ENGLEWOOD, COLO. (AP) -- Brian Dawkins soothed smarting egos with a spontaneous pep talk.
Usually not one for rah-rah speeches, the Denver Broncos captain got in front of the team Monday and basically broke it down like this: They're in the playoffs and that's all that matters.
Granted, the Broncos (8-8) enter the postseason with hardly any momentum after closing out the regular season with three straight losses and needing help just to sneak into the party. Even more, Tim Tebow's late-game magic has disappeared.
Still, their season has been extended and anything can happen.
Last year, the Seattle Seahawks, who entered the playoffs with a 7-9 record, stunned the New Orleans Saints in the first round.
That's become the Broncos' source for inspiration as they host the favored Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) on Sunday.
(Copyright ©2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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