Brandon McManus Overcomes Challenging Conditions, Kicks 5 FGs

DENVER (CBS4) - Despite windy conditions on Sunday in Denver, Broncos kicker Brandon McManus was a perfect 5-for-5 when lining up for field goals.

"You kind of have to hit a ball to a spot and hopefully the wind takes it," McManus said after the game.

The five field goals tied an NFL playoff record, and more importantly helped the Broncos to a 23-16 win over the Steelers.

On a day when touchdowns were hard to come by (Denver only scored one), McManus kicked field goals of 28, 41, 51, 41 and 45 yards. The 51 yarder was tied for the second longest field goal in Broncos postseason history.

"I thought it wasn't going to be easy down the middle, and it barely snuck in that way. So (the wind) definitely made it difficult conditions for us kickers, punters and snappers," said McManus of the 51 yarder.

McManus said the wind didn't kick up until right before kickoff.

"During warmups, we went out there and it was a pretty calm day, a nice, tempered day. We come out seven minutes before kickoff and I see a 30 mph crosswind come in over the Rockies," said McManus.

"I'm just happy I was able to help the team, and they were able to punch it in for a touchdown and give us a little bit of a lead at the end."

Teammate Demaryius Thomas was happy, too.

"He kept us in the game with the field goals," Thomas said in the locker room after the game.