Broncos Top Steelers 34-17, Tebow Throws TD In Home Debut

Denver, CO (Sports Network) – Tim Tebow made his debut in front of the home crowd and tossed a touchdown as the Denver Broncos downed the Pittsburgh Steelers, 34-17, in preseason action.

Tebow, who missed last Saturday’s preseason game in Denver against Detroit with a rib injury, went 5-for-10 with 72 yards and an interception for the Broncos, who improved to 1-2 in preseason play. LenDale White had 12 carries for 34 yards and a score while Lance Ball had 10 carries for 75 yards

Dennis Dixon had an opportunity in the preseason game against Denver to possibly unseat Byron Leftwich as the Steelers Week 1 starter at quarterback, but came away looking far from ready to compete for a starting role.

Throwing two first half interceptions - a careless toss into the endzone with no one open and a pick-six near the end of the half - Dixon looked wholly unprepared to lead an NFL team that has designs on postseason play.

Weeks after Eli Manning suffered a nasty facial laceration on a play in which his helmet was knocked from his head, Steelers linebacker James Farrior experienced a similar injury on the opening drive of the game.

On a 2nd and goal from the two-yard line, the Broncos ran LenDale White, who was stuffed on the play. Farrior’s helmet was knocked off colliding with a blocker. Another Broncos player hit Farrior in the temple with his helmet.

Roethlisberger will start on Sunday, but Dixon is expected to see some time with the first team. A strong performance from the former Oregon star could conceivably alter the depth chart at QB heading into the Week 1 opener.

The Steelers and Broncos will be meeting in a preseason game for the first time.