DENVER — The Denver Broncos became the first team this season to score onPittsburgh’s defense in the first half when Brandon Stokley caught a 15-yardpass to tie the game at 7 after the first quarter on Sunday night.

The Steelers marched the ball down the field with ease on their openingdrive, which culminated with Ben Roethlisberger’s 1-yard touchdown pass to tightend Heath Miller. It was Miller’s third touchdown catch of the season.

Nate Washington had a 40-yard catch on a third-down play to keep the drivegoing.

Jay Cutler’s touchdown pass to Stokley was the Broncos’ first touchdown infive quarters. Denver was beaten by San Diego 41-3 two weeks ago and was offlast week. Cutler was 4-of-5 for 56 yards on the Broncos’ opening possession. Hecompleted a 26-yard pass to tight end Tony Scheffler.

Dre’ Bly, who dropped an interception early in the game, picked offRoethlisberger late in the first quarter after the quarterback tried to throwdeep.

The Broncos are last in the NFL in stopping the run and the Steelers havethe second-best rushing offense. But Pittsburgh running back Willie Parker hadonly three carries for 10 yards in the first quarter.

The Steelers had allowed just 47 points through five games this season, thesecond stingiest defense in the NFL.

Denver played without Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey, who missed a gamefor just the third time in his career Sunday night due to a left thigh injury.

Broncos No. 1 receiver Javon Walker had arthroscopic knee surgery Friday andlikely won’t be back until December.

Walker tore through Pittsburgh last season, catching six passes for 134yards. He also had a 72-yard touchdown run.

Before the game, there was a video tribute to cornerback Darrent Williamsand running back Damien Nash. Williams was slain year in a New Year’s Daydrive-by shooting that remains unsolved. Nash died following a charitybasketball game in St. Louis two months later.

The mothers of the two former Broncos were on hand for the game. RosalindWilliams and Kim Nash walked out for the coin flip to a rousing applause.

The team has been wearing patches with the numbers of Williams and Nashaffixed to their helmets all season.

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