Best pre-’77 Broncos squad?

[7DnBrnc53]

Loss to Dallas is understandable, but they lost to the 49ers and Bears at home, tied the Cardinals on the road. Bears game had to hurt. Not only did they lose 33-14, at one point they trailed 30-0. Seven turnovers couldn't be overcome. Bobby Anderson, a backup running back, had an odd game where he caught 13 passes for 143 yards. Only caught two other passes the whole year!

Even the Dallas loss was a little hard to take because that was during the little lull that they were having. From 1972-74, I'm not sure if they were that great of a team. They should have lost to SF in 72, they benefited from an antiquated playoff system in 73 (that gave them LA at home), and they missed the playoffs in 1974.

[Todd Pence]

Weak schedule and other factors aside, it's the 1976 team. No other pre-'77 Broncos squad even belongs in the discussion.

[JohnH19]

Weak schedule and other factors aside, it's the 1976 team. No other pre-'77 Broncos squad even belongs in the discussion.

I'd like to discuss it. The '73 team had a terrific offense and a mediocre defense. The '76 team had the opposite, plus the weak schedule and poor quarterback play. Why do you think the '76 team is clearly superior?

[Retro Rider]

Weak schedule and other factors aside, it's the 1976 team. No other pre-'77 Broncos squad even belongs in the discussion.

Speaking as a Broncos fan during those years I always felt that the '73 Broncos squad could play with any team in the AFC - at home or on the road. I did not have the same confidence in the '76 edition. They were no match for the Raiders or Patriots and barely squeezed out 1 point home victories over the Craig Morton-led NY Giants and KC Chiefs. The had excellent special teams and defense but the '73 club was better offensively IMHO.

[sheajets]

1973 Broncos were no pushovers. Nice little 1-2 punch of Floyd Little and Joe Dawkins. Though Little was fading fast. The emergence of Riley Odoms. Gritty midseason tie with the Raiders. A 5-0-2 stretch.

Heartbreaking week 2 loss to San Fran derailed them a bit. Up 13-0, then down 30-13 in the 3rd...they rallied late to go up 34-33 in the 4th before the 9ers won it on a field goal. Winning that game may have changed their fate a bit.

[JKelly]

After reviewing the responses I think it is almost a draw. However if you put 1973 Charley Johnson on the 1976 squad that would have been an interesting season.