Steelers-Broncos Analysis: Dissecting The Denver Debacle

PITTSBURGH, PA - The Steelers couldn’t get out of their own way in Denver on Sunday, and the result was a frustrating 24-17 loss to the Broncos that ended the team’s six-game winning streak.

What did football writers around the country think of the game? Here’s a sampling:

• Sean Wagner-McGough, CBS Sports: “At 7-3-1, the Steelers are still very much in control of the AFC North over the 6-5 Ravens, but the race for the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye is very much on. The Patriots, at 8-3, hold a slim lead over the Steelers. The two teams will meet on Dec. 16 in Pittsburgh. Once again, a late-season game between the Steelers and Patriots will hold serious implications for the AFC playoff picture.”

• Jeremy Fowler, ESPN: An erratic day ended with an awful play for the Pittsburgh Steelers, whose brilliance on offense couldn't overcome a litany of mistakes.Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's curious goal-line toss over the middle into the arms of Broncos defensive tackle Shelby Harris with 1:03 left sealed Denver's 24-17 win.”

• Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA Today: One week after his critical late interception was erased, Ben Roethlisberger wouldn't get another do-over for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. Broncos’ Defensive tackle Shelby Harris faded back after Roethlisberger's release to haul in the interception with 1:03 remaining. The Broncos kneeled to secure the victory and snap Pittsburgh's six-game win streak.”

• Ryan O’Halloran, The Denver Post: “The Steelers’ four turnovers helped the Broncos overcome 524 yards allowed (most in franchise history during a win) and a 97-yard touchdown catch (longest opponent’s completion in team history).”

• Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated: “Down 24-17, the Steelers’ high-octane offense had first-and-goal from the Denver 3-yard line coming out of the two-minute warning. Believe it or not, it really took just one defensive call from the Broncos to get the three stops they needed to send Ben Roethlisberger and company packing with their first loss since September.”

• Kevin Patra, NFL.com: “This time the Steelers couldn't overcome their own blunders. Big Ben & Co. left about 20 points on the field. Despite a monster game statistically from Roethlisberger (41/56, 462 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs), it's the mistakes that will sting in Pittsburgh. The Steelers compiled 527 yards and 25 first downs and scored just 17 points. That's hard to do.”

Photo: Getty Images.

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