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Steelers' defensive keys to victory against Denver in Week 2

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 10: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at Heinz Field on October 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 10: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at Heinz Field on October 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

In order to ensure victory against the Denver Broncos this Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers will need to focus on these keys aspects for a successful defensive gameplan.

Forcing the rookie QB into mistakes

Sep 8, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) passes against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Sep 8, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) passes against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Bo Nix gave up 2 interceptions and was sacked twice against Seattle in week 1.  He also threw for miserable quarterback rating of 47.5.

T.J. wins the McGlinchey battle

Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) celebrate after a sack against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) celebrate after a sack against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Right tackle Mike McGlinchey was one of the few bright spots for Denver in their week 1 loss.  T.J. Watt was a human highlight machine on Sunday against the Falcons and will look to add another masterclass performance this Sunday in Denver.

Take away Courtland Sutton

Dec 16, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) runs with the ball against the Detroit Lions in the third quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 16, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) runs with the ball against the Detroit Lions in the third quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

Courtland Sutton was targeted 12 times by his rookie quarterback.  If Sutton is removed from the equation, the offense could crack.

The DeShon Elliot Factor

Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) celebrates with teammates after an interception against the Atlanta Falcons in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) celebrates with teammates after an interception against the Atlanta Falcons in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

If not for T.J. Watt’s dominant performance off the edge, safety DeShon Elliot may have been the best player on the Steelers’ defense in Atlanta.

Linebackers matchup with Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 10: Javonte Williams #33 of the Denver Broncos stiff arms Arthur Maulet #35 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field on October 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 10: Javonte Williams #33 of the Denver Broncos stiff arms Arthur Maulet #35 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field on October 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Steelers have an elite group of linebackers, and the Denver Broncos have a solid pair of running backs this season.  Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin will both need to be neutralized by Patrick Queen and the rest of the Steelers' linebackers heading into Colorado.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers' defensive keys to victory against Denver in Week 2