Quick answer
- Winner
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Final score
- Pittsburgh Steelers 34–27 Denver Broncos
- Halftime
- Denver Broncos 27–13 Pittsburgh Steelers at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- Anthony Brown
- Top passer
- B. Roethlisberger
- Biggest EPA play
- (3:16) 17-B.Osweiler pass deep middle to 10-E.Sanders for 61 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Game date
- 2015-12-20
Game summary
The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Denver Broncos 34–27 on 2015-12-20, overcoming Denver Broncos's 27–13 halftime lead. Anthony Brown posted a game-high +12.40 total EPA in the receiving.
The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 21 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Denver Broncos | 14 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 27 |
 Pittsburgh Steelers | 7 | 6 | 7 | 14 | 0 | 34 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
DENDenver Broncos
(10:21) 34-D.Williams up the middle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.
(4:45) (Shotgun) 17-B.Osweiler pass deep left to 88-D.Thomas for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
(3:16) 17-B.Osweiler pass deep middle to 10-E.Sanders for 61 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
(11:36) (Shotgun) 17-B.Osweiler scrambles right guard for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
(7:36) (Field Goal formation) 9-C.Boswell 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry. Penalty on DEN-90-A.Smith, Unnecessary Roughness, offsetting. Penalty on PIT-60-G.Warren, Unnecessary Roughness, offsetting.
(2:00) 17-B.Osweiler pass short right to 88-D.Thomas for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
(:08) 9-C.Boswell 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.
(7:20) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short right to 84-A.Brown for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.
(12:39) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short left to 11-M.Wheaton for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.
(3:29) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep middle to 84-A.Brown for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.
PITPittsburgh SteelersFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- PITPittsburgh Steelers
Q1 10:21TD Dorian WilliamsPoints+6
- Yard line
- DEN 2
- Score
- 0-6
(10:21) 34-D.Williams up the middle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- PITPittsburgh Steelers
Q1 10:16XP Chris BoswellPoints+1
- Yard line
- DEN 15
- Score
- 0-7
9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q1 4:45TD Drake ThomasPoints+6
- Yard line
- PIT 18
- Score
- 6-7
(4:45) (Shotgun) 17-B.Osweiler pass deep left to 88-D.Thomas for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q1 4:41XP Brandon McManusPoints+1
- Yard line
- PIT 15
- Score
- 7-7
8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q1 3:16TD ESEli SandersPoints+6
- Yard line
- PIT 61
- Score
- 13-7
(3:16) 17-B.Osweiler pass deep middle to 10-E.Sanders for 61 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q1 3:08XP Brandon McManusPoints+1
- Yard line
- PIT 15
- Score
- 14-7
8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q2 11:36TD BOB. OsweilerPoints+6
- Yard line
- PIT 7
- Score
- 20-7
(11:36) (Shotgun) 17-B.Osweiler scrambles right guard for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- PITPittsburgh Steelers
Q2 7:36FG Chris BoswellPoints+3
- Yard line
- DEN 6
- Score
- 20-10
(7:36) (Field Goal formation) 9-C.Boswell 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry. Penalty on DEN-90-A.Smith, Unnecessary Roughness, offsetting. Penalty on PIT-60-G.Warren, Unnecessary Roughness, offsetting.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q2 2:00TD Drake ThomasPoints+6
- Yard line
- PIT 6
- Score
- 26-10
(2:00) 17-B.Osweiler pass short right to 88-D.Thomas for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q2 1:56XP Brandon McManusPoints+1
- Yard line
- PIT 15
- Score
- 27-10
8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
- PITPittsburgh Steelers
Q2 0:08FG Chris BoswellPoints+3
- Yard line
- DEN 23
- Score
- 27-13
(:08) 9-C.Boswell 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.
- PITPittsburgh Steelers
Q3 7:20TD Anthony BrownPoints+6
- Yard line
- DEN 9
- Score
- 27-19
(7:20) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short right to 84-A.Brown for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- PITPittsburgh Steelers
Q3 7:16XP Chris BoswellPoints+1
- Yard line
- DEN 15
- Score
- 27-20
9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.
- PITPittsburgh Steelers
Q4 12:39TD MWM. WheatonPoints+6
- Yard line
- DEN 9
- Score
- 27-26
(12:39) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short left to 11-M.Wheaton for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- PITPittsburgh Steelers
Q4 12:34XP Chris BoswellPoints+1
- Yard line
- DEN 15
- Score
- 27-27
9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.
- PITPittsburgh Steelers
Q4 3:29TD Anthony BrownPoints+6
- Yard line
- DEN 23
- Score
- 27-33
(3:29) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep middle to 84-A.Brown for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- PITPittsburgh Steelers
Q4 3:24XP Chris BoswellPoints+1
- Yard line
- DEN 15
- Score
- 27-34
9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1Anthony Brown · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +12.40 total EPA · 18 snaps · +0.69 EPA/play
- 2Eli Sanders · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +6.91 total EPA · 16 snaps · +0.43 EPA/play
- 3B. Roethlisberger · Pittsburgh Steelers · Passing · +4.39 total EPA · 62 snaps · +0.07 EPA/play
- 4Drake Thomas · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +4.16 total EPA · 12 snaps · +0.35 EPA/play
- 5
Myles Bryant · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +4.11 total EPA · 14 snaps · +0.29 EPA/play - 6B. Osweiler · Denver Broncos · Passing · +3.30 total EPA · 52 snaps · +0.06 EPA/play
- 7J. Norwood · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +2.93 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.47 EPA/play
- 8Eli Sanders · Denver Broncos · Rushing · +1.71 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.71 EPA/play
FantasyHQ Game MVP
Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.
FantasyHQ Game MVP
Anthony Brown — PIT · Receiving
Anthony Brown posted the highest total EPA (+12.40) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Pittsburgh Steelers. Across 18 counted snaps, they averaged +0.69 EPA per play.
Anthony Brown's top snap (+2.83 EPA): (3:29) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep middle to 84-A.Brown for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Biggest single play (+5.43 EPA): B. Osweiler — (3:16) 17-B.Osweiler pass deep middle to 10-E.Sanders for 61 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Quarterback report card
B. Roethlisberger led all passers in efficiency for Pittsburgh Steelers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) · 62 dropbacks · 64.5% completion · +9.1% CPOE · +0.07 EPA/play · +4.39 total EPA
- B. Osweiler (Denver Broncos) · 52 dropbacks · 40.4% completion · -10.1% CPOE · +0.06 EPA/play · +3.30 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | Denver Broncos | Pittsburgh Steelers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.063 | -0.008 |
| Offensive success rate | 39.2% | 44.6% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.063 | +0.071 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.396 | -0.303 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.008 | +0.063 |
| Defensive success rate | 55.4% | 60.8% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Pittsburgh Steelers held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (-0.01 vs -0.06), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Denver Broncos: -0.06 EPA/play (38th percentile vs. 2015 team-game averages)
- Pittsburgh Steelers: -0.01 EPA/play (52nd percentile vs. 2015 team-game averages)
- Denver Broncos: 15 drives, -6.12 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 15 drives, -0.79 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Pittsburgh Steelers — Dorian Williams
- Denver Broncos — Drake Thomas (B. Osweiler pass)
- Denver Broncos — Eli Sanders (B. Osweiler pass)
- Denver Broncos — B. Osweiler
- Denver Broncos — Drake Thomas (B. Osweiler pass)
- Pittsburgh Steelers — Anthony Brown (B. Roethlisberger pass)
- Pittsburgh Steelers — M. Wheaton (B. Roethlisberger pass)
- Pittsburgh Steelers — Anthony Brown (B. Roethlisberger pass)
Field goals
- Pittsburgh Steelers — Chris Boswell
- Pittsburgh Steelers — Chris Boswell
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 14–7. Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the DEN 2 (Q1 10:21) — (10:21) 34-D.Williams up the middle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the DEN 15 (Q1 10:16) — 9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.; Denver Broncos found the end zone from the PIT 18 (Q1 4:45) — (4:45) (Shotgun) 17-B.Osweiler pass deep left to 88-D.Thomas for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the PIT 15 (Q1 4:41) — 8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.; Denver Broncos found the end zone from the PIT 61 (Q1 3:16) — (3:16) 17-B.Osweiler pass deep middle to 10-E.Sanders for 61 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the PIT 15 (Q1 3:08) — 8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt..
The second quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 13–6. Denver Broncos found the end zone from the PIT 7 (Q2 11:36) — (11:36) (Shotgun) 17-B.Osweiler scrambles right guard for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the DEN 6 (Q2 7:36); Denver Broncos found the end zone from the PIT 6 (Q2 2:00) — (2:00) 17-B.Osweiler pass short right to 88-D.Thomas for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the PIT 15 (Q2 1:56) — 8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.; Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the DEN 23 (Q2 0:08) — (:08) 9-C.Boswell 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry..
The third quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 7–0. Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the DEN 9 (Q3 7:20) — (7:20) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short right to 84-A.Brown for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the DEN 15 (Q3 7:16) — 9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry..
The fourth quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 14–0. Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the DEN 9 (Q4 12:39) — (12:39) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short left to 11-M.Wheaton for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the DEN 15 (Q4 12:34) — 9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the DEN 23 (Q4 3:29) — (3:29) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep middle to 84-A.Brown for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the DEN 15 (Q4 3:24) — 9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 12:39) — (12:39) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short left to 11-M.Wheaton for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 2:08) — (2:08) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short left intended for 34-D.Williams INTERCEPTED by 54-B.Marshall at PIT 41. 54-B.Marshall to PIT 41 for no gain (34-D.Williams). The Replay Official reviewed the runne
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 3:29) — (3:29) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep middle to 84-A.Brown for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Denver Broncos (Q1 3:16) — (3:16) 17-B.Osweiler pass deep middle to 10-E.Sanders for 61 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Denver Broncos (Q4 4:28) — (4:28) 17-B.Osweiler pass short middle intended for 10-E.Sanders INTERCEPTED by 50-R.Shazier [48-B.Dupree] at DEN 37. 50-R.Shazier to DEN 37 for no gain (10-E.Sanders).
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Denver Broncos (Q1 3:16) — (3:16) 17-B.Osweiler pass deep middle to 10-E.Sanders for 61 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q1 1:33) — (1:33) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep middle intended for 11-M.Wheaton INTERCEPTED by 20-J.Bush at DEN 37. 20-J.Bush to 50 for 13 yards (11-M.Wheaton).
- Denver Broncos (Q4 4:28) — (4:28) 17-B.Osweiler pass short middle intended for 10-E.Sanders INTERCEPTED by 50-R.Shazier [48-B.Dupree] at DEN 37. 50-R.Shazier to DEN 37 for no gain (10-E.Sanders).
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 2:08) — (2:08) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short left intended for 34-D.Williams INTERCEPTED by 54-B.Marshall at PIT 41. 54-B.Marshall to PIT 41 for no gain (34-D.Williams). The Replay Official reviewed the runne
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q1 10:21 · DEN 2 · Score 0-6
(10:21) 34-D.Williams up the middle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q1 10:16 · DEN 15 · Score 0-7
9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry. - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q1 4:45 · PIT 18 · Score 6-7
(4:45) (Shotgun) 17-B.Osweiler pass deep left to 88-D.Thomas for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q1 4:41 · PIT 15 · Score 7-7
8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt. - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q1 3:16 · PIT 61 · Score 13-7
(3:16) 17-B.Osweiler pass deep middle to 10-E.Sanders for 61 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q1 3:08 · PIT 15 · Score 14-7
8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt. - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q2 11:36 · PIT 7 · Score 20-7
(11:36) (Shotgun) 17-B.Osweiler scrambles right guard for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q2 7:36 · DEN 6 · Score 20-10
(7:36) (Field Goal formation) 9-C.Boswell 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry. Penalty on DEN-90-A.Smith, Unnecessary Roughness, offsetting. Penalty on PIT-60-G.Warren, Un - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q2 2:00 · PIT 6 · Score 26-10
(2:00) 17-B.Osweiler pass short right to 88-D.Thomas for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q2 1:56 · PIT 15 · Score 27-10
8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt. - Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q2 0:08 · DEN 23 · Score 27-13
(:08) 9-C.Boswell 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q3 7:20 · DEN 9 · Score 27-19
(7:20) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short right to 84-A.Brown for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q3 7:16 · DEN 15 · Score 27-20
9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q4 12:39 · DEN 9 · Score 27-26
(12:39) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short left to 11-M.Wheaton for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q4 12:34 · DEN 15 · Score 27-27
9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q4 3:29 · DEN 23 · Score 27-33
(3:29) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep middle to 84-A.Brown for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q4 3:24 · DEN 15 · Score 27-34
9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-4-J.Berry.
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- Pittsburgh Steelers earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
- One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
- Anthony Brown (Pittsburgh Steelers) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- B. Roethlisberger (PIT) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).
Frequently asked questions
Who won Denver Broncos vs Pittsburgh Steelers on 2015-12-20?
The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Denver Broncos 34-27 in Week 15, 2015.
What was the score by quarter in Denver Broncos vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
Q1: Denver Broncos 14, Pittsburgh Steelers 7; Q2: Denver Broncos 13, Pittsburgh Steelers 6; Q3: Denver Broncos 0, Pittsburgh Steelers 7; Q4: Denver Broncos 0, Pittsburgh Steelers 14; Final: Denver Broncos 27, Pittsburgh Steelers 34.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Denver Broncos vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — D. Williams (Q1 10:21) Denver Broncos touchdown — D. Thomas (B. Osweiler pass) (Q1 4:45) Denver Broncos touchdown — E. Sanders (B. Osweiler pass) (Q1 3:16) Denver Broncos touchdown — B. Osweiler (Q2 11:36) Denver Broncos touchdown — D. Thomas (B. Osweiler pass) (Q2 2:00) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — A. Brown (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q3 7:20) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — M. Wheaton (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q4 12:39) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — A. Brown (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q4 3:29) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — C. Boswell (Q2 7:36, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — C. Boswell (Q2 0:08, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Denver Broncos vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers), 64.5% completion, +9.1% CPOE, +0.07 EPA per dropback, +4.39 total passing EPA. B. Osweiler (Denver Broncos), 40.4% completion, -10.1% CPOE, +0.06 EPA per dropback, +3.30 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Denver Broncos vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
Anthony Brown (Pittsburgh Steelers) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +12.40 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 18 snaps. Their top snap (+2.83 EPA): (3:29) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep middle to 84-A.Brown for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN..
Was Denver Broncos vs Pittsburgh Steelers a close game?
Yes — the margin was 7 points. Pittsburgh Steelers won 34-27 in a game that stayed within one score into the fourth quarter.
Season records after this game
Denver Broncos
Entered 10-3 Now 10-4 L
Pittsburgh Steelers
Entered 8-5 Now 9-5 W
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