Denver exploded against the Steelers Sunday. In a match where people expected the Broncos and Tim Tebow to be demolished on the field, the blessed quarterback showed his haters he has what it takes to play in the NFL. The Broncos defeated the Steelers 29-23 in overtime and erased the memory of their three-game losing streak which ended the regular season.
On the first play of overtime, Tebow threw an 80-yard touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas to win the game. The Broncos won all of their overtime games during the regular season and are now 4-0 in overtime games this year.
“Tebow put the ball right on the money and DeMaryius [Thomas] took it to the house. What a play,” team executive John Elway said after the game. “[Tebow] really answered the bell. He came out and played great. You know what? He pulled that trigger and put it on the money.”
Upon being told that Tebow broke his record for most passing yards in a playoff debut, Elway said, “I love it. It’s perfect.”
Tebow threw for 316 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for another score. The Broncos continued to run the ball exceptionally well, finishing 131 rushing yards led by Willis McGahee’s 19 carries for 61 yards plus another 50 yards on 10 carries from Tebow.
Pittsburgh had a lot working against them as Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger played with a cast and his team was missing a few key players like Casey Hampton and Brett Keisel. Roethlisberger played pretty well despite the cast, finishing 22 of 40 for 289 yards with 1 TD and 1 INT, however he lacked his usual mobility within the pocket, as Denver was able to sack him 5 times, including 1 by rookie Von Miller and 2 by defensive end Robert Ayers. The Steelers also ran the ball well behind Isaac Redman, who finished the game with 17 carries for 121 yards.
Broncos lost their lead receiver Eric Decker early in the game after he was hit in the left knee by Pittsburgh linebacker James Harrison. Decker was helped off the field and went straight to the locker room.
The last time the Broncos were in the playoffs in 2005, the Steelers came to Colorado for the AFC Championship game. Today, the Broncos answered back in a game that is sure to have people talking around the water cooler tomorrow.
Sunday was ‘Tebow Time’ but on Monday it’ will be time for the Broncos to prepare to face the Patriots next week in New England.
