Broncos 50 Best Games in 50 Years - The Orange Mane

Vegas_Bronco · 09-11-2009, 10:20 PM

Trying to compile the best games every played in Broncos history to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the best team in sports history (imo).

So...don't flame me if I don't get it entirely right the first time...but by the time we're done discussing this, we should have the top 20 pretty well set.

1) Denver v. Green Bay (Superbowl XXXII) 1998
"This one's for John," anyone who watched this game was purely inspired by one of the most determined athletes in human history and one of the best runningbacks to ever play the game.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5i00r...om=PL&index=79
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ja69mTbL388
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cM0UiDPKN7E

2) Denver 34 v. Atlanta 19 (Superbowl XXXIII) 1999
The Denver Broncos capped a remarkable run beating the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl XXXIII, adding another chapter to the John Elway era and possibly closing the book on one of the era's greatest athletic stories....John's last game of his career.

3) Broncos 23 v. Browns 20 (AFC Championship Game) 1987
Known for 'THE DRIVE' John Elway goes 90 yards in under two minutes overcoming 2 4th down situations to once again drive the dagger into Cleveland’s playoff futures. The game went into OT. The Broncos stopped the Browns on the first possession, took over, and Karlis kicked a 33-yard field goal for the win. The Yankees at this point wanted their 1983 draft pick (center fielder and pitcher) back.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bypo-...eature=related

4) Broncos 20 - Raiders 17 (AFC Championship Game) 1977
Denver is on the Super Bowl map by beating the Raiders by a field goal to go on to their first ever Super Bowl appearance - eventually losing to the Dallas Cowboys 10-27 in the franchises 18th year. They played Dallas just 30 days earlier in the regular season and lost 6-14 to finish a 12-2 record allowing just 148 points in 14 games.

5) Broncos 38 v Browns 33 (AFC Championship Game) 1988
Known for 'THE FUMBLE' In all of sports, Earnest Byner’s infamous play is overshadowed only by the Boston Red Sox’s Bill Buckner. It is one of the NFL’s greatest tragedies that this great player is almost completely defined by his worst moment.

6) Broncos 26 - Oilers 24 (AFC Divisional Game) 1991
Trailing 24-23 with 2:07 left in the game, quarterback John Elway led the Broncos from their own 2-yard line to the winning 28-yard field goal with 16 seconds remaining. Known as 'THE DRIVE II', he converted on two fourth downs. On fourth down and 6 from the Denver 28, he rushed for 7 yards. Then on fourth down and 10, he completed a 44-yard pass to three amigo member Vance Johnson to beat the Oilers in Houston.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzPd_...eature=related

7) Broncos 13 - Patriots 10
1960- Denver wins it's first ever American Football League game. Boston had a 10-6 lead late in the game when the Patriots had to punt. Mingo caught the ball at his own 24-yard line, got some early blocking and headed down the far sideline on a 76-yard touchdown run. It was the first game-winning TD in AFL history, the first on a punt return and today still ranks ninth in team history among the longest punt return touchdowns ever by a Denver player. (Contributions by Yoda)

8) Broncos 27 v Patriots 13 (AFC Divisional Game) 2006
Champ Bailey's 100-yard interception return, and the Patriots' five turnovers, the Broncos head to the AFC Divisional Round handing Tom Brady his first ever playoff loss as the NFL's new GI Joe made big mistake after big mistake all night long.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_17hM...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4fzs...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2L2kW...eature=related

9) Broncos 34 - Steelers 21 (AFC Divisional Game) 1977
Denver wins its first and only ever playoff appearance with Craig Morton at the helm. This was the first playoff appearance and win in franchise history (18th season). Denver was 12-2 that season.

10) Broncos 14 - Chiefs 10 (AFC Divisional Playoff)
1998 - Of course, this game was an afterthought to KC fans since they'd already won the AFC West (aka the Kansas City Lombardi Trophy). So many little subplots from that game. Broncos O-linemen putting crisco on their jerseys and having to have it wiped off on the sidelines. Marty going with Elvis Grbackup over Rich Gannon. Marty with an inexplicable fake field goal attempt in a game in which points were at a premium. The Broncos defense coming up with a late stop on 4th down to hang on for the win. Great stuff. (Contributions by Clockwork).

11) Atwater 1 - Okoye 0
1990 - In just his 2nd season, Atwater would make a name for himself on Monday Night Football. It was a September 18, 1990 showdown at Mile High Stadium against the arch rival Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs had an outstanding running game featuring “The Nigerian Nightmare” Christian Okoye, a 253 pound running back that made a living running over defenders. It was a typical Kansas City running play, but the results were nothing typical. Steve Atwater burst towards the line of scrimmage and hit Okoye full speed, knocking him on his back.It was one of the greatest hits in NFL history and is still played on NFL Films to this day. This thunderous hit put Steve Atwater on the NFL map as it was seen by a national audience. Before the game, Atwater was fitted with a wireless microphone to capture the sound of the shot. “That's the hit people will remember him for,” Shanahan said. “Steve was a pro's pro and we'll always remember him for the kind of person he is and the kind of leader he was.” (1) “Steve’s play was outstanding,” said Broncos head coach Dan Reeves. “Eleven solo tackles is an incredible number for a safety. He’s played extremely well since he came here, but last night had to be his best game, in my opinion, because it was so crucial.” (3)
During this contest, Atwater knocked an opposing player out of the game for the second consecutive week. The previous week he knocked future Hall of Fame running back Marcus Allen out of the game with 10 stitches. http://www.20yardline.com/denver-broncos-articles/current/steve-atwater.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvPxz...eature=related

12)
1998 - Terrell Davis reaches 1000 yds in just 7 games (only 3 backs in history to do this)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTza5...eature=related

13) Broncos 24 - Steelers 21 (1998)
The Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers both changed their uniforms, and the new uniforms for both teams were introduced during this season - Denver's new look proved to payoff as the Broncos won their first Super Bowl Championship as a Wild Card Team beating the Jaguars, Chiefs, Steelers to go to get to the Big Game XXXII. Shannon Sharpe secures a 1st down grab in the Steel City to secure a victory.

15) Broncos 28 - Patriots 20
2005 - Denver beats the 2 time defending super bowl champions in their new stadium to send the chowdaheads home in a disgruntled mood on Monday Night Football.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBWY4...eature=related

16) Broncos 13 - Lions 7
1967 - Denver becomes the first ever AFL team to defeat an NFL team Detroit Lions. Funny enough this was a preseason game.

17) Broncos 45 - Chiefs 27
2003 - Clinton Portis scored a staggering 5 rushing touchdowns in a 45-27 win over the 11-1 Kansas City Chiefs. No running back in the NFL has scored more than 4 rushing TDs since. After Portis' first season with the Broncos, he was named The "NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year" by the Associated Press and was also voted to the Pro Bowl in 2003.

18) Denver 49 - Eagles 21
2005 - Statistically speaking...you'll never find a better game as the Broncos became the first team in NFL history to have 2 backs run for over 100 yards (Mike Anderson and Tatum Bell) and Jake Plummer added 300+ in the air all in the same game as Denver rolls on the NFC champion Eagles. Halloween around Denver is usually something ugly for the visitor - we don't hand out candy that is for sure.

19) Denver 31 - Giants 20 (1st game of Season)
2001 - Denver moves from Mile High to Invesco Field at Mile High - fans and sportswriters protest the new name for a few seasons as 32 years of tradition just won't go away overnight. Eddie Mac joins the 'MNF Giants Opponents Broken Leg Club': joining Joe Theismann (Redskins) and Bryant Young (49ers) - Eddie Mac literally 'breaks a leg' on the Broncos new stage.

20) Broncos 31 Bears 29 on MNF
1987 - Trailing 29-21 entering the 4th, Elway leads to two scores in the 4th quarter in a jaw dropping performance that helped him win the MVP that season. (Contributions by Bronco LB52)

21) Denver 31 v. KC Chiefs 28
12/15/2002 - Portis scores 4 Tds to keep Denvers Hopes alive of making the playoffs.

22) Denver 34 v. KC Chiefs 20
1989 - Denver reveals it's 2 prized rookies, free safey Steve Atwater and running back Bobby Humphrey. These two provide Denver with much needed lift as Atwater finishes only 2nd to KC's Derrick Thomas in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. The additions of rookies Atwater and Bobby Humphrey, along with key free agent signings, helped Denver rebound from 8-8 in 1988 to the Super Bowl in 1989.

23) Denver 38 - Redskins 31
1995 - The season would be noted for being the first year that Mike Shanahan was head coach. A turning point for the franchise would include the drafting of future Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Terrell Davis in the 6th round....right where we wanted him.....oh back to the game - let me guess, another Elway comeback? You check the box score and decide for yourself:
Q1: R 0 / B 0
Q2: R 14 / B 24
Q3: R 10 / B 0
Q4: R 7 / B 14...damn that John Elway!

24) Broncos 42 - Chargers 24
1981 - Broncos outscore the "Greatest Offense in History". Craig Morton goes 17 for 18 for 308 yards and 4 TD. Steve Watson has 8 receptions for 178 yards and 2 TD, including a 93 yard TD strike from Morton. (Contributions by Bronco LB52)

25) Kansas City Chiefs 19 at Denver Broncos 20
1992 - Typical KC Game that comes down to the last second and last quarter with big John as the 4th Quarter King.
KAN Willie Davis 50 yard pass from Dave Krieg (Nick Lowery kick) 7 0
DEN David Treadwell 41 yard field goal 7 3
KAN Nick Lowery 44 yard field goal 10 3
KAN Nick Lowery 36 yard field goal 13 3
DEN David Treadwell 22 yard field goal 13 6
KAN Nick Lowery 26 yard field goal 16 6
KAN Nick Lowery 33 yard field goal 19 6
DEN Mark Jackson 25 yard pass from John Elway (David Treadwell kick) 19 13
DEN Vance Johnson 12 yard pass from John Elway (David Treadwell kick) 19 20

29) Broncos 37 - Chiefs 34
Shannon Sharpe shows Tony Gonzales the door early as he racks up 214 yards and 2 TD's on 12 receptions. A career game for the Hall of Famer and one of the top 3 TE's to ever play the game.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Csdfs...eature=related

30) Broncos 44 - Raiders 7
1962 - Two Bronco INTs returned for touchdowns. Put on a pretty good beating against a team we rarely beat in the early years. (Contributions by Yoda)

35) Broncos over the Chargers 30-24 (1985)
Elway put up 17 points in the 4th quarter to tie the game at 24 heading into overtime. A touchdown in overtime sealed the victory. (Yoda)

39) Fire Drill Field Goal
200 - Denvers opener vs Buffalo when they ran a firedrill FG attempt with perfect execution to win the game. (Contributions by lex)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGpXH...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3BkL...1&feature=fvwp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mhu-uvf5MJ0

40) Shannahan's Hasty Time Out
Another big win was the following week in the home opener vs Oakland when Shanahan called the time out just before Janikowski hit a 50 something yard FG that would have won the game and then hit the upright on the redo. (Contributions by lex)

41) Denver 20 - KC Chiefs 6
2001 - Trent (or 'TRINT')Green finds Deltha O'Neal 4 different times in the Denver Secondary in one game to tie the NFL record for most Interceptions in one game. Deltha never did stand out, even on his best day as he is currently tied with 17 other players that have also recorded 4 interceptions in one game.
.
.
50)
TB Continued

Also the 50th Anniversay team...
OFFENSE:

Quarterback
JOHN ELWAY

Runningback:
TERRELL DAVIS
FLOYD LITTLE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zqGw...eature=related

FullBack:
HOWARD GRIFFITH

Tight End:
SHANNON SHARPE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2w09Q...eature=related

Wide Receiver:
ROD SMITH
LIONEL TAYLOR
EDDIE McCAFFERY
Rod:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ankz_IobV6c
Ed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iRfE...x=0&playnext=1

O-Tackle
KENNETH LANIER
GARY ZIMMERMAN

O-Guard
KEITH BISHOP
MARK SCHLERETH

Center
TOM NALEN

DEFENSE:
DT - Paul Smith / Greg Kragen
DE - Simon Fletcher / Trevor Pryce or Barney Chavous
LB - Tom Jackson / Randy Gradishar / Karl Mecklenberg / Al Wilson
CB - Champ Bailey / Louis Wright
FS - Dennis Smith / Steve Atwater
SS - John Lynch / Billy Thompson

K - Jason Elam
P - Undecided...
KR - Rick Upchurch

BroncoBuff · 09-11-2009, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vegas_Bronco

18) Denver 49 - Eagles 21
2005 - Statistically speaking...you'll never find a better game as the Broncos became the first team in NFL history to have 2 backs run for over 100 yards (Mike Anderson and Tatum Bell) and Jake Plummer added 300+ in the air all in the same game as Denver rolls on the NFC champion Eagles. Halloween around Denver is usually something ugly for the visitor - we don't hand out candy that is for sure.

Most entertaining game ever, other than XXXII.

I'm gonna plant a big wet one on Atlas for sending me that one ...

BroncoBuff · 09-11-2009, 10:41 PM

T o d d

d e v o e

r u l e d !

Eli_Cash · 09-11-2009, 10:43 PM

1991 Divisional playoffs: DENVER 26, Houston 24

lex · 09-11-2009, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vegas_Bronco

Trying to compile the best games every played in Broncos history to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the best team in sports history (imo).

So...don't flame me if I don't get it entirely right the first time...but by the time we're done discussing this, we should have the top 20 pretty well set.

1) Denver v. Green Bay (Superbowl XXXII) 1998
"This one's for John," anyone who watched this game was purely inspired by one of the most determined athletes in human history and one of the best runningbacks to ever play the game.

2) Denver 34 v. Atlanta 19 (Superbowl XXXIII) 1999
The Denver Broncos capped a remarkable run beating the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl XXXIII, adding another chapter to the John Elway era and possibly closing the book on one of the era's greatest athletic stories....John's last game of his career.

3) Broncos 23 v. Browns 20 (AFC Championship Game) 1987
Known for 'THE DRIVE' John Elway goes 90 yards in under two minutes overcoming 2 4th down situations to once again drive the dagger into Cleveland’s playoff futures. The game went into OT. The Broncos stopped the Browns on the first possession, took over, and Karlis kicked a 33-yard field goal for the win. The Yankees at this point wanted their 1983 draft pick (center fielder and pitcher) back.

4) Broncos 38 v Browns 33 (AFC Championship Game) 1988
Known for 'THE FUMBLE' In all of sports, Earnest Byner’s infamous play is overshadowed only by the Boston Red Sox’s Bill Buckner. It is one of the NFL’s greatest tragedies that this great player is almost completely defined by his worst moment.

5)

6)

7) Broncos 27 v Patriots 13 (AFC Divisional Game) 2006
Champ Bailey's 100-yard interception return, and the Patriots' five turnovers, the Broncos head to the AFC Divisional Round handing Tom Brady his first ever playoff loss as the NFL's new GI Joe made big mistake after big mistake all night long.

8)

9) Broncos 34 - Steelers 21 (AFC Divisional Game) 1977
Denver wins its first and only ever playoff appearance with Craig Morton at the helm. This was the first playoff appearance and win in franchise history (18th season). Denver was 12-2 that season.

10)

11) Broncos 20 - Raiders 17 (AFC Championship Game) 1977
Denver is on the Super Bowl map by beating the Raiders by a field goal to go on to their first ever Super Bowl appearance - eventually losing to the Dallas Cowboys 10-27 in the franchises 18th year. They played Dallas just 30 days earlier in the regular season and lost 6-14 to finish a 12-2 record allowing just 148 points in 14 games.

12) 10/26/1998 - Terrell Davis reaches 1000 yds in just 7 games (only 3 backs in history to do this)

13) Broncos 24 - Steelers 21 (1998)
The Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers both changed their uniforms, and the new uniforms for both teams were introduced during this season - Denver's new look proved to payoff as the Broncos won their first Super Bowl Championship as a Wild Card Team beating the Jaguars, Chiefs, Steelers to go to get to the Big Game XXXII.

13) Broncos 13 - Patriots 10
1960- Denver wins it's first ever American Football League game

14) Broncos 28 - Patriots 20
2005 - Denver beats the 2 time defending super bowl champions at home

15) Broncos 13 - Lions 7
1967: Denver becomes the first ever AFL team to defeat an NFL team Detroit Lions. Funny enough this was a preseason game.

16)

17)

18) Denver 31 - Giants 20 (1st game of Season)
2001 - Denver moves from Mile High to Invesco Field at Mile High - fans and sportswriters protest the new name for a few seasons as 32 years of tradition just won't go away overnight. Eddie Mac literally 'breaks a leg' on the Broncos new stage.

18)

19)

20) Denver 31 v. KC Cheifs 28
12/15/2002 - Portis scores 4 Tds to keep Denvers Hopes alive of making the playoffs.
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50)
TB Continued

Also the 50th Anniversay team...
OFFENSE:
QB - The man
HB - Terrell Davis / Floyd Little
FB - Howard Griffith
TE - Shannon Sharpe
WR - Rod Smith / Lionel Taylor / Eddie McCaffery
OT - Kenneth Lanier / Gary Zimmerman
OG - Keith Bishop / Mark Schlereth
C - Tom Nalen

DEFENSE:
DT - Paul Smith / Greg Kragen
DE - Simon Fletcher / Trevor Pryce or Barney Chavous
LB - Tom Jackson / Randy Gradishar / Karl Mecklenberg / Al Wilson
CB - Champ Bailey / Louis Wright
FS - Dennis Smith / Steve Atwater
SS - John Lynch / Billy Thompson

K - Jason Elam
P - Undecided...
KR - Rick Upchurch

I like your top 4, although in the Atlanta SB, I was never really worried about Denver not winning the SB that year. Its the only year, I felt that way. But still it was a decisive win which made it fun and winning back to back is nice as well.

-The Playoff game at arrowhead from the 1997 season. That was a follow up to a game at arrowhead earlier that season where Marty Schottenheimer offered bonuses to his players to take cheap shots. Some of the players admitted this and Marty denied it. Even with such shenanigans, KC barely won on a long Stoyanovich FG as time expired. But revenge was sweet. When Denver had to go to arrowhead for the rematch, KC hadnt allowed a rushing TD at home all season. TD had two that day and had over 100 yards. The game culminated with an awesome play by Gordon, who deflected a pass in the endzone.

-The 1988 game vs Chicago Bears. What a shootout that was. Elway was in rare form . Great game!

-"We are killing the Patriots" game. Though it was understandable that they would want to rest guys, I felt uneasy that they wouldnt be as sharp. Sure enough they were undone by Jacksonville in an upset. But New England, who went to the SB, wasnt the best AFC team that year. That team had annihilated them in November on their own field. While Denver was denied a shot at GB, that only meant that the SB the next year was two years in the making. When the 1997 season ended Denver had the highest winning % of all teams. There was nothing fluke about it. They were the best AFC team for 2 years in a row. The "Call the NG" game was a statement that signaled what was to come for the next 3 years.

- The Snowball game, which was around 1985.

- The Snow game vs Green Bay, which was in 1984(?), where we got two TDs on fumble returns.

- The Houston Oiler playoff game from around 1992, which was kind of "the drive-lite".

Good memories.

Vegas_Bronco · 09-11-2009, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eli_Cash

1991 Divisional playoffs: DENVER 26, Houston 24

Damn good game....I put it as #5! Although I feel some of the 3-5 games were better than #2.

sirhcyennek81 · 09-11-2009, 10:53 PM

In 1995, the 38-31 win vs Washington. That was pretty sweet.

Los Broncos · 09-11-2009, 11:02 PM

06 was just awesome, I hope we get back to that level in the next few years.

Los Broncos · 09-11-2009, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eli_Cash

1991 Divisional playoffs: DENVER 26, Houston 24

Is that the game where Oiler players were mocking Elway on the sideline and we ended up winning?

BigPlayShay · 09-11-2009, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoMcBuff

Most entertaining game ever, other than XXXII.

I'm gonna plant a big wet one on Atlas for sending me that one ...

Could have sworn I hooked you up with that one on DVD, no?

Bronco Yoda · 09-11-2009, 11:10 PM

I'd bump the '77 Championship at around #5 or 6

Bronco Yoda · 09-11-2009, 11:17 PM

Our first victory and AFL game ever played should be somewhere on the list.
Sept. 9 1960 W 13-10 Boston Patriots

I'd love to see that game on tape.

Vegas_Bronco · 09-11-2009, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bronco Yoda

Our first victory and AFL game ever played should be somewhere on the list.
Sept. 9 1960 W 13-10 Boston Patriots

I'd love to see that game on tape.

It's at #14.....damn that would be a fun watch...and to think we did it against none other than our beloved Patriots.

Durango · 09-11-2009, 11:29 PM

If we're talking about the most satisfying games, sure, the win over the Packers would easily rank first with the Atlanta SB win an easy second.

If you're talking about the the best games in terms of play, thrills, swings and sheer drama, sorry, the AFC Championship OT win against the Browns after the '86 season rolls over anything else, and that Houston Divisional win may very well be in the top 4 or 5.

The win over the mighty Raiders for the AFC Championship in 1977 was as shocking to the football world as it was to the Raiders; the Super Bowl Champions just the year before. It marked an epic shift in the fortunes of this franchise, and especially considering the Broncos were coming off a surprising one-sided win over the powerful Steelers a week earlier. Even though the Broncos fumbled away the Super Bowl, there wasn't anything quite like that '77 season. It belongs at #2, in my opinion, of course.

Vegas_Bronco · 09-11-2009, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Durango

If we're talking about the most satisfying games, sure, the win over the Packers would easily rank first with the Atlanta SB win an easy second.

If you're talking about the the best games in terms of play, thrills, swings and sheer drama, sorry, the AFC Championship OT win against the Browns after the '86 season rolls over anything else, and that Houston Divisional win may very well be in the top 4 or 5.

The win over the mighty Raiders for the AFC Championship in 1977 was as shocking to the football world as it was to the Raiders; the Super Bowl Champions just the year before. It marked an epic shift in the fortunes of this franchise, and especially considering the Broncos were coming off a surprising one-sided win over the powerful Steelers a week earlier. Even though the Broncos fumbled away the Super Bowl, there wasn't anything quite like that '77 season. It belongs at #2, in my opinion, of course.

Very strong argument! Very well done! I think 1977 would be emphasized even more had we knocked off the Cowboys in the Super Bowl also...there would have been little that this franchise could ever do to top that! But, when you look at our first SB win - I liken the Packers to the Cowboys in this scenario...both historically dominate teams in which we had no business beating...really the gap between #1 and #2 is much more distinguished than is the gap between #2 and #5....we'll need to qualify each game a little more like you've done above. Well done!

Bronco Yoda · 09-11-2009, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vegas_Bronco

It's at #14.....damn that would be a fun watch...and to think we did it against none other than our beloved Patriots.

oops. my bad.

more notes on that game. Boston had a 10-6 lead late in the game when the Patriots had to punt.

Mingo caught the ball at his own 24-yard line, got some early blocking and headed down the far sideline on a 76-yard touchdown run.

It was the first game-winning TD in AFL history, the first on a punt return and today still ranks ninth in team history among the longest punt return touchdowns ever by a Denver player.

Bronco Yoda · 09-11-2009, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vegas_Bronco

Very strong argument! Very well done! I think 1977 would be emphasized even more had we knocked off the Cowboys in the Super Bowl also...there would have been little that this franchise could ever do to top that! But, when you look at our first SB win - I liken the Packers to the Cowboys in this scenario...both historically dominate teams in which we had no business beating...really the gap between #1 and #2 is much more distinguished than is the gap between #2 and #5....we'll need to qualify each game a little more like you've done above. Well done!

That was our SB back then. It was the craziest our fanbase had ever been over a single game.

BroncoMan4ever · 09-11-2009, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirhcyennek81

In 1995, the 38-31 win vs Washington. That was pretty sweet.

damn right

Bronco Yoda · 09-12-2009, 12:09 AM

must have a charger game on the list

1985 Broncos over the Chargers 30-24

Elway put up 17 points in the 4th quarter to tie the game at 24 heading into overtime.
A touchdown in overtime sealed the victory.

Clockwork Orange · 09-12-2009, 12:22 AM

1998 Divisional Playoffs. Broncos 14 Chiefs 10.

Of course, this game was an afterthought to KC fans since they'd already won the AFC West (aka the Kansas City Lombardi Trophy).

So many little subplots from that game. Broncos O-linemen putting crisco on their jerseys and having to have it wiped off on the sidelines. Marty going with Elvis Grbackup over Rich Gannon. Marty with an inexplicable fake field goal attempt in a game in which points were at a premium. The Broncos defense coming up with a late stop on 4th down to hang on for the win. Great stuff.

Bronco Yoda · 09-12-2009, 12:35 AM

Here's another old one for the 50th.

1962 Broncos 44 Oakland Raiders 7

Two Bronco INTs returned for touchdowns. Put on a pretty good beating against a team we rarely beat in the early years.

Florida_Bronco · 09-12-2009, 12:44 AM

Kansas City at Denver in 1998 was a great one.

Bronco LB52 · 09-12-2009, 01:02 AM

Here are two tied games that are worthy:

1974: Broncos 35, Steelers 35 in the NFL's first overtime game

1973: Broncos 23, Raiders 23 "Orange Monday" The Broncos play their first game on Monday Night Football.,

Bronco Yoda · 09-12-2009, 01:11 AM

1983 Broncos 21 Colts 19

Elway's 1st really big comeback (down 19-0 in the 4th, his first 300 yrd pass game) I have this one on DVD.

Bronco LB52 · 09-12-2009, 01:22 AM

1977 Week 5 Denver 30 Oakland 7

1979 Denver 37 Seattle 34: Trailing 34-10 in the 3rd quarter, the Broncos score 27 unanswered points to win. Craig Morton throws three straight TD passes!!!

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09-11-2009, 10:20 PM	#1
Vegas_Bronco Ring of Famer Fear is a lack of preparation. Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: 63 Yards Out Posts: 4,028 Adopt-a-Bronco: 1 Elam 1	Broncos 50 Best Games in 50 Years Trying to compile the best games every played in Broncos history to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the best team in sports history (imo). So...don't flame me if I don't get it entirely right the first time...but by the time we're done discussing this, we should have the top 20 pretty well set. 1) Denver v. Green Bay (Superbowl XXXII) 1998 "This one's for John," anyone who watched this game was purely inspired by one of the most determined athletes in human history and one of the best runningbacks to ever play the game. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5i00r...om=PL&index=79 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ja69mTbL388 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cM0UiDPKN7E 2) Denver 34 v. Atlanta 19 (Superbowl XXXIII) 1999 The Denver Broncos capped a remarkable run beating the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl XXXIII, adding another chapter to the John Elway era and possibly closing the book on one of the era's greatest athletic stories....John's last game of his career. 3) Broncos 23 v. Browns 20 (AFC Championship Game) 1987 Known for 'THE DRIVE' John Elway goes 90 yards in under two minutes overcoming 2 4th down situations to once again drive the dagger into Cleveland’s playoff futures. The game went into OT. The Broncos stopped the Browns on the first possession, took over, and Karlis kicked a 33-yard field goal for the win. The Yankees at this point wanted their 1983 draft pick (center fielder and pitcher) back. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bypo-...eature=related 4) Broncos 20 - Raiders 17 (AFC Championship Game) 1977 Denver is on the Super Bowl map by beating the Raiders by a field goal to go on to their first ever Super Bowl appearance - eventually losing to the Dallas Cowboys 10-27 in the franchises 18th year. They played Dallas just 30 days earlier in the regular season and lost 6-14 to finish a 12-2 record allowing just 148 points in 14 games. 5) Broncos 38 v Browns 33 (AFC Championship Game) 1988 Known for 'THE FUMBLE' In all of sports, Earnest Byner’s infamous play is overshadowed only by the Boston Red Sox’s Bill Buckner. It is one of the NFL’s greatest tragedies that this great player is almost completely defined by his worst moment. 6) Broncos 26 - Oilers 24 (AFC Divisional Game) 1991 Trailing 24-23 with 2:07 left in the game, quarterback John Elway led the Broncos from their own 2-yard line to the winning 28-yard field goal with 16 seconds remaining. Known as 'THE DRIVE II', he converted on two fourth downs. On fourth down and 6 from the Denver 28, he rushed for 7 yards. Then on fourth down and 10, he completed a 44-yard pass to three amigo member Vance Johnson to beat the Oilers in Houston. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzPd_...eature=related 7) Broncos 13 - Patriots 10 1960- Denver wins it's first ever American Football League game. Boston had a 10-6 lead late in the game when the Patriots had to punt. Mingo caught the ball at his own 24-yard line, got some early blocking and headed down the far sideline on a 76-yard touchdown run. It was the first game-winning TD in AFL history, the first on a punt return and today still ranks ninth in team history among the longest punt return touchdowns ever by a Denver player. (Contributions by Yoda) 8) Broncos 27 v Patriots 13 (AFC Divisional Game) 2006 Champ Bailey's 100-yard interception return, and the Patriots' five turnovers, the Broncos head to the AFC Divisional Round handing Tom Brady his first ever playoff loss as the NFL's new GI Joe made big mistake after big mistake all night long. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_17hM...eature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4fzs...eature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2L2kW...eature=related 9) Broncos 34 - Steelers 21 (AFC Divisional Game) 1977 Denver wins its first and only ever playoff appearance with Craig Morton at the helm. This was the first playoff appearance and win in franchise history (18th season). Denver was 12-2 that season. 10) Broncos 14 - Chiefs 10 (AFC Divisional Playoff) 1998 - Of course, this game was an afterthought to KC fans since they'd already won the AFC West (aka the Kansas City Lombardi Trophy). So many little subplots from that game. Broncos O-linemen putting crisco on their jerseys and having to have it wiped off on the sidelines. Marty going with Elvis Grbackup over Rich Gannon. Marty with an inexplicable fake field goal attempt in a game in which points were at a premium. The Broncos defense coming up with a late stop on 4th down to hang on for the win. Great stuff. (Contributions by Clockwork). 11) Atwater 1 - Okoye 0 1990 - In just his 2nd season, Atwater would make a name for himself on Monday Night Football. It was a September 18, 1990 showdown at Mile High Stadium against the arch rival Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs had an outstanding running game featuring “The Nigerian Nightmare” Christian Okoye, a 253 pound running back that made a living running over defenders. It was a typical Kansas City running play, but the results were nothing typical. Steve Atwater burst towards the line of scrimmage and hit Okoye full speed, knocking him on his back.It was one of the greatest hits in NFL history and is still played on NFL Films to this day. This thunderous hit put Steve Atwater on the NFL map as it was seen by a national audience. Before the game, Atwater was fitted with a wireless microphone to capture the sound of the shot. “That's the hit people will remember him for,” Shanahan said. “Steve was a pro's pro and we'll always remember him for the kind of person he is and the kind of leader he was.” (1) “Steve’s play was outstanding,” said Broncos head coach Dan Reeves. “Eleven solo tackles is an incredible number for a safety. He’s played extremely well since he came here, but last night had to be his best game, in my opinion, because it was so crucial.” (3) During this contest, Atwater knocked an opposing player out of the game for the second consecutive week. The previous week he knocked future Hall of Fame running back Marcus Allen out of the game with 10 stitches. http://www.20yardline.com/denver-broncos-articles/current/steve-atwater.html http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvPxz...eature=related 12) 1998 - Terrell Davis reaches 1000 yds in just 7 games (only 3 backs in history to do this) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTza5...eature=related 13) Broncos 24 - Steelers 21 (1998) The Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers both changed their uniforms, and the new uniforms for both teams were introduced during this season - Denver's new look proved to payoff as the Broncos won their first Super Bowl Championship as a Wild Card Team beating the Jaguars, Chiefs, Steelers to go to get to the Big Game XXXII. Shannon Sharpe secures a 1st down grab in the Steel City to secure a victory. 15) Broncos 28 - Patriots 20 2005 - Denver beats the 2 time defending super bowl champions in their new stadium to send the chowdaheads home in a disgruntled mood on Monday Night Football. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBWY4...eature=related 16) Broncos 13 - Lions 7 1967 - Denver becomes the first ever AFL team to defeat an NFL team Detroit Lions. Funny enough this was a preseason game. 17) Broncos 45 - Chiefs 27 2003 - Clinton Portis scored a staggering 5 rushing touchdowns in a 45-27 win over the 11-1 Kansas City Chiefs. No running back in the NFL has scored more than 4 rushing TDs since. After Portis' first season with the Broncos, he was named The "NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year" by the Associated Press and was also voted to the Pro Bowl in 2003. 18) Denver 49 - Eagles 21 2005 - Statistically speaking...you'll never find a better game as the Broncos became the first team in NFL history to have 2 backs run for over 100 yards (Mike Anderson and Tatum Bell) and Jake Plummer added 300+ in the air all in the same game as Denver rolls on the NFC champion Eagles. Halloween around Denver is usually something ugly for the visitor - we don't hand out candy that is for sure. 19) Denver 31 - Giants 20 (1st game of Season) 2001 - Denver moves from Mile High to Invesco Field at Mile High - fans and sportswriters protest the new name for a few seasons as 32 years of tradition just won't go away overnight. Eddie Mac joins the 'MNF Giants Opponents Broken Leg Club': joining Joe Theismann (Redskins) and Bryant Young (49ers) - Eddie Mac literally 'breaks a leg' on the Broncos new stage. 20) Broncos 31 Bears 29 on MNF 1987 - Trailing 29-21 entering the 4th, Elway leads to two scores in the 4th quarter in a jaw dropping performance that helped him win the MVP that season. (Contributions by Bronco LB52) 21) Denver 31 v. KC Chiefs 28 12/15/2002 - Portis scores 4 Tds to keep Denvers Hopes alive of making the playoffs. 22) Denver 34 v. KC Chiefs 20 1989 - Denver reveals it's 2 prized rookies, free safey Steve Atwater and running back Bobby Humphrey. These two provide Denver with much needed lift as Atwater finishes only 2nd to KC's Derrick Thomas in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. The additions of rookies Atwater and Bobby Humphrey, along with key free agent signings, helped Denver rebound from 8-8 in 1988 to the Super Bowl in 1989. 23) Denver 38 - Redskins 31 1995 - The season would be noted for being the first year that Mike Shanahan was head coach. A turning point for the franchise would include the drafting of future Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Terrell Davis in the 6th round....right where we wanted him.....oh back to the game - let me guess, another Elway comeback? You check the box score and decide for yourself: Q1: R 0 / B 0 Q2: R 14 / B 24 Q3: R 10 / B 0 Q4: R 7 / B 14...damn that John Elway! 24) Broncos 42 - Chargers 24 1981 - Broncos outscore the "Greatest Offense in History". Craig Morton goes 17 for 18 for 308 yards and 4 TD. Steve Watson has 8 receptions for 178 yards and 2 TD, including a 93 yard TD strike from Morton. (Contributions by Bronco LB52) 25) Kansas City Chiefs 19 at Denver Broncos 20 1992 - Typical KC Game that comes down to the last second and last quarter with big John as the 4th Quarter King. KAN Willie Davis 50 yard pass from Dave Krieg (Nick Lowery kick) 7 0 DEN David Treadwell 41 yard field goal 7 3 KAN Nick Lowery 44 yard field goal 10 3 KAN Nick Lowery 36 yard field goal 13 3 DEN David Treadwell 22 yard field goal 13 6 KAN Nick Lowery 26 yard field goal 16 6 KAN Nick Lowery 33 yard field goal 19 6 DEN Mark Jackson 25 yard pass from John Elway (David Treadwell kick) 19 13 DEN Vance Johnson 12 yard pass from John Elway (David Treadwell kick) 19 20 29) Broncos 37 - Chiefs 34 Shannon Sharpe shows Tony Gonzales the door early as he racks up 214 yards and 2 TD's on 12 receptions. A career game for the Hall of Famer and one of the top 3 TE's to ever play the game. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Csdfs...eature=related 30) Broncos 44 - Raiders 7 1962 - Two Bronco INTs returned for touchdowns. Put on a pretty good beating against a team we rarely beat in the early years. (Contributions by Yoda) 35) Broncos over the Chargers 30-24 (1985) Elway put up 17 points in the 4th quarter to tie the game at 24 heading into overtime. A touchdown in overtime sealed the victory. (Yoda) 39) Fire Drill Field Goal 200 - Denvers opener vs Buffalo when they ran a firedrill FG attempt with perfect execution to win the game. (Contributions by lex) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGpXH...eature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3BkL...1&feature=fvwp http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mhu-uvf5MJ0 40) Shannahan's Hasty Time Out Another big win was the following week in the home opener vs Oakland when Shanahan called the time out just before Janikowski hit a 50 something yard FG that would have won the game and then hit the upright on the redo. (Contributions by lex) 41) Denver 20 - KC Chiefs 6 2001 - Trent (or 'TRINT')Green finds Deltha O'Neal 4 different times in the Denver Secondary in one game to tie the NFL record for most Interceptions in one game. Deltha never did stand out, even on his best day as he is currently tied with 17 other players that have also recorded 4 interceptions in one game. . . 50) TB Continued Also the 50th Anniversay team... OFFENSE: Quarterback JOHN ELWAY Runningback: TERRELL DAVIS FLOYD LITTLE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zqGw...eature=related FullBack: HOWARD GRIFFITH Tight End: SHANNON SHARPE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2w09Q...eature=related Wide Receiver: ROD SMITH LIONEL TAYLOR EDDIE McCAFFERY Rod:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ankz_IobV6c Ed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iRfE...x=0&playnext=1 O-Tackle KENNETH LANIER GARY ZIMMERMAN O-Guard KEITH BISHOP MARK SCHLERETH Center TOM NALEN DEFENSE: DT - Paul Smith / Greg Kragen DE - Simon Fletcher / Trevor Pryce or Barney Chavous LB - Tom Jackson / Randy Gradishar / Karl Mecklenberg / Al Wilson CB - Champ Bailey / Louis Wright FS - Dennis Smith / Steve Atwater SS - John Lynch / Billy Thompson K - Jason Elam P - Undecided... KR - Rick Upchurch Last edited by Vegas_Bronco; 09-13-2009 at 01:38 PM..

09-11-2009, 10:41 PM	#3
BroncoBuff *************** Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Seattle Posts: 25,433 Adopt-a-Bronco: QUANTERUS SMITH	T o d d d e v o e r u l e d !

09-11-2009, 10:43 PM	#4
Eli_Cash Deep Circus Boognish Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Bristol, CT Posts: 206	1991 Divisional playoffs: DENVER 26, Houston 24

09-11-2009, 10:53 PM	#7
sirhcyennek81 Yes...swooping is bad... Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Florence, Colorado Posts: 20,674 Adopt-a-Bronco: All of them.	In 1995, the 38-31 win vs Washington. That was pretty sweet.

09-11-2009, 11:02 PM	#8
Los Broncos Ring of farmers Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Anaheim Hills, Santa Ana Mountains CA Posts: 18,766 Adopt-a-Bronco: Ryan Clady	06 was just awesome, I hope we get back to that level in the next few years.

09-11-2009, 11:10 PM	#11
Bronco Yoda Stokley once... ...saved me from a beating Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 7,244	I'd bump the '77 Championship at around #5 or 6

09-11-2009, 11:17 PM	#12
Bronco Yoda Stokley once... ...saved me from a beating Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 7,244	Our first victory and AFL game ever played should be somewhere on the list. Sept. 9 1960 W 13-10 Boston Patriots I'd love to see that game on tape.

09-11-2009, 11:29 PM	#14
Durango Perennial Pro-bowler Woodsman Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Durango Posts: 852 Adopt-a-Bronco: None	If we're talking about the most satisfying games, sure, the win over the Packers would easily rank first with the Atlanta SB win an easy second. If you're talking about the the best games in terms of play, thrills, swings and sheer drama, sorry, the AFC Championship OT win against the Browns after the '86 season rolls over anything else, and that Houston Divisional win may very well be in the top 4 or 5. The win over the mighty Raiders for the AFC Championship in 1977 was as shocking to the football world as it was to the Raiders; the Super Bowl Champions just the year before. It marked an epic shift in the fortunes of this franchise, and especially considering the Broncos were coming off a surprising one-sided win over the powerful Steelers a week earlier. Even though the Broncos fumbled away the Super Bowl, there wasn't anything quite like that '77 season. It belongs at #2, in my opinion, of course.

09-12-2009, 12:09 AM	#19
Bronco Yoda Stokley once... ...saved me from a beating Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 7,244	must have a charger game on the list 1985 Broncos over the Chargers 30-24 Elway put up 17 points in the 4th quarter to tie the game at 24 heading into overtime. A touchdown in overtime sealed the victory.

09-12-2009, 12:22 AM	#20
Clockwork Orange Persona Non Grata I seen him! Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 21,438	1998 Divisional Playoffs. Broncos 14 Chiefs 10. Of course, this game was an afterthought to KC fans since they'd already won the AFC West (aka the Kansas City Lombardi Trophy). So many little subplots from that game. Broncos O-linemen putting crisco on their jerseys and having to have it wiped off on the sidelines. Marty going with Elvis Grbackup over Rich Gannon. Marty with an inexplicable fake field goal attempt in a game in which points were at a premium. The Broncos defense coming up with a late stop on 4th down to hang on for the win. Great stuff.

09-12-2009, 12:35 AM	#21
Bronco Yoda Stokley once... ...saved me from a beating Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 7,244	Here's another old one for the 50th. 1962 Broncos 44 Oakland Raiders 7 Two Bronco INTs returned for touchdowns. Put on a pretty good beating against a team we rarely beat in the early years.

09-12-2009, 12:44 AM	#22
Florida_Bronco Got trolls? Welcome to Mile High, Brady! Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Tampa Bay Posts: 13,810 Adopt-a-Bronco: Brady Quinn	Kansas City at Denver in 1998 was a great one.

09-12-2009, 01:02 AM	#23
Bronco LB52 Perennial Pro-bowler Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 758 Adopt-a-Bronco: Dale Carter	Here are two tied games that are worthy: 1974: Broncos 35, Steelers 35 in the NFL's first overtime game 1973: Broncos 23, Raiders 23 "Orange Monday" The Broncos play their first game on Monday Night Football.,

09-12-2009, 01:11 AM	#24
Bronco Yoda Stokley once... ...saved me from a beating Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 7,244	1983 Broncos 21 Colts 19 Elway's 1st really big comeback (down 19-0 in the 4th, his first 300 yrd pass game) I have this one on DVD.

09-12-2009, 01:22 AM	#25
Bronco LB52 Perennial Pro-bowler Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 758 Adopt-a-Bronco: Dale Carter	1977 Week 5 Denver 30 Oakland 7 1979 Denver 37 Seattle 34: Trailing 34-10 in the 3rd quarter, the Broncos score 27 unanswered points to win. Craig Morton throws three straight TD passes!!!