Steelers vs Denver Broncos Match Player Stats – Defensive Battle Breakdown (Sept 15, 2024)

The Steelers vs Denver Broncos match player stats from September 15, 2024, at Empower Field explain exactly how Pittsburgh gutted out a tough 13-6 win.

What a throwback battle! Bone-crushing hits, clutch turnovers, and a physical fight for every yard in a game straight out of the 1970s football handbook.

Denver might’ve won the yardage battle, but Pittsburgh did what winning teams do – they created takeaways, pounded the rock, and made crucial plays in the moments that mattered.

CLUTCH PLAY: Big tight end Darnell Washington hauled in a 5-yard TD grab in the second quarter – the ONLY touchdown all day. One target, one catch, one score. That’s efficiency!

How The Battle Unfolded

This was pure smashmouth football. Punishing tackles, field position chess, and two defenses that came to play.

The raw numbers from this brawl:

• A whopping 19 combined points
• 4 fumbles forced by the Steelers D
• 2 drive-killing picks thrown by rookie Nix
• Pass rushers feasting with 15 QB hits
• 4 sacks that crushed offensive momentum

Extra spice in this matchup: Former Broncos QB Russell Wilson rocking street clothes on the Pittsburgh sideline while Justin Fields led his new team against his old squad.

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QUARTER-BY-QUARTER BREAKDOWN:

First Quarter: Pure defensive domination. Watt and the Steelers front wrecked Denver’s protection while Singleton and the Broncos D stuffed Pittsburgh’s early runs. Zero points, just punts and pain.

Second Quarter: Pittsburgh finally broke through when Fields found Washington for a 5-yard TD strike. Boswell added three more before the break. Steelers 10, Broncos 0.

Third Quarter: The killer play? Surtain II flagged for a 37-yard pass interference, setting up Boswell’s booming 53-yarder. Steelers 13, Broncos 0.

Fourth Quarter: Denver finally got on the board with two Lutz field goals but couldn’t punch it in against Pittsburgh’s swarming D. Steelers escape the Mile High City with a hard-fought 13-6 W.

QB Battle: Fields vs Nix

Justin Fields: Smart Football

Fields wasn’t flashy, but he played winning football:

• Connected on 13 of 20 throws (65%)
• Tossed for 117 yards and the game’s only TD
• Zero picks (gold standard in a defensive showdown)
• Solid 97.3 passer rating
• Added 27 yards with his legs on 8 rushes

Check out this crazy tale of two halves:

First Half Fields:

• Cooking with 10/12 completions
• Piled up 101 passing yards
• Scrambled for 26 yards on 4 runs

Second Half Fields:

• Cooled way off with 3/8 passing
• Barely moved the chains with 16 passing yards
• Just 1 yard on 4 rushing attempts

Denver’s defense cranked up the heat after halftime, but Fields kept his cool and never forced a killer mistake.

Fields brought the same poise he showed against the Baltimore Ravens the week before – smart, ball-secure football.

Bo Nix: Rookie Growing Pains

The rookie had his moments but learned some tough lessons:

• Hit on 20 of 35 passes (57%)
• Racked up 246 passing yards
• Couldn’t find the end zone despite two red zone trips
• Threw 2 backbreaking interceptions
• Pedestrian 55.2 passer rating
• Showed athleticism with 25 yards on 4 runs

Nix uncorked a beautiful 49-yard bomb to Josh Reynolds that had Broncos fans jumping out of their seats.

QB BATTLE TAKEAWAY:

Fields threw for 129 fewer yards than Nix but avoided the killer mistakes. In a defensive slugfest, playing it safe beats putting up empty yards every single time.

Ground Game Face-Off

Steelers Run Game: Setting The Tone

Pittsburgh stuck to their identity – pound the rock, wear down the defense:

• Najee Harris: Rumbled for 69 yards on 17 carries
• Jaylen Warren: Slashed for 42 yards on 9 attempts
• Justin Fields: Added 27 yards on 8 scrambles
• Cordarrelle Patterson: Chipped in 3 yards on 2 carries

The Harris-Warren tag team punished Broncos defenders for 111 yards on 26 carries.

Pittsburgh’s 141 ground yards let them hog the ball for over 30 minutes and keep their defense fresh in Denver’s thin air.

This physical approach has become Pittsburgh’s calling card, just like we saw when they pounded the Atlanta Falcons earlier this season.

Broncos Ground Attack: Missing In Action

Denver’s run game? Practically invisible:

• Javonte Williams: Bottled up with 17 yards on 11 carries
• Jaleel McLaughlin: Nowhere to run with 6 yards on 3 tries
• Tyler Badie: One carry for 16 yards
• Bo Nix: 25 yards on 4 scrambles

Your rookie QB should never be your leading rusher. Bad sign.

Strip away Nix’s scrambles and Badie’s one decent run, and Denver’s primary backs (Williams and McLaughlin) gained a pitiful 23 yards on 14 attempts.

With zero run game threat, Nix faced a Steelers pass rush that teed off on the rookie all afternoon.

Denver had these exact same run game issues against the Las Vegas Raiders a few weeks back. It’s a major problem that needs fixing.

Run Game Breakdown	Pittsburgh	Denver
Attempts	36	19
Total Yards	141	64
Yards Per Carry	3.9	3.4
Longest Run	16	16
RB Production	4.3	1.6

Pass Catchers: Who Stepped Up?

Steelers Receivers: Team Effort

Pittsburgh got contributions from all over:

• Pat Freiermuth (TE): 4 grabs on 4 targets, 39 yards
• George Pickens (WR): 2 catches on 4 targets, 29 yards
• Jaylen Warren (RB): 2 receptions on 2 targets, 19 yards
• Van Jefferson (WR): 2 snags on 3 targets, 14 yards
• Calvin Austin III (WR): 1 catch on 2 targets, 6 yards
• Darnell Washington (TE): 1 grab on 1 target, 5 yards, 1 TD
• Najee Harris (RB): 1 reception on 2 targets, 5 yards

Freiermuth was clutch on third downs, grabbing everything thrown his way and moving the chains.

Washington made his one catch count – the game’s only touchdown.

No reception longer than 16 yards tells you everything about the Steelers’ game plan – short, safe throws and protect the football.

This conservative attack looked nothing like the gunslinging approach they used against the Kansas City Chiefs earlier in the year.

Broncos Pass Catchers: A Few Standouts

Denver’s air attack showed flashes despite the overall offensive struggles:

• Josh Reynolds (WR): 4 catches on 5 targets, 93 yards, long of 49
• Lil’Jordan Humphrey (WR): 4 grabs on 5 targets, 50 yards
• Javonte Williams (RB): 5 receptions on 5 targets, 48 yards
• Courtland Sutton (WR): 1 catch on 4 targets, 26 yards
• Greg Dulcich (TE): 3 receptions on 8 targets, 16 yards
• Marvin Mims Jr. (WR): 1 grab on 2 targets, 10 yards
• Tyler Badie (RB): 1 catch on 1 target, 2 yards
• Michael Burton (FB): 1 reception on 1 target, 1 yard

Reynolds burned Pittsburgh deep and accounted for 38% of Denver’s passing attack.

The target-to-catch numbers raise red flags about Nix’s chemistry with top weapon Courtland Sutton (1/4) and tight end Greg Dulcich (3/8).

RECEIVING BREAKDOWN:

Reynolds alone generated 93 of Denver’s 246 passing yards, while Pittsburgh spread the ball with no receiver topping 40 yards. One team leaned on a star while the other got plays from everybody.

Defense: Where Champions Are Made

Steelers Defense: Steel Curtain Throwback

Pittsburgh’s defense brought back memories of Lambert, Greene and the ’70s glory days:

• T.J. Watt (LB): 3 tackles, 1 sack, 2 tackles for loss, 2 QB hits, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass breakup
• Alex Highsmith (LB): 4 tackles, 1 sack, 2 tackles for loss, 1 QB hit
• Minkah Fitzpatrick (S): 7 tackles (5 solo)
• Patrick Queen (LB): 4 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass breakup
• Damontae Kazee (S): 4 tackles, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass breakup
• Cory Trice Jr. (CB): 2 tackles, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass breakup
• DeShon Elliott (S): 9 tackles (team high)
• Cameron Heyward (DT): 3 tackles, 3 QB hits

Watt and company hounded Nix all day (8 QB hits), created turnovers (2 picks, 4 forced fumbles), and stuffed Denver’s running backs at every turn.

Six tackles for loss and five pass breakups left Denver’s offense with nowhere to go all game long.

This unit looked every bit as nasty as when they mauled the New York Jets earlier this season.

Broncos Defense: Kept Them In It

Denver’s defense played winning football despite the L:

• Alex Singleton (LB): 11 tackles (game high), 1 QB hit
• Brandon Jones (S): 7 tackles
• Cody Barton (LB): 6 tackles
• Jonathon Cooper (LB): 5 tackles
• Zach Allen (DE): 4 tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss, 4 QB hits
• Jonas Elliss (LB): 3 tackles, 1 sack, 2 tackles for loss, 1 QB hit
• Nik Bonitto (LB): 4 tackles, 1 tackle for loss

Their halftime adjustments were brilliant – they completely stonewalled Pittsburgh’s offense, allowing just 62 yards after the break.

Denver’s defense racked up 4 tackles for loss, 7 QB hits and 2 sacks while turning Fields into a non-factor in the second half (3/8 for a measly 16 yards).

This unit looked as dominant as they did shutting down the Seattle Seahawks, showing they might have an elite defense even while the offense works through growing pains.

Fan Atmosphere: Electric

The 75,246 packed into Empower Field brought the noise for this defensive showdown. Broncos fans cranked up the volume in the fourth quarter as their D forced three straight three-and-outs, giving their offense multiple shots to tie it up.

Traveling Steelers fans made themselves heard, waving Terrible Towels and erupting after both momentum-swinging interceptions. Social media blew up with Pittsburgh fans crowning T.J. Watt as the game’s MVP.

Denver fans stuck by their rookie QB despite the picks, showing they’re buying into the Nix era even as he takes his lumps against an elite defense.

Special Teams: Unsung Heroes

Kickers: Perfect Under Pressure

In Denver’s swirling winds and thin air, both kickers were money:

• Chris Boswell (PIT): Nailed both field goals (22, 53 yards) and his lone extra point
• Wil Lutz (DEN): Drilled both field goals (35, 29 yards)

Boswell’s booming 53-yarder in the third quarter was clutch, pushing Pittsburgh’s lead to 13-0 and forcing Denver to need two scores.

In a game decided by 7 points, Boswell’s perfect day (accounting for 7 of Pittsburgh’s 13 points) was massive.

Punters: Hidden Yardage Battle

The punting duel had major impact:

• Cameron Johnston (PIT): 8 punts, 424 total yards, 53.0 average, 43.0 net, 2 inside 20
• Riley Dixon (DEN): 6 punts, 315 total yards, 52.5 average, 48.0 net, 3 inside 20

Dixon won the head-to-head with better net average and placement, but Johnston’s volume (8 punts vs 6) highlighted Pittsburgh’s offensive struggles.

GAME-CHANGING PUNT:

With 5:37 left and nursing a 13-6 lead, Johnston crushed a 58-yarder that pinned Denver at their own 17. This forced the Broncos to go 83 yards for a tying score – too big an ask for their struggling offense.

Five Keys That Decided The Game

Want the real scoop on why Pittsburgh escaped with the W? Here you go:

1. Takeaways: Pittsburgh +2 (snagged 2 picks, gave up zero)
   • Game-changing interceptions by Kazee and Trice
   • Fields treated the football like it was made of diamonds
2. Ground Attack: Pittsburgh 141 rushing yards, Denver a measly 64
   • Steelers hammered out 36 attempts at 3.9 a pop
   • Broncos abandoned ship with only 19 runs
3. Red Zone Success: Steelers 1-for-1 (100%), Broncos 0-for-2 (0%)
   • Pittsburgh’s one red zone trip? Six points.
   • Denver’s two chances? Field goals from the 16 and 11.
4. QB Decision-Making:
   • Fields: Smart 97.3 rating, no picks, 65% completions
   • Nix: Rough 55.2 rating, 2 momentum-killing picks
5. The Game-Changer:
   • Surtain’s 37-yard pass interference flag directly set up Boswell’s field goal
   • Those 3 points turned out to be the winning margin

Game Deciders	Pittsburgh	Denver	Edge
Turnovers	0	2	Pittsburgh +2
Red Zone TD %	100%	0%	Pittsburgh
Rushing Yards	141	64	Pittsburgh +77
QB Rating	97.3	55.2	Pittsburgh
3rd Down %	35.7%	35.7%	Even
Penalty Yards	40	52	Pittsburgh

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

Steelers Recipe For Success

Pittsburgh showed yet again they can win ugly road games with their tried-and-true formula – play lockdown defense, pound the rock, and avoid shooting yourself in the foot.

Fields played his role perfectly, but that second-half vanishing act (3/8 for 16 yards) should worry Steelers fans if they ever need to mount a comeback.

The Harris-Warren combo (111 yards on 26 carries) gives Pittsburgh a physical identity that pairs perfectly with their defensive mentality.

This street-fight style is exactly what works in the brutal AFC North, especially against the Baltimore Ravens where these low-scoring, defense-first battles happen twice a year.

Broncos Fix-It List

Denver’s defense deserves a game ball despite the L. Holding Pittsburgh to just 62 yards in the second half shows this unit can battle with anybody.

But that run game? Yikes. When your backs average 1.6 yards per carry, you’re hanging your rookie QB out to dry.

Nix attempted 35 passes and got hit 8 times by Pittsburgh’s hunters. That’s not the way to develop a young quarterback.

Every successful rookie QB in history had a decent running game to lean on, setting up easy throws and keeping pass rushers honest.

Denver’s offensive line got pushed around just like they did against the New Orleans Saints, pointing to a serious weakness that needs fixing yesterday for Nix to have any chance.

Fantasy Football Gold

Got any of these guys on your fantasy squad? Here’s the scoop:

1. Harris-Warren Committee: The 17-9 carry split confirms this is a true timeshare. Harris gets more work, but Warren (4.7 YPC) might be the more explosive option.
2. Freiermuth Is Money: Team-leading 4 catches on 4 targets makes him Fields’ go-to guy and a PPR gem.
3. Josh Reynolds Shining: With 93 yards and 5 targets, Reynolds looks like Denver’s top option while Nix works through growing pains with Sutton.
4. Nix Has Potential: Despite the picks, 246 passing yards plus 25 rushing yards hints at fantasy value once he cuts down on mistakes.

FAQ’s: Steelers vs Denver Broncos Match Player Stats

The Steelers vs Denver Broncos match player stats show exactly why old-school football still wins games. Control the trenches, win the turnover battle, finish drives with touchdowns not field goals, and you’ll walk away with the W – style points be damned.