The Broncos underwent numerous coaching changes during the offseason, after Vance Joseph was hired as the team's new head coach. Joseph replaced Gary Kubiak, the team's head coach during the previous two seasons, who was forced to retire from coaching due to health concerns.
After a 3–1 start, the Broncos suffered through an 8-game losing streak – the team's longest since 1967 where they scored more than 20 points just once. Poor offensive performances, along with a quarterback carousel, contributed to the losing skid. In terms of statistics, the Broncos' defense ranked in the top five in total yards, rushing yards and passing yards, but had the league's second-worst turnover differential (ahead of only the winless Cleveland Browns), surrendered the third-most sacks and ranked 27th in points per game despite having ranked 17th on total offense. The Broncos also failed to score 20 or more points in 10 of their 16 games, and for a second consecutive season, scored 30 or more only once.
The Broncos missed the playoffs for a second consecutive season, clinched a losing record for the first time since 2010 and suffered only their fourth losing season since John Elway's retirement after the 1998 season.
Coaching changes
Departures
On January 2, 2017, one day after the 2016 regular season finale, head coachGary Kubiak announced his retirement from coaching due to health concerns. Kubiak suffered a mini-stroke in 2013 while coaching the Houston Texans, as well as a migraine condition that forced him to miss one game during the 2016 season. In his two seasons as the Broncos' head coach, Kubiak led the team to a 24–11 record (including the playoffs) – the most victories of any coach in the first two seasons with the team, as well as guiding the Broncos to a victory in Super Bowl 50.[1]
Following the hiring of Vance Joseph as the team's new head coach (see below), the Broncos underwent the following departures from their coaching staff:
February 2: Marc Lubick, the team's assistant wide receiver's coach since 2015, departed to become an offensive quality control/assistant quarterbacks coach with the Buffalo Bills.[7]
Promotions
January 15: Joe Woods was promoted from the defensive backs coach position that he held from 2015 to 2016 to defensive coordinator.[8]
January 24: Chris Gould was promoted from the special teams quality control coach position that he held from 2015 to 2016 to assistant special teams coach.[9]
January 30: Eric Studesville was promoted to assistant head coach, and would continue to retain the running backs coach position that he has held since 2010, a season in which Studesville also served as the team's interim head coach.[10]
Additions
On January 11, Vance Joseph was hired as the Broncos' new head coach. Joseph, a University of Colorado alum, served as a defensive backs coach with the San Francisco 49ers from 2005 to 2010, in the same capacity on Gary Kubiak's staff with the Houston Texans from 2011 to 2013 and with the Cincinnati Bengals from 2014 to 2015. The Broncos previously recruited Joseph for the team's defensive coordinator position in 2015, but were denied permission by the Bengals. Joseph was the Miami Dolphins' defensive coordinator in 2016.[11]
Following the hiring of Vance Joseph, the Broncos made the following additions to their coaching staff:
January 13: Mike McCoy was hired as the offensive coordinator. This was the second stint for McCoy as the Broncos' offensive coordinator – a position he previously held from 2009 to 2012. McCoy served as the San Diego Chargers' head coach from 2013 to 2016. Bill Musgrave was hired as the quarterbacks coach. Musgrave worked in the same capacity with the Oakland Raiders during the previous two seasons, and was John Elway's backup quarterback from 1995 to 1996.[12]
January 14: Jeff Davidson was hired as the offensive line coach. Davidson served in the same capacity on Mike McCoy's staff with the San Diego Chargers in 2016, and was a Broncos' offensive lineman from 1990 to 1993.[6]
January 15: John Benton was hired as an assistant offensive line coach. Benton had previously worked in the same capacity with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2016 as well as on Gary Kubiak's staff with the Houston Texans from 2006 to 2013.[13] However, on February 20, the Broncos granted Benton permission to interview for the lead offensive line coach position with the San Francisco 49ers, and one day later, Benton was officially hired by the 49ers.[14]
January 17: Marcus Robertson was hired as the defensive backs coach. Robertson worked in the same capacity with the Oakland Raiders from 2015 to 2016, as well as an assistant under Joe Woods with the Raiders in 2014.[8]Brock Olivo was hired as special teams coordinator. Olivo served as a special teams assistant with the Kansas City Chiefs from 2014 to 2016.[15]
January 19: Johnnie Lynn was hired as the assistant defensive backs coach. Lynn previously worked alongside Vance Joseph with the 49ers from 2006 to 2010, and most recently with the Raiders from 2012 to 2013.[16]
January 27: Geep Chryst was hired as tight ends coach. Chryst previously worked in the same capacity with the Carolina Panthers from 2006 to 2010, where he worked alongside former Broncos' offensive coordinator Mike McCoy for three seasons as well as alongside offensive line coach Jeff Davidson for four seasons. Chryst was recently on the San Francisco 49ers' coaching staff, where he served as quarterbacks coach from 2011 to 2014 and offensive coordinator in 2015.[17]
February 21: Charles Gordon was hired as a defensive quality control coach. Gordon worked in the same capacity at the University of Northern Colorado during the previous four seasons (2013–2016), and was a defensive back for three seasons with the Minnesota Vikings under the tutelage of Joe Woods, the Broncos' current defensive coordinator.[14]
February 25: Chris Strausser was hired as the team's assistant offensive line coach, replacing John Benton. Strausser spent the previous three seasons as the offensive line coach at the University of Washington.[18]
In-season
On November 20, one day after the Broncos' Week 11 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, offensive coordinator Mike McCoy was fired as the result of the team's recurring offensive woes. During the six-game losing streak that resulted in McCoy's firing, the Broncos averaged 14.2 points – second-worst in the NFL, and committed a league-high 17 turnovers. Bill Musgrave was elevated from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator, while Klint Kubiak was elevated from an offensive assistant to quarterbacks coach.[19]
Front office changes
January 31: Adam Peters, the team's director of college scouting in 2016, departed to become the San Francisco 49ers' vice president of player personnel.[20]
May 4: The Broncos made the following changes to their front office: Brian Stark was hired as the team's new director of college scouting, replacing Adam Peters. Tom Heckert was promoted to senior personnel adviser after serving as the team's director of pro personnel the previous four seasons. A. J. Durso, who was the team's pro scouting coordinator from 2013 to 2014, filled Heckert's old position as director of pro personnel. Patrick Walsh was promoted from personnel assistant to player personnel assistant.[21]
July 25: Former Broncos' head coachGary Kubiak, who retired from coaching at the end of the 2016 season (see above), returned to the Broncos' organization as a senior personnel advisor in the team's front office. Kubiak will be based in his hometown of Houston, but will make occasional trips to the Broncos' Dove Valley headquarters.[22]
waived September 2, re-signed September 3,[36] waived September 9,[37] assigned to the practice squad on September 11,[38] re-signed September 18,[39] waived October 21,[40] assigned to the practice squad on October 24,[41] promoted to the active roster on November 25[42]
signed May 10,[66] placed on the non-football injury list September 2,[23] placed on injured reserve November 6[72]
Note: Prior to the draft, the Broncos received four compensatory selections – one in the third round (No. 101), one in the fifth round (No. 177) and two in the seventh round (Nos. 252 and 253). This was the first time in NFL draft history in which teams were allowed to trade compensatory selections,[74] and the Broncos later traded the No. 177 and No. 252 selections – see table below.
waived September 2,[23] assigned to the practice squad on September 3,[36] promoted to the active roster on September 11,[38] assigned to the practice squad on September 18[39]
originally signed and waived by the Cincinnati Bengals, claimed off waivers on August 21,[84] waived September 2[23]
Injuries
July 28: LinebackerShane Ray suffered a torn ligament in his left wrist at the beginning of training camp, and missed the entire preseason.[85] On September 3, one day after the Broncos cut the roster to a league-mandated 53 players, Ray was placed on injured reserve,[86] and missed the first seven weeks of the regular season, before being activated prior to the team's Week 8 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.[87] Ray re-aggravated the injury later in the season, and was placed on injured reserve on December 19.[50]
August 10: Wide receiverCarlos Henderson, the team's third-round draft selection, suffered a thumb injury during the Broncos' first preseason game vs. the Chicago Bears. He was placed on injured reserve on September 2.[88][23] Also on August 10, defensive endBilly Winn suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during the Broncos' first preseason game vs. the Chicago Bears, and was ruled out for the season after being placed on injured reserve.[32]
September 2: Tight endJake Butt and quarterbackChad Kelly, the team's fifth- and seventh-round draft selections, respectively, were placed on the non-football injury list due to knee injuries that both players sustained prior to being drafted by the Broncos.[89][23] Butt began practicing on October 18, and the Broncos had a 21-day window to either add him to the active roster or place him on the season-ending injured reserve.[90] However, Butt and Kelly were both placed on the season-ending injured reserve on November 6, ending their rookie seasons.[72]
September 15: Defensive end Jared Crick was placed on injured reserve due to a back injury that will require surgery. He missed the Broncos' Week 1 win over the Los Angeles Chargers.[59]
October 17: GuardBilly Turner was placed on injured reserve, after suffering a fractured hand during the team's Week 6 loss to the New York Giants.[60]
October 15: Wide receivers Emmanuel Sanders and Isaiah McKenzie each suffered ankle sprains during the Broncos' Week 6 loss to the New York Giants, and missed the team's Week 7 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.[91] Sanders also missed the team's Week 8 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.[92]
Defensive end Derek Wolfe suffered a neck injury during the team's Week 12 loss to the Oakland Raiders, and missed the Broncos' following game at the Miami Dolphins. On December 5, Wolfe was placed on the season-ending injured reserve.[93]
QuarterbackPaxton Lynch was inactive for the first half of the season due to a sprained shoulder that he suffered during the preseason. After being named the starting quarterback in Week 12, Lynch suffered an ankle injury during the team's Week 12 loss to the Oakland Raiders that will sideline him for two to four weeks.[94]
December 13: SafetyJustin Simmons was placed on injured reserve, after suffering a high-ankle sprain during the Broncos' Week 14 win over the New York Jets.[83]
Suspensions
During the Broncos' Week 12 loss to the Oakland Raiders, cornerbackAqib Talib and Raiders' wide receiverMichael Crabtree engaged in an ugly brawl that initially resulted in both players being suspended for two games, but were reduced to one game following an appeal. The two players had a history of bad blood with one another, following an incident during the teams' 2016 regular-season finale in which Talib yanked a gold chain from Crabtree's neck, with Talib repeating the same actions that led to the brawl with Crabtree.[95]
For a seventh consecutive year, the Broncos kicked off the season at home, in the second half of the opening Monday night doubleheader against the Los Angeles Chargers. After an exchange of punts, a 5-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Trevor Siemian to wide receiver Bennie Fowler III game the Broncos the early lead. The drive was kept alive as the result of a near-interception by Chargers' cornerback Casey Hayward. On the first play of the second quarter, the Chargers countered, with quarterback Philip Rivers connecting on an 11-yard touchdown pass to running back Melvin Gordon, with Ingram leaping above Broncos' safety Justin Simmons in order to reach the goal line. The Broncos re-claimed the lead later in the second quarter, with Siemian rushing for a 1-yard touchdown, then added to their lead on their initial possession of the second half, with another touchdown pass from Siemian to Fowler – from 6 yards out. The Broncos reached the Chargers' 3-yard line on a 14-play, 78-yard drive that chewed up the last 8:16 of the third quarter, but had to settle on a 20-yard field goal by placekicker Brandon McManus to increase their lead to 24–7.[97]
After stopping the Chargers on a 4th-and-1 near midfield, the Broncos' offense committed two turnovers – an interception of Siemian by Chargers' safety Adrian Phillips and a fumble by running back Jamaal Charles. The Chargers took advantage of both turnovers and narrowed the Broncos' lead to 24–21, with a pair of touchdown passes by Rivers – a 5-yarder to wide receiver Keenan Allen followed by a 38-yarder to wide receiver Travis Benjamin – the latter occurring with seven minutes remaining in the game. Following an exchange of punts, the Chargers had one last possession at the two-minute warning and were forced to use their last timeout with 42 seconds remaining. Six plays later, the Chargers were attempting a game-tying field goal to send the game to overtime. Placekicker Younghoe Koo's initial field goal was good; however, it was nullified as the result of Broncos' head coach Vance Joseph calling a timeout in order to ice the kicker. Koo's second attempt was blocked by defensive end Shelby Harris, sealing the win for the Broncos.[97]
Notes
Vance Joseph and Chargers' head coach Anthony Lynn became the first two head coaches of African American descent to make their coaching debuts in the same game. Beth Mowins, who handled the play-by-play duties for ESPN, became the first woman to call an NFL game since 1987.[98]
Week 2: vs. Dallas Cowboys
Week Two: Dallas Cowboys at Denver Broncos– Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Total
Cowboys
0
10
0
7
17
Broncos
7
14
14
7
42
at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado
Quarterback Trevor Siemian threw four touchdown passes – two to wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, and running back C. J. Anderson scored two touchdowns – one rushing and one receiving, in a dominating win over the Cowboys. This was the only game during the 2017 season in which the Broncos scored 30 or more points. The Broncos' defense limited running back Ezekiel Elliott, the league's leading rusher from the 2016 season, to just eight yards on nine carries, while cornerback Aqib Talib returned an interception off Cowboys' quarterback Dak Prescott 103 yards for a touchdown. Near the end of the first quarter, the game was delayed by one hour due to lightning in the Denver area.[99] With the win, the Broncos extended their winning streak against the Cowboys to six games, dating back to 1998.[100]
Week 3: at Buffalo Bills
Week Three: Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills– Game summary
In their first road game of the season, the Broncos traveled to Orchard Park, New York to face the Buffalo Bills. After a 38-yard field goal by Broncos' placekicker Brandon McManus gave the Broncos the lead late in the first quarter, the Bills grabbed the lead, with a 2-yard touchdown from quarterback Tyrod Taylor to wide receiver Andre Holmes on a deflected pass. The Broncos responded, when running back Jamaal Charles eluded Bills' defenders for a 12-yard touchdown – Charles' first touchdown as a Bronco. The Broncos were attempting to add to their lead on their next possession, however, a 44-yard pass completion from quarterback Trevor Siemian to wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders was overturned by a Bills' challenge, as replay indicated that Sanders did not maintain full control of the football at the Bills' 44-yard line as cornerback Tre'Davious White knocked the ball out. McManus and Bills' placekicker Steven Hauschka proceeded to alternate field goals, with a 28-yarder by McManus giving the Broncos a 16–13 lead midway through the third quarter.[101]
However, the Broncos were held scoreless for the remainder of the game, and the Bills took the lead for good, with Taylor connecting with tight end Charles Clay on a 6-yard touchdown pass. A 53-yard field goal by Hauschka extended the Bills' lead to 23–16 early in the fourth quarter. The Broncos drove to as far as the Bills' 24-yard line on their first possession of the fourth quarter, however, Siemian was intercepted by White. Five plays later, the Broncos' defense forced an incomplete pass off Taylor at the Broncos' 46-yard line, hoping to receive the football back after a punt. However, linebacker Von Miller was flagged for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in which he offered to help Taylor off the turf, then pulled his hand back. After the Bills earned three first downs and forced the Broncos to use all of their team timeouts, Hauschka added a 27-yard field goal with 3:18 remaining in the game. The Broncos had one last offensive possession, but did not advance past the Bills' 42-yard line.[101]
On the Broncos' second possession of the game, quarterback Trevor Siemian connecting on a 22-yard touchdown pass to tight end A. J. Derby. After forcing a Raiders' punt, Isaiah McKenzie returned a punt 64 yards to the Raiders' 15-yard line, but it was nullified by an illegal block penalty on Kasim Edebali. The Broncos marched down the field from their own 11-yard line to the Raiders' 6-yard line, but could not take advantage of the red zone opportunity, settling instead for a 28-yard field goal by placekicker Brandon McManus. After each team exchanged punts on their next two possessions, the Raiders got on the scoreboard late in the second quarter, with a 5-play, 99-yard drive, culminating in a 16-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Derek Carr to wide receiver Johnny Holton. McManus added a pair of field goals – from 36 and 46 yards out – to increase the Broncos' lead to 16–7. Late in the third quarter, Carr left the game due to a back injury, and backup quarterback EJ Manuel took over. The Broncos failed to take advantage of yet another red zone opportunity early in the fourth quarter, as a 29-yard field goal attempt by McManus hit the left upright. Following another exchange of punts, the Raiders narrowed the Broncos' lead to 16–10, with a 38-yard field goal by placekicker Giorgio Tavecchio with 5:27 left in the game. After the Broncos went three-and-out, the Raiders had one last possession with 4:16 remaining in the game, and reached the Broncos' 36-yard line at the 2-minute warning. After a false start penalty pushed the Raiders back five yards, a long pass attempt from Manuel intended for wide receiver Amari Cooper was intercepted by safety Justin Simmons, sealing the win for the Broncos. The Broncos' defense limited Marshawn Lynch to just 20 yards rushing on nine attempts.[103]
Week 6: vs. New York Giants
Week Six: New York Giants at Denver Broncos– Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Total
Giants
3
14
3
3
23
Broncos
0
3
0
7
10
at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado
The Broncos' rush defense, which allowed a combined 95 yards in their first four games, surrendered 148 yards in a stunning home loss to the New York Giants, while the offense rushed for only 46 yards, after averaging 143 yards in the previous four games. Quarterback Trevor Siemian threw two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown by Giants' cornerback Janoris Jenkins, while placekicker Brandon McManus missed a 33-yard field goal and had another attempt blocked. The Broncos' offensive woes in the red zone continued, scoring only one touchdown out of four opportunities. Backup quarterback Brock Osweiler saw brief action late in the first half, after Siemian sprained his shoulder on a diving attempt, as he unsuccessfully tried to prevent Jenkins from reaching the end zone after an interception.[104]
Notes
This was the first of two games in which the Broncos wore their alternate all-navy blue jerseys[105] – the other was Week 14 vs. the New York Jets.
Week 7: at Los Angeles Chargers
Week Seven: Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers– Game summary
The Broncos' were once again unable to solve their offensive woes, in a 21–0 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. It was the Broncos' first shutout loss since 1992, snapping a 394-game scoring streak, which was the second-longest in NFL history. Chargers' wide receiver Travis Benjamin scored two touchdowns, one receiving and another on a punt return. Broncos' quarterback Trevor Siemian was sacked five times and lost two fumbles, while wide receiver Demaryius Thomas had an 81-yard pass play nullified by an offensive pass interference penalty.[106][107]
Week 8: at Kansas City Chiefs
Week Eight: Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs– Game summary
The Broncos' defense limited the Chiefs to 279 total yards – 133 of which went to tight end Travis Kelce. However, the Broncos were unable to overcome five turnovers, including three interceptions by quarterback Trevor Siemian, as well as a fumble by running back Jamaal Charles that resulted in a Chiefs' touchdown. After trailing 20–3 early in the third quarter, the Broncos narrowed the Chiefs' lead to 20–13, following a 6-yard touchdown by running back Devontae Booker. However, three fourth-quarter field goals by Chiefs' placekicker Harrison Butker – the latter two of which occurred after a Broncos' turnover on downs and Siemian's third interception of the game, increased the Chiefs' lead to 29–13. With 4:41 remaining in the game, the Broncos' attempted a rally, with Siemian connecting on an 11-yard touchdown pass to tight end A. J. Derby at the two-minute warning. However, the two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, which would have brought the Broncos' to within a one-score deficit, ending the Broncos' rally attempt.[108]
Notes:
This was Jamaal Charles' first game against the Chiefs, for whom he played the first nine seasons of his career.[108]
Week 9: at Philadelphia Eagles
Week Nine: Denver Broncos at Philadelphia Eagles– Game summary
The Broncos' defense, who were the only defensive unit who had not allowed any rushing touchdowns, surrendered three rushing touchdowns, and Eagles' quarterback Carson Wentz threw four touchdown passes, in a 51–23 rout of the Broncos. The defense surrendered 50+ points for the first time since 2010, and backup quarterback Brock Osweiler, starting in place of an ineffective Trevor Siemian, threw two interceptions and nearly threw three more. The Broncos did not reach the end zone until the fourth quarter, when wide receiver Demaryius Thomas scored his first touchdown of the season – on a 1-yard pass from Osweiler, and linebacker Brandon Marshall returned a fumble 19 yards for a touchdown. Both touchdowns occurred when the game had already been decided in the Eagles' favor.[109]
Week 10: vs. New England Patriots
Week Ten: New England Patriots at Denver Broncos– Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Total
Patriots
14
13
7
7
41
Broncos
6
3
7
0
16
at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado
The Broncos' defense forced a three-and-out on the Patriots' first offensive drive, however, it was all downhill for the Broncos after that. The Patriots capitalized on four blunders by the Broncos' special teams. First, Isaiah McKenzie muffed a punt, giving the Patriots a short field. Then, Patriots' return specialist Dion Lewis returned a kickoff 103 yards for a touchdown. The Patriots also blocked a punt, and a defensive penalty on a Patriots' punt resulted in a first down as well as another touchdown. Patriots' quarterback Tom Brady threw for 266 yards and three touchdown passes. Offensively, the Broncos had to settle for three Brandon McManus field goals and achieved only one touchdown – a 7-yard pass from Brock Osweiler to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas.[110]
Week 11: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Week Eleven: Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos– Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Total
Bengals
6
7
0
7
20
Broncos
7
0
3
7
17
at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado
Two turnovers proved costly for the Broncos, as they suffered their sixth consecutive loss, and their first loss at home to the Bengals in more than 40 seasons. After the Broncos blocked a punt on the Bengals' opening possession, quarterback Brock Osweiler was intercepted by Bengals' cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, who returned the football 101 yards for a near-touchdown. The Broncos trailed 13–10 early in the fourth quarter, when running back C. J. Anderson was hit by Bengals' linebacker Vontaze Burfict, and lost a fumble. The Bengals grabbed a 20–10 lead with nine minutes remaining in the game, with quarterback Andy Dalton connecting on an 18-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver A. J. Green. The Broncos pulled to within a 20–17 deficit with five minutes remaining, when Osweiler connected on a 17-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas. After being forced to use all of their team timeouts, the Broncos forced a Bengals' punt at the two-minute warning, and had one last offensive possession at their own 20-yard line. However, after four plays, the Broncos turned the football over on downs, sealing the win for the Bengals. Broncos' placekicker Brandon McManus had a 61-yard field goal attempt blocked just before halftime.[111]
Notes
The Broncos honored former head coach Red Miller and former running back Terrell Davis. Miller, who led the Broncos to their first Super Bowl appearance in 1977, was inducted into the Broncos' Ring of Fame. Miller died on September 27, 2017, at the age of 89. Davis, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August, was honored in a pre-game ceremony. Davis led the Broncos to back-to-back victories in Super BowlsXXXII and XXXIII.[112]
Week 12: at Oakland Raiders
Week Twelve: Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders– Game summary
With Paxton Lynch as the starting quarterback, the Broncos' offense did not advance past their own 37-yard line on eight of their first ten possessions – excluding a fumble recovery in Raiders' territory and a kneel down before halftime. Paxton Lynch was the team's leading rusher, with only 20 yards. On the Raiders' second offensive possession, a brawl erupted between cornerback Aqib Talib and Raiders' wide receiver Michael Crabtree, resulting in both players being ejected from the game. Raiders' guard Gabe Jackson was also ejected for making contact with an official during the brawl. After a strip sack and forced fumble off quarterback Derek Carr deep in Raiders' territory, the Broncos had a first and goal at the 1-yard line, however, Paxton Lynch threw a pass that was deflected and intercepted by linebacker NaVorro Bowman in the end zone. A 9-yard touchdown pass from Carr to wide receiver Amari Cooper, coupled with a 1-yard touchdown run by running back Marshawn Lynch, gave the Raiders a 14–0 lead before halftime. The lead was increased to 21–0 early in the third quarter, with a 6-yard touchdown pass from Carr to running back Jalen Richard.[113]
After Paxton Lynch suffered an ankle injury, he was replaced by Trevor Siemian late in the third quarter, and got the Broncos on the scoreboard at the 10:26 mark of the fourth quarter, with a 25-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Cody Latimer. The Raiders drove to the Broncos' 17-yard line on their next possession, chewing up nearly five minutes off the clock, and were attempting to add to their lead. However, a 35-yard field goal attempt by placekicker Giorgio Tavecchio missed wide left. Siemian engineered a 12-play, 75-yard drive and pulled the Broncos to within a 21–14 deficit with 2:44 remaining in the game, after a 22-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Bennie Fowler III. The Broncos were hoping for a defensive stop just before the two-minute warning, but after using the last two of their three team timeouts, Carr connected on a 31-yard pass to wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson on a 3rd-and-8, sealing the win for the Raiders. With the loss, the Broncos exceeded their loss total from 2016.[113]
Week 13: at Miami Dolphins
Week Thirteen: Denver Broncos at Miami Dolphins– Game summary
A 65-yard interception return by Justin Simmons of Dolphins' quarterback Jay Cutler was the Broncos' only touchdown of the game, as the offense only managed one other scoring play – a 31-yard field goal by placekicker Brandon McManus. The Broncos surrendered two safeties – one off a fumbled snap and the other when Isaiah McKenzie muffed a punt in the end zone, and also had a punt blocked. Quarterback Trevor Siemian threw three interceptions – one of which was returned for a touchdown, the offense went 1-for-13 on third down and gained 270 net yards, their lowest output of the season.[114]
Week 14: vs. New York Jets
Week Fourteen: New York Jets at Denver Broncos– Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Total
Jets
0
0
0
0
0
Broncos
10
3
7
3
23
at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado
Date: December 10
Game time: 2:05p.m. MST
Game weather: 60°F (16°C), sunny
Game attendance: 75,518
Referee: Tony Corrente
TV announcers(CBS): Greg Gumbel, Trent Green and Jamie Erdahl
DEN – Demaryius Thomas – 8 receptions, 93 yards, TD
The Broncos' defense allowed the Jets' offense to advance past midfield only twice out of 12 opportunities, in a 23–0 win, as the Broncos snapped an 8–game losing streak – the team's longest since 1967. It was the Broncos' first shutout win since 2005 – also against the Jets. Offensively, the Broncos did not commit any turnovers, and after forcing a Jets' fumble on their first possession, quarterback Trevor Siemian threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas. Fullback Andy Janovich added another touchdown in the third quarter, and placekicker Brandon McManus added three field goals, though he missed a 29-yard attempt early in the second quarter. The Broncos, however, were officially eliminated from playoff contention as the result of wins by the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers.[115][116]
Notes
The Broncos wore their alternate navy blue jerseys for this game.[115]
Week 15: at Indianapolis Colts
Week Fifteen: Denver Broncos at Indianapolis Colts– Game summary
The Broncos spotted the Colts a 10–0 lead, with quarterback Jacoby Brissett rushing for a 7-yard touchdown, followed in the second quarter by a 45-yard field goal by placekicker Adam Vinatieri. The former occurred after an interception of quarterback Trevor Siemian on the Broncos' initial possession. Siemian was knocked out of the game late in the first quarter due to a shoulder injury, after being sacked by Colts' linebacker Barkevious Mingo. Brock Osweiler took over early in the second quarter, and got the Broncos on the scoreboard just before halftime, with an 18-yard touchdown run. A 39-yard field goal by Vinatieri on the Colts' initial possession of the second half increased the lead to 13–7; however, the Broncos' defense held the Colts scoreless for the remainder of the game. The Broncos claimed the lead for good with a pair of touchdown passes from Osweiler – a 22-yarder to wide receiver Cody Latimer, followed by a 54-yarder to tight end Jeff Heuerman (with a successful two-point conversion). Placekicker Brandon McManus added a 40-yard field goal with 5:18 remaining in the game, on a drive that chewed up 9:40 off the clock. It was the Broncos' only road win of the season.[117]
Notes
The Broncos snapped a 6-game losing streak in Indianapolis, dating back to 2003 (including the playoffs).[118]
Week 16: at Washington Redskins
Week Sixteen: Denver Broncos at Washington Redskins– Game summary
A 31-yard field goal by placekicker Brandon McManus gave the Broncos a 3–0 lead late in the first quarter. However, the Redskins reeled off 27 unanswered points, and the same offensive mistakes that plagued the Broncos during their 8-game losing streak resurfaced. The defense allowed Redskins' quarterback Kirk Cousins to pass for 299 yards and three touchdowns. The Broncos' lone touchdown came late in the fourth quarter – a 5-yard run by running back C. J. Anderson, by which time the game had already been decided in the Redskins' favor.[119]
Notes
This was the Broncos' final game against Washington under the "Redskins" moniker – home or away, as Washington adopted a temporary moniker in 2020.[120]
Week 17: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Week Seventeen: Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos– Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Total
Chiefs
7
7
10
3
27
Broncos
3
7
0
14
24
at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado
In their final game of the season, the Broncos took a 10–7 lead over the Chiefs, before the Chiefs reeled off 17 unanswered points to take a 24–10 lead, which included a fumble return by Chiefs' linebacker Ramik Wilson for a touchdown. The Broncos pulled even with the Chiefs at 24–24 with 2:53 remaining in the game, which included a fumble return by linebacker Zaire Anderson for a touchdown. However, Chiefs' quarterback Patrick Mahomes, playing in place of regular starter Alex Smith, engineered a game-winning drive, culminating in a 30-yard field goal by placekicker Harrison Butker as time expired. Paxton Lynch, in only his second start of the season, threw two touchdown passes – one to running back De'Angelo Henderson and another to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, but also threw two interceptions.[121]
Notes
Running back C. J. Anderson reached the 1,000-yard rushing plateau for the first time in his career, as well as becoming the first Broncos' running back since Knowshon Moreno in 2013 to do so. Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas fell 51 yards short of reaching 1,000 receiving yards for a sixth consecutive season.[122] The Broncos lost their fifth consecutive game against the Chiefs – the team's longest losing skid against the Chiefs since a six-game streak from 1970 to 1973.[123]
Quarterback carousel
Trevor Siemian was named the starting quarterback on August 21, two days after the Broncos' second preseason game vs. the San Francisco 49ers. It was the second consecutive season that Siemian beat out Paxton Lynch, the team's 2016 first-round draft selection, for the starting quarterback position.[124] However, after a four-touchdown performance against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2, Siemian struggled with turnovers and inconsistent play, and was benched in favor of Brock Osweiler, who was re-signed by the Broncos just before the start of the season, and designated as Siemian's backup. Osweiler was named the starter on November 1, four days before the team's Week 9 game at the Philadelphia Eagles.[125] However, Osweiler suffered through the same struggles as Siemian. Lynch, who had been inactive for the first ten games of the season due to an injury to his throwing shoulder during the preseason, was named the starter on November 22, four days prior to team's Week 12 game at the Oakland Raiders. This change occurred immediately after Bill Musgrave was named offensive coordinator, following the firing of Mike McCoy.[126] After Lynch suffered an ankle injury during the Week 12 loss to the Raiders that sidelined him for three weeks,[94] Siemian started the next three games (Weeks 13–15), but suffered a partial dislocation of his non-throwing shoulder during the team's Week 15 win over the Indianapolis Colts that ended his season.[127] Lynch started the regular season finale against the Kansas City Chiefs.[121]
1 2 New England claimed the No. 1 seed over Pittsburgh based on head-to-head victory.
1 2 Jacksonville claimed the No. 3 seed over Kansas City based on conference record.
1 2 3 4 Tennessee finished ahead of Buffalo, Baltimore and Los Angeles Chargers based on conference record, claiming the No. 5 seed. Buffalo and Baltimore finished ahead of Los Angeles Chargers based on conference record. Buffalo claimed the No. 6 seed over Baltimore based on strength of victory.
1 2 Oakland finished ahead of Miami based on head-to-head victory.
1 2 Denver finished ahead of the New York Jets based on head-to-head victory.
1 2 Indianapolis finished ahead of Houston based on head-to-head sweep.
↑ When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest ranked remaining team from each division.
Week 6: Achieved 80.5 career sacks, surpassing Karl Mecklenburg for second place on the Broncos' all-time list for career sacks, behind Simon Fletcher (97.5).[130] During that same game, Miller (94 games) also became the second-fastest player in NFL history to reach 80 career sacks, behind only Reggie White (70 games).[107]
Week 14: Became the first player in franchise history to record double-digit sacks in his first six seasons with the Broncos, and joined Reggie White and DeMarcus Ware as the only players to record double-digit sacks in six of their first seven seasons.[131]
Aqib Talib: During the Broncos' Week 2 win over the Dallas Cowboys, Talib returned an interception 103 yards for a touchdown, which set a new record for the longest interception return in Broncos' franchise history, surpassing the record that Chris Harris, Jr. previously set in 2012. During that same game, Talib also surpassed Deion Sanders for fourth place on the NFL's all-time list for interception returns for touchdowns.[133]
Week 6: Reached 8,000 career receiving yards.[134]
Week 12: Became the third player in Broncos' franchise history to record 600 receptions (Shannon Sharpe[135] and Rod Smith[136] are the other two), and the fastest to reach that feat, in his 112th game.[137]
Week 14: Surpassed Shannon Sharpe for second on the Broncos all-time franchise lists for touchdowns and receiving yards.[138]
On July 24, John Elway, the team's executive vice president/general manager since 2011, received a five-year contract extension from the Broncos that will run through the 2021 season. In addition, Elway was promoted from executive vice president to president of football operations.[144]
Related Research Articles
Gary Wayne Kubiak is an American former professional football player and coach in the National Football League (NFL). He played as a quarterback for the Denver Broncos before coaching, serving as head coach for the Houston Texans from 2006 to 2013 and the Broncos from 2015 to 2016 before stepping down from the position on January 1, 2017, citing health reasons.
The history of the Denver Broncos American football club began when the team was chartered a member of the American Football League in 1960. The Broncos have played in the city of Denver, Colorado throughout their entire history. The Broncos did not win any titles as members of the AFL. Since the 1970 AFL–NFL merger, the Broncos have won 15 division titles, and played in eight Super Bowls, following the 1977, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1997, 1998, 2013, and 2015 seasons. They won Super Bowl XXXII, Super Bowl XXXIII and Super Bowl 50. Their most famous player is former quarterback John Elway, starting quarterback in five Super Bowls and holder of many NFL records. The Broncos currently play in the National Football League's AFC West division.
The 2009 Denver Broncos season was their 40th season in the National Football League (NFL) and 50th season overall. The Broncos started 6–0, but lost 8 of their next 10 games after coming off bye week. They matched their 8–8 regular season record from 2008 and missed the playoffs for the fourth straight season. The Broncos welcomed many new defensive players signed during free agency, including veteran Eagles safety Brian Dawkins. This was their first season without head coach Mike Shanahan since 1994, as he was fired on December 30, 2008. On January 12, 2009, Denver hired former New England Patriots' offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels as their new head coach. At the time of his hiring, McDaniels was the youngest head coach in any of the four major North American professional sports and the fifth-youngest NFL head coach ever, though less than a week later the Tampa Bay Buccaneers named the even-younger Raheem Morris as their head coach.
The 2010 Denver Broncos season was the franchise's 41st season in the National Football League (NFL), the 51st overall and the 10th playing their home games at INVESCO Field at Mile High. The off-season was marked by the draft selections of Georgia Tech wide receiver Demaryius Thomas and All-American Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, as well as season-ending injuries to All-Pro linebacker Elvis Dumervil and free agent running back LenDale White. The team failed to improve on its 8–8 record from 2009, and set a new franchise record for losses in a single season, with a 4–12 record, which was their worst record in the post-merger era, and worst in a 16-game schedule. In addition, this was the Broncos' fifth consecutive non-playoff season, which was second-longest such streak in franchise history at the time, behind 1960–1976. The regular season was marked by a videotaping scandal and the firing of head coach Josh McDaniels.
The 2011 season was the Denver Broncos' 42nd in the National Football League (NFL) and their 52nd overall. It also marked their first season under head coach John Fox, as well as the first with John Elway as the team's Executive Vice President of Football Operations.
The 2011 Oakland Raiders season was the franchise's 42nd season in the National Football League (NFL) and the 52nd overall. 2011 also marked the final season under the ownership of Al Davis, who died on October 8, 2011. The Raiders matched their 8–8 record from 2010, finishing in a three-way tie with the Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers for the AFC West division title, but lost tiebreakers to both teams, and missed the playoffs for the ninth consecutive season.
Brock Alan Osweiler is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for seven seasons. He played college football for the Arizona State Sun Devils and was selected by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2012 NFL draft. Osweiler first served as the Broncos' starter during their Super Bowl-winning season in 2015 when he relieved an injured Peyton Manning and helped Denver get the top seed in the AFC heading into the postseason, although Manning resumed his starting duties for the playoffs and eventual Super Bowl 50 victory.
The 2012 season was the Denver Broncos' 43rd in the National Football League (NFL), their 53rd overall and their second under head coach John Fox. The offseason was marked by the signing of former Indianapolis Colts' quarterback Peyton Manning on March 20, leading to the team trading incumbent quarterback Tim Tebow to the New York Jets. The Broncos did not have a first-round selection in the 2012 NFL draft, and selected defensive end Derek Wolfe as the team's first pick in the second round of the draft.
The 2013 season was the Denver Broncos' 44th in the National Football League (NFL) and their 54th overall. It also marked their 30th season under the ownership of Pat Bowlen, the second with Peyton Manning as the team's starting quarterback and the third under head coach John Fox.
The 2014 season was the Denver Broncos' 45th in the National Football League (NFL) and their 55th overall. It also marked the third season with Peyton Manning as the team's starting quarterback.
The 2015 Denver Broncos season was the franchise's 46th season in the National Football League (NFL) and the 56th overall. It was also the fourth season with Peyton Manning as the team's starting quarterback, as well as the final season of Manning's 18-year NFL career.
Trevor John Siemian is an American professional football quarterback for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Northwestern Wildcats and was selected by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round of the 2015 NFL draft. Siemian was part of the Broncos when they won Super Bowl 50, serving as the third-string quarterback behind starter Peyton Manning and backup Brock Osweiler. He has also been a member of the Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears, and Cincinnati Bengals.
The 2016 Denver Broncos season was the franchise's 47th season in the National Football League (NFL) and the 57th overall. It was also the second and last season under head coach Gary Kubiak as he retired at the end of the season due to health concerns.
The 2016 season was the Oakland Raiders' 47th in the National Football League (NFL), their 57th overall, their 22nd since their return to Oakland, and the second under head coach Jack Del Rio. The Raiders improved on a 7–9 campaign in 2015 and finished with a winning record for the first time since 2002, finishing the regular season with a 12–4 record.
The 2016 Houston Texans season was the franchise's 15th season in the National Football League (NFL) and the third under head coach Bill O'Brien. The Texans' attempt to make history as the first team to play the Super Bowl on their home field, NRG Stadium, was thwarted in the second round of the 2016–17 NFL playoffs by the eventual Super Bowl LI champion New England Patriots.
The 2018 Denver Broncos season was the franchise's 49th season in the National Football League (NFL) and their 59th overall.
The 2019 season was the Denver Broncos' 50th in the National Football League (NFL) and their 60th overall.
The 2020 season was the Denver Broncos' 51st in the National Football League (NFL), their 61st overall and their second under head coach Vic Fangio. It also marked the team's 20th season playing their home games in their current venue, Empower Field at Mile High, as well as the 10th and final season with John Elway serving as the general manager.
The 2021 season was the Denver Broncos' 52nd season in the National Football League (NFL) and the 62nd overall. It was also the final season under the ownership of Pat Bowlen's estate who owned the team since the 1984 season.
The 2022 season was the Denver Broncos' 53rd in the National Football League (NFL), their 63rd overall, their second under the leadership of general manager George Paton, and their first and only season under head coach Nathaniel Hackett. This was also their first season under the ownership of the Walton-Penner Family Group, replacing the Pat Bowlen Trust that had existed following the death of longtime owner Pat Bowlen in 2019.
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