Final Score
6 Pittsburgh Steelers 7-3-3-3 — 16
1 Denver Broncos 6-3-3-11 — 23
Box Score
It was not the typical game we have come to expect from Peyton Manning and Ben Roethlisberger. It was far from a shootout, but the Denver Broncos outlasted the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Pittsburgh led for most of the game, but a fumble by Fitz Toussaint in the fourth quarter proved to be costly. The Broncos recovered the ball and drove down the field for the game-winning touchdown with three minutes remaining in the game.
The Steelers offense was not able to return the favor, and the Broncos are headed to the AFC championship game to face the New England Patriots.
Peyton Manning started his first game since Week 10. He did not throw a touchdown pass but was able to move the Broncos offense down the field. He was 21-of-37 for 222 yards in his first full game back since mid-season.
Here is how the Broncos beat the Steelers and advanced to the AFC championship:
The Broncos Opened the Game Up With a Field Goal
Denver received the ball at the start of the game and finished the drive with a Brandon McManus field goal. It gave the Broncos a 3-0 lead to start the game.
Toussaint Scored the Steelers First Touchdown
Both teams offenses started off slowly. Fitz Toussaint scored a short touchdown for the Steelers. Pittsburgh would later get a field goal to have a 10-6 lead in the middle of the second quarter.
The Broncos Settled For Field Goals Throughout the Game
McManus has 4 field goals, #Broncos trail 13-12 in the 3rd…
Denver only had four field goals after three quarters. Their defense allowed them to stay in the game as they were down 13-12 heading into the fourth quarter.
Denver Forced a Fumble & Scored on a Touchdown Drive
Toussaint fumbled the ball late in the fourth quarter and the Broncos had a lengthy touchdown drive. C.J. Anderson scored the touchdown and Demaryius Thomas had the two point conversion. It was the Broncos first touchdown of the game and gave them a 20-13 lead with three minutes left in the game.