The status of Ben Roethlisberger's shoulder injury transforms the outlook for Sunday afternoon in Denver. The Steelers and Broncos combined for 61 points weeks ago yet Vegas' combined point total for the rematch hovers around 40.
It's encouraging that Roethlisberger practiced Thursday (limited) and has shown no qualms with revealing his injuries before playing through them in the past. And Friday practice may actually feature thrown passes. (Update: Steelers expect Roethlisberger to start.)
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Big Ben has still yet to prove he can accurately sling a football more than 10 yards downfield while hampered by a sprained AC joint and torn ligaments, with no positive indication on the game-winning drive in Cincy last week.
Ben Roethlisberger's five completions after the shoulder injury. #steelers https://t.co/Q4VkKDVL8T
— Thomas Emerick (@ThomasEmerick) January 14, 2016Denver's defense leans heavily on cornerbacks Aqib Talib, Bradley Roby and slot stud Chris Harris Jr. holding up in man coverage. Broncos DC Wade Phillips gets creative with his embarrassment of riches in the pass-rushing department, while Von Miller remains a constant threat from base defense.
This along with the state of Roethlisberger's arm should implore Steelers OC Todd Haley to employ rub routes and various techniques to help create quick, short looks for his receivers.
With Ben Roethlisberger's shoulder limiting, bet the Steelers really try to work the short man-beaters vs. Broncos. pic.twitter.com/d9bf5Zg95B
— Thomas Emerick (@ThomasEmerick) January 14, 2016Pittsburgh figures to be without DeAngelo Williams for the second straight week and Antonio Brown must clear concussion protocol. Brown beat Leon Hall, one of the league's better slot corners, in the clip above to keep Pittsburgh's season alive on fourth down in the wild-card round. Brown carried the Steelers to victory last time in Denver by whipping two-time All-Pro Harris for 137 of his 189 yards on the day, via Pro Football Focus data. (Update: Antonio Brown declared out.)
The Steelers are no strangers to gaining production from screens and quick-hitting routes to Brown, Martavis Bryant and even Markus Wheaton. But the deep ball is what separated this offense as elite from the very good. Roethlisberger led the NFL in accuracy on passes traveling 20-plus yards downfield, via PFF, and was third in yards for that category despite missing four games.
If Big Ben's arm strength is severely limited — or Landry Jones takes the field — the Steelers may be forced to dramatically narrow their offensive scope. Not the best time for that, as they pay visit to the NFL's No. 1 total defense.
Pittsburgh visits Denver at 4:40 p.m. ET Sunday.