ESPN AFC West Blog

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

DENVER -- Denver’s defense has held Pittsburgh the last two drives.

Pittsburgh smoked Denver’s defense in the third quarter. It had 199 yards and the score as it took a 14-10 lead. The Steelers had just 56 yards in the first half.

Denver has the ball at its own 9 with 9:13 to go. This may be its best chance to win the game.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

Goodman

DENVER -- Andre' Goodman might have just saved Denver’s night.

The Denver cornerback intercepted Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in the end zone.

The Steelers were driving down the field after having started from their own 4-yard line. The Steelers' offense had suddenly taken over the game.

After struggling for the first 36 minutes of the game, Pittsburgh’s offense was hammering the Broncos for the second straight series.

Goodman’s interception turned a potential double-digit deficit into an opportunity for Denver.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

DENVER -- The Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t take long to make up for Denver's defensive touchdown.

Pittsburgh went down 80 yards in four plays to score a touchdown and take a 14-10 lead.

Pittsburgh’s offense was anemic before the drive and Denver had all the momentum going after linebacker Robert Ayers scored on a 54-yard fumble recovery.

Suddenly, this game, which Pittsburgh led 7-3 at halftime, is a score-fest less than six minutes into the second half.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

DENVER -- The Broncos and Steelers have traded defensive touchdowns.

Denver took a 10-7 lead when rookie linebacker Robert Ayers picked up a Ben Roethlisberger fumble and ran 54 yards for a touchdown with 11:16 to go in the third quarter. Denver defensive lineman Kenny Peterson caused the fumble on a sack. Ayers was a first-round pick acquired in the Jay Cutler trade with Chicago.

In the first half, Pittsburgh scored on an interception return following one of the few mistakes Denver has made all game.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

DENVER -- It’s halftime and Pittsburgh is leading 7-3 even though the Broncos are outplaying the Steelers.

Denver’s defense is playing very well and it looks to have bounced back from a poor effort in a 30-7 loss at Baltimore last week. The Steelers' offense has only 56 yards and hasn’t been past midfield yet.

Denver is putting good pressure on Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, sacking him twice in the first quarter.

Denver quarterback Kyle Orton looks better than he did against Baltimore. He has hit Brandon Marshall eight times for 82 yards and Eddie Royal four times for 58 yards.

Other than his interception that Pittsburgh returned for a touchdown, Orton has done well. He has completed 16 of 21 for 163 yards.

Denver cornerback Ty Law is playing as a nickel cornerback. The veteran signed with Denver on Saturday.

Denver used the Wildcat again in the second quarter.

Denver cornerback Champ Bailey is shadowing Pittsburgh receiver Santonio Holmes. Bailey usually doesn’t cover specific receivers.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

DENVER -- Broncos coach Josh McDaniels showed his mettle and the call worked.

Except for that holding penalty.

After McDaniels lost a challenge, he went for it on fourth-and-5 from the Pittsburgh 39-yard line with 7:40 to go in the second quarter and Pittsburgh leading 7-3.

Kyle Orton hit Brandon Stokley for a first down. However, guard Ben Hamilton was called for holding, nullifying the play. Denver had to punt.

But the play showed McDaniels has confidence his team can move the ball on Pittsburgh’s defense.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

DENVER -- Kyle Orton's second interception of the season could haunt the Denver Broncos.

Orton hurled an overthrown pass and it was intercepted by Pittsburgh safety Tyrone Carter, who returned it 48 yards for a touchdown to give Pittsburgh a 7-3 lead with 12:50 to go in the second quarter.

It was Orton’s second interception of the season. His only other interception was a Hail Mary at the end of the first half against New England on Oct. 11. It was intercepted by Patriots receiver Randy Moss.

Carter is playing because starting safety Ryan Clark is inactive over health concerns. Clark has a rare sickle-cell trait that causes his body to adversely react to exertion in high altitudes. In 2007, the last time Clark played in Denver, he had complications that led to him losing his spleen and gall bladder.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

DENVER -- The Broncos used the Wildcat offense during their first series.

The team used a direct snap to running back Correll Buckhalter, who started the game ahead of rookie Knowshon Moreno. Denver used the Wildcat formation against New England earlier in the season.

The Broncos featured receiver Eddie Royal on their first drive, with the wide receiver catching three passes for 47 yards. That already makes it his second most productive game of the season. He entered the game with 158 yards receiving on 20 catches.

Denver took a 3-0 lead on a Matt Prater field goal on the first drive.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

DENVER -- Here are some pregame notes.

New Denver cornerback Ty Law is active and expected to play some. He signed with Denver on Saturday.

Pittsburgh linebacker Lawrence Timmons is out with an ankle sprain. He is being replaced by Keyaron Fox.

Defensive end Travis Kirschke is out with a calf injury. He is being replaced by Nick Eason.

Denver fullback Peyton Hillis is out for family reasons.

Denver tackle Ryan Harris is out with a toe injury. Second-year tackle Tyler Polumbus is making his first start.

Denver defensive lineman Ryan McBean is out with a knee injury. He is being replaced by LeKevin Smith.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is in Denver. He visited the Broncos’ facility Monday.

Minor point about the fact that Pittsburgh has not won during the regular season in Denver since 1990. The Steelers won in Denver in the 2005 AFC title game.

The Broncos huddled near where Pittsburgh was stretching about a half hour before the game. Denver did the same thing three weeks ago in San Diego. Pushing and shoving ensued. Pittsburgh’s players didn’t seem to mind it tonight.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

DENVER -- Below are the inactive players from Monday night’s game.

As expected, Pittsburgh safety Ryan Clark is inactive because of concerns over his health. He has a rare sickle-cell trait that causes his body to adversely react to exertion in high altitudes. In 2007, the last time Clark played in Denver, he had complications that led him to lose his spleen and gall bladder.

PITTSBURGH

2 Dennis Dixon 3QB

25 Ryan Clark S

65 Kraig Urbik G

66 Tony Hills T

77 Sunny Harris DE

81 Shaun McDonald WR

90 Travis Kirschke DE

94 Lawrence Timmons LB

DENVER

3 Tom Brandstater 3QB

22 Peyton Hillis RB

30 David Bruton S

70 Seth Olsen G

74 Ryan Harris T

81 Richard Quinn TE

84 Brandon Lloyd WR

98 Ryan McBean DL

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

DENVER -- Let’s catch up on some division notes before Monday night’s game:

Cornerback Jack Williams was awarded to Detroit on waivers. Denver cut the second-year player Saturday to make room for veteran cornerback Ty Law. Williams played in every game this season. Williams was popular on the waiver wire. Cleveland, Indianapolis and Philadelphia all put a claim in for him. Detroit was awarded him based on record.

Oakland signed defensive lineman William Joseph and cut guard Paul McQuistan.

Receiver Bobby Engram cleared waivers after being cut by Kansas City.

The Chargers have announced that Sunday’s game against Philadelphia has been sold out.

Kansas City coach Todd Haley addressed the release of running back Larry Johnson in a video.

The Raiders are entering the second half of the season in good health.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

DENVER -- I am settling into the press box in Denver for the Broncos’ pivotal Monday night game against Pittsburgh.

It is a beautiful day in Denver. It is currently 59 degrees. It will be a cool evening but the game conditions should be good. There are many Pittsburgh fans milling around Denver, so the Steelers will have their usual impressive road support.

I will check back prior to the game with updates when warranted.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

While Larry Johnson, who turns 30 this month, has had off-field issues and he has declined on the field, there will likely be interest in the running back who was cut by Kansas City on Monday.

Johnson is subject to the NFL’s waiver process. He will know about 4 p.m. ET Tuesday if he is claimed or if he is a free agent. If Johnson is claimed, a team would have to pick up just less than half of his $4.55 million contract for this season. So, Johnson could pass through waivers and become a free agent.

The following is a look at some of the teams that could look at Johnson:

Chicago: The Bears have injuries in the backfield and Johnson could take some pressure off quarterback Jay Cutler.

New England: The Patriots have some needs at running back and they have a pattern of bringing in productive, but risky veterans. Some folks think the Patriots are the favorite to land Johnson.

Philadelphia: The Eagles have injuries at the position, but this could be a long shot.

Pittsburgh: The contender could use the help, but his off-field issues would likely make this a bad pairing.

Washington: Coach Jim Zorn said Monday that the Redskins have talked about Johnson. It’s a possibility.

Here is a look at the AFC West teams and if Johnson would fit:

Denver: Josh McDaniels comes from New England and he has the same philosophy that the Patriots do. But the Broncos really don’t need Johnson right now. There could be interest if the Broncos were to suffer an injury.

Oakland: The Raiders can’t use all the running backs they already have.

San Diego: The Chargers could use Johnson. They have the No. 32 ranked run offense in the league and Johnson would be a good short-yardage back there. But it is highly unlikely general manager A.J. Smith would add a character risk to a good locker room of a team that is turning the corner.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

I just checked in with the always helpful Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. to break down the Kansas City’s decision to cut Larry Johnson and move on with Jamaal Charles and Kolby Smith as the team’s running backs for the rest of the season.

Williamson on the decision to cut Johnson: “It was the right call. He was worthless to them.”

Williamson on Charles: “His main attribute is speed. He can fly. He has been compared to Chris Johnson, but he’s not in that class. He doesn’t have a runner’s instincts and he is not a pounder. But he can be a solid runner. I think Kansas City needs to make him the main running backs and give him opportunities to use his speed.”

Williamson on Smith: “He’s solid in all areas, but he’s not above average in any areas. He’s a guy you always like to upgrade from. But he can help Charles and they can work out fine for the rest of the season.”

What Kansas City should do at the position in the offseason: “I don’t think the Chiefs need to use their top pick on a running back. They could use Charles and Smith and add a guy in the third round or find a cheap veteran in free agency. The Chiefs need to use the New England offense which makes quarterback Matt Cassel comfortable. Spread it out, go with the shotgun and go from there. Kansas City needs to add a dynamic No. 2 receiver to go with Dwayne Bowe and use what they have in the running game. I think that team needs to use its resources elsewhere on offense. Go get a receiver and help the line.”

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

Running back Larry Johnson made a big impact in Kansas City since he joined the team in 2003 as a first-round draft pick. ESPN Stats & Information put together several charts that illustrate Johnson’s interesting career in Kansas City, which ended Monday.

Most Rushes, Single Season

• '06 Larry Johnson, 416, Chiefs
• '98 Jamal Anderson, 410, Falcons
• '84 James Wilder, 407, Buccaneers
• '86 Eric Dickerson, 404, Rams
• '00 Eddie George, 403, Titans

Larry Johnson Since 2004 Season 2004-06 2007-09 Games 42 27 Rushes PG 20.7 17.9 Rush YPG 98.1 66.3 Yds per rush 4.7 3.71 Rush TD 46 8

Larry Johnson Yards From Scrimmage Per Game, Since 2006

• 2006, 137.4<<
• 2007, 93.1
• 2008, 79.0
• 2009, 62.0
• >>3rd-highest in NFL