Tomasson's scouting report: Broncos vs. Steelers

The Denver Gazette's Chris Tomasson gives his scouting report for Sunday’s game between the Broncos and Steelers at Empower Field at Mile High.

Offense

Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix looks to bounce back from a tough debut in which he completed 26 of 42 passes for 138 yards with two interceptions in a 26-20 loss at Seattle. To help his cause, Denver needs to get the ground game on track. Against the Seahawks, Broncos backs had just 64 yards on 20 carries, with starter Javonte Williams managing just 23 on eight attempts. The game had been billed as the return of Russell Wilson, Denver’s quarterback the previous two seasons. But he likely won’t play due to a calf injury, with Justin Fields starting for Pittsburgh. Fields is a big threat to run the ball, and the Steelers also have star back Najee Harris.

Advantage: Steelers

Defense

The Broncos were dominant on defense in the first half at Seattle, holding the Seahawks to 102 yards and getting two safeties. But they collapsed in the third quarter and on the first play of the fourth quarter as Seattle scored 17 unanswered points. But positives on defense include pass rusher Jonathon Cooper getting two sacks and linebacker Alex Singleton an interception. For the Steelers, it all starts on defense with pass rusher T.J. Watt, who can wreck a game. He had an NFL-high 19 sacks last season. In an 18-10 win at Atlanta in Week 1, Watt and a sack and recovered a fumble. Defensive tackle Montravius Adams also had a sack and Pittsburgh had two interceptions.

Advantage: Steelers

Coaching

Broncos coach Sean Payton and Steelers coach Mike Tomlin both have Super Bowl wins. Tomlin led the Steelers to a win in Super Bowl XLIII in February 2009 and Payton won his a year later in Super Bowl XLIV with New Orleans. Both are regarded as among the top NFL coaches this century. In his previous 16 NFL seasons, including 15 with the Saints, Payton never has had a record worse than 7-9. In his previous 17 seasons, all with Pittsburgh, Tomlin never has gone worse than 8-8. Being in his second Broncos season, Payton is still putting together a roster to his full liking while Tomlin has a more established program.

Advantage: Steelers

Intangibles

The Broncos play their home opener, and the fans figure to be fired up. There should be a good number of Steelers fans on hand, but Nix won’t have to contend with anything like he did at Seattle, with its raucous fans known as the 12s. The Broncos last season went 5-4 at home, with three of the losses by a combined six points. The Steelers weren’t able to score a touchdown at Atlanta but got six field goals from Chris Boswell, including boots of 51, 56 and 57 yards. Now he will have the Denver altitude to help. The Steelers also gained some additional confidence by winning their opener on the road.

Advantage: Broncos