As the Denver Broncos prepare for their 11th appearance in the AFC Championship Game, the franchise reflects on a history of significant moments in this stage of the postseason. The Broncos have played in 10 previous AFC Championship Games, winning eight and losing two.
In 1977, after almost 20 years without a playoff appearance, the Broncos reached their first conference championship with the help of their “Orange Crush” defense. Despite quarterback Craig Morton’s hip injury that kept him from practicing, Denver defeated the Oakland Raiders by forcing turnovers and capitalizing on big plays between Morton and receiver Haven Moses. Two late touchdowns by Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler made it close, but Denver held on to advance to its first Super Bowl.
The 1986 AFC Championship is remembered for “The Drive.” John Elway led the Broncos 98 yards in hostile conditions at Cleveland Stadium to tie the game against the Browns. Guard Keith Bishop told his teammates, “We’ve got them right where we want them.” Elway completed key passes under pressure, including a touchdown to Mark Jackson with less than a minute left. In overtime, Denver’s defense forced a quick stop and Rich Karlis kicked a field goal to secure victory.
A year later in 1987, Denver hosted Cleveland again. With just eight yards separating the Browns from tying the game late in the fourth quarter, running back Earnest Byner was stripped at the 2-yard line by Jeremiah Castille. This play secured another AFC title for Denver.
In 1997, following a disappointing playoff exit to Jacksonville the previous season, Denver entered as a wild-card team. After beating both Jacksonville and Kansas City on the road, they faced Pittsburgh in another away matchup. Ray Crockett intercepted Kordell Stewart before halftime and John Elway quickly turned it into points. Late in the game, Elway found Shannon Sharpe for a crucial third-down conversion that allowed Denver to run out the clock and reach their first Super Bowl win.
The most recent notable moment came during the 2015 AFC Championship when Peyton Manning faced Tom Brady and New England. Manning threw two touchdowns to Owen Daniels while Denver’s defense delivered several key stops. Bradley Roby intercepted Brady’s two-point conversion attempt late in the game to preserve a narrow win. Two weeks later, Manning finished his career with his second Super Bowl victory.
These games represent some of the defining moments for both fans and players throughout Broncos history as they look ahead to another opportunity this weekend.
