2006 Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos had an excellent season in 2005, as demonstrated by their 13 wins to only 3 losses, not to mention the number of tickets they sold at Invesco Field at Mile High, averaging over 76,000 tickets per game. This record placed them at the top of the AFC West Division and right on the heels of the Indianapolis Colts in the American Football Conference. In the postseason, the Broncos beat the New England Patriots in the divisional playoffs but were eliminated by the ultimate Super Bowl champs, the Pittsburgh Steelers.

This season's predicted outcome has already been nicknamed 'the Battle of the Jakes' by those who expect to see the Carolina Panthers led by Jake Delhomme in Miami next February 4th versus Jake Plummer and the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLI. The prognosticators publish in Charlotte, North Carolina, so guess who they foresee winning. But in his 12th year with the Broncos, Coach Mike Stranahan isn't likely to agree. Along with his Jake, who threw 229 passes in a row without an interception in 2005, he has a trio of linebackers labeled 'the best in all the land' in Al Wilson, Ian Gold, and D.J. Williams.

The Broncos were looking to the future with their first-round draft pick, Vanderbilt's Jay Cutler, who will be quarterback-in-training. It should also be fun to watch newcomer Elvis Dumervil of Louisville do his thing, which is sacking quarterbacks. An important veteran addition is receiver Javon Walker, acquired from the Green Bay Packers. Call or click Coast to Coast and get your Denver Broncos tickets.

Some Denver Broncos history: Denver has been one of the AFC's most consistent teams since the mid-1970s. From 1977 to 1999 the team reached the playoffs 13 times and the Super Bowl six times. Longtime Broncos quarterback John Elway reached the NFL's all-time top five in career passing yards, quarterback rushing yards, and completions. Former head coach Dan Reeves compiled one of the highest winning percentages (.581) in NFL history during his 12 seasons with the club.

Under head coach Mike Shanahan, the Broncos captured the first Super Bowl championship in the franchise's history by defeating the Green Bay Packers in 1998. The team returned to the Super Bowl in 1999 and defeated the Atlanta Falcons.

The Broncos became charter members of the American Football League (AFL) in 1960. Despite strong defensive units that included cornerback Goose Gonsoulin and tackles Dave Costa and Bud McFadin, Denver's best AFL win-loss record was 7-7 in 1962.

The Broncos joined the NFL when the NFL and AFL merged in 1970. The Broncos steadily improved, then surprised the league in 1977 when they won a franchise-record 12 games behind head coach Red Miller. The team captured its first-ever Western Division title with the AFC's top defense, which was anchored by end Lyle Alzado, linebacker Randy Gradishar, and cornerback Louis Wright. Quarterback Craig Morton piloted a steady offense, and the Broncos advanced to the Super Bowl, where they lost to the Dallas Cowboys.

As a rookie, John Elway led the team to a playoff berth in 1983 and to 13 victories in 1984. Reeves guided Denver to three Super Bowls in four years during the late 1980s, yet the Broncos failed to earn an NFL championship.

Denver finished 1997 at 12-4, earning a wild card berth in the AFC playoffs. They bested the Jaguars, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Pittsburgh Steelers to advance to the Super Bowl. In Super Bowl XXXII Denver defeated the Green Bay Packers 31-24. In 1998 the Broncos posted a 14-2 win-loss record during the regular season. Denver defeated the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets to gain its fifth Super Bowl appearance. In Super Bowl XXXIII, the Broncos bested the Atlanta Falcons, 34-19. After the season, Elway retired.