Predominantly Orange
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Denver Broncos: Top 10 achievements in team history

By Graham Tiedtke

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 18: A general view of the Denver Broncos logo on the sidelines during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 18, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 18: A general view of the Denver Broncos logo on the sidelines during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 18, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 26: Randy Gradishar #52 and Tom Jackson #57 of the Denver Broncos tackles the runner of the New York Giants during an NFL football game October 26, 1980 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Gradishar played for the Broncos from 1974-83. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 26: Randy Gradishar #52 and Tom Jackson #57 of the Denver Broncos tackles the runner of the New York Giants during an NFL football game October 26, 1980 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Gradishar played for the Broncos from 1974-83. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

7. The Orange Crush defense

There was the Steel Curtain of Pittsburgh, which was based on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defensive line in the ’70s, and then there is another popular name but for an entire defense in Denver.

Led by defensive coordinator Joe Collier, the Orange Crush is the name of the most famous defense in the history of the Denver Broncos.

When thinking about the Orange Crush defense, what names come to mind? Well, if you are a diehard Broncos fan, you would have heard of them.

  • Randy Gradishar: Sadly not a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Gradishar had over 2,000 tackles in his 10-year career with the Broncos. He is perhaps the biggest Hall of Fame snub on the Broncos.
  • Tom Jackson: 3-time Pro Bowler, 3-time All-Pro, Broncos 50th-Anniversary team, Broncos Ring of Fame. Need I say more?
  • Steve Foley: Team leader in interceptions with 44.
  • Barney Chavous: Third All-Time in Broncos history for sacks

Those are just some of the notable players on that defense.

Over the first six weeks of the 1977 season, the Broncos gave up just 46 total points. The defense ranked No. 1 in the league in rushing yards allowed per game.

While the Broncos did not end up winning a Super Bowl with that defense, it still made a big impression in the world of Pro Football.

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