Broncos vs Steelers: 2012 AFC Wild-Card Sunday

This game could be a classic folks, hell it could turn in a game that we might be watching more and more often on a Primetime broadcast for 4 or 5 more years to come. With a limping leader in Ben Roethlisberger, a Ryan Clark-less Steelers defense, but a ton of experience, Pittsburgh flies into Denver to take on a recently struggling Tim Tebow and a Brian Dawkins-less Denver defense. Both players being out on their respective teams as losses that are basically immesurable. Polamalu is a stud and not doubt the emotional and physical leader of his footbal team, but he has to play cenerfield the whole game, instead of being able to take peoples heads off over the middle and help wth the run.

Dawkins resume also speaks for itself. The 38 year old veteran had 51 tackles, 3 sacks, and a forced fumble. Pretty good for a guy with 16 years of service in the NFL. Dawkins is also the unquestioned heart of the defense that frankly, has kept Denver in every game they have won. Short of the Vikings game when he was good for two quarters of a game, Tebow has not let the pressure off the defense one bit, but I'll talk more about the offense later. Brian Dawkins will have to do the best leading he can with his voice, from the sidelines. Ask Ray Lewis if you can fire up a offense OR a defense from the sideline with just your mouth. He'll tell you hell ya.

Another leader that is hurting, but will be taking the field is Ben Roethlisberger. Say what you will about his personal life (I'm really not a fan), but the guy is a real good QB. He threw for over 4,000 yards this year and hit 63% of his targets, along with 21 touchdowns. The guy was pretty much unstoppable. I know he's hurt right now, and I am a much bigger proponent of Tim Tebow, I'm still taking Big Ben on my fantasy football playoff draft. He has 8 seasons under his belt and has already played in 13 post-season games. I'm calling Denver to win this one, and the only way that happens is if the Defense gets Ben on the ground early and often. If he's left standing, Ben could make the Dawkins-less defense pay hard.

Now on to the conundrum that is the Denver Broncos offense...
Tim Tebow has had a up and down season at best. He's thrown for twice the touchdowns (12) to the interceptions he has thrown (6), and he has also rushed for 660 yards and 6 touchdowns. He's also fumbled the ball 13 times and only completed 46% of his passes, and even worse he's turned the ball over 7 times in the last three games, all Denver losses. I think even though it is playoff time now, Tebow might come out and still surprise some people. Not because he's gonna throw for 300 yards or run for 100, but because he's going to learn from his mistakes, just like every other QB in this league does.

If Tebow can get back to limiting his mistakes by not turning the ball over and just handing the ball off to McGahee, the Denver Broncos might be just fine. I'll look for the salty vet to run for over 100 on the Steelers D and stick one in the end-zone, a combo usually hard to come by under the 'Steel Curtain' v2012. The defense looks a little different come game-time. Ryan Clark being out just pins Troy back to much for the Steelers to stop the run heavy Broncos. As soon as they start playing the run, that is when Tebow learning to be a better QB comes into play. He's started to learn to check down and call a hot route or two, but I think he pulls it all together for this game. He might only have one more big one in him this year, but I can't think of a better stage for 'Tebow Time' to shine. Denver wins a thriller @ Mile High 27-17. Thanks so much for the read everyone, I really appreciate those who follow!

See I think we all focus the controversy on Tim Tebow's faith, and it really shouldn't be. I'm in no way a believer, but for Americans, especially Americans, to hate on a guy for outwardly loving god, regardless of how annoying, is pretty much absurd. Tell Jake Plummer to shove it. If Tebow thinks god helps him win football games, complete passes, and get first downs, then god bless him. I used to like watching Tebow on TV, he was something to see in college. Now it's almost like you have to either love or hate the guy. I knew the guy was a winner, I just never wanted to hear about it for the reasons that be, haters doing what haters do, hating. We should just be loving watching the guy win, but since in the 2000's it's crazy to love your god in the NFL, Tebow can't thank god at his press confrences without ex-ok QB's giving him a hard time. Country stars can win awards under god. 50 Cent, Eminem, The Game, and Snoop Dogg can thank the lord of above for the brass they receive on the red carpet, but old Timmy Tebow can't have him help win a football game. Crazy how this country works huh? I know guys like me just fuel the fire, but I wanted to get that off my mind. Thanks again everyone, and happy playoff football weekend!