Patriots/Broncos history

[74_75_78_79_]

A since-1960 history between both. Charter-members together, both, of the AFL. Broncos lead the series thus far, 31-24. Yes, no ties ever, but three OT games - all within six seasons (2009-thru-2015).

Five other times they met in the post-season going into this upcoming AFCCG showdown. The first three of them were divisional round games ('86, '05, & '11) and the other two were for the AFCC (2013 & 2015). If not for that infamous Jags upset, Denver would have hosted NE in the '96 AFCCG. Had Bledsoe been able to engineer a successful 'Hail Mary' at Three Rivers a year later instead of losing, 7-6, the Pats actually host the Broncos in that year's AFCCG. And then you got that Ravens OT win in '12 that prevented what could have been yet another CCG date between both; that one would have been at Mile High.The 'heart' of such history between both teams would have to be when Peyton played for Denver.

Two different times, once in the early-'60s and the other at the hands of Brady from 2011 thru the 2013 regular seasons, did the Pats beat the Broncos four times in a row. But Denver, from '84-thru-'98, beat NE eleven straight times! And did they EVER have a hold on them early in the Shanahan era! The first three meetings with Shanny at helm, Denver won by a combined 105-24 (the middle of those three being the "Call the National Guard" game)! This despite Bill Parcells being the Pats HC the first two blowouts, and Carroll the third (Denver would win again in '98, completing the 11-game win-streak, but this time by a close 27-21 final).

Nice-enough intro thread, I guess. Anything else to add to it? Anything to say about the two while AFL-mates?


PS - who was better between both in 1985 not a bad idea for a debate.

[conace21]

I still remember Drew Bledsoe going 24 of 56 in a 37-3 blowout in 1995 (and that was before the Broncos became a playoff team.) I'm pretty sure Bledsoe's 32 incomplete passes set a new NFL record. (Vinny Testaverde and Jon Kitna would each have 33 a few years later.) Curtis Martin had 6 carries for 8 yards.

The next year wasnt much better, 34-8 blowout in a matchup of the AFC's two best teams. Bledsoe barely cracked the 50% mark, and Martin had 7 carries for 13 yards.

Bledsoe was 0-4 against John Elway. He finally eked out a 24-23 win in 1999, when Jason Elam missed a 59 yard FG (in New England, not Denver.) He also had an excellent game in a 2000 win, as Bill Belichick got his first win as the Patriots head coach (in Week 5.)

[Brian wolf]

Patriots have always had a tough time winning in Denver. Can this year be different?