The Denver Broncos beat the defending AFC Champion Pittsburgh Steelers in overtime by a final score of 29-23 to advance to the AFC Division round of the playoffs. It was the Broncos' fourth overtime win of the season, something that's become a regular thing since Tim Tebow took over as the team's starting quarterback.
Steelers Vs. Broncos, 2012 AFC Wild Card Final Score: Denver Wins 29-23 On Tim Tebow 80-Yard Touchdown Pass In Overtime
The Broncos got the ball to start the extra frame and wasted no time. Tim Tebow had been throwing deep balls on the play action pass throughout the game, and that's exactly where they started in overtime. Tebow hit Demaryius Thomas for an 80-yard touchdown pass on the very first play of overtime. Sending the city of Denver of Tebow fanatics everywhere to their knees.
Denver had a 20-6 lead at the beginning of the second half, but the Steelers chipped away at it with seven points in the third quarter and 10 in the fourth. Ben Roethlisberger, working on a wounded wheel, made big throws to move the ball down the field. He tied the game with a 31-yard touchdown pass to Jerricho Cotchery with less than four minutes to go in regulation.
Tebow finished the game with 316 passing yards and two touchdowns on just 10 completions. He also scored a rushing touchdown in the second quarter, and had 50 rushing yards on 10 carries. Thomas caught four passe for 204 yards, as the Broncos leaned on the deep ball.
Ben Roethlisberger finished the game with 289 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Isaac Redman ran for 121 yards on 17 carries. A problem all season long, Pittsburgh's offensive line struggled in this game. Roethlisberger was sacked five times.
Denver moves on to play New England on the road next week, a team that handled them with ease earlier this season. Broncos fans are suddenly believing in miracles, so the odds of a rematch with the Patriots won't concern them.
SB Nation’s NFL bloggers made predictions for Wild Card weekend and here’s a look at the updated NFL playoffs schedule for Sunday. Check out Behind The Steel Curtain for more on the Steelers and Mile High Report for more on the Broncos.
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