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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