Davis Gives Broncos Nfc-Style Running Game
Stuffed on the ground in their first visit to Three Rivers Stadium, the Denver Broncos were determined to prove they could run the ball against the NFL’s best rushing defense.
From Terrell Davis’ 43-yard run with his first carry of the game to his 19-yarder in the final minute that iced the game, the Broncos kept pounding at the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Davis ran for 139 yards and a touchdown Sunday, becoming the first back to rush for 100 yards against the Steelers since New England’s Curtis Martin did it in the playoffs last year.
“We like to think we have an NFC-style running game,” Davis said. “When I’m running well and the fullback and the line are blocking, we’re unstoppable.”
So the Broncos will head to San Diego, Davis’ home town, where they will try to prove their running attack, after three Super Bowl failures in the late 1980s, finally matches up against an NFC foe.
Cowher rooting for Elway
Now that the AFC championship belongs to Denver, John Elway has another fan - Bill Cowher.
Elway, the 37-year-old quarterback who has never won a Super Bowl, will get another chance.
Elway led the Broncos on two touchdown drives late in the first half, then finished off the Steelers by completing three passes to run out the clock.
Steelers coach Bill Cowher, a former Browns assistant, was asked if he wished Elway would finally retire, giving the rest of the AFC a break.
“I wish John Elway nothing but the best,” Cowher said. “John Elway is a classic pro. He’s a guy that’s been in this league for a long time. Anybody that’s been in this business recognizes that disappointments are going to come.
“I’ll be pulling for him. I just became his biggest fan. I hope John Elway can go in there and represent the AFC and bring this thing back to the AFC.”
Penalties irk Steelers
Two interference penalties aided the Broncos’ two touchdown drives late in the first half. The Steelers felt neither was warranted.
Cornerback Chad Scott drew a 22-yard penalty while defending Rod Smith down the right sideline.
“I know I didn’t interfere with the receiver,” Scott said. “In fact, he initiated the contact.”
On the next drive, Carnell Lake got a 34-yard pass interference penalty for bumping into Smith.
“I thought it was a bad call. At some point or another, I’m probably going to take a look at that thing (on film),” Lake said.
Scott suggested that the Broncos got a couple of favorable calls because of Elway.
“Everyone around the NFL has been talking about Elway getting one more shot at the Super Bowl,” Scott said. “You make the decision for yourself.”
MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: DENVER IN THE SUPER BOWL Cowboys 27, Broncos 10, 1978 Giants 39, Broncos 20, 1987 Redskins 42, Broncos 10, 1988 49ers 55, Broncos 10, 1990