Week 7 Preview – Pittsburgh Steelers @ Denver Broncos

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Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1) @ Denver Broncos (2-3)
Sunday, October 21, 2007 at 6:05 PM MT
NBC | 850 KOA AM | Sirius 124

WEATHER FORECAST (weather.com):
Temp: 60° F
Chance of rain: 30%
Wind: NW 14 MPH

INJURY REPORT:
Coming Friday

SCORING TREND*:
Pittsburgh 26.8, Denver 12.2
*(based on points allowed and scored for both teams)

“Even though they’re not in the same division, this is still a rivalry game. And games in Denver, with that crowd and that atmosphere, especially at night, always feel like big games.”
– John Madden

This Sunday Night is Football Night. The Denver Broncos are headed for their first prime time game on the year as they welcome the Pittsburgh Steelers into INVESCO Field at Mile High Stadium. The game marks the first time the Steelers have visited Denver since they eliminated the Broncos in the AFC Championship Game in January of 2006.

Last year the Broncos visited the Steelers at Heinz Field and handily exacted revenge, 31-20, in a game where the Broncos’ leading rusher was Javon Walker after his 72-yard reverse run for a touchdown. Champ Bailey added two picks in a game where the Steelers outgained the Broncos significantly in yards, but the bend-but-don’t-break defense of the Broncos was perhaps never better in action.

This year, the Steelers are 4-1, losing their only game to the Arizona Cardinals in week 4. They bounced back with a 21-0 shutout against the Seahawks as they head into their bye. The Broncos are also coming off a bye and enjoy a 14-4 record in games played after the off week.

This game will be a real test for the Broncos, as the Steelers come with the 2nd best rushing offense in the league behind the legs of Willie Parker. The Broncos feature the league’s worst rush defense.

The Broncos are the underdogs at home, not a common sight before the game, but with a 2-6 record in the last 8 home games it comes as little surprise. With the #1 defense coming into town and our own defense struggling, we’ll have to outscore this beast to beat them.