Denver Broncos take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in week 2 of the NFL season

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton leaves the field after the fourth quarter of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 13-6 win at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Bo Nix (10) of the Denver Broncos rolls out as Alex Highsmith (56) of the Pittsburgh Steelers pressures during the fourth quarter of the Steelers’ 13-6 win at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Keidron Smith (43) of the Denver Broncos tackels Calvin Austin III (19) of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter of the Steelers’ 13-6 win at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Wil Lutz (3) of the Denver Broncos makes a field goal against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter of the Steelers’ 13-6 win at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Bo Nix (10) of the Denver Broncos runs the offense against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Denver Broncos fans remain hopeful before the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Denver Broncos Stampede member Rob Even bangs the big drum before the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Denver Broncos Stampede band looks at the pregame parachute acrtivity before the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin greets Denver Broncos legend Peyton Manning before the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Denver Broncos legend Peyton Manning stands on the field before the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Russell Wilson (3) of the Pittsburgh Steelers shakes hands with Bo Nix (10) of the Denver Broncos before the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

The Denver Broncos take the field ebfore the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Ann Judge-Wegener rides Thunder on to the field before the Denver Broncos home opener game at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Co on Sept. 15, 2024. The Broncos took on the Pittsburgh Steelers. They lost 13-6 to the Steelers. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)

Jonathon Cooper (0) of the Denver Broncos stands of the national anthem before the first quarter agaisnt the Pittsburgh Steelers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

A C-130 performs the fly-over during the Denver Broncos home opener at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Co on Sept. 15, 2024. The Broncos took on the Pittsburgh Steelers for game two of the season. The Bronocs lost 13-6 to the Steelers. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)

Denver Bronocs’s fan Nick Hess, who came dressed all in orange for the the Broncos home opener game, watches as large flags are unfurled during the singing of the National Anthem at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Co on Sept. 15, 2024. The Broncos took on the Pittsburgh Steelers for game two of the season. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)

Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) of the Pittsburgh Steelers tackles Greg Dulcich (80) of the Denver Broncos during the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Alex Highsmith (56), Patrick Queen (6) and Elandon Roberts (50) of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrate a stop against the Denver Broncos during the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Baron Browning (5) of the Denver Broncos breaks up a pass intended for Najee Harris (22) of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Kim Clements watches game action closely with her son Jacob, left, during the first half of the Broncos game at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sept. 15, 2024. The Broncos took on the Pittsburgh Steelers for their home opener of the season. The Broncos lost 13-6 to the Steelers. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)

Alex Highsmith (56) of the Pittsburgh Steelers tackles Javonte Williams (33) of the Denver Broncos during the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Alex Highsmith (56) of the Pittsburgh Steelers sacks Bo Nix (10) of the Denver Broncos during the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

George Pickens (14) of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs after making a catch against the Denver Broncos during the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

John Franklin-Myers (98) of the Denver Broncos tackles Najee Harris (22) of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Pat Freiermuth (88) of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes a sideline catch against the Denver Broncos during the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Pat Freiermuth (88) of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes a sideline catch against the Denver Broncos during the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Pat Freiermuth (88) of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes a sideline catch against the Denver Broncos during the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Alex Singleton (49) and Ja’Quan McMillian (29) of the Denver Broncos tackle Najee Harris (22) of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Alex Singleton (49) of the Denver Broncos wraps up Jaylen Warren (30) of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Jonathon Cooper (0) of the Denver Broncos narrolwy misses a sack on Justin Fields (2) of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Darnell Washington (80) of the Pittsburgh Steelers hauls in a touchdown reception from Justin Fields (2) as P.J. Locke (6) of the Denver Broncos defends during the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Darnell Washington (80) of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates his touchdown reception with teammate Van Jefferson (11) during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Denver Broncos fans used towels and umbrellas to stay cool during the first half of the Broncos game at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Co on Sept. 15, 2024. The Broncos took on the Pittsburgh Steelers for their home opener. They lost 13-6 to the Steelers. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)

The Denver Broncos huddle against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Bo Nix (10) of the Denver Broncos scrambles for a gain against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Marvin Mims Jr. (19) of the Denver Broncos prepares to stiff arm Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) of the Pittsburgh Steelers after making a reception during the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Zach Allen (99) of the Denver Broncos sacks Justin Fields (2) of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Van Jefferson (11) of the Pittsburgh Steelers drops a pass as Riley Moss (21) of the Denver Broncos is flagged for defesnsive pass interference during the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Riley Moss (21) of the Denver Broncos lies on the grass after getting hurt and being flagged for pass interference on Van Jefferson (11) of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Denver Broncos fans Tiffany Wood and her daughter Kinlee, 9, cheer from the stands during the first half of the Broncos game at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sept. 15, 2024. The Broncos took on the Pittsburgh Steelers for game two of the season. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)

Bo Nix (10) of the Denver Broncos reacts after throwing an interseption during the second half of the Denver Broncos game at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sept. 15, 2024. The Broncos took on the Pittsburgh Steelers for game two of the season. The Broncos lost to the Steelers 13-6. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)

Courtland Sutton (14) of the Denver Broncos stumbles out of the back of the endzone as Bo Nix (10) throws an interception to Cory Trice Jr. (27) of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Bo Nix (10) and Courtland Sutton (14) of the Denver Broncos talk before taking the field during the third quarter agianst the Pittsburgh Steelers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Alex Singleton (49) of the Denver Broncos wraps up Najee Harris (22) of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Bo Nix (10) of the Denver Broncos gets sacked by Beanie Bishop Jr. (31) of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half of the Denver Broncos game at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sept. 15, 2024. The Broncos took on the Pittsburgh Steelers for game two of the season. The Broncos lost to the Steelers 13-6. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)

Bo Nix (10) of the Denver Broncos looks at the scoreboard during the second half of the Denver Broncos game at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sept. 15, 2024. The Broncos took on the Pittsburgh Steelers for game two of the season. The Broncos lost to the Steelers 13-6. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)

Denver Broncos watch the action against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter of the Steelers’ 13-6 win at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Alex Singleton (49) of the Denver Broncos celebrates making a stop on Cordarrelle Patterson (84) of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter of the Steelers’ 13-6 win at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Riley Moss (21) of the Denver Broncos stretches to tackle Calvin Austin III (19) of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter of the Steelers’ 13-6 win at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

P.J. Locke (6) of the Denver Broncos reacts to being called for a penalty after hitting Calvin Austin III (19) of the Pittsburgh Steelers late during the fourth quarter of the Steelers’ 13-6 win at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Bo Nix (10) of the Denver Broncos fires a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter of the Steelers’ 13-6 win at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Lil’Jordan Humphrey (84) of the Denver Broncos runs with the ball after making a catch as Beanie Bishop Jr. (31) of the Pittsburgh Steelers pursues during the fourth quarter of the Steelers’ 13-6 win at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Lil’Jordan Humphrey (84) of the Denver Broncos runs with the ball after making a catch as Beanie Bishop Jr. (31) of the Pittsburgh Steelers pursues during the fourth quarter of the Steelers’ 13-6 win at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Greg Dulcich (80) of the Denver Broncos prepares to take the field during the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Javonte Williams (33) of the Denver Broncos runs after making a reception against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter of the Steelers’ 13-6 win at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Riley Moss (21) of the Denver Broncos breaks up a pass intended for Calvin Austin III (19) of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter of the Steelers’ 13-6 win at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton checks the clock during the fourth quarter of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 13-6 win at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Denver Broncos fans look unhappy as the Denver Broncos lose to the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half of the Denver Broncos game at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Co on Sept. 15, 2024. The Broncos took on the Pittsburgh Steelers for game two of the season. The Broncos lost to the Steelers 13-6. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)

Pittsburgh Steelers quarter back and former Denver Broncos quarterback Russel Wilson waves to fans as he leaves the field after the Steelers beat the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sept. 15, 2024. The Broncos took on the Pittsburgh Steelers for game two of the season. The Broncos lost to the Steelers 13-6. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)