DENVER – The Denver Broncos head into their Week 2 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers looking for their first win of the season, and rookie quarterback Bo Nix is set for a pivotal test. Denver will face a Steelers team with a formidable defense, spearheaded by All-Pro linebacker T.J. Watt. Nix’s debut showed promise but was also marked by typical rookie struggles, and the challenge of facing a relentless Pittsburgh defense won’t make things easier.
The Broncos’ offense will need to adapt quickly, especially as they face a Steelers defense that dominated in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons, securing a 24-10 win. Watt, who had two sacks, three quarterback hits, and numerous pressures in that game, will be a key focus for Denver’s offensive line. Nix, who will make his first start at home in Empower Field at Mile High, is eager to bounce back, but the Steelers’ defense poses a substantial threat.
This matchup will likely be determined by three key factors: how well Nix manages Pittsburgh’s defense, the Broncos’ ability to establish a run game, and Denver’s strategy to neutralize Watt and the Steelers’ pass rush.
Bo Nix’s Development and the Steelers Defense
In his NFL debut, Bo Nix showed resilience and flashes of his potential, but the Broncos’ offense struggled to consistently move the ball against the Seahawks. Nix completed 26 of 42 passes for 138 yards and rushed for a touchdown, but he also threw two interceptions and had difficulty maintaining drives in key moments. The Broncos’ offense was hampered by third-and-long situations, as well as a lack of efficiency on early downs.
After the game, Broncos head coach Sean Payton noted the team’s struggles to create favorable down-and-distance scenarios, which put pressure on Nix to make plays in third-and-long situations.
“It became a much more difficult game when we were in these third-and-longs,” Payton said. “I think even for some of the more experienced quarterbacks, we have to be better on our early downs.”
Looking ahead to the Steelers, Nix will face one of the league’s most disciplined and aggressive defenses. Pittsburgh’s ability to mix coverages and disguise blitzes will test the young quarterback’s decision-making. Additionally, Nix must contend with a Steelers pass rush that excels at forcing quarterbacks into hurried throws and mistakes.
Pittsburgh’s defense, under the guidance of veteran coach Mike Tomlin, has long been known for its toughness and versatility. They showed their mettle in Week 1, limiting the Falcons to just 10 points and applying constant pressure on Atlanta’s quarterbacks. T.J. Watt, in particular, was disruptive, with his ability to beat double teams and create chaos in both the run and pass game.
Watt’s impact isn’t lost on Payton, who highlighted the linebacker’s rare combination of athleticism, strength, and intelligence.
“He’s certainly disruptive in the run game and disruptive in the pass game,” Payton said. “Each film you look at, he’s beating doubles. He’s very athletic. I think he’s very strong, and he can bend. Those are all good traits to have, and he’s exceptionally smart.”
For Nix, handling Pittsburgh’s pressure will be crucial. In Week 1, the rookie quarterback displayed composure, even when things weren’t going Denver’s way. Payton praised Nix’s poise, saying that the young quarterback never appeared rattled, even under difficult circumstances.
“He was into it, competing,” Payton said. “We just have to be better around him.”
The Importance of the Broncos Run Game
A key component to helping Nix navigate the Steelers’ defense will be the Broncos’ ability to establish the run. In their loss to Seattle, Denver rushed for just 99 yards, with much of that coming from Nix’s scrambles. Running backs Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, and Audric Estime combined for only 64 rushing yards on 20 carries, a lackluster performance that placed too much responsibility on Nix to carry the offense.
Payton acknowledged that the Broncos need to be more effective on the ground to alleviate pressure on their young quarterback.
“We’ve got to evaluate the run plan and why it wasn’t as effective as we would like,” Payton said. “It’s going to be hard to (play) quarterback, period, if that’s the best we can do running the ball.”
The Steelers, however, have traditionally been strong against the run, and that held true in Week 1, as they limited the Falcons to just 65 rushing yards. Denver’s offensive line will need to step up, particularly in creating lanes for the Broncos backfield. Establishing the run early will not only help control the clock but also open up play-action opportunities for Nix, giving him a better chance to make plays down the field.
In their post-practice media availability this week, several Broncos players expressed confidence in their ability to bounce back from their Week 1 struggles. Patrick Surtain II acknowledged the challenge but remained optimistic about the offense’s ability to improve.
“I think we have a perfect opportunity to set that tone. First home game of the season, the fans are going to be there, [and] we have home field advantage. Being able to play this week at the stadium, it’s [going] to mean a lot. [It] has a lot of stake going in towards the season for sure.”
T.J. Watt and the Steelers Pass Rush
There’s no doubt that one of the biggest storylines heading into this game is how the Broncos’ offensive line will handle T.J. Watt. The All-Pro linebacker was a force in Pittsburgh’s Week 1 victory, and he has the ability to take over games with his pass-rushing prowess.
Watt’s impact extends beyond just getting sacks. His ability to create pressure disrupts an opposing quarterback’s rhythm, forces mistakes, and often results in turnovers. For Nix, avoiding those game-changing plays will be a key focus, as Watt has a knack for making quarterbacks uncomfortable, especially those with less experience.
Payton was complimentary of Watt’s game, noting that his versatility makes him one of the league’s most dangerous defenders.
“I don’t get into naming who the top defensive players are, but he’s in that discussion,” Payton said. “He’s certainly disruptive.”
Nix’s mobility will be tested in this game, as he’ll need to avoid pressure from Watt and the Steelers’ pass rush. One bright spot for Denver is Nix’s athleticism, which allows him to extend plays with his legs. In Week 1, Nix was the second-fastest ball carrier on the field, and his ability to make plays on the move could be an important factor against Pittsburgh.
“I think it’s a strength, and it can be used at the right times,” Nix said of his speed. “That’s tough on defenses.”
Denver’s offensive line will have its hands full, and if they can’t protect Nix, the Broncos’ offense could struggle to find any rhythm. Payton will likely emphasize quick, short passes to mitigate the impact of Pittsburgh’s pass rush, but the key will be keeping Watt and his teammates from taking over the game.
Score Prediction: Broncos vs. Steelers
As we look ahead to the Week 2 matchup between the Broncos and Steelers, the game’s outcome will hinge on Nix’s ability to handle the Steelers’ defense, Denver’s ability to establish the run, and how well the Broncos’ offensive line can protect Nix from T.J. Watt.
Pittsburgh’s defense, coming off an impressive Week 1 performance, presents a tough challenge for Denver. While Nix has shown poise and flashes of potential, the Steelers’ ability to generate pressure and force mistakes could be the difference in this game. Denver’s defense will also have its hands full, especially if the Steelers can control the clock and limit Nix’s opportunities to get into a rhythm.
We expect a close, hard-fought game, with both teams leaning heavily on their defenses. Ultimately, Pittsburgh’s ability to create turnovers and capitalize on field position gives them a slight edge.
Final Score Prediction: Steelers 23, Broncos 20
While the Broncos will likely improve from their Week 1 performance, the Steelers’ defensive prowess, led by Watt, may prove too much for Denver to overcome. Look for this game to come down to the wire, with Pittsburgh eking out a victory in a low-scoring affair.
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