The Pittsburgh Steelers are trailing 20-6 to the Denver Broncos at halftime during their wild-card playoff game Sunday at Denver, Colo., and the Steelers lost three more defensive starters during the first half.
Along with free safety Ryan Clark, who could not play due to a medical condition in high altitudes, was joined on the sideline by defensive end Brett Keisel (groin), outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley (hamstring again) and nose tackle Casey Hampton (knee).
The Steelers opened with two first-quarter field goals by Shaun Suisham, although they missed opportunities to get an early touchdown on the board, and the Broncos raced to 20 second-quarter points to take the halftime lead.
While the Steelers defense gave up several big plays, including three long passes with two completed over Ike Taylor and a 30-yarder for a touchdown by Eddie Royal over William Gay. Tebow also ran for an eight-yard touchdown, and Denver place-kicker Matt Prater added field goals from 20 and 28 yards.
Tebow completed just 5 of 11 passes, but they went for 185 yards and the one touchdown. Daniel Fells had one catch for 40 yards, while Demaryius Thomas has two for 109 (58 and 51 yards).
Roethlisberger was 11-for-23 for 134 yards and no touchdowns with one interception, while Isaac Redman ran for 44 yards on 11 carries.
