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Denver Broncos: Most Disappointing Seasons in team history

By Tylor Walden

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 12: A dejected fan of the Denver Broncos stands in the seats after the Baltimore Ravens won 38-35 in the second overtime against the Broncos during the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 12, 2013 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 12: A dejected fan of the Denver Broncos stands in the seats after the Baltimore Ravens won 38-35 in the second overtime against the Broncos during the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 12, 2013 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /
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Denver Broncos
SAN DIEGO – DECEMBER 28: Jacob Hester #22 of the San Diego Chargers runs the ball past Josh Barrett #36 of the Denver Broncos during the NFL game at Qualcomm Stadium on December 28, 2008 in San Diego, California. The Chargers defeated the Broncos 52–21. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) /

2008 Denver Broncos season

If there was ever such a end of season collapse that I will forever remember, it would be this one. The 2008 Denver Broncos were in cruise control throughout the season. They had a comfortable lead in the AFC West division, leading by three games. All they needed to do is win one out of their final three games in order to win the AFC West.

Their first chance was against the Carolina Panthers on the road. Denver would get trounced 30-10 at Bank of America Stadium. Okay, no need to panic. The Panthers would finish 12-4 that year. Tough game against a strong team on the road.

Next up is a home contest with the Buffalo Bills. Should win this game without a problem. Not so fast my friend, the Denver Broncos would lose after letting a 13-0 lead slip away. They would be outscored 30-10 the rest of the way in the loss.

Meanwhile, San Diego is on a run and set up a winner take all in the final game of the 2008 season. And the Chargers made sure they were the team to make it to the postseason. They completely embarrassed the Denver Broncos 52-21.

Both teams would finish 8-8. With San Diego’s 5-1 division record over Denver’s 3-3, they won the west. To make matters worse, the self-destructive end forced Pat Bowlen’s hand as the Broncos would fire Mike Shanahan the next day.

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