The Broncos continue to be bit by missed plays and injuries, as now they will be missing Drew Lock and Courtland Sutton for an extended period of time. This game felt a lot like some Death by Inches, as just a few made plays here and there would have turned this game into a victory.
Both offenses struggled a bit to move against these defense, as Denver picked up 37.9% of their potential yards , and Pittsburgh garnered 38.6%. Denver actually was a bit more consistent in picking up yards, with their median potential yards gained at 36% vs the Steelers, but the negative plays hurt the Broncos the most. 12 of their 75 plays went for negative gains, as opposed to just 7 for Pittsburgh. A lot of this was on Jeff Driskel, but its also tough to expect a lot from the veteran backup in a shortened offseason and few reps during the week.
The bright for this weekend remained the defense. They did not allow the Steelers to have a drive over 9 plays, which gave the offense more chances. The run defense continued to be solid, allowing one big run by Conner but otherwise holding him to just over 3 yards per carry on his other runs. The pass rush was missing though, with just a single sack and by my eye just a couple of pressures. Michael Ojemudia had a rough game as well filling in for AJ Bouye, but he also was close on several plays. Hopefully Bouye can return soon and allow Ojemudia to not be forced to stick with a team's top receiver all game.
This next week Denver faces a familiar foe in a new place, and hopefully will have a bit better timing on offense with Driskell getting a whole week.
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