Steelers vs. Broncos, Week 12: Knee-jerk reactions to the Steelers’ 24-17 loss in Denver

The Steelers win over Jacksonville was easily the craziest comeback in eons. But following up an emotional win like that is most difficult, especially against a team that owns a 19-11-1 record against you and has triumphed seven times in the past ten games. While all games are crucial this time of year, beating the Broncos in Denver means something to the Steelers.

Nonetheless, a simple reminder, a knee jerk reaction is an immediate and unthinking, emotional reaction. It’s basically shooting first and apologizing later. I can safely say that’s a true definition of your’s truly and a good lot of Steeler Nation. Here’s my real-time reactions during the Steelers’ most recent battle.

Quarter 1

• Really like the throwback helmets for the Broncos. Darker than the older ones, but awesome. They should return to those.
• They are moving it. But I’m surprised that they’re staying away from the run.
• Blocked field goal. Can’t miss opportunities in this city against this team.
• The pass rush is just missing him though.
• That kick just eeked through.
• That’s a deep safety. They are doing everything they can to shut AB down.
• Switzer is so valuable completing third downs. He’s quickly becoming a fan favorite. I can’t wait till that guy gets in the end zone.

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• Seven receptions to seven different receivers. That’s a loaded gun cabinet.

Quarter 2

• Conner needs to get going. But remember, they haven’t been utilizing him as a rusher.
• Just utilized him on a great play fake.
• Grimble....Yes!
• Wait what? Might want to take a look at that.
• That’s a shame. But it’s clearly a turnover.
• Watt needs to catch hang-time balls like that.
• Joe needs to tackle better than that.
• Can’t lose Watt. This is bad.
• Nice coverage by Joe, but what’s the deal with the flag?
• OPI. Nice! That’s a no call to me though. But I’ll take it.
• Good stop.
• Gotta get on the board here.
• Denver is soft on the middle. I would keep going for the belly on those Conner runs.
• Ben looks more on target this week. I couldn’t complete these last week.
• Helmet opening? That’s a new one.
• Romo is using my phrase...ticky-tack. I agree with him. Cheap call on Vanimal.
• That was a WWE-quality clothes line by Wolfe. That could’ve been flagged.
• Nice job, Boz.
• Crappy camera angle by CBS though.
• That’s the danger of Lindsay. At least Edmunds got him.
• Glad Watt is back.
• LaCosse is annoying. But he dominated the end of that drive.
• They’re getting nothing deep.
• Switzer is becoming more valuable by the play.
• Vanimal dropped six. Inexcusable.
• Another missed opportunity.
• Love that call. Sweet TD for Alejandro..

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Quarter 3

• Too bad that pass was off. You can’t get more open than JuJu on that play.
• Dumb penalty. Can’t kill drives like that.
• Not getting the pressure on Keenum.
• Lindsay can kill this team.
• Got pressure on Case there. Vinny Vidi Vici crushed him.
• Lindsay rushed right past Hargrave on that one.
• Huge play by Morgan Burnett on third down.
• 97 yards to JuJu. That was epic.

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• Did Ben get hurt on that play? Oh no.
• Yes that was definitely a hold. Bud got mugged.
• Game plan needs to be Conner-heavy right now.
• Okorafor is playing big time RT right now.
• That was an ugly pass by Ben. Defense will need a big stop here.
• That was fast. Damn.
• That Sanders play wasn’t getting overturned.
• Washington left his feet there. Needed to catch this ball desperately.
• One TO left is dangerous.
• Switzer got lucky. That could have been disastrous.
• Ben is limping, but nice gain on that broken play.
• Vance ailing. Trust in the Outlaw Jesse James.
• First bad thing Chuks has done all day.
• Ben has got to be hurting.
• Another great RAC ruined by a turnover.

Quarter 4

• The Steelers can lose this game here if they don’t stop the run.
• Hargrave with a nice run-stop there.
• Defense is slipping.
• Somebody tipped that ball. LT Walton.
• Lindsay is taking over.
• Can’t stop the TE.
• Defense needs a stop. I don’t see it happening though.
• Watt is giving Sensabaugh an ear full.
• Big time sack by Hargrave and Heyward.
• Crunch time. Got to get seven here.
• You knew Miller wasn’t going to get shut out.
• That’s a big time first down after the sack.
• You are definitely in four-down territory. Keep going after the middle.
• Ben to JuJu is $$$$$$$.
• You can’t win when you turn the ball over four times.
• That was an awful play.
• No magic this week.

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So...now as I replay the game more and more in my head, my perceptions and maybe my prescriptions will alter. But for now, you just got a glimpse of the first thoughts that popped in my mind while I was watching this game. Feel free to get your knee jerks on in the comments section.