ESPN.com presents NFL Nation http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation 60 en-us Mon, 9 Nov 2009 22:28:52 webmaster@espn.go.com http://assets.espn.go.com/i/espn/teamlogos/lrg/trans/espn_dotcom_black.gif 110 110 Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

The defending champion Pittsburgh Steelers proved once again that they will be a factor in the title hunt this year with a 28-10 victory over the Denver Broncos.

	AP Photo/David Zalubowski
	Rashard Mendenhall gained most of his 155 rushing yards in the second half against Denver.

Here are seven observations from Monday's big win for Pittsburgh:

Troy is back: When Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu is healthy, Pittsburgh’s defense is dynamic and has the potential to be the best unit in the NFL. With two weeks off to rest his knee, Polamalu was great once again with three tackles, an interception and two passes defensed. He looked as healthy as he has all season. As the game wore on, the Steelers’ defense wore on Denver's offense to the tune of three turnovers and 242 total yards.

Steelers are versatile: Whether it’s a physical defense, a strong running game or relying on the arm of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers can beat you in so many ways this year. Pittsburgh passed the ball around for a lot of yards most of this season. But on Monday the Steelers controlled the pace with the running game. Rashard Mendenhall had 155 yards rushing and got stronger as the game progressed. Mendenhall is heating up, averaging at least five yards per carry in four of his last five starts. Pittsburgh’s running game is more consistent than it was last year when the team won a Super Bowl.

O-line playing better: It’s time to give Pittsburgh’s offensive line some credit. The unit is playing as well as it has in the past several years. Roethlisberger is still taking sacks but the difference is he’s getting five, six and seven seconds to throw the ball. Holes are also being made up front in the running game. Last year the Steelers’ offensive line was a major weakness. But through eight games the unit is gradually getting better and no longer is a liability.

Steelers-Broncos Coverage • Monday Night Football HQ • Blog coverage • Video: Ben Roethlisberger on win • Video: Trent Dilfer's analysis

No Clark, no problem: After two weeks of back-and-forth deliberation, the Steelers decided not to play veteran safety Ryan Clark. It didn’t matter as backup Tyrone Carter played a quality game, recording two interceptions, including one for a touchdown. Carter struggled some earlier in the year to replace Polamalu. But it’s clear Clark’s role was easier to step into as Carter looked more comfortable and stayed around the football. Clark will reclaim his role as the starter moving forward but look for Carter to continue to produce in sub packages.

The Wallace factor: Receiver Mike Wallace does not look like a rookie. Pittsburgh hit another home run in the draft this year as Wallace, a third-round pick, is contributing right away in the passing game. Wallace recorded four receptions for 69 yards and a touchdown against Denver. He is the team's third option behind veterans Hines Ward (seven catches, 44 yards) and Santonio Holmes (six catches, 93 yards). But Wallace has quickly gained the trust of the Roethlisberger and the offensive coaches.

AFC North a factor: This is the time of year when the ultra-physical AFC North starts to insert its will on opponents. The Broncos were considered one of the best teams in the AFC, but back-to-back losses to the Baltimore Ravens and Steelers took the shine off their fast start. Both teams punished the Broncos into submission, winning by a combined score of 58-17. This year, the Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals (6-2) are major forces in the conference moving forward. Last year two AFC North teams -- the Steelers and Ravens -- advanced to the AFC title game.

Big showdown: Pittsburgh's win sets up a huge matchup for first place in the AFC North with the Bengals. Cincinnati proved the team is for real by beating every team in the division at least once and sweeping Baltimore Sunday with a 17-7 victory. Expect a well-played game between these two teams. Both teams appear to be hitting their stride at the right time of the season and both teams should be a factor in the postseason regardless of the outcome.]]> http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/11625/seven-observations-for-the-steelers Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:56:15 EDT 11625 Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

DENVER --The Denver Broncos decided to beat the holiday season rush this year by allowing the San Diego Chargers to get back into the thick of the AFC West race earlier than usual.

I'm not ready to say Denver is in the middle of a historic collapse like it suffered last year, but the Broncos are no longer dominating the division.

After losing decisively to an AFC North opponent for the second straight week, the Broncos -- the early-season story of the NFL -- are now 6-2.

Denver had a 3.5 game lead over the Chargers, who have won three straight AFC West titles, when it beat the Chargers in San Diego on Oct. 19. Since then, the Broncos had a bye and lost to the Ravens and Steelers. The Chargers have won three straight games. The 5-3 Chargers now trail Denver by one game with half of the season to go.

Denver travels to Washington on Sunday and the Chargers host Philadelphia. Denver hosts San Diego in a huge division game Nov. 22. No team has ever had a 3.5 game division lead and not made the playoffs.

Denver handed San Diego the division last season when it lost its final three games of the year, while the Chargers won their final three games, including the season finale over the Broncos. It was the first time in NFL history a team blew a three-game lead in the final three weeks of the season.

Again, it is too soon to say Denver has another collapse in its future in the first year of the Josh McDaniels era.

But the Broncos have some shoring up to do as they try to hold off the Chargers. Denver quarterback Kyle Orton suddenly looks mortal again and the once-stout Denver defense is showing holes against both the pass and the run.

So, here come the Chargers, Denver. It can’t happen again, can it?]]> http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/11621/rapid-reaction-steelers-28-broncos-10-2 Mon, 9 Nov 2009 23:54:18 EDT 11621 Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking like a championship-caliber team again.

With a physically dominant defense and an old-school running game, the defending world champions put together its most impressive road victory of the season during a 28-10 win over the Denver Broncos. The win improves the Steelers to 6-2 and increases their winning streak to five games, which is the second longest streak in the AFC.

Pittsburgh now owns the head-to-head tiebreaker over Denver (6-2) if it comes down to that later in the season. Also keep in mind that four of the Steelers' next five opponents do not have winning records as Pittsburgh tries to position itself for the postseason.

The win also sets up a huge matchup next week for sole possession of first place in the AFC North when the Steelers host the Cincinnati Bengals (6-2). Cincinnati won the first meeting in Pittsburgh, 23-20.

Both the Steelers and Bengals are hitting their strides and getting better in the second half of the season. So regardless of the outcome of next week's game, look for Pittsburgh and Cincinnati to be dominant players in the AFC moving forward.]]> http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/11618/rapid-reaction-steelers-28-broncos-10 Mon, 9 Nov 2009 23:46:02 EDT 11618 Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

DENVER – The Steelers have taken a commanding lead after another Kyle Orton mistake.

Orton overthrew Brandon Marshall and the ball was intercepted by Pittsburgh safety Troy Polamalu at the Denver 25 with just over eight minutes to go. Three plays later, Ben Roethlisberger hit rookie receiver Mike Wallace on a 35-yard touchdown on 3rd-and-10. Pittsburgh leads 21-10.

Orton had a ball intercepted by Pittsburgh safety Tyrone Carter, who took it back 48 yards for a touchdown, in the first half. Orton has been intercepted three times this season.]]> http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/11616/steelers-take-big-lead Mon, 9 Nov 2009 23:14:39 EDT 11616 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.]]> http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/11614/denver-defense-tightens-again Mon, 9 Nov 2009 23:06:18 EDT 11614 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.]]> http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/11611/goodman-makes-huge-play-for-denver Mon, 9 Nov 2009 22:51:14 EDT 11611 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.]]> http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/11608/steelers-strike-back Mon, 9 Nov 2009 22:30:32 EDT 11608 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.]]> http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/11606/denver-rookie-lb-ayers-scores Mon, 9 Nov 2009 22:24:04 EDT 11606 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.]]> http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/11604/halftime-notes-from-denver Mon, 9 Nov 2009 22:06:50 EDT 11604 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.]]> http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/11602/mcdaniels-shows-some-guts Mon, 9 Nov 2009 21:49:19 EDT 11602