Broncos 2015: Steelers Loss Smells of Deja Vu

Dec 20, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) meet at mid-field after their game at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos suffered their fourth loss this season at the hands of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Losing at this point of the season sounds like a bit of deja vu.

As I was riding the train back from Heinz Field after the Broncos suffered yet another heartbreaking loss, I had a really tough time swallowing this one. This is especially true since the Broncos worked on their red zone troubles from one week ago.

Instead of field goals, there were touchdowns. And the Broncos jumped out and led by as much as 17 points in the second quarter. They went into halftime with a 27-13 lead.

However, like the Raiders game, the Broncos could not score in the second half and were outscored 21-0 in the second half to lose 34-27. I cannot believe what I witnessed in Pittsburgh that evening. Once again, Gary Kubiak failed to adjust and keep the foot on the gas pedal in the second half.

I stated last week how I gave the coaching staff the second most blame, which after further review and comments from fellow fans, I have to agree that the coaching should have been at the top of the list.

But as I drove home on Monday, the day after another loss, I got to thinking. It reminded me of something that happened in the past. I tweeted out earlier in the evening about it and my colleague Dan Armelli tried to take a guess as to what that was.

While I do agree that it is about similar in terms of the situation, I was thinking of a positive season. Think back. When was the last time the Broncos were in Pittsburgh and lost a huge lead and ended up losing the game in heartbreaking fashion?

1997.

One of the losses the Broncos suffered in 1997 happened in the same week and opponent the Broncos played in 2015. Week 15 at Pittsburgh.

But that is not the only thing similar to the comparison. During that same season, the Broncos lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in mid-November and lost to the Oakland Raiders at some point during the season. (In 1997, the Raiders were the first loss of the season in Oakland instead of the third one in 2015 at home)

While the Broncos were 11-3 at this point in 1997, just the Week 15 loss to the Steelers just smells of deja vu. The Broncos would lose the next week against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 16 on a Monday Night.

Funny thing, next week the Broncos play on Monday Night. However, I am hoping that the Broncos beat the Bengals. If the Broncos win their final two games, they finish at 12-4. That is the same record that they finished in 1997.

Another interesting tidbit about the Steelers loss? In 1997, the Steelers overcame a big deficit in the first half to come away with the win. The Broncos were up by 14 points at that point and were up by 17 on Sunday.

I am a huge believer of history repeating itself. And it could very well happen if the Broncos play their cards right. The biggest thing about that 1997 season was how the Broncos would respond.

Next: Chris Harris Jr. critical of self in loss

As mentioned in America’s Game: The 1997 Denver Broncos, Howard Griffin mentions “What happens when a team has their back’s against the wall? When people start to question you?” It makes for an interesting point.

As it was mentioned by Andrew Mason, there is a scenario where the Broncos could miss the playoffs entirely. So, the Broncos have no room for error in the final two games of the season. But I still have faith. No matter what happens, until it becomes final, I am still holding on to faith.

Can Deja Vu happen this season? As someone who enjoys looking back at history, I sure do hope so. Let us come out strong and get better for these final two weeks, starting against the Cincinnati Bengals. Go Broncos! I am not losing faith and neither should you! Just take it one game at a time now.