Dec 18, 2015 3 min read

Notice: Undefined offset: 0 in /usr/web/cs-washington.ogdennews.com/wp-content/themes/News_Core_2023_WashCluster/includes/single/strategically_placed_photos_article.php on line 412

Notice: Trying to get property 'term_id' of non-object in /usr/web/cs-washington.ogdennews.com/wp-content/themes/News_Core_2023_WashCluster/includes/single/strategically_placed_photos_article.php on line 412

For the third consecutive game, the Steelers will face a backup quarterback. Critics will point to that when looking at the team’s current push to the playoffs.

But the fact of the matter is, you play who you play when you play them and you don’t make any excuses for it.

This week, it’s Brock Osweiler and the Denver Brocnos.

The Broncos have gone 3-1 with Osweiler at quarterback, which is a credit to their defense as much as anything. They’ve averaged 19 points per game with Osweiler at quarterback.

He hasn’t turned the ball over as much as Peyton Manning, whose 17 interceptions still lead the league even though he hasn’t played in a month. But Osweiler has struggled completing balls downfield and 47 percent of the drives he’s led have resulted in three-and-outs.

The Steelers, meanwhile, have been rolling on offense, scoring 30 or more points in their last five games.

That will be tested this week against Denver’s top-rated defense. But the Broncos also are banged up on the back end. Strong safety T.J. Ward, he of the trash-talking “they haven’t play us yet” statement, won’t play this week because of an ankle injury. Starting free safety Darian Stewart is questionable to play with a hamstring injury, while his backup, Omar Bolden has already been declared out with a hamstring injury.

That doesn’t bode well against a team that goes deep more than any other team in the league.

Despite missing four games, Ben Roethlisberger leads the NFL with 15 completions of 40 or more yards. The next closest guy to him, Carson Palmer, has 13 on 160 more pass attempts.

Yes, the Steelers like to get the ball out of Roethlisberger’s hands quickly, but he’ll also go deep if he sees the corners in press coverage with only one safety deep.

And with corners Chris Harris and Aqib Talib, that’s what the Broncos like to do.

Because of the talent of Harris and Talib – coupled with a very good pass rush – the Broncos have been effective playing that style.

Harris, who is expected to match up with Antonio Brown as much as possible, hasn’t given up a touchdown pass since 2013, while Talib has 30 career interceptions in 104 games, eight of which he has returned for touchdowns. He’s expected to match up on Martavis Bryant.

Defensively, the Steelers will get after Osweiler. Denver’s offensive line is terrible and Osweiler will hold the ball, something that has led to him being sacked 17 times even though he has attempted just 170 passes.

Khalil Mack, who was invisible in Oakland’s game against the Steelers, had a career game against the Broncos last week, getting to Osweiler five times.

The Steelers are 7-point favorite in this game, which might be a shade too much.

I don’t think they’ll score 30 points again this week, but I think they win it and move into no worse than the No. 6 spot in the AFC playoff picture no matter what Kansas City and the Jets do this weekend.

Take the Steelers to win, 26-20, with Denver covering the spread.