Defense keys Steelers' fifth straight win
It was over when ...
(David Zalubowski / Associated Press)
The Broncos couldn't get the ball back in the fourth quarter. Pittsburgh went on an 11-play, 74-yard drive that took 5:08 and ended with Hines Ward skipping into the end zone to give the Steelers a 28-10 lead with 1:22 remaining.
Game ball
In the first half, the Steelers managed just 23 yards rushing and couldn't move the chains on the ground. They made adjustments at halftime, as Rashard Mendenhall found holes and gashed the Broncos' rush defense, which ranked third coming in, for 155 yards on 22 carries by the end of the game.
Key Stat
Following a field goal on their opening drive, every Broncos possession ended with an interception or a punt. Coming into the game, QB Kyle Orton had thrown just one pick. Against the Steelers, he threw three interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. The Steelers also scored a touchdown three plays after his second misfire.
Noteworthy
The Steelers have won their last five games on Monday night and are 38-22 all-time. ... The Steelers didn't enter Broncos territory until the second half. ... Before a third-quarter pick, Ben Roethlisberger hadn't thrown an interception in the red zone in more than two years. ... The Steelers have scored 27 or more points in five straight games, which is a franchise record.
