The team finished with its then franchise-best record of thirteen wins and three losses and were champions of the AFC West.

Rookies in italics at Soldier Field • Chicago, Illinois Individual stats at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado

Midway through the second quarter, Steelers' punter Craig Colquitt had his punt blocked—the first of his career—and Denver set up at Pittsburgh's four-yard-line.

But on third-and-goal, Elway floated a weak pass into the arms of nose tackle Gary Dunn.

Now with the momentum, the Steelers were able to put a drive together at the end of the first half, resulting in a one-yard Frank Pollard touchdown run.

The Broncos tried to tie the game with time running out in the half, but a long field goal attempt by Karlis fell short.

Having sustained a groin pull and a twisted knee, however, Elway was not as mobile and was experiencing difficulty with his throws.