Denver Bronco History: 1970's

The last decade was hard....but the fans stayed loyal.  Does the 1970's give the fans a reason to remain loyal?  Read to find out.

The first year of the 1970's was off to a great start with a 4-1 record but as the last decade proved it was not meant to be as they finished last in the AFC West with a 5-8-1 record losing eight of their last nine games.

You guessed it, Lou Saban resigns and interim Coach Jerry Smith finished 1971 with a record of 4-9-1.

John Ralston is the new Coach but does not improve the Denver Bronco's record ending 1972 with a 5-9 record.  The one positive part of 1972 was even with the Denver Bronco's losing season tickets were being sold at a record pace.....gotta love that Bronco loyalty.

Orange Monday begins with the Broncos hosting the Oakland Raiders in front of a National Televised audience.  Primetime baby!  1973 proved to be the best year yet for the Broncos as they have a six game winning streak and, for once, had the opportunity to have their first winning season.  With the AFC West title just within their grasp they lose to the Oakland Raiders and end the season with a 21-17.

1974 the Denver Broncos had to expand Mile High Stadium to accommodate the high demand for tickets.  It was worth it as this was their second winning season with a 7-6-1 record.

With 1975 was a disappointment as the Broncos ended their winning season streak with at 6-8 record.  This was also Running Back Floyd Little's final season.

1976 showed much promise.  The Broncos end the season with a 9-5 record, Running Back Otis Armstrong rushes for 1,008 yards but Coach John Ralston resigns.

Red Miller, new coach for the Broncos, really turn up the heat this season.  In 1977, the Orange Crush begins with players like Lyle Alzado, Randy Gradishar and Tom Jackson.  The Orange Crush allowed only 148 points to be scored the entire season.  The Broncos earn a trip to the AFL Championship game against, you guessed it, the Raiders.  With a 20-17 win the Broncos are off to their very first Super Bowl!!!  With the excitement of playing in New Orleans against the Dallas Cowboys the Broncos never really showed up for the Super Bowl.  Eight turnovers and a 27-10 loss is how they ended their season.

Randy Gradishar wins Defensive Player of the Year in 1978 and the Broncos win the AFC West title for the second year in a row with at 10-6 record.  In the Divisional Playoffs the Pittsburgh Steelers will end the season for the Broncos with a 33-10 loss.

1979 started off well for the Broncos and it was looking like another Division Title was in their future but during the Divisional Playoffs they lose to the Oilers 13-7 and end their season with a 10-6 record.

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Watch some all time moments by Randy Gradishar and Tom Jackson here