Denver Broncos: 10 games to watch while social distancing

Denver Broncos vs. San Diego Chargers: October 15, 2012

This was the game where Manning put the league on notice that he was far from finished, despite his rough start as a Denver Bronco.

Down 24-0 at the half, nothing had gone right for the Broncos, with two special teams turnovers and a Manning pick-six that had the nation wondering if he was just not going to be the same again after a major neck surgery.

A quick strike to Demaryius Thomas for a quick score to enter the second half put the Broncos on the board, followed by a forced fumble on Philip Rivers by Elvis Dumervil, recovered for a defensive touchdown by Tony Carter, would unnerve the San Diego faithful.

The momentum had shifted egregiously in Denver’s favor, as they took their first lead on a Manning to Brandon Stokely connection, while Stokely was completely wrapped up by the defensive back, nonetheless, just minutes later.

This crowd was stunned.

Denver would never look back, and San Diego would never score again, as Manning led the Broncos to a 35-24 victory, one of the greatest comebacks of all time.

Relive the moment Broncos Country found their faith in Peyton Manning here.

Denver Broncos vs. Green Bay Packers: January 25, 1998

Super Bowl XXXII 

The Green Bay Packers would open as 14-point favorites over the Broncos on the biggest stage in football as Brett Favre and Co. looked to defend their title and go back to back.

Meanwhile, Elway and the Broncos still looked for their first-ever Super Bowl victory; there was a lot on the line for both franchises.

While the Packers would score on their opening position, the Broncos would look to their workhorse and future Hall of Famer, running back Terrell Davis, to take them to the promised land.

However, Davis was suffering from intense migraines, and his vision was fading in and out. Being the competitor he was, Davis pushed through, and continued to pound the rock, even when he couldn’t see.

Also of the utmost competitiveness, Elway, in scoring position, would put his body on the line and would pivot over a defender in what would become known as the iconic “Helicopter.” This is where the game would tie up at 24.

Davis would have the final say, as he would punch it in and give the Broncos their first Super Bowl title, with a final score of 31-24.

This is where the late and legendary Pat Bowlen would give his short and iconic speech that still gives Broncos Country shivers to this day, and would be recreated dedicated to Mr. B himself 18 years later:

“This one’s for John.”

Watch the day the Broncos brought their first title home here.

Denver Broncos vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: January 8, 2012

AFC Wild Card Round

Broncos Country may have mixed feelings on “Tebow Time” in Denver, but regardless of what side of the fence you stand on, this game has a well-deserved spot on this list.

This game had no shortage of Mile High Magic.

Tim Tebow would enter his first playoff game after an electrifying season of last-second miracles. To me, this season was one of the most thrilling to date. This game would prove to be no different. Although the Broncos would hold a lead in the fourth quarter, the game would go to overtime.

What would ensue next was nothing short of a miracle at Mile High.

On the first play of overtime, in what would become the fastest postseason finale in NFL history, Tebow would find Demaryius Thoms at the 40-yard line, and he would take it all the way down the field, through the end zone and into the arms of ecstatic Denver fans, who were now celebrating their first playoff win of the decade, just a year removed from a 4-12 season.

Thomas would showcase his peak athleticism on this play, and it is one of many reasons why he deserves a place in the Broncos Ring of Fame someday.

Watch the enthralling finish here.