Throwdowns > Closed

Double J. said 01/05, 02:23 PM
The Steelers will win this game even though it may be close. The Broncos offensive style and forte is running the ball. The Steelers defensive forte is stopping the run. Do you really trust Tebow to be able to make a play throwing when the box will probably be stuffed with 8 players or more? Keep in mind, we've got one of the best defensive minds in history, LeBeau, behind the Steelers D w/ his schemes. He'll come up with something to stop Tebow & McGahee. With all of the blitzing Tebow won't have enough time to find open receivers. Even when he's not blitzed he seems to have trouble doing this and completing the throw. He's not the most accurate QB out there as you all know. The Broncos backed into the playoffs while the Steelers, though not pretty, have kept winning no matter who's playing or where they're playing. I'll take Big Ben anyday over most QB's, especially Tebow, due to his quick release and being able to get the job done no matter what, time after time, especially in the playoffs. The Steelers have many combined years of playoff experience. Much more than Denver does. I think Redman, Moore and Clay can combine to replace Mendenhall & the WR's are still solid and fast.

Double J. said 01/05, 04:52 PM
Ryan Clark isn't playing, true, but Polamalu sure is. I see him spending alot of time at the line of scrimmage and blitzing in to disrupt Tebow's timing and Denver's run calls.

Woodley and Harrison will be too much for the Denver tackles to handle off the edges. They will funnel everything inside to Hampton, Hood, Farrior and Timmons. They will prevent Tebow from getting to the outside where he can do damage (right, NY Jets?).

As far as the Steelers run game, well, they haven't really had one all season. They've "dinked and dunked" w/ quick passes to replace that. I know between Dumervil and Miller the Broncos have a good pass rush but they won't have enough time to get to Ben because the ball will already be out. His ankle will prevent him from dropping back 5 to 7 steps and launching long balls to Wallace. PGH will bunch their receivers close the line of scrimmage and run their under-routes and picks to get open.

I think by this point, especially w/ the playoffs, the "Tebow magic" may have worn off and reality is setting in. He's going against the NFL's #1 defense; better than anyone he's faced this season. Tebow hasn't really beaten any good defenses this season at all.

Double J. said 01/05, 05:44 PM
But if you keep pounding the ball inside and outside the Steelers will stop that. Their run defense is just too good. Woodley and Harrison are too fast and will contain that. You can't just keep running and then throw when it's obvious that you need to throw. Plus, containing the Steelers D-line is easier said that done. But, if you do contain them then you have to worry about those 2 OLB's wreaking havoc in your backfield.

If you've watched Ben enough, as I have, you realize that he can make things happen regardless of injury. In fact, sometimes it's like he's BETTER banged up. Does he make most of his plays outside of the pocket? Yes, he does. But he'll make just enough from the pocket to win. They won't have to put up many pts at all because I really think that Denver's offense will have alot of trouble scoring vs the PGH defense.

I do think you're right about Denver utilizing the blitz, yes. However, Arians will counter w/ quick passes and probably putting Ben in the pistol formation and not just the shotgun.

I do like Tebow, always have. But this is the best defense in the NFL and the playoffs. Tebow magic has already worn off a little. Prater is no guarantee, either.