View topic - BRONCOS FOCUS ON BIG BEN...

[Crucible-steel-kid Profile]

All I can say is that they better play a clean game against PGH...

Broncos focus on Big Ben
By Jeff Legwold
The Denver Post
Posted: 11/06/2009 02:07:41 PM MST
Updated: 11/06/2009 02:07:50 PM MST

— The Broncos know at some point Monday night that time will be their enemy as they try to contend with Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

While some quarterbacks decide quickly to get rid of the ball, Roethlisberger has not only the virtue of patience, but the size (6-5, 241) and the mobility to hold onto the ball longer than most.

"They make a lot of big plays in the passing game," said Broncos coach Josh McDaniels Friday. "When he extends plays is when you get some of those big plays, when you initially think you have them covered and all of a sudden he's out of the pocket and it's like a new play."

Having been victimized some in their nickel package — five defensive backs — in recent weeks, especially by New England's Tom Brady and Baltimore's Joe Flacco, the Broncos are adding veteran Ty Law to their secondary. It may be difficult for the Broncos to get Law into the lineup Monday night, but their defensive positioning on passing downs is obviously a concern.

Roethlisberger is a stubborn quarterback who will try to keep moving if his first reads are covered.

"I always want to make a play," Roethlisberger said. "I want to keep it alive."

Roethlisberger has completed seven passes of at least 40 yards this season, with three of those having gone for touchdowns. Two of those plays came in the Steelers' last outing, a victory over the previously unbeaten Vikings.

Also, it's most often Mike Wallace making the long plays. Wallace, the Steelers' rookie wide receiver, has four of the catches of at least 40 yards and two of the touchdowns.

McDaniels said Friday the Broncos have to be vigilant in both their pass rush and in their coverages to prevent those kind of plays.

"We've got to try to prevent his extension of the play and if he does extend it, we've got to cover longer than we're used to covering," McDaniels said. "Obviously we can talk about it, be he seems to get out of the pocket every week."

Jeff Legwold: 303-954-2359 or jlegwold@denverpost.com

[Lake37 Profile]

It will be a game Pittsburgh dominates, yet in the fourth quarter the game will still be in the balance. Stillers win a close one

[Sun and Steel Profile]

You mean like every game they have won or lost this year. Except Minny, we got away with one there, we didn't really dominate but got the win. The D better be ready to close it out in the 4th. No other team has had any business even being on the field with us. Jeez those 2 losses were inexcusable...