The Denver Broncos must bounce back against the Pittsburgh Steelers to avoid slipping into another losing streak. Their three-week winning streak was against some of the weaker teams in the league. Many saw the game against Baltimore Ravens as a test. But according to a particular analyst, the real test is in how they recover now. Plus, there is one other area they can attack.
The Key to Denver Broncos Bouncing Back: Attack Pittsburgh Steelers Rookies
The Broncos have been knocked off the undefeated list. It was expected, but they have a knack for getting into a rut. This season is meant to be different. They are widely regarded as having the best depth in the entire league. It is a privilege – they should play accordingly. As Von Miller says, “We just got to rack ’em up, look at this [game]… get back in the lab on Monday and let’s respond.” Unlike previous seasons, it is entirely possible for the Broncos to bounce back.
Injuries Are the Cause of Their Problems, Nothing Else
Their problems began when they were without eight starters, all riddled with injuries. Jeffri Chadiha confirmed confirmed this when he said, “The reality is that the Broncos would have had a much better chance in this game if they hadn’t been crippled by injuries.” Missing Teddy Bridgewater in the second half due to a concussion just exacerbated the absence of key playmakers like Bradley Chubb, Jerry Jeudy, Ronald Darby and Dalton Risner. Denver is fortunate that Jeudy and Darby are returning soon, and the rest of them soon after. The team can be expected to turn out better results upon their return.
The AFC West Title Fight Is Fiercer but Attainable
After the season’s start it was clear that competition for the AFC West title would be a lot tougher, yet more balanced than it was in 2020. The Kansas City Chiefs are shockingly at the bottom of the division. The Broncos are second, but it is better than anyone expected. The AFC West is now one of the most competitive divisions in the league – and no one saw that coming.
While the Broncos await the return on their key players, their depth will need to step up. Their roster has been lauded as one of the best, and regaining their momentum quickly is vital. The strength of their depth will be clearer as they endure a tougher schedule than that of the first four weeks.
The Key To Beating Pittsburgh
Denver will face Pittsburgh Week 5, and they only need to think back to their earlier games to know what they have to do. The Steelers stormed into the season with an emphatic win against the Buffalo Bills, then lost to the Las Vegas Raiders, Cincinnati Bengals and Green Bay Packers by a combined 33 points. With an offense that ranks 27th in yards per game and 29th in scoring, they are a beatable team.
The Broncos won their first three games of the season because of Vic Fangio’s success against rookie quarterbacks. Pre-snap disguises and post-snap coverages mystified Jacksonville Jaguars Trevor Lawrence and New York Jets Zach Wilson. Ben Roethlisberger has seen a lot in 17 years. The key is to get at rookie right tackle Dan Moore and center Kendrick Green. Von Miller will be able to cause problems in one-on-one matchups against Moore.
The Broncos have many tests ahead of them, but they have so much depth, it’s hard to picture them falling back into a slump. Once their injuries heal and they are back in full force, they can still power their way up the rankings and the eventual AFC West title.
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