Pittsburg, PA
Key takeaways from Steelers-Broncos: Pittsburgh wins with defense (again) as Bo Nix’s mistakes continue
Mike Tomlin matched Bill Belichick with his 25th win against a rookie quarterback as the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Denver Broncos 13-6 on Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High.
Pittsburgh’s defense stymied Denver rookie Bo Nix, sacking him twice and intercepting him twice, including on the game’s final play.
Pittsburgh’s offense, with Justin Fields starting in place of Russell Wilson for the second consecutive week, only scored one touchdown, a 5-yard reception from tight end Darnell Washington. But it was enough to get the job done as Pittsburgh improved to 2-0.
The Broncos fell to 0-2 for the second year in a row under Sean Payton.
Fields. Washington. @Steelers on the board!
📺: #PITvsDEN on CBS/Paramount
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/JUlDeQJhm5— NFL (@NFL) September 15, 2024
Fields shows growth, but offense stalls in second half
What was billed as Wilson’s return to Denver instead turned into another chance for Fields to make his case to remain the starter. Fields managed the game well in the first half, completing 10 of 12 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown. He also added 26 yards on the ground. It was one of the better quarterback performances the Steelers have seen in the last several seasons, clearing the low bar set by Kenny Pickett and others.
However, in the second half, the offense struggled to stay in rhythm. The Steelers possessed the ball seven times in the second half. The longest of the seven lasted just five plays. Three times in the second half, the Steelers went three-and-out. The Steelers gained just 62 yards of offense after halftime and picked up just three first downs.
While Fields has continuously shown his dynamic running ability and has continued to improve as a passer, the Steelers still have scored just one touchdown in two games. Whether it’s with Fields or Wilson, Pittsburgh needs to continue to improve offensively. — Mike DeFabo, Steelers beat writer
Can Pittsburgh cut down on penalties?
Tomlin called penalties “low-hanging fruit” for criticism following Week 1, when the Steelers committed nine penalties for 60 yards. The issues rolled over into Week 2.
On several instances, the Steelers negated big plays because of miscues. In the first half, Fields made a spectacular throw on the run to hit George Pickens along the sideline. However, that play was called back because of a Broderick Jones holding penalty, one of three flags the offensive tackle drew during his lone series on the field. Also in the first half, an offensive pass interference penalty on Van Jefferson wiped out what would have been a touchdown to Pickens. The Steelers finished the day with 10 penalties for 78 yards. — DeFabo
Steelers’ defense is 2-for-2
After holding Atlanta to a single touchdown in Week 1, the Steelers defense turned in another stellar performance in Week 2. The Broncos went three-and-out on three of their first five series. That set the tone, as the Steelers held the Broncos out of the end zone for the entirety of the game.
Even one of Denver’s most productive drives of the day ended with a Steelers highlight when second-year cornerback Cory Trice Jr. intercepted Nix in the end zone. — DeFabo
CORY TRICE WITH HIS FIRST @NFL INT ‼️
📲 Stream on NFL+: https://t.co/COxKRnrEBK pic.twitter.com/Z7DDL4JCXO
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 15, 2024
How concerning are Nix’s mistakes?
When the Broncos named Nix the team’s starting quarterback in August, they cited his poise and decision-making as two of the major factors in deciding to push the rookie into the QB1 role at the start of his career.
A quarterback’s development is a long-term process, but it’s the nature of Nix’s struggles through the first two games of his career that are concerning. His interception in the back of the end zone in the third quarter was his third of the year, and they’ve all been agonizingly similar. Nix forced the throw off his back foot to his top target, Courtland Sutton, and a defensive back lurking underneath, this time Trice, made the easy pick. It was a mistake that erased Denver’s best chance to get back into the game.
Nix is not solely to blame for Denver’s anemic offensive performance, which includes a 1-of-6 start in the red zone through two games. The protection of a high-priced offensive line has been inadequate. Starting running back Javonte Williams has been unable to reach the second level of the defense consistently. Tight end Greg Dulcich dropped two passes. Payton has been unable or unwilling to establish a consistent rhythm in the running game.
But Nix is making the kind of mistakes — even beyond the interceptions, his accuracy has been subpar — the Broncos were hopeful he’d be able to avoid early in the season. And with two straight road games against defensive head coaches (Buccaneers, Jets) ahead, the road doesn’t get easier. — Nick Kosmider, Broncos beat writer
Rough outing for Pat Surtain II
Cornerback Pat Surtain II was beat early in Sunday’s game by speedy wide receiver George Pickens, and things never got much better from there for the Broncos star. Surtain was called for three penalties, including a pass-interference call on a deep ball for Pickens that cost Denver 37 yards on a drive that ultimately resulted in a Pittsburgh field goal.
Surtain was also beat deep by Pickens on what would have been a 51-yard gain, but Pittsburgh was called for a holding penalty.
Surtain before the season signed a four-year, $96 million contract that came with $77.5 million in guarantees, a record for a cornerback. One rocky outing doesn’t diminish his standing as one of the best defensive backs in football, but it was indicative of the wholesale struggles Denver had during a home opener to forget. Even on a day when the defense played well — defensive end Zach Allen was particularly impressive — mistakes spoiled progress. — Kosmider
Required reading
(Photo: Todd Kirkland / Getty Images)
Pittsburg, PA
How to watch Pittsburgh Steelers vs Broncos NFL Week 2: Time, TV channel, FREE live stream
The Pittsburgh Steelers are road favorites in Week 2 playing a Sunday afternoon matchup with a Denver Broncos team led by rookie quarterback Bo Nix. The game is scheduled to start at 4:25 p.m. ET (2:25 p.m. MT) with TV coverage on CBS and streaming on-demand.
- How to watch: Live streams of the Steelers vs. Broncos game are available with offers from FuboTV (free trial), SlingTV (low intro rate) and DirecTV Stream (free trial).
- For a limited time, FuboTV is offering $30 off the first month after the free trial period. With the $30 offer, plans start at $49.99 per month.
- The game will also stream on Paramount+, which offers a free trial for new users.
- Regional restrictions may apply.
Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0) at Denver Broncos (0-1)
NFL Week 2 matchup at a glance
When: Sunday, Sept. 15 at 4:25 p.m. ET (2:25 p.m. MT)
Where: Empower Field at Mile High Stadium, Denver, Colo.
TV channel: CBS
Live streams: FuboTV (free trial) | SlingTV (low intro rate) | DirecTV Stream (free trial) | Paramount+ (free trial)
Justin Fields could be back under center for the Steelers in Week 2 with veteran Russell Wilson going into Sunday listed as questionable with a calf injury. Fields got the start on the road against the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday and helped the Steelers to an 18-10 win with his 17-of-23 passing for 156 yards and his 14 rush attempts for 57 yards.
Pittsburgh should be very competitive in the head-to-head battle of starting quarterbacks if the same version of Nix shows up in his second career start. The No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft completed 26 of 42 pass attempts for 138 yards in Denver’s 26-20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Denver Broncos Live Streaming Options
- FuboTV (free trial) – excellent viewer experience with huge library of live sports content; free trial lengths vary; monthly rate after free trial starts at $49.99 for duration of $30 first month discount.
- DirecTV Stream (free trial) – not the same level of viewer experience as FuboTV, but the standard 7-day free trial is still the longest in streaming
- SlingTV (low intro rate) – discounted first month is best if you’ve run out of free trials or you’re in the market for 1+ month of TV
- Paramount+ ($7.99+/mo.) – an option for most games on the CBS family of networks, which often features big matchups in the NFL and college
The Broncos and Steelers are set for a 4:25 p.m. ET start on CBS. Live streams are available from FuboTV (free trial), DirecTV Stream (free trial) and SlingTV (low intro rate).
The game will also stream on Paramount+, which offers a free trial for new users.
Pittsburg, PA
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Denver Broncos odds, expert picks, how to watch: Faith in Steelers holds on
It doesn’t look like we’ll get a Russell Wilson revenge game against the Denver Broncos as the Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing to start quarterback Justin Fields for the second game in a row. Despite the unsettled quarterback situation and the lack of a touchdown in their Week 1 win, the Steelers are still a small road favorite.
That is almost entirely due to the combination of the Steelers defense being one of the best in the NFL — coming off a dominant showing in Week 1 — and getting to play against rookie quarterback Bo Nix, making his second NFL start. Nix averaged just 3.3 yards per attempt in his Week 1 debut while throwing two interceptions. Mike Tomlin is also 24-6 in his head-coaching career against rookie quarterbacks.
Given that, as well as the notoriously conservative nature of the Steelers offense, points might be a problem in this game, and the 36.5 total reflects that. This is the lowest total in the NFL this week and one of only three under 40 points.
Even though the Steelers offense did not produce a touchdown on Sunday, the offense still moved the ball better than it had in previous seasons, generating six scoring drives (all field goals) and having only two three-and-outs. Fields was able to make plays and extend drives with his feet, and seemed to get more comfortable as the game went on and the Steelers introduced more play-action passing to get him on the edge.
The Steelers are only 31-40-3 against the spread as road favorites in the Tomlin era but are 6-5-1 over the past five years in such games.
This is just the second time Denver has been a home underdog under Sean Payton, winning the only other game.
All odds from BetMGM. Looking for NFL tickets? Find them here.
Free, daily sports updates direct to your inbox.
Free, daily sports updates direct to your inbox.
Sign Up
Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos odds
How to watch Steelers vs. Broncos
- Venue: Empower Field at Mile High — Denver
- Time: 4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday
- TV: CBS
- Streaming: Try Fubo for free
Expert picks for Steelers vs. Broncos
Read more about NFL Week 2
Week 2 odds, expert picks for all 16 games: Bills-Dolphins headlines a week of big favorites
Best bets: Why we’re high on Cowboys, Bills-Dolphins offense and C.J. Stroud
Picks against the spread, Week 2: Cut Daniel Jones some slack, Giants will bounce back
Quarterback Tiers: Tua, Trevor Lawrence and the biggest contracts ever for Tier 3 QBs
(Photo of T.J. Watt: Todd Kirkland / Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Hyundai and Kia drivers know there have been problems over the past few years with car thefts.
On Saturday, AAA and three partners were in East Liberty to give out devices for Kia and Hyundai owners to help defend their cars.
It’s about providing a layer of protection for Hyundai and Kia owners. They armed those who showed up with steering wheel lock devices.
Ike Hamilton wouldn’t want his golden Hyundai gone.
“I want to protect my vehicle as well, so that’s why I’m here,” Hamilton said.
Yellow club-like locks are what AAA partnered with Pittsburgh and Allegheny County Police to give out.
“They’ve been around for years. They are an effective deterrent,” Jim Garrity of AAA East Central said.
They stop people from getting behind the wheel and stealing these cars. It’s something Pittsburgh Police Chief Larry Scirotto says has happened over 140 times since May of this year.
“It’s not organized crime,” Scirotto said. “They’re not stealing them for profit; they’re stealing them for fun.”
Scirotto said a lot of the culprits are young people. All parties involved in Saturday’s event said there are basic steps people can also take.
“Not leaving your keys in the car, not leaving your cars unlocked, is really important,” Scirotto said.
“It’s just one extra thing that these vehicle owners can do,” Garrity said.
And Ike Hamilton is going the extra mile.
“I’m spreading the word to everybody else who needs a club,” he said.
AAA says it has at least four more of these events planned over the next couple of months.
A list of planned future events is below:
White Oak: Oct. 21, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Washington: Oct. 21, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Wexford: Oct. 23, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
McMurray: Nov. 18, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Locations for these events were not provided to KDKA-TV at the time of this report.
A tropical system is forecasted to make landfall Monday on South Carolina’s coast.
Obituary for William "Will" Oliver at Miller Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory
Tennessee football tickets vs Oklahoma: Best prices for remaining available seats
Dry heat in store for North Texas
‘BlacKKKlansman’ Stallworth writes about policing Utah’s Mormon gangsters
Colorado Rockies game no. 116 thread: Zac Gallen vs José Ureña
See it: Tesla crashes into Columbus convention center at 70 mph
Fox News Politics: Georgia the whole day through
Death of missing Oregon girl found in stream ruled homicide
At least 2 dead as tornadoes hit Alabama, damage homes across Southeast
Ryan Routh, armed man arrested at Trump golf course, posted prolifically about Trump, politics
Scholz, Mirziyoyev ink migration deal in Uzbekistan
Tropical storm warnings issued for the Carolina coast, tropical system to bring heavy rain and coastal flood threat | CNN
Ohio Senate candidate rips 'depraved' politicians for Springfield migrant crisis: Citizens 'pay the price'
Boat capsizes in Nigeria, drowning at least 40 people
-
Politics1 week agoConservative economists pour cold water on Harris' new small-business tax proposal
-
World1 week agoVoting under way in Algeria’s presidential election
-
Politics1 week agoTrump suggests he could win 50% of Jewish vote in presidential election showdown against Harris
-
News1 week agoCross-Tabs: September 2024 Times/Siena Poll of the Likely Electorate
-
News1 week agoTracking the House’s Most Competitive Races
-
Politics1 week agoWinsome Earle-Sears announces VA gov bid to build on Youngkin record: It's 'all about business’
-
World6 days agoResearchers warn methane emissions ‘rising faster than ever’
-
Politics1 week agoHarris visits spice shop known for hating and slamming Republicans, calls for end of 'divisiveness'