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Steelers Take Big Halftime Lead in Denver
Associated Press
Give Ben Roethlisberger time to throw, and he'll make you look very bad.
The Pittsburgh quarterback led his team on four scoring drives in the first half as the Steelers took a 24-3 halftime lead in Denver in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday.
Before the half, the second-year quarterback led Pittsburgh on a 14-play, 80-yard drive that ended with a Jerome Bettis 3-yard touchdown run.
On the Broncos' next offensive play, quarterback Jake Plummer was intercepted by cornerback Ike Taylor. The Steelers made it hurt, as Roethlisberger found Hines Ward in the back of the end zone for another touchdown.
Earlier, Roethlisberger threw a 12-yard touchdown pass on the first play of the second quarter to give the Steelers a 10-0 lead.
That touchdown was set up by a Jake Plummer fumble, forced by All-Pro linebacker Joey Porter; linebacker Larry Foote recovered. Five plays later, Roethlisberger found wide receiver Cedrick Wilson in the corner of the end zone for a touchdown.
In the first quarter, Jeff Reed connected on a 47-yard field goal to give the Steelers a 3-0 lead. The kick capped a 12-play, 62-yard drive that started at the Pittsburgh 9.
For the half, Roethlisberger passed for 180 yards on 13-of-17 passing. Plummer completed 5-of-10 passes for 71 yards and the interception.
The Steelers were looking to become just the second team to reach the Super Bowl by winning three road playoff games.
Denver has won 11 in a row at Invesco Field at Mile High, and is 4-0 in AFC title games at home.
The Steelers, meanwhile, are 1-4 in league championship games under coach Bill Cowher.