5 things to watch for in tonight's Steelers-Broncos game

November 9, 7:59 AMDenver Broncos ExaminerGreg Henry

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Five things to watch for in tonight's Pittsburgh Steelers-Denver Broncos game at Invesco Field at Mile High:

1. Can the Broncos get off to a quick start? Denver has scored just 24 first-quarter points in seven games. Playing anotherr stout defese like Pittsburgh's won't be easy, but the Broncos need to get a quick six or it could be a long game just as it was against Baltimore.

2. Where's the running game? After a pathetic 66-yard performance against the Ravens, the Broncos need to restore the one-two punch of Correll Buckhalter and Knowshon Moreno. It will be interesting to see if Coach Josh McDaniels still has faith in Moreno after his fumble -- albeit on a terrific hit by the Ravens' Ed Reed to dislodge the ball.

3. Can the special teams play be special? Punter Mitch Berger was a slight improvement over Brett Kern with better hang time but his average was still a mediocre 36 yards net. The biggest improvement has to come on the return teams. Denver must prevent another big runback. Two games in a row the Broncos have allowed a kickoff return for a touchdown.

4. Can the defense pressure Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger? More important, the Broncos have to tackle Big Ben. His mobility and ability to get away from tacklers because of his size makes him even more dangerous. Roethlisberger is rarely a threat to take off on a scramble, but he keeps a play alive longer because he's hard to bring down.

5. Get the home-field advantage. Denver's fans need to bring it. And the Broncos need to respond early and, perhaps, often. The Broncos need to get touchdowns instead of field goals.



GAME FACTS:

Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Denver Broncos
Where: Invesco Field at Mile High, Denver
When: 6:30 p.m. Monday
TV/Radio: ESPN and KTVD-Channel 20/KOA-850 AM
 

Look for coverage of Monday night's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers here.

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