Steelers Win 28-10 Over Broncos

DENVER (AP) — Tyrone Carter started in place of safety Ryan Clark as a precaution Monday night and made the big play that sparked the Steelers to their fifth straight win, taking the first of his two interceptions 48 yards for a touchdown in Pittsburgh's 28-10 win over the Denver Broncos.

Clark nearly died following a game in Denver two years ago because of a rare blood disorder that is aggravated by playing in high altitude, so Steelers coach Mike Tomlin decided to hold him out of the game.

He said he didn't want to risk Clark's health or burden his teammates and family members with worry.

Carter capped his night with his second interception with 15 seconds left, and Clark, dressed in charcoal sweats on the sideline, jumped up and down in celebration.

Hines Ward caught two short touchdown passes from Ben Roethlisberger, while Rashard Mendenhall rumbled over the Broncos for 155 yards on 22 carries as the Steelers handed Denver its second straight loss after the Broncos opened the season with six straight wins under rookie coach Josh McDaniels.

Carter's first interception return gave Pittsburgh a 7-3 halftime lead even though the Steelers had generated just three first downs and were outgained 183-54 in the first half.