Pretty exciting time in Denver right now for those that love the Broncos. Peyton Manning did not earn a Super Bowl ring in the latest game but he won one. As a self-proclaimed NFL historian I do know that as a Indianapolis Colt & Denver Bronco Peyton, at least one time with each club, played more than well enough to earn a ring but don’t get one. It was another aspect of the game he could not control that let the title slip away. This time a beyond stellar defense could not control Peyton but but they loved him so much they put a ring on him (sorry couldn’t resist the Beyonce reference). Take away half Manning’s career stats and he is still probably a hall-of-famer so the Super Bowl 50 stats are harmless as he ups his Bronco Super Bowl record to match his Colts’ at 1-1. He well deserves to have as many titles as his brother and Eli Manning now has two less conference championships.
I don’t usually talk players but when #18 is involved it’s hard to not bring him into the conversation. It’s the excellence of my favorite team as a whole that I like to highlight and as I rushed to update my NFL Since 1970 publication and replace the “2x” with a “3x” next to the Super Bowl history graphic It is hard to capture in words the enormity of what that 3 stands for.
Bronco Fan’s wait periods: 1960-1973 – 1st winning season
1960-1977 – 1st Playoff, Division Title, AFC Title
1977-1997 – 1st AFC Title of 5 to result in NFL Title
1998-2015 – 1st NFL Title after 17 year wait
Long time Bronco fans are well aware of what Oakland Raider fans have held over our heads. The thing is there has never been a Bronco fan without that problem until today. Here is the run down of my thoughts of how this game forces all Raiders fans (and most other team’s also) into silence now.
- Raider fans no longer have more NFL titles than Denver to brag about & the Raiders,3-2 in Super Bowls, have 4 less AFC Championship trophies. I concede Denver was the worst AFL organization and the Broncos trail the series in AFL games badly but since they both became NFL clubs in 1970 they are tied 46-46-1 in all games that matter. Raiders have not had a winning season since 2002 so it’s been a dream 13 seasons in that regard but a resergence by them puts us back in a dark spot so join me in not letting this rivalry die off.
- If you read my contribution to yourhub.com last week you learned the standings of the 4 teams to play in 8 Super Bowls. Steelers 6-2 Cowboys 5-3 Patriots 4-4 and now Denver at 3-5. Packers, Giants & 49ers also own more Super Bowl wins but just being one win behind the Patriots really gives this franchise a huge boost. That team has dominated pro football since the turn of the century. My publication shows only the Steelers have a better winning percentage in the regular season since 1970.
- 2105 go down in Bronco history as the year they hired their 15th head coach, won their 15th AFC West title, their 8th AFC title and now this golden gem in 49er country over Carolina. We are counting on John Elway to keep this fun going by putting a top-notch guy under center in 2016 but lets enjoy the next year as Denver is once again the home of the best team in the best sport.
Please email me if you have an interest in learning about NFL Since 1970. scott@nflsince1970.com I would be glad to tell you more about the ultimate visual & historical standings reference.