How the Broncos’ offense plans to counter the Steelers’ defense in Week 5

The Steelers and Broncos square off in Week 5, and it is time to look at how the Denver offense will counter the Steelers.

When the Pittsburgh Steelers play a team like the Denver Broncos, an AFC rival, there can be a lot of uncertainty surrounding the matchup.

Sure, fans know the big name players from their opponent, but a lot can change from one year to the next.

With that said, I reached out to Mile High Repor’s contributor Joe Rowles and asked him a series of questions about the upcoming game. He was more than generous to provide answers to these questions, and in this article I asked him what the Broncos’ plan to counter the Steelers defense in Week 5 will be.

How will Teddy Bridgewater or Drew Lock and company try to move the ball against the stout Steelers defense?

Check out his answer below, and be sure to follow Acme Packing Company for the latest news and notes from the other side of the fence leading up to the game at 1:00 p.m. ET.

When the Broncos have the ball, how will they try to move the ball?

It probably depends on the quarterback. If Teddy Bridgewater is starting I think they’ll mix in empty sets to make it easier to see where the blitz is coming from and pick on matchups as best they can. If Lock is starting we’ll see a run-heavy game plan designed to set up play action boots to the right. Quick game will be big for both.

The Broncos will likely try to duplicate the game plan set forth by Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers last Sunday. Run the ball efficiently enough to create manageable down and distances. The fact of the matter is the Steelers miss Tyson Alualu more than anyone would have thought, and the reason for that is the absence of Stephon Tuitt.

When Tuitt, Alualu and Cam Heyward were all healthy, they could both stop the run and rush the passer. Without Alualu and Tuitt, the responsibility falls to Isaiah Buggs and Chris Wormley. Not quite the same.

If the Steelers’ defense wants to be dominant, they need to duplicate their performance from Week 1 vs. the Buffalo Bills, and with their current depth chart. Stop the run, force the game to become a aerial attack and get after the quarterback.

Are the Steelers up to the task? It won’t be easy, but will be a tremendous test for a defense many believe is considered to be “elite”.

How do you see this game shaking out? Let us know in the comment section below, and be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black and gold as they prepare for the upcoming Week 5 game.