Playoffs? PLAYOFFS???? - Denver Broncos vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

" He didn't teach you how to win, he taught you how not to lose. That's nothing to be proud of. You've got to risk losing, you've got to risk everything. Go to the edge of defeat that's where you want to be, on the edge of defeat. Never play the board, always play the man, play the man playing the board, I'm you're opponent, you have to defeat me " - Laurence Fischburne

So welcome to the Playoffs. Its been a long time coming, not in any remote way shape or form would I imagine we would be in this scenario. That quote from above is reminiscent of what Tim Tebow needs to here and as John Elway says, PULL THE TRIGGER. In the past 2 games, he's been thinking too much about trying to get us into the playoffs instead of just playing without thinking, just do... But alas, as we all know, we can count on the Raiders to implode and thus here we are with a home game against the Steelers.

The issue for the Broncos in this upcoming game is the Steeler's zone blitz, bottom line. Chris Kuper's injury was a fracture dislocation of the ankle, he will be ready come next year, but yes it was quite nasty. What I will say is that his back is pretty darn good and at times I wish he replaced Orlando Franklin but that's another story. Regardless, we also re-sign Ryan Harris (he should have signed with us in the first place) which does provide much needed depth and veteran presence and he is signed through 2012 also. The offensive line needs to give Tebow a little bit more time to progress through his reads but in addition, tebow needs to pull the trigger. In staying with that thought process I honestly don't understand how Mike McCoy is a Candidate for the Jaguars head coaching position, he has been AWFUL at play calling and trying to turn Tebow into something his not this season. He needs to go back to basics, RUN RUN RUN (and for god sakes, not always up the middle) screen passes, fly routes and Play action. Do what got us here. Flip side on the steelers is playing a Dick LeBeau defense which will through anything in the book at you. McGahee has to be at full strength for the game, the offense runs though him, literally and as such, he is the key. Defensively, the Broncos have got a break with the Steelers banged up, especially at Running back. With two top running backs out, it will be interesting to see how effective their run game is. Von Miller in the second half of last week game was replaced on running down which is why the defense did so much better. His tenacity for attacking the QB is over-shadowing his gap assignments, in addition, that cast does NOT help at all. More important will be how the pass rush gets to Rothlesburger, everyone knows he's still hurt on that high ankle sprain. What will be interesting is the protection packages they use with extra blockers for VonDoom, BUT with four man pass rush, there is less coverage. Mike Wallace will be an issue, even with Champ on him because he is so fast. Champ will give him a cushion, but he needs help over the top. The biggest presence missed in the defense is Dawkins without a question. He is the communicator of which this defense runs through. It is hard to ask rookie plays to step up to his level, but its Playoff time...MAN UP!

In other news, the broncos pick no higher than 21 which clearly means they are out of the 1st round QB race. TO ME, this is QUITE beneficial as we need to take a cornerback or defensive tackle in the 1st round. Expect us to pick up a QB in the 2nd round, look out for Kellen Moore from Boise State.

This game WILL be a lot closer than people and think and the Broncos definitely have the tools to pull out a win. Records don't matter at this point, everyone is 0-0 and go big or go home. Put on your big boy pants Broncos lets do this, show us the true meaning of bleeding orange and blue! ALL READY!!!!!

See you all tomorrow!

I am a Broncos fan and I believe. I believe in Mile High Magic and Bleed Orange and Blue. I celebrate the drive and the Mile High Salute. I create the THUNDER, share in the common dream and will forever be a proud citizen of BRONCOS COUNTRY

Ron