Denver Broncos: 16 Memorable Season Openers
By Matt Petrero
Sep 23, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Shaun Phillips (90) sacks Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 37-21. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
SEPTEMBER 3rd, 1978
Coming off the first post season and Super Bowl appearance in team history, the Broncos were now out to prove that 1977 was no fluke. After years of being dominated by Oakland, the script was flipped with the aforementioned 30-7 drubbing and a 21-17 AFC Title game victory over the Raidahs. So it only makes sense that the 1978 season kicked off with these two rivals meeting for the fourth time in less than 11 months. Denver proved that they were, in fact, the new “Best in the West” and a team to be reckoned with for years to come with a 14-6 calling card reminder over John Madden’s crew.