Why Steelers will be historically overmatched against Broncos

The news that wide receiver Antonio Brown and running back DeAngelo Williams are ruled out for this weekend's divisional-round game is a major blow to the Pittsburgh Steelers offense.

Brown has been in the concussion protocol after he took a hit to the head from Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict in the waning minutes of last week's wild-card win.

Williams, who missed last weekend's game with an injured foot, never was given much of a chance to play.

Without their leading receiver and running back, ESPN's Trey Wingo points out why the Steelers will be historically overmatched against the Broncos on Sunday. 

"We have been without people before," head coach Mike Tomlin said on Friday. "That is just the nature of this thing. This week will be no different from that perspective.

"That is life. That is this game. I am excited to watch them adjust, adapt and watch the plays come from other places."

Aside from those facts, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been listed as questionable after sustaining an injury to his throwing shoulder.

No matter how the Steelers plan to move the ball, it will almost assuredly be a struggle against one of the stingiest defenses in the league.