Manning, Broncos rock on after 23-16 win over Steelers

When asked about the 17th (and final… right?) meeting between him and Tom Brady next week, Manning said he didn’t want to talk about it until Wednesday.

The Denver Broncos overcame an unspectacular outing by Peyton Manning on Sunday to earn a gritty 23-16 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and set up a marquee quarterback matchup in next week’s AFC title game.

Manning and his Broncos (13-4) will now host fellow contemporary great Tom Brady and the New England Patriots (13-4) next weekend in a match that is being hailed as Manning vs Brady XVII.

Ben Roethlisberger, playing through a shoulder injury, completed 24 of 37 passes and with 339 yards, topped 300 for the second time this season against the Broncos.

“We stayed patient tonight”, Manning added.

“I think it was probably our longest pass play of the game”, Manning said.

“We were able to move the ball, and then we just … we kind of get down there and hurt ourselves”, Roethlisberger said. If the Broncos can string together two more wins – and make no mistake, they’ll need to play a lot better next week to beat the New England Patriots – Manning’s legacy will take a huge leap forward. He smothered the ball and breathed new life into a manic crowd that stood on its feet for the entire fourth quarter, waiting for That One Play that always seems to arrive.

Yet, because of the Broncos offensive inefficiency, things appeared hopeless as the Steelers began to drive the football downfield mid-way through the fourth quarter.

Despite Manning’s limitations, it still is terrific theatre and as must-watch a game as any in the 15-year history of their rivalry. “It’s pretty remarkable for him, what he’s accomplished this season, and to lead the team to a great win”.

Manning’s teammates dropped seven passes but came through in crunchtime. Denver is 10-3 in games decided by seven points or fewer, and Manning said being tested helped them in this game.

Running back FitzgeraldToussaint, filling in for both Williams and Bell, had the football blasted out of his hands on a run toward the left sideline, and DeMarcus Ware recovered it at the Broncos own 35 yard line.

“This was a dog fight, a grinder and went down to the last drive”, Manning said.

With the Broncos trailing 13-12 in the fourth quarter, their defense came up with a fumble and the offense responded with a 13-play, 65-yard drive ending with a touchdown and 2-point conversion that would put the home team ahead for good.

– Jonathan Stewart, Panthers, ran for 106 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries in his return from a foot injury, helping Carolina to a 31-24 win over Seattle. After the defense held the Steelers to a three-and-out on the first drive, safety Omar Bolden returned the first punt of the day 42 yards to Pittsburgh’s 30-yard line, leading to a 28-yard Brandon McManus field goal.

All that ugliness got set aside thanks to the sort of comeback that has defined the Denver Broncos all season.

What it meant: The turnover on downs gave Denver the ball with a short field and allowed the Broncos to take more time off the clock, even if they didn’t get a first down. “We’re really going to have to be on top of our game”.

DENVER (AP) — Peyton Manning gets to face his biggest nemesis for one more shot at glory. Receiver Martavis Bryant had a run of 40 yards.

His 17 interceptions were the third-highest total of his career, and he played in only 10 games.