Thin Air, Thinner D?

Two of the NFL’s brightest young coaches face off Monday night when Mike Tomlin’s Steelers travel to Denver to meet up with Josh McDaniels’ surprising Broncos. The Broncs have surprised everyone with their response to young Josh’s rookie year coaching in the NFL. You just cannot argue with results.

I think the big question is the Steelers’ Defensive End spot. Of course there is Ryan Clark. He almost died last time he played in the Mile High City. I think it’s a safe bet that he’ll sit this one out. I just don’t see them taking the chance of a repeat or worse.

Add to the Clark situation the weakness at defensive end. Aaron Smith is out for the season and his backup, Travis Kirschke (for at least a couple weeks). Rookies Ziggy Hood and Sunny Harris are being thrown into the deep end. No easing into the league for these guys. Sink or swim this week. They won’t be starting this week but will get lots of play time in Denver’s thin air. The starting spot probably goes to Eason, who oddly enough had been dropped by the Steelers earlier this season. Sunny Harris was also released earlier this year. He landed on Carolina’s practice squad, only to be signed up later due to injuries. We’ll probably see Chris Hoke move from nose tackle to defensive end for a few downs.

All in all the defensive line should be okay. Just a lot more shallow than the Steelers are accustomed to. Big Ben does well in prime time. Steelers 21 Denver 13.