Pittsburgh Gets A Failing Grade Against Manning’s No-huddle Offense In 31-19 Loss To Denver

Pittsburgh Gets A Failing Grade Against Manning’s No-huddle Offense In 31-19 Loss To Denver
September 10, 2012 4:13 PM

Lost in the hype of Peyton Manning’s return to the gridiron was the fact the Pittsburgh Steelers wanted to prove to the league that last year’s playoff loss to the Denver Broncos was a fluke — and that despite losing key players both to injuries and salary cap cuts, they are still a team to be reckoned with.

What they showed was they are still a work in progress. Denver cornerback Tracy Porter, off an inside release, picked Ben Roethlisberger’s pass off with just over two minutes and sealed the 31-19 win for the Broncos on a 43-yard touchdown return.

The Steelers’ offense did keep the ball out of Peyton Manning’s hands for most of the third quarter, but Denver’s no-huddle offense scored 22 points and stymied Pittsburgh’s defense.

When Manning did get the ball, he brought back memories of last year’s playoff loss when he found receiver Demaryius Thomas for a 71-yard touchdown pass. It was Manning’s 400th career touchdown pass, putting him in elite company with just Dan Marino and Brett Farve.

Then every time Pittsburgh safety Troy Polamalu dropped back, Manning checked to a run and it also proved successful.

The Steelers converted 10-of 11 third downs and led in times of possession — things which are usually enough to win a football game – but the lack of a running game seemed to hamper the team, especially in the second quarter when they got to the Denver three-yard line, but had to settle for a 21-yard field goal.

Up until Manning’s big play, the Steelers seemed to be doing everything they needed to win the contest. After that, they seemed to lack the intensity they showed earlier in the game, especially on defense where they were unable to disrupt Manning’s flow.

Gradebook

Quarterback

Ben Roethlisberger’s interception in the fourth quarter doesn’t mar his performance on the night. He only passed for 245 yards and had a rating just over 79, but he did what was needed to win, keeping the ball out of Manning’s hands and keeping his team in the game with some big plays and good game management.

Grade: B

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