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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Jon Heath

Broncos coach Sean Payton praises Steelers’ tough, physical defense

The Denver Broncos‘ offense struggled to score touchdowns against the Seattle Seahawks’ defense in a 26-20 loss on Sunday.

An even tougher test is on deck in Week 2 when the Broncos host the Pittsburgh Steelers, who allowed only 10 points to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1.

“Certainly, the Steelers’ defensive tradition and how they’re performed over the years is deserving of the accolades and all the success they’ve had,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said Monday. “It’s tough, it’s physical. They do a lot of things extremely well, and that’s not by accident.

“I think we’ll be seeing a better defense this weekend, and that’s with no disrespect at all to Seattle. It’s just a more experienced defense — that’s a better way to say it. We’ll have to obviously make the corrections and then get ready for a good week here for a home game.”

Pittsburgh’s defense forced two interceptions, two sacks and one fumble in an 18-10 win over Atlanta on Sunday with star defensive lineman T.J. Watt leading the way (he had three QB hits, two tackles behind the line, one sack and one fumble recovery).

If the Broncos’ offense is going to bounce back from an underwhelming performance last week, they’ll have to make huge strides. The Seahawks’ defense was tough. The Steelers’ is tougher.

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