Needing to hold a 14-point halftime lead in order to secure a playoff berth, the Denver Broncos again collapsed in the second half, falling to the Steelers 34-27 in Pittsburgh. Now, Denver’s fifth consecutive trip to the second season is on ice for at least another week.
Denver allowed its first 300-yard passing game of the year, a season high in points and Chris Harris surrendered his first touchdown in coverage in over two years. Antonio Brown broke the historic streak, and added a second TD for measure later in the half.
In total, the Broncos surrendered 377 total yards to Pittsburgh, 354 of them through the air. After converting on 8-of-8 third downs in the first half, the Broncos went 1-of-9 in the second half en route to their third consecutive scoreless second half.
Here’s a full Tweetcap of how the second half unfolded in another second-half meltdown loss.
Leading 27-13, Denver couldn’t add to their lead after receiving the second-half kickoff…
Broncos streak of 8 for 8 on 3rd down comes to end on 3rd and 20. Broncos punting for 1st time today.
— Steve Cox (@SteveCoxDenver) December 20, 2015
But Denver’s defense did exactly what was expected of it and forced a three-and-out…
#Broncos defense is just impressive. Really nice stop there. #Steelers had a chance to get that momentum.
— Raul Martinez (@RaulNBCBoston) December 20, 2015
The second-half started slowly again for Denver, though, who went three and out on a second consecutive drive and causing some concern…
It's early but will this be the tale of two halves like last week for the #Broncos? #Steelers D clearly has made some halftime adjustments.
— Chad Brown (@chadbrown94) December 20, 2015
Pittsburgh would answer with a long drive that ended in a touchdown and broken streak…
#Steelers got bailed out by Browns acting. Either ways it's a ball game now. 27-20 #Broncos.
— Sam Cowhick (@SamCowhick) December 20, 2015
First touchdown against Chris Harris Jr. in two years. #Steelers cut #Broncos' lead to 27-20.
— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) December 20, 2015
Despite a big play to Emmanuel Sanders, the Broncos offense continued to struggle in their third possession…
#Broncos 0-3 on 3rd down in 3rd quarter.
— Mark Haas (@markhaastv) December 20, 2015
Denver forced a punt, and Jordan Norwood also made the play of the game…
Heady play by Jordan Norwood — he picks up the rolling punt and returns it for a TD … but there is a flag back at the DEN 33.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) December 20, 2015
But the Steelers touched the ball with a player out of bounds and the Broncos had illegal players on the field…
Its coming back, #Broncos players ran on the field prematurely. Illegal substitution the call.
— Arran Andersen (@arranandersen) December 20, 2015
Ball should've been dead anyway. Steelers fella touched it.
— Paul Klee (@bypaulklee) December 20, 2015
Denver gave up yet another three-and-out to end the third quarter…
And Osweiler is sacked … 0-for-4 on third downs this half. Broncos go three-and-out.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) December 20, 2015
The ineffective run game was really starting to haunt the Broncos…
The Broncos have no confidence in their running game, nor should they, so controlling the clock becomes impossible, and Pitt's teeing off
— Gil Whiteley, Now and Then (@Gilfest) December 21, 2015
As a result, the Broncos defense finally gave in…
Ben Roethlisberger goes over 300 yards … first 300-yard passer allowed by @Broncos D this year. Denver being shredded right now.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) December 21, 2015
Touchdown Steelers. And we are tied. Wheaton with a beauty. #Broncos in big trouble. Offense has stalled. Defense is gassed.
— Raul Martinez (@RaulNBCBoston) December 21, 2015
And after surrendering the lead, the Broncos had their fifth consecutive punt, which was nearly a worse outcome…
Brock threw a pick but it was dropped. Broncos offense fails again. Colquitt punting and Steelers looking to take back the lead. #DENvsPIT
— cover32 Broncos (@cover32_DEN) December 21, 2015
Denver finally got a stop on defense, but Vernon Davis dropped another huge pass on the next possession…
Vernon with another monster drop when it matters most.
— Rod Mackey (@RodMackeySports) December 21, 2015
V. Davis was scared.
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) December 21, 2015
The Broncos defense got YET ANOTHER stop, though, offering a painful reminder of just how tough a day the offense was having…
Broncos D is doing the best they can. You HAVE to score second half points. HAVE to. Smh
— Darren McKee (@DMacSportsCO) December 21, 2015
But under heavy pressure on the next possession, Brock Osweiler was intercepted with 4:20 left on the clock…
Brock throws a pick. He was under pressure and forced it. Defense has to bail the offense out. Again. Pitt ball at Den 37. #DENvsPIT
— cover32 Broncos (@cover32_DEN) December 21, 2015
Irony on that INT…if PM is the QB, he'd have just taken the sack and the Broncos would still have the ball. I know, I know, silly thought
— Les Shapiro (@LesShapiro) December 21, 2015
The Steelers would not waste the opportunity…
Touchdown Steelers. Roethlisberger to Brown. #Broncos now trail for the first time since 7-0.
— Raul Martinez (@RaulNBCBoston) December 21, 2015
Brock Osweiler got the Broncos across midfield on the next drive, the first time all game, but couldn’t put points on the board after failing to convert on a fourth down…
Brock incomplete to CJ on 4th down. Not over yet but fat lady is sipping some tea to warm up. #DENvsPIT
— cover32 Broncos (@cover32_DEN) December 21, 2015
But the fat lady was at least shelved for a moment…
Brandon Marshall gets an INTERCEPTION! This could give the Broncos some life! #WeAreBRONCOS #DENvsPIT
— 9NEWS Sports Denver (@9NEWSSports) December 21, 2015
But Brock Osweiler couldn’t connect on a single pass over the next four plays and Denver once again gave up the ball on downs…
Osweiller is just making terrible decision after terrible decision at this point and making even worse throws. #Needstostepup
— Press Box Insider (@PBIOnAir) December 21, 2015
They didn't get one yard. Not one. That was less than impressive. #Brock #Broncos
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) December 21, 2015
Pittsburgh gained a first down on the final possession and that gave the Steelers the 34-27 win and opened up a lot of questions in Denver…
The Broncos were a complete Cluster in the second Half. . . I'm sorry, but this was an embarrassing loss. . .
— Gil Whiteley, Now and Then (@Gilfest) December 21, 2015
