1981 Denver Broncos season
1981 Denver Broncos season | |
---|---|
Owner | Edgar Kaiser |
General manager | Grady Alderman |
Head coach | Dan Reeves |
Home field | Mile High Stadium |
Results | |
Record | 10–6 |
Division place | 2nd AFC West |
Playoff finish | Did not qualify |
The 1981 Denver Broncos season was the team's 22nd year in professional football and its 12th with the National Football League (NFL). Led by first-year head coach Dan Reeves,[1] the Broncos were 10–6, tied for first in the AFC West, but failed to make the postseason again due to their loss to the Buffalo Bills, who gained the final berth.
The Broncos were undefeated at home in 1981,[2] but had six road losses. After a promising 8–3 start, Denver lost three of their final five games, including a critical loss against the Cincinnati Bengals in week 12. Entering the season finale against the Chicago Bears, they had a one-game lead over the San Diego Chargers in the AFC West,[2] but the loss at Soldier Field ended their season, losing the tiebreakers for the division and wild card berths.[3][4]
Prior to this season, ownership changed in February; coaching and front office changes were made in March.[1][5][6][7]
NFL Draft
[edit]1981 Denver Broncos draft | |||||
Round | Pick | Player | Position | College | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 15 | Dennis Smith * | S | USC | |
2 | 42 | Clay Brown | TE | BYU | |
4 | 106 | Mark Herrmann | QB | Purdue | |
5 | 125 | Ken Lanier | T | Florida State | |
6 | 151 | Alvin Lewis | RB | Colorado State | |
7 | 181 | Steve Busick | LB | USC | |
9 | 234 | Rusty Olsen | DE | Washington | |
11 | 290 | Pat Walker | WR | Miami (FL) | |
12 | 317 | John Hankerd | LB | Notre Dame | |
12 | 321 | Mandel Robinson | RB | Wyoming | |
Made roster † Pro Football Hall of Fame * Made at least one Pro Bowl during career |
Personnel
[edit]Staff
[edit]
Front office
Head coaches
Offensive coaches
|
Defensive coaches
Special teams coaches
|
- Source:[8]
Roster
[edit]- Source:
Preseason
[edit]Schedule
[edit]Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Attendance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | August 7 | New York Jets | L 7–33 | 0–1 | Mile High Stadium | 63,644 |
2 | August 15 | at Miami Dolphins | L 14–24 | 0–2 | Miami Orange Bowl | 41,502 |
3 | August 22 | Green Bay Packers | W 17–7 | 1–2 | Mile High Stadium | 72,450 |
4 | August 29 | at Cincinnati Bengals | W 24–20 | 2–2 | Riverfront Stadium | 41,713 |
Regular season
[edit]Schedule
[edit]Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Attendance | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | September 6 | Oakland Raiders | W 9–7 | 1–0 | Mile High Stadium | 74,796 | |
2 | September 13 | at Seattle Seahawks | L 10–13 | 1–1 | Kingdome | 58,513 | |
3 | September 20 | Baltimore Colts | W 28–10 | 2–1 | Mile High Stadium | 74,804 | |
4 | September 27 | San Diego Chargers | W 42–24 | 3–1 | Mile High Stadium | 74,822 | |
5 | October 4 | at Oakland Raiders | W 17–0 | 4–1 | Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum | 51,035 | |
6 | October 11 | Detroit Lions | W 27–21 | 5–1 | Mile High Stadium | 74,816 | |
7 | October 18 | at Kansas City Chiefs | L 14–28 | 5–2 | Arrowhead Stadium | 74,672 | |
8 | October 25 | at Buffalo Bills | L 7–9 | 5–3 | Rich Stadium | 77,757 | |
9 | November 2 | Minnesota Vikings | W 19–17 | 6–3 | Mile High Stadium | 74,834 | |
10 | November 8 | Cleveland Browns | W 23–20 OT | 7–3 | Mile High Stadium | 74,859 | |
11 | November 15 | at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | W 24–7 | 8–3 | Tampa Stadium | 64,518 | |
12 | November 22 | at Cincinnati Bengals | L 21–38 | 8–4 | Riverfront Stadium | 57,207 | |
13 | November 29 | at San Diego Chargers | L 17–34 | 8–5 | Jack Murphy Stadium | 51,533 | |
14 | December 6 | Kansas City Chiefs | W 16–13 | 9–5 | Mile High Stadium | 74,744 | |
15 | December 13 | Seattle Seahawks | W 23–13 | 10–5 | Mile High Stadium | 74,527 | |
16 | December 20 | at Chicago Bears | L 24–35 | 10–6 | Soldier Field | 40,125 | |
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text. |
Game summaries
[edit]Week 1 (Sunday, September 6, 1981): vs. Oakland Raiders
[edit]Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Raiders | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
Broncos | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
- Date: September 6
- Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
- Game attendance: 74,796
- Referee: Jerry Markbreit
- TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones (play–by–play) and Len Dawson (color commentator)
- [10][11]
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
---|---|---|---|
OAK | Passing | ||
Rushing | |||
Receiving | |||
DEN | Passing | ||
Rushing | |||
Receiving |
Scoring summary | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
- Point spread:
- Over/Under:
- Time of Game:
Raiders | Game Statistics | Broncos |
---|---|---|
First downs | ||
Rushes–yards | ||
Passing yards | ||
Passes | ||
Sacked–yards | ||
Net passing yards | ||
Total yards | ||
Return yards | ||
Punts | ||
Fumbles–lost | ||
Penalties–yards | ||
Time of possession |
Individual stats
Week 2 (Sunday, September 13, 1981): at Seattle Seahawks
[edit]Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Broncos | 3 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
Seahawks | 7 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 13 |
at Kingdome • Seattle, Washington
- Date: September 13
- Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
- Game weather: indoors (dome)
- Game attendance: 58,513
- Referee: Fred Silva
- TV announcers (NBC): Bob Costas (play–by–play) and Jim Turner (color commentator)
- [12][13]
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
---|---|---|---|
DEN | Passing | ||
Rushing | |||
Receiving | |||
SEA | Passing | ||
Rushing | |||
Receiving |
Scoring summary | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
- Point spread:
- Over/Under:
- Time of Game:
Broncos | Game Statistics | Seahawks |
---|---|---|
First downs | ||
Rushes–yards | ||
Passing yards | ||
Passes | ||
Sacked–yards | ||
Net passing yards | ||
Total yards | ||
Return yards | ||
Punts | ||
Fumbles–lost | ||
Penalties–yards | ||
Time of possession |
Individual stats
Week 3 (Sunday, September 20, 1981): vs. Baltimore Colts
[edit]Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Colts | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 10 |
Broncos | 0 | 14 | 14 | 0 | 28 |
at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
- Date: September 20
- Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
- Game attendance: 74,804
- Referee: Chuck Heberling
- TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert (play–by–play) and Jim Turner (color commentator)
- [14][15]
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
---|---|---|---|
BAL | Passing | ||
Rushing | |||
Receiving | |||
DEN | Passing | ||
Rushing | |||
Receiving |
Scoring summary | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
- Point spread:
- Over/Under:
- Time of Game:
Colts | Game Statistics | Broncos |
---|---|---|
First downs | ||
Rushes–yards | ||
Passing yards | ||
Passes | ||
Sacked–yards | ||
Net passing yards | ||
Total yards | ||
Return yards | ||
Punts | ||
Fumbles–lost | ||
Penalties–yards | ||
Time of possession |
Individual stats
Week 4 (Sunday, September 27, 1981): vs. San Diego Chargers
[edit]Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chargers | 0 | 0 | 10 | 14 | 24 |
Broncos | 21 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 42 |
at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
- Date: September 27
- Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
- Game attendance: 74,822
- Referee: Jerry Seeman
- TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play–by–play) and John Brodie (color commentator)
- [16][17]
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
---|---|---|---|
SD | Passing | ||
Rushing | |||
Receiving | |||
DEN | Passing | ||
Rushing | |||
Receiving |
Scoring summary | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
- Point spread:
- Over/Under:
- Time of Game:
Chargers | Game Statistics | Broncos |
---|---|---|
First downs | ||
Rushes–yards | ||
Passing yards | ||
Passes | ||
Sacked–yards | ||
Net passing yards | ||
Total yards | ||
Return yards | ||
Punts | ||
Fumbles–lost | ||
Penalties–yards | ||
Time of possession |
Individual stats
Week 5 (Sunday, October 4, 1981): at Oakland Raiders
[edit]Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Broncos | 0 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 17 |
Raiders | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum • Oakland, California
- Date: October 4
- Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
- Game attendance: 51,035
- Referee: Jim Tunney
- TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones (play–by–play) and Len Dawson (color commentator)
- [18][19]
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
---|---|---|---|
DEN | Passing | ||
Rushing | |||
Receiving | |||
OAK | Passing | ||
Rushing | |||
Receiving |
Scoring summary | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
- Point spread:
- Over/Under:
- Time of Game:
Broncos | Game Statistics | Raiders |
---|---|---|
First downs | ||
Rushes–yards | ||
Passing yards | ||
Passes | ||
Sacked–yards | ||
Net passing yards | ||
Total yards | ||
Return yards | ||
Punts | ||
Fumbles–lost | ||
Penalties–yards | ||
Time of possession |
Individual stats
Week 6 (Sunday, October 11, 1981): vs. Detroit Lions
[edit]Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lions | 7 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
Broncos | 10 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 27 |
- Date: October 11
- Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
- Game attendance: 74,618
- Referee: Bob McElwee
- TV announcers (CBS): Frank Glieber (play–by–play) and John Dockery (color commentator)
- [20][21]
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
---|---|---|---|
DET | Passing | ||
Rushing | |||
Receiving | |||
DEN | Passing | ||
Rushing | |||
Receiving |
Scoring summary | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
- Point spread:
- Over/Under:
- Time of Game:
Lions | Game Statistics | Broncos |
---|---|---|
First downs | ||
Rushes–yards | ||
Passing yards | ||
Passes | ||
Sacked–yards | ||
Net passing yards | ||
Total yards | ||
Return yards | ||
Punts | ||
Fumbles–lost | ||
Penalties–yards | ||
Time of possession |
Individual stats
Week 7 (Sunday, October 18, 1981): at Kansas City Chiefs
[edit]Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Broncos | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 14 |
Chiefs | 14 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 28 |
at Arrowhead Stadium • Kansas City, Missouri
- Date: October 18
- Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
- Game attendance: 74,672
- Referee: Dick Jorgensen
- TV announcers (NBC): Bob Costas (play–by–play) and Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
- [22][23]
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
---|---|---|---|
DEN | Passing | ||
Rushing | |||
Receiving | |||
KC | Passing | ||
Rushing | |||
Receiving |
Scoring summary | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
- Point spread:
- Over/Under:
- Time of Game:
Broncos | Game Statistics | Chiefs |
---|---|---|
First downs | ||
Rushes–yards | ||
Passing yards | ||
Passes | ||
Sacked–yards | ||
Net passing yards | ||
Total yards | ||
Return yards | ||
Punts | ||
Fumbles–lost | ||
Penalties–yards | ||
Time of possession |
Individual stats
Week 8 (Sunday, October 25, 1981): at Buffalo Bills
[edit]Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Broncos | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
Bills | 0 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 9 |
at Rich Stadium • Orchard Park, New York
- Date: October 25
- Game time: 11:00 a.m. MST
- Game attendance: 77,757
- Referee: Gene Barth
- TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play–by–play) and John Brodie (color commentator)
- [24][25]
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
---|---|---|---|
DEN | Passing | ||
Rushing | |||
Receiving | |||
BUF | Passing | ||
Rushing | |||
Receiving |
Scoring summary | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
- Point spread:
- Over/Under:
- Time of Game:
Broncos | Game Statistics | Bills |
---|---|---|
First downs | ||
Rushes–yards | ||
Passing yards | ||
Passes | ||
Sacked–yards | ||
Net passing yards | ||
Total yards | ||
Return yards | ||
Punts | ||
Fumbles–lost | ||
Penalties–yards | ||
Time of possession |
Individual stats
Week 9 (Monday, November 2, 1981): vs. Minnesota Vikings
[edit]Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vikings | 0 | 3 | 0 | 14 | 17 |
Broncos | 0 | 3 | 3 | 13 | 19 |
at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
- Date: November 2
- Game time: 7:00 p.m. MST
- Game attendance: 74,834
- Referee: Fred Wyant
- TV announcers (ABC): Frank Gifford (play–by–play), Howard Cosell (color commentator) and Fran Tarkenton (color commentator)
- [26][27]
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
---|---|---|---|
MIN | Passing | ||
Rushing | |||
Receiving | |||
DEN | Passing | ||
Rushing | |||
Receiving |
Scoring summary | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
- Point spread:
- Over/Under:
- Time of Game:
Vikings | Game Statistics | Broncos |
---|---|---|
First downs | ||
Rushes–yards | ||
Passing yards | ||
Passes | ||
Sacked–yards | ||
Net passing yards | ||
Total yards | ||
Return yards | ||
Punts | ||
Fumbles–lost | ||
Penalties–yards | ||
Time of possession |
Individual stats
Week 10 (Sunday, November 8, 1981): vs. Cleveland Browns
[edit]Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Browns | 0 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 20 |
Broncos | 3 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 23 |
at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
- Date: November 8
- Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
- Game attendance: 74,859
- Referee: Jerry Seeman
- TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play–by–play) and John Brodie (color commentator)
- [28][29]
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
---|---|---|---|
CLE | Passing | ||
Rushing | |||
Receiving | |||
DEN | Passing | ||
Rushing | |||
Receiving |
Scoring summary | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
- Point spread:
- Over/Under:
- Time of Game:
Browns | Game Statistics | Broncos |
---|---|---|
First downs | ||
Rushes–yards | ||
Passing yards | ||
Passes | ||
Sacked–yards | ||
Net passing yards | ||
Total yards | ||
Return yards | ||
Punts | ||
Fumbles–lost | ||
Penalties–yards | ||
Time of possession |
Individual stats
Week 11 (Sunday, November 15, 1981): at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
[edit]Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Broncos | 7 | 0 | 7 | 10 | 24 |
Buccaneers | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
at Tampa Stadium • Tampa, Florida
- Date: November 15
- Game time: 11:02 a.m. MST
- Game attendance: 64,518
- Referee: Jim Tunney
- TV announcers (NBC): Merle Harmon (play–by–play) and George Kunz (color commentator)
- [30][31]
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
---|---|---|---|
DEN | Passing | ||
Rushing | |||
Receiving | |||
TB | Passing | ||
Rushing | |||
Receiving |
Scoring summary | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
- Point spread:
- Over/Under:
- Time of Game: 2 hours, 45 minutes
Broncos | Game Statistics | Buccaneers |
---|---|---|
First downs | ||
Rushes–yards | ||
Passing yards | ||
Passes | ||
Sacked–yards | ||
Net passing yards | ||
Total yards | ||
Return yards | ||
Punts | ||
Fumbles–lost | ||
Penalties–yards | ||
Time of possession |
Individual stats
Week 12 (Sunday, November 22, 1981): at Cincinnati Bengals
[edit]Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Broncos | 0 | 7 | 0 | 14 | 21 |
Bengals | 14 | 14 | 0 | 10 | 38 |
at Riverfront Stadium • Cincinnati, Ohio
- Date: November 22
- Game time: 11:00 a.m. MST
- Game attendance: 57,207
- Referee: Jerry Markbreit
- TV announcers (NBC): Bob Costas (play–by–play) and Gene Washington (color commentator)
- [32][33]
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
---|---|---|---|
DEN | Passing | ||
Rushing | |||
Receiving | |||
CIN | Passing | ||
Rushing | |||
Receiving |
Scoring summary | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
- Point spread:
- Over/Under:
- Time of Game:
Broncos | Game Statistics | Bengals |
---|---|---|
First downs | ||
Rushes–yards | ||
Passing yards | ||
Passes | ||
Sacked–yards | ||
Net passing yards | ||
Total yards | ||
Return yards | ||
Punts | ||
Fumbles–lost | ||
Penalties–yards | ||
Time of possession |
Individual stats
Week 13 (Sunday, November 29, 1981): at San Diego Chargers
[edit]Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Broncos | 0 | 10 | 0 | 7 | 17 |
Chargers | 14 | 13 | 7 | 0 | 34 |
at Jack Murphy Stadium • San Diego, California
- Date: November 29
- Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
- Game attendance: 51,533
- Referee: Bob McElwee
- TV announcers (NBC): Phil Stone (play–by–play) and John Brodie (color commentator)
- [34][35]
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
---|---|---|---|
DEN | Passing | ||
Rushing | |||
Receiving | |||
SD | Passing | ||
Rushing | |||
Receiving |
Scoring summary | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
- Point spread:
- Over/Under:
- Time of Game:
Broncos | Game Statistics | Chargers |
---|---|---|
First downs | ||
Rushes–yards | ||
Passing yards | ||
Passes | ||
Sacked–yards | ||
Net passing yards | ||
Total yards | ||
Return yards | ||
Punts | ||
Fumbles–lost | ||
Penalties–yards | ||
Time of possession |
Individual stats
Week 14 (Sunday, December 6, 1981): vs. Kansas City Chiefs
[edit]Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chiefs | 0 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 13 |
Broncos | 7 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 16 |
at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
- Date: December 6
- Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
- Game attendance: 74,744
- Referee: Red Cashion
- TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play–by–play) and John Brodie (color commentator)
- [36][37]
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
---|---|---|---|
KC | Passing | ||
Rushing | |||
Receiving | |||
DEN | Passing | ||
Rushing | |||
Receiving |
Scoring summary | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
- Point spread:
- Over/Under:
- Time of Game:
Chiefs | Game Statistics | Broncos |
---|---|---|
First downs | ||
Rushes–yards | ||
Passing yards | ||
Passes | ||
Sacked–yards | ||
Net passing yards | ||
Total yards | ||
Return yards | ||
Punts | ||
Fumbles–lost | ||
Penalties–yards | ||
Time of possession |
Individual stats
Week 15 (Sunday, December 13, 1981): vs. Seattle Seahawks
[edit]Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Seahawks | 0 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 13 |
Broncos | 7 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 23 |
at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
- Date: December 13
- Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
- Game attendance: 74,527
- Referee: Fred Wyant
- TV announcers (NBC): Jay Randolph (play–by–play) and Jim Turner (color commentator)
- [38][39]
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
---|---|---|---|
SEA | Passing | ||
Rushing | |||
Receiving | |||
DEN | Passing | ||
Rushing | |||
Receiving |
Scoring summary | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
- Point spread:
- Over/Under:
- Time of Game:
Seahawks | Game Statistics | Broncos |
---|---|---|
First downs | ||
Rushes–yards | ||
Passing yards | ||
Passes | ||
Sacked–yards | ||
Net passing yards | ||
Total yards | ||
Return yards | ||
Punts | ||
Fumbles–lost | ||
Penalties–yards | ||
Time of possession |
Individual stats
Week 16 (Sunday, December 20, 1981); at Chicago Bears
[edit]Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Broncos (10–6) | 3 | 0 | 14 | 7 | 24 |
Bears (6–10) | 0 | 14 | 14 | 7 | 35 |
at Soldier Field • Chicago, Illinois
- Date: December 20
- Game time: 11:00 a.m. MST
- Game attendance: 40,125
- Referee: Gordon McCarter
- TV announcers (NBC): Bob Costas (play–by–play) and Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
- [40][41]
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
---|---|---|---|
DEN | Passing | ||
Rushing | |||
Receiving | |||
CHI | Passing | ||
Rushing | |||
Receiving |
Scoring summary | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
- Point spread:
- Over/Under:
- Time of Game:
Broncos | Game Statistics | Bears |
---|---|---|
First downs | ||
Rushes–yards | ||
Passing yards | ||
Passes | ||
Sacked–yards | ||
Net passing yards | ||
Total yards | ||
Return yards | ||
Punts | ||
Fumbles–lost | ||
Penalties–yards | ||
Time of possession |
Individual stats
Standings
[edit]AFC West | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | PF | PA | STK | |
San Diego Chargers(3) | 10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 6–2 | 8–4 | 478 | 390 | W2 |
Denver Broncos | 10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 5–3 | 7–5 | 321 | 289 | L1 |
Kansas City Chiefs | 9 | 7 | 0 | .563 | 5–3 | 7–5 | 343 | 290 | W1 |
Oakland Raiders | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 2–6 | 5–7 | 273 | 343 | L2 |
Seattle Seahawks | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 2–6 | 6–8 | 322 | 388 | W1 |
References
[edit]- ^ a b Zimmerman, Paul (October 19, 1981). "Denver is standing mile-high once again". Sports Illustrated. p. 48.
- ^ a b Mossman, John (December 14, 1981). "Broncos snow Seahawks, 23-13". Spokesman-Review. (Spokane, Washington). Associated Press. p. 17.
- ^ "Bears, 35-24". Eugene Register-Guard. (Oregon). Associated Press. December 21, 1981. p. 3C.
- ^ "Bears bust Broncos, damage Denver's hopes". Spokesman-Review. (Spokane, Washington). Associated Press. December 21, 1981. p. C2.
- ^ "Red is out, Reeves in at Denver". Spokesman-Review. (Spokane, Washington). Associated Press. March 10, 1981. p. 19.
- ^ Reid, Ron (March 10, 1981). "Miller out, Reeves in as Broncos coach". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. p. 13.
- ^ "Reeves hired as new Bronco coach". Deseret News. (Salt Lake City, Utah). Associated Press. March 11, 1981. p. G2.
- ^ 2010 Denver Broncos Media Guide. p. 365. Retrieved March 6, 2011.
- ^ "Viking comeback falls just short". Spokane Daily Chronicle. (Washington). Associated Press. November 3, 1981. p. 18.
- ^ Pro Football Reference; Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos – September 6, 1981
- ^ The Football Database; Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos – September 6, 1981
- ^ Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks – September 13, 1981
- ^ The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks – September 13, 1981
- ^ Pro Football Reference; Baltimore Colts at Denver Broncos – September 20, 1981
- ^ The Football Database; Baltimore Colts at Denver Broncos – September 20, 1981
- ^ Pro Football Reference; San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – September 27, 1981
- ^ The Football Database; San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – September 27, 1981
- ^ Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders – October 4, 1981
- ^ The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders – October 4, 1981
- ^ Pro Football Reference; Detroit Lions at Denver Broncos – October 11, 1981
- ^ The Football Database; Detroit Lions at Denver Broncos – October 11, 1981
- ^ Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs – October 18, 1981
- ^ The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs – October 18, 1981
- ^ Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills – October 25, 1981
- ^ The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills – October 25, 1981
- ^ Pro Football Reference; Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos – November 2, 1981
- ^ The Football Database; Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos – November 2, 1981
- ^ Pro Football Reference; Cleveland Browns at Denver Broncos – November 8, 1981
- ^ The Football Database; Cleveland Browns at Denver Broncos – November 8, 1981
- ^ Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – November 15, 1981
- ^ The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – November 15, 1981
- ^ Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals – November 22, 1981
- ^ The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals – November 22, 1981
- ^ Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – November 29, 1981
- ^ The Football Database; Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – November 29, 1981
- ^ Pro Football Reference; Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos – December 6, 1981
- ^ The Football Database; Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos – December 6, 1981
- ^ Pro Football Reference; Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos – December 13, 1981
- ^ The Football Database; Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos – December 13, 1981
- ^ Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Chicago Bears – December 20, 1981
- ^ The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Chicago Bears – December 20, 1981
External links
[edit]- Denver Broncos – 1981 media guide
- 1981 Denver Broncos at Pro-Football-Reference.com
| |
Franchise | |
Stadiums | |
Key personnel |
|
Culture | |
Lore | |
Rivalries | |
Retired numbers | |
Division championships (15) | |
Conference championships (8) | |
League championships (3) | |
Media | |
Current league affiliations |
|
Former league affiliation |
|
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.