Today was a good day. Last night’s Denver victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers gave me a quiet sense of superiority over all the Steelers fans that riddle State College. Despite the tightness of the game, the Broncos were able to successfully pull out a win on the strength of Jason Elam’s right leg.
Elam’s 49-yard field goal as time expired propelled the Broncos to a 31-28 win over the now 4-2 Pittsburgh Steelers. Defense proved the key throughout, as the Broncos youth movement began to show its teeth. Dre Bly reeled in his second interception of the season, picking off a deep pass intended for Santonio Holmes in the first quarter. The ever-improving D.J. Williams recorded Denver’s second interception, the first by a Bronco linebacker since 2004. Williams had an impressive game, recording seven tackles to go with the interception. However, the young guys on the defensive line really stole the show.
Elvis Dumervil, a second year pro out of Louisville, led the charge on defense with two of the team’s four sacks and a forced fumble. Tim Crowder, a rookie out of Texas, picked up the loose ball and took it fifty yards to the house late in the second quarter. Rookie Jarvis Moss also recorded a tackle. So, although Denver’s rush defense has been mediocre of late, things are looking up for the future of this team. The Broncos only allowed Willie Parker 10 yards rushing in the first quarter, and did not surrender a single rushing touchdown all game. This win will certainly go a long way to improve the confidence of the Denver defense as they prepare for yet another nationally televised game next week.
Like I said before, the win set some good things in motion for me as just about one of the only Bronco fans in the State College vicinity. As I sat and watched Roethlisberger fumble and unsuccessfully reach for the elusive football, I couldn’t help but smile at all the Steelers fans reactions. However, I will admit that the Steelers are a good team and did battle back, making for a classic Sunday night finish. Pittsburgh fans make up the majority up here in State College, and for one Bronco fan in the midst of a sea of black and gold, this week seven win was extra special. Next week will certainly prove a test against the rested Brett Favre and his Green Bay Packers, but I will certainly enjoy a little less noise from Steelers fans this week.
The Broncos sit only a half game out of first place in the AFC West, and if they can shrug off the Green Bay pass attack at home next week, Detroit and Kansas City wait in the wings as two very winnable games. Let’s go Broncos!
