Tuesday 19 January 2016

Manning seizes on late trunover to take Broncos further


The AFC North lost its last representative in the playoffs when the Steelers failed to win a gritty battle in Denver. As I had suggested in my preview, it was a turnover that flipped the momentum.  Fitzgerald Toussaint’s fumble five minutes into the final quarter provided the veteran Peyton Manning with an opportunity to make his mark on the game.

With the Steelers 13-12 ahead and driving forward, the turnover momentarily sucked the energy from the Steelers and lifted the spirits of the languid Broncos.

 
Manning took just three minutes to lead his team on a drive of 65 yards that was finished with a one-yard touchdown run from C.J. Anderson. The successful two-points after pass to Demaryius Thomas gave the Broncos a 20-13 lead.

With the leader who never knows when to quit, Ben Roethlisberger valiantly attempted to spur on his offense after the fateful setback.

In a frantic final three minutes with both defenses dictating the pace, the teams could only exchange field goals as Denver took a 23-16 victory that sees the number one AFC seed host a game next Sunday against the second seed New England Patriots.

POST GAME COMMENTS FROM THE COACHES

Gary Kubiak:

“I think the wind was a big factor in the football field. It really was. The ball was moving. We had, what, four or five drops in the first half that could have been big plays. It made a difference, but we just kept our poise, kept grinding. That’s what our team has been about all year.”

Mike Tomlin:

“I’ve got to start off by complimenting and congratulating the Denver Broncos on a winning performance. We fought hard, just not enough today. Came up a few plays short. Such is life. I just appreciate the efforts of our football team. There can only be one, obviously, and this year it’s not us.”

 

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