Broncos expose weaknesses

The Broncos flat out outplayed 'R Stillers and seemed to be a step quicker all night long.

What can I say?

Ben did a good job of rallying the O to tie the game with under two minutes left to play in regulation, but the D gave up critical late game yardage (again) and second-year starter Jay Cutler showed more precision and promise than he has at any other time in his brief NFL career, leading the previously woeful Broncos to a fateful last-second winning field goal.

The Steelers' strategy of throwing early and often puzzled some observers, but you could see they were doing it in a way to spread the field, hoping to establish the run by softening the periphery with quick hits and a couple long throws ... Fast Willie had his moments, but overall, the O-line suffered its worst game thus far.

The real problem, it seemed to me, was an overactive D that was possibly trying too many tricks to throw-off the inexperienced Cutler. Instead of throwing him off his game, the Bronco QB seemed to be prepared for all of the different looks, and the D just couldn't muster the kind of pass rush that had them near the league leaders in sacks and pressures after the first few games this season. Kudos to Shanahan for a strong game plan and Cutler for great execution.

I was truly hoping for a win leading into this three-game stretch versus division rivals, but maybe the loss will be the kind of bitter medicine the team needs to get their game into gear?

Hey, we can hope, can't we?