Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 Keys to Victory Against Denver

4. Secondary Needs To Play Big

The obvious weakness for this Steelers team has been the play of their secondary. Right now, their passing defense in ranked 31st in the NFL.

In Week 9, Derek Carr threw over 300 yards and four touchdowns.

In Week 12, Russell Wilson over 340 yards and five touchdowns.

It’s been ugly but since then, they have improved their play against the pass.

In their last two games, CBs Brandon Boykin and William Gay have recorded an interception (Gay’s was returned for a touchdown) and so has Safety Robert Golden. Also, they have only allowed one touchdown pass to a WR in those two games.

The Broncos’ have two dangerous WRs in Demaryius Thomas and Emanuel Sanders.

In 2014, both WRs had more than 1,400 yards receiving and combined for 20 receiving touchdowns.

Although Denver’s passing-attack has taken a step (or two) back from last year, there’s still a good possibility that both receivers will eclipse the 1,000 yard receiving mark in 2015.

According to Sporting Charts Demaryius Thomas ranks 9th amongst WRs in YAC (Yards After the Catch). There should be a huge focus on bringing Thomas down as soon as he catches the ball because he does a lot of his damage after he catches the ball.

Emmanuel Sanders on the other hand, has recorded a reception of at least 34 yards in six different games. His ability to get behind a secondary is well documented. The Steelers’ CBs needs to make sure they don’t let this guy slip pass them without having a man over the top. Sanders will do everything in his power to have a big game against his former team.

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