Put a tally mark up on the blackboard for the Broncos first win of the 2010 season. This ain’t Detroit! Yes, it may be just preseason, but a win is a win. A win means that the first, second, and third stringers played better than the Steelers’ first, second, and third stringers.
The horrible hankies “terrible towels” didn’t have much of a chance to glimmer in the orange and blue encrusted crowd. A lead that the Steelers could never catch up to cemented itself in the record books as a 34-17 Denver win – also the Steelers first loss in the 2010 preseason.
The Denver defense played a major role in the win. Both Andre Goodman and Syd’Quan Thompson had a pick-6 a piece. Perrish Cox also recorded an interception. Second year man, Robert Ayers, picked up some slack on the linebacker front, tallying two sacks for a Dumerville-less defense. While Ben Roethlisberger saw limited action and the defense was working mostly against Dennis Dixon, I think it’s something the Broncos can hang their hat on. Keep in mind that the Broncos were also without Brian Dawkins and Champ Bailey.
The Steelers actually beat the Broncos in passing yards and rushing yards, thus showing just how important the defense was for the Broncos tonight. The Steelers had 175 yards rushing and 180 yards passing. The Broncos had 128 yards rushing and 140 yards passing.
The Broncos rushing game, which has been in question this preseason due a slew of injuries, had its best rushing night of the year. LenDale White and Lance Ball got the bulk of the carries combining for 22 carries for 109 yards and 1 TD. Ball broke out for a huge 43-yard run boosting the team’s average per carry. Regardless, the Broncos are anxiously waiting for Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter to return to start the regular season.
Tim Tebow made his long awaited debut in front of a thunderous crowd at Invesco Field. He came in earlier than expected – just into the third quarter. Tebow went 5-10 for 72 yards with 1 TD and 1 INT. After taking last week off to marinate his ribs in treatment in the training room, Tebow looked strong. While visions of #7 are engrained in our minds, the “Chosen One” still has a lot of work to do and a lot to prove before he starts in this league. He’s off on the right foot, however.
Brady Quinn capped off a short night as the Broncos QB going 1-2 for 2 yards. He was sacked twice for a loss of 14 yards.
Week three of preseason is described as the “dress rehearsal.” It’s the most important game before the regular season starts because week four is comprised of resting the starters and giving the reps to backups.
If tonight is any indication of things to come, Don “Wink” Martindale’s defense is on the road to recovery.
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