defense.

John Fox Wants to Prove He Can Still Coach

He left the Carolina Panthers after a 2-14 season last year, was hired in Denver and started on a sour note with a 1-4 record.

He inserted Tim Tebow into the lineup, reeled off seven of eight wins and then lost the last three of the season.

To say John Fox and his team were the Jekyll and Hyde team of the NFL may be an understatement.

A win cures a lot of ills with this team and give them momentum moving forward.

No One Is Talking About Them

When they were winning, SportsCenter put together segments on them and slots to talk about "Tebow Mania." But now, they limp into the playoffs and the coverage is not as grand.

Maybe this helps them come back to reality. This is a young team that can make some noise. Rookies and young players don't know any better. They just go out there and play.

There really is no stress; they can just go out there and play their game.

Ben Roethlisberger Is Still Nursing an Injured Ankle

If Ben Roethlisberger is not 100 percent, that helps the Broncos. Not having Rashard Mendenhall also helps.

The one thing about Denver's defense is that it is fast. Can they get to him and push him around? How does the Steelers offensive line deal with the defensive unit?

If the Broncos can get to him, rattle him and force him into mistakes or a few sacks, they could wear him down.

Believe It or Not, Tebow Needs This Game

I defend him and criticize him almost every week, having seen him play in high school then college and now in the NFL.

Tebow is the most polarizing player in the NFL still to this day, and his every move is looked at. If he wins this game, he is back on top and everyone is talking about him. If he loses, he takes another blow to his psyche.

And if this team wins in a fourth-quarter comeback or in overtime, then the story writes itself.

Tebow needs to have a big game on the game's biggest stage against one of the best teams in the NFL, period.