Information
The Denver Broncos have reached the Super Bowl six times, winning it in the 1997 and 1998 seasons under quarterback John Elway, running back Terrell Davis and coach Mike Shanahan. The Broncos won the first-ever American Football League game over the New England Patriots, 13-10, on September 9, 1960. They were the first AFL team ever to defeat an NFL team, on August 5, 1967 when they beat the Detroit Lions 13-7 in a preseason game. Despite their relative lack of early success, the Broncos produced some memorable games, like the 38-38 tie against the Buffalo Bills in 1960.
The Broncos' on-the-field success is more than matched by a spectacular attendance record of sellout crowds. The Broncos reached the pinnacle of the pro football world, as the team captured its first world championship with a victory over the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXII. With a victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl XXXIII, Denver accomplished what only five other teams had achieved: back-to-back Super Bowl championships.
Unfortunately for Shanahan his best years as Bronco's head coach had already happened during his first few years there. From 2000-2005 Denver had four post-season appearances, but never made it past the Divisional playoffs. For the past few years they haven't been able to continue to play past the regular season. On December 20, 2008 the Shanahan era officially ended. He was fired as coach and Josh McDaniels was brought in two weeks later to take over. Pro Bowl QB Jay Cutler was traded to the Chicago Bears with a fifth round pick for Kyle Orton, 2 first-round draft pick, and a third round pick. Shaking things up could be the best thing for Denver, but it could also come back to haunt them. Either way, the AFC West should come down to the Broncos and Chargers fighting for that top spot.
