Denver Broncos (0-2) – Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0): 6-13
Pittsburgh did Pittsburgh to us, and Pittsburgh holds its second victory in two games. Facing the Broncos in the Colorado Heights, the Iron Men were once again able to count on their defense to emerge victorious from a very tight game. Led by a very hard-hitting Alex Highsmith (4 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack), the squad left only crumbs to a very weak Broncos attack. While Denver broke its teeth on it for 3/4 of the game, the attack took a few points and put Pittsburgh out of reach.
Steelers offense finally finds the key…
Very timid last week, Pittsburgh's offensive squad still didn't impress but managed to score. It took two drives for Justin Fields (13/20, 117 yards, 1 touchdown, 8 carries, 27 yards), starting for the second consecutive time, to find Darnell Washington (1 reception, 5 yards, 1 touchdown) in the left corner of the end zone for the first touchdown of the season. But if it came from the air, it was rather on the ground that the Steelers distinguished themselves. Between Justin Fields, Najee Harris (17 carries, 69 yards) and Jaylen Warren (9 carries, 42 yards), Pittsburgh was able to establish its game and run the clock. The trio accumulated 120 yards and an average of 4.4 yards per carry. Nothing flamboyant, but nevertheless sufficient when you have such a defense.
Without having a player who completely stands out, it is also the defensive collective that will have shown its dominance. Alex Highsmith and TJ Watt (3 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack) put the necessary pressure, while the rest of the front 7 did the work to keep Denver's running game at 3.4 yards per carry. We also note the interception of Cory Price Jr. (2 tackles, 1 interception) in the end zone, and the more anecdotal one of Damontae Kazee (4 tackles, 1 interception) on a last desperate attempt by Denver.
…But in Denver, it's still not Bo to see
In 515 home games, Denver had never come out of a game without scoring a single point. Until the first third of the fourth quarter, we really thought that this series was going to end. Undisciplined, outplayed on the ground, in the air, and in playcalling, Colorado's offensive squad was as dangerous as its number of points suggested. It took 19 minutes of play for Denver to enter the opponent's half of the field… Just before Bo Nix (20/35, 246 yards, 2 INT, 4 carries, 25 yards) was sacked. And it's not the very rare flashes of brilliance from the quarterback that will deceive. Effective on short throws, the rookie has again shown his limits on medium and long throws. Intercepted twice, including once in the red zone, he seems closer to his Auburn version than to Oregon.
Be careful not to put everything on the thrower's shoulders, though. Like last week, Denver was completely abandoned by its runners and its offensive line. The trio of Javonte Williams/Tyler Badie/Jaleel McLaughlin only managed 39 yards in the entire game, while the offensive line, led by Garett Bolles, racked up penalties. For a coach like Sean Payton who advocates using an effective running committee, the Broncos are far from the mark. Denver probably didn't expect anything, but Denver is still disappointed.
