Bill Belichick: Preparation for Peyton Manning different from Brock Osweiler

Toussaint committed the game’s only turnover, which the Broncos then converted into a 13-play touchdown drive. Instead, Anderson was there to catch the 26-yard kick on the Denver 39-yard line and end the game a play later with a kneel down.

What he wanted most, however, was a win.

Denver surrendered 339 yards passing to Roethlisberger, who entered the game with a sore shoulder. I actually thought someone touched it on Pittsburgh after only eight yards, but the flag wasn’t thrown and you have to keep playing. You have great players going against other great players. This game marks just the seventh time Manning will face Brady at home.

Denver led the NFL with 52 sacks and was No. 1 in the league in yards allowed (283.1) and pass defense (199.6). “We’ve had ups and downs”. “It hurts even worse, because he’s right in the battle with us”. And yes, Tom Brady was the quarterback of those teams as well. We’re relentless in there.

Peyton Manning seized the moment, driving the Broncos to their only touchdown. “It’s not easy, but we’re built for it. It’s just how it goes”.

For the 13th time this year, the outcome of the game was decided by only one score, and for the 10th time that outcome ended in Denver’s favor. In this game, the Broncos kept things close in the first half (17-16), before the Patriots blew things open on their way to a 41-23 win. Against Baltimore. That was a dogfight, a grinder; it went down to the last drive.

“It’s a big football game, and he’s played in a lot of them”, McDaniels said.

These takeaways from the game will be essential to the Denver Broncos success against the New England Patriots this weekend.

“Our defense has been outstanding all season”.

“They held their own with the players they had to play”.

Daniels called this latest nail-biter “a microcosm of our season”.

“From what I’ve been told by Doc (James) Bradley, no surgery”, Roethlisberger said on his weekly segment on 93.7 The Fan this morning. At one point, the Broncos led 28-3. I know they can do better, they didn’t. No more blown coverages. Sure, he had over 100 yards and didn’t lose a fumble, but if he would have done some things better, maybe Pittsburgh doesn’t lose that game.

“Our confidence is ideal”, cornerback Aqib Talib said. “Being in the same profession for all these years and at different events, we’ve developed a good friendship”. He threw at practice for the first time Friday before he started Sunday.

Pittsburgh responded with a field goal in the final minute to pull within seven points but they were unable to gain possession of the ensuing onside kick.

Notes: S/PR Omar Bolden (knee) is out for the playoffs…. On the ground, CJ Anderson rushed for 72 yards and one touchdown in 15 attempts while Ronnie Hillman added 38 yards in 16 attempts.