by Sports Xchange

The Ravens manhandled the Broncos in many areas during a 30-7 loss. That's not a good sign before Denver faces Pittsburgh, which has long been known for its physical play.

"They beat us up pretty good, no question about it," quarterback Kyle Orton said. "We feel like we have a physical football team, and certainly Pittsburgh prides themselves on that too, so it'll be a hard-hitting game. Whoever wins that battle is going to have a good chance to win."

Denver put together a roster of players in the offseason that fit the physical style Josh McDaniels wanted from his team. That approach was reinforced in August, when McDaniels had his team in full pads during most days of a grueling training camp.

The Broncos started the season playing exactly that style, especially when they pushed around the Raiders in a Week 3 contest. Then Baltimore controlled the line of scrimmage last week, something that can't happen again if the Broncos want to win.

"It's a very physical team in every phase," McDaniels said. "To me, that's where it starts with the Steelers. If you're going to get out-physicaled offensively, defensively, in the kicking game, you're going to have a hard time winning. They're definitely going to challenge you in every area. All of their players play like that."

Denver is anticipating a physical game on both sides of the ball. Even though the Steelers are passing the ball more than they run it this season, McDaniels said Pittsburgh is still one of the most dangerous running teams in the NFL. That starts with an offensive line that he said is strong and can create holes.

Defensively, the Steelers' toughness has never been challenged. They were the top-ranked defense in the NFL last year, and are the top-ranked run defense this season. The Broncos didn't get much going in the running game against the Ravens, who are similar on defense to Pittsburgh, and need to establish a bit of a running game to avoid being one-dimensional.

The test will be on Denver's offensive line, which will be without right tackle Ryan Harris. Denver is a versatile line that can punch an opponent in the mouth when needed, so they won't back down from this week's challenge. However, the Broncos realize how formidable the Steelers defense is.

"They have good players that go all out on every play," running back Correll Buckhalter said. "It's a must we're on our 'A' game Monday night."

SERIES HISTORY: 21st regular-season meeting. Broncos lead the series 13-6-1. The teams have played six times in the playoffs, splitting the games, but Pittsburgh scored the last win with an upset victory in the 2005 AFC Championship Game. The Broncos have won the two regular-season games since then, one at Pittsburgh in 2006 and another at Denver in 2007.