Struggling Broncos get inspiration from Seahawks

As they begin preparations for their first-round AFC playoff game, the struggling Denver Broncos are looking to the Pacific Northwest for inspiration.

The Broncos, who dropped their final three regular-season games to finish 8-8, play the Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) Sunday in Denver. The Steelers are favored by eight points.

Just last year, the Seattle Seahawks, who entered the playoffs with a 7-9 record, stunned the heavily favored New Orleans Saints in the first round. That’s become the Broncos’ source of inspiration heading into their game with the Steelers.

“Look at Seattle a year ago when they got in it. They made a lot of noise,” said Willis McGahee, the Broncos’ leading rusher with 1,199 yards. “That’s what we plan on doing.”