When Was the last time the Broncos won a game that they had to win?

[telluride]

I'm not trying to be snarky here. But I was honestly trying to remember the last time Shanny managed to win a must-win game. The losses in such situations are sadly easy to recall: the last three games, for instance. And the SF game in '07. And the Pittsburgh game in '06. And so on.

But the last time this team and its coaches actually rose up and met a challenge? It feels like its been a long, long time.

All of which might make you despair about our chances on Sunday, given that we apparently can't perform under pressure any more. Or it might make you hopeful, given that we're probably due.

[broncofan7]

Against the Pats handing Brady his 1st ever loss.
Against the Colts, sans Manning in the 2004 finale @ Denver before we got run oughta' the RCA dome the next week. but nothing in 3 years.

[telluride]

Neither of those were actual must wins, though. Nice to win, but not must win.

[NYBronc]

I'd say a playoff game is a must win, so 2006 against the Pats.

Nothing since then which is disturbing. Hopefully Jay starts some sort of legacy this weekend.

[Kid A]

Originally Posted by telluride

I'm not trying to be snarky here. But I was honestly trying to remember the last time Shanny managed to win a must-win game. The losses in such situations are sadly easy to recall: the last three games, for instance. And the SF game in '07. And the Pittsburgh game in '06. And so on.

But the last time this team and its coaches actually rose up and met a challenge? It feels like its been a long, long time.

All of which might make you despair about our chances on Sunday, given that we apparently can't perform under pressure any more. Or it might make you hopeful, given that we're probably due.

You could make an argument for the Cleveland game this year (we were all but dead if we didn't win that one), but in terms of a literal "must-win" it has been since the Plummer playoff run.

[Spider]

all games are a must win

[Garcia Bronco]

Originally Posted by telluride

I'm not trying to be snarky here. But I was honestly trying to remember the last time Shanny managed to win a must-win game. The losses in such situations are sadly easy to recall: the last three games, for instance. And the SF game in '07. And the Pittsburgh game in '06. And so on.

But the last time this team and its coaches actually rose up and met a challenge? It feels like its been a long, long time.

All of which might make you despair about our chances on Sunday, given that we apparently can't perform under pressure any more. Or it might make you hopeful, given that we're probably due.

This year agains the Jet's in their house.

[Garcia Bronco]

Originally Posted by NYBronc

I'd say a playoff game is a must win, so 2006 against the Pats.

Nothing since then which is disturbing. Hopefully Jay starts some sort of legacy this weekend.

We change QB's the next season and started a rookie late in the season.

[wolf754life]

defend shannahan after our beating on national tv

[Inkana7]

Originally Posted by wolf754life

defend shannahan after our beating on national tv

I won't mind defending him after a playoff game.

[uplink]

Originally Posted by broncofan7

Against the Pats handing Brady his 1st ever loss.
Against the Colts, sans Manning in the 2004 finale @ Denver before we got run oughta' the RCA dome the next week. but nothing in 3 years.

NE playoff game: the defense won that game. It wasn't a well played game by the offense, very lucky to win it really.

I don't think the broncos have played well on offense/defense in a meaningful game in 10 years.

[_Oro_]

The only must win games are those which if you lose, you are eliminated from further play. Technically our first must win this year is on Sunday. Going by this definition it'd be nice to know how Shanny has done over the years.

[sirhcyennek81]

Jets game.

[epicSocialism4tw]

Originally Posted by telluride

I'm not trying to be snarky here. But I was honestly trying to remember the last time Shanny managed to win a must-win game. The losses in such situations are sadly easy to recall: the last three games, for instance. And the SF game in '07. And the Pittsburgh game in '06. And so on.

But the last time this team and its coaches actually rose up and met a challenge? It feels like its been a long, long time.

All of which might make you despair about our chances on Sunday, given that we apparently can't perform under pressure any more. Or it might make you hopeful, given that we're probably due.

Great topic, but I would say that the Broncos have won some important games, particularly under Plummer. The NE game in the playoffs was undoubtedly a must win. During that season, the Broncos posted several quality wins to secure home field advantage.

However, the Cutler-led incarnation of the bi-polar Broncos has not won an important game to date.

[BigPlayShay]

Telluride, how can a playoff game not be a must win game?

Here are a few I can think of:

2003 regular season @ Indy
2004 regular season vs Tennessee
2004 regular season vs Indy
2005 playoff vs New England
2006 regular season vs Cincinnati

[ChampJesusBailey]

I would call some wins this year must wins, like the Jets, Falcons and Browns. However, any confidence or good karma achieved by winning those games were of course obliterated by home losses to Oakland and Buffalo. When the magic number was 1 and all they needed was to win and get in they haven't done it so I guess the pressure is getting to them. Maybe playing a team they already beat and put up 39 on will give them the confidence they need.

So I guess it would be the playoff game versus New England.

[azbroncfan]

Sb Xxxiii

[Northman]

Four Score and 3 Years ago.

[ScottXray]

In Must win games , those that mean you go home for the rest of the nfl season (playoffs) Shanahans record is 1-5 over the last ten years.

The 1 win was three years ago against NE.
the losses were Baltimore, Indy , Indy, Pittsburgh and Sf two years ago.

Lets hope he can get to 2-5 for the last ten years this week.

Whats Marty Shottenheimers record in those games , again?

[rastaman]

Given the way the season has gone for the Broncos.....I think the game winning streak against the Jets and KC, a few weeks back, showed what the team can do. But then again, in those games the running attack with Hillis played key roles.

In fact, Denver would be the favorite against SD if Torrain-Hillis were available---plain and simple.

This team had a 4 game winning streak to open the season. And had another two game winning streak by defeating the Browns and Falcons.

Finally, Denver lost to JAC, MIA, and BUFF by 9 points or less.

Take away the blow-outs by Oak, NE, and CAR and the Broncos have played solid football.

If the Dolphins can turn things around and have a chance at the WC in 2008 after going 1-15 in 2007, the Broncos future looks really bright!!!

[epicSocialism4tw]

Originally Posted by rastaman

Given the way the season has gone for the Broncos.....I think the game winning streak against the Jets and KC, a few weeks back, showed what the team can do. But then again, in those games the running attack with Hillis played key roles.

I dont think that Hillis has as much impact on the team's success as you are inferring above.

In fact, Denver would be the favorite against SD if Torrain-Hillis were available---plain and simple.

Nah. Denver is stumbling down the stretch again and are primed to fall flat on their collective face before they reach the finish line again. Torrain has contributed nothing to this team's success...Im not sure how you figure that he would be a contributor to future success.

Finally, Denver lost to JAC, MIA, and BUFF by 9 points or less.

Take away the blow-outs by Oak, NE, and CAR and the Broncos have played solid football.

The Broncos have not been consistent AT ALL. "Solid football" to me would include some sort of consistency.

The blowout losses have been embarrassing losses.

These guys are mediocre. Nothing more.

[Doggcow]

Originally Posted by wolf754life

defend shannahan after our beating on national tv

Defend ****ing Bill Bellicheck or whoeverthe**** you have a hardon for after they lose like 18 of their starters and 7 or so RBs.

[Play2win]

Originally Posted by Doggcow

Defend ****ing Bill Bellicheck or whoeverthe**** you have a hardon for after they lose like 18 of their starters and 7 or so RBs.

Why on God's Great Earth would you quote such a THING (the poster, not the idea...)

[fdf]

Originally Posted by telluride

I'm not trying to be snarky here. But I was honestly trying to remember the last time Shanny managed to win a must-win game. The losses in such situations are sadly easy to recall: the last three games, for instance. And the SF game in '07. And the Pittsburgh game in '06. And so on.

But the last time this team and its coaches actually rose up and met a challenge? It feels like its been a long, long time.

All of which might make you despair about our chances on Sunday, given that we apparently can't perform under pressure any more. Or it might make you hopeful, given that we're probably due.

The most recent superbowl victory.

[Broncojef]

Originally Posted by Doggcow

Defend ****ing Bill Bellicheck or whoeverthe**** you have a hardon for after they lose like 18 of their starters and 7 or so RBs.

Our Defense played better when the injured "starters" were out and outside Hillis Shanny can keep the garbage heap at RB on IR for the next few years as far as I'm concerned. The last big game we won was against the Patriots in the 2005 play-offs. This current team hasn't won crap when it mattered and usually looks lifeless and without heart.