It's Monday so that means it's debate time. This week Matt Loede of Steelers Gab helps us tackle Pittsburgh's question marks while Ashton Grewal sticks up for the dogged Broncos.
Defending Steeler Nation: Matt Loede of Steelersgab.com
The Steelers haven’t looked as sharp as they did at the tail end of last season. What’s the biggest difference between this year’s club and last year's?
The injury to Troy Polamalu on opening night against the Titans hurt and the team lost two close games to the Bears and Bengals when it was not able to close out the fourth quarter after having leads. Plus, the Steelers were unable to get the run game going early on, but things have turned around in their four-game winning streak.
Is Rashard Mendenhall a better fit – compared to Willie Parker - at tailback for Pittsburgh?
Mendenhall's power running style seems to mesh better with Pittsburgh's offense. Parker takes way too many losses going east and west instead of north and south. Mendenhall seems to have that burst that Parker has lost with his turf toe injury.
Why do you think the Steelers will cover the spread Monday against Denver?
They are playing much better on defense and, on offense, Ben Roethlisberger is playing at a Pro Bowl level. They will be able to throw the ball and they also should be able to get to Kyle Orton enough to force some mistakes.
Final score prediction: Pittsburgh 27, Denver 13
Break down on the Broncos: Ashton Grewal, Covers.com associate editor
Was Denver exposed at all last week against the Ravens?
A little bit. There isn't a lot of surprise to Denver's offense. The Broncos want to gain small chunks on each down and keep third downs in managable situations.
They have just three runs of 20 yards or more and 17 passes of 20 or more yards. Head coach Josh McDaniels calls plays that put his players in the best situation to succeed and that doesn't include airing it out much.
McDaniels is still smart enough to keep defenses on their toes even if it's of the dink and dunk variety.
Is Knowshon Moreno Denver's best option at running back?
Moreno is the most talented back on Denver's roster, but some Bronco fans are making noise about handing the starter job to Correll Buckhalter.
I tend to agree with that argument. Buckhalter, after years of playing in Philadelphia's system, catches the ball well, runs hard and can pick up the blitz in the backfield.
Why do you think Denver will cover the spread?
Denver's defense is going to get back to its nasty self. Pittsburgh's offensive line won't be able to keep Elvis Dumervil from driving Ben Roethlisberger into the turf.
The Broncos will control time of possession and eek out a narrow victory.
Final score prediction: Broncos 23, Steelers 20