History of the Broncos: The decade that changes everything 1980's

This decade started off....well, true to Bronco history.  1980 proved to be another bad year but it was the beginning of something great.

1981 a coach by the name of Dan Reeves takes over and although there was no postseason games this year it was the start of Bronco History.

Player strike for two months start of the 1982 season which showed there were struggles on both the offense and defense with their first losing season in seven years....but we all know what happened in the following year!!

Elway baby!!!  1983 Broncos starting Quaterback!  Even though this year for the Broncos was a flip of the coin with a 9-7 record...we all know, looking back, that this is the year it began for the Bronco offense!  Watch this video of Elway's first game.

1984:  Elway cost the Bronco's chance at the AFC Championship by a turnover against the Steelers but this season they had a 10 game winning streak which was the new franchise record.  Elway passes 2,598 yards, Sammy Winder rushes for 1,153 yards and Steve Watson has 1,170 receiving yards.  Pat Bowlen, local Businessman acquires the Broncos.

11-5 record ends 1985 and although they do not make the playoffs, Elway is establishing his "one of the best Quarterbacks in the NFL" status with 3891 passing yards and 253 rushing yards.

Off to a great start in 1986 and, although they would claim the AFC West title with an 11-5 record, they end the season three of their five final games.  Super Bowl XXI was in the Bronco future because of Rich Karlis and his 33 yard Field Goal against Cleveland.

Rich Karlis may have gotten the Broncos to the Super Bowl but missed two short Field Goals while there.  They lose to the Giants 39-20.

Did anyone say "Strike?"  Replacement players are brought in in 1897 as the NFL Players go on strike. The win against the Chicago Bears turned things around this season as they won the AFC West with a 10-4-1 record.  Elway wins the NFL MVP this year and the Broncos face the Browns again for the AFC Championship.  38-33 Win Super Bowl XXII next stop.

Bronco's vs. Redskins in San Diego was....how should I put this, great coming out of the gate but not much for stamina.  Bronco's lose, after a 10-0 start, 42-10.

How can passing be a "poor showing" with 3,309 yard but for John Elway it is.  Ending the 1988 season with an 8-8 record Running Back Tony Dorsett, acquired from the Dallas Cowboys, has second all time rushing with 703 yards.

Despite Dorsett's career ending knee injury in 1989 the Boncos win the Division Title with an 11-5 record.  Beating the Steelers in the Divisional Playoffs (which was a gut wrenching win at 24-23) the Broncos face the Browns, again, for the AFC Championship with a 38-21 win.

Here we are again, Super Bowl XXIV only to tie the NFL record by losing four Super Bowl's to the 49ers 55-10.

Four Super Bowl's....Four losses.  Although this is not what Denver was hoping for it did show fans what Denver was capable of.  Although there were loses this decade no one can dispute that this was a whole new ballgame for Denver.

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