1981 Denver Broncos season
American football team season
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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.
| 1981 Denver Broncos season | |
|---|---|
| Owner | Edgar Kaiser |
| General manager | Grady Alderman |
| Head coach | Dan Reeves |
| Home stadium | Mile High Stadium |
| Results | |
| Record | 10–6 |
| Division place | 2nd AFC West |
| Playoffs | Did not qualify |
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
| 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
Staff
|
Front office
Head coaches
Offensive coaches
|
Defensive coaches
Special teams coaches
|
- Source:[8]
Roster
- Source:
Preseason
Schedule
| 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
Schedule
| 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
Week 1 (Sunday, September 6, 1981): vs. Oakland Raiders
Week 1: Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos – Game summary
| 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
Week 2: Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
| 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
Week 3: Baltimore Colts at Denver Broncos – Game summary
| 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
Week 4: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – Game summary
| 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
Week 5: Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
| 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
Week 6: Detroit Lions at Denver Broncos – Game summary
| 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
Week 7: Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
| 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
Week 8: Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
| 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
Week 9: Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos – Game summary
| 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
Week 10: Cleveland Browns at Denver Broncos – Game summary
| 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
Week 11: Denver Broncos at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
| 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
Week 12: Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
| 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
Week 13: Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
| 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
Week 14: Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos – Game summary
| 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
Week 15: Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos – Game summary
| 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
Week 16: Denver Broncos at Chicago Bears – Game summary
| 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
| 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 |