1980 Denver Broncos season

1980 Denver Broncos season
1980 Denver Broncos season
Owner	Gerald Phipps
General manager	Fred Gehrke
Head coach	Red Miller
Home field	Mile High Stadium
Results
Record	8–8
Division place	4th AFC West
Playoff finish	Did not qualify
	← 1979; Broncos seasons; 1981 →;

The 1980 Denver Broncos season was the team's 21st year in professional football and its 11th with the National Football League (NFL). Led by fourth-year head coach Red Miller the Broncos were 8–8, tied for third in the AFC West (fourth via tiebreaker), and missed the playoffs for the first time in four seasons.^[1]

It was Miller's final season; ownership changed in February 1981 and front office changes were made in March.^[2]^[3]^[4]

Offseason

NFL draft

Round	Pick	Player	Position	College
1980 Denver Broncos draft
2	42	Rulon Jones *	Defensive end	Utah State
3	74	Larry Carter	Defensive back	Kentucky
4	107	Rick Parros	Running back	Utah State
5	131	Mike Harden	Defensive back	Michigan
5	136	Laval Short	Defensive tackle	Colorado
6	157	Keith Bishop *	Guard	Baylor
7	184	John Havekost	Guard	Nebraska
8	197	Don Coleman	Wide receiver	Oregon
9	243	Greg Bracelin	Linebacker	California
10	270	Virgil Seay	Wide receiver	Troy State
11	297	Phil Farris	Wide receiver	North Carolina
Made roster † Pro Football Hall of Fame * Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

^[5]

Personnel

Staff

**1980 Denver Broncos staff**
	Front office Chairman of the Board – Gerald Phipps President – Allan Phipps Vice President/General Manager – Fred Gehrke Director of player personnel – Carroll Hardy Director of Pro Personnel – John Beake Head coaches Head coach – Red Miller Offensive coaches Offensive Coordinator – Rod Dowhower Offensive Backfield – Paul Roach Wide Receivers – Fran Polsfoot Offensive Line – Whitey Dovell			Defensive coaches Defensive Coordinator – Joe Collier Defensive Line – Stan Jones Linebackers – Bob Zeman Defensive Backs – Richie McCabe Special teams coaches Special Teams – Marv Braden

Roster

**1980 Denver Broncos roster**
Quarterbacks (QB) 16 Jeff Knapple 7 Craig Morton 17 Matt Robinson Running backs (RB) 24 Otis Armstrong 30 Jim Jensen 32 Jon Keyworth FB 41 Rob Lytle 34 Ben Norman 46 Dave Preston Wide receivers (WR) 82 Larry Brunson 25 Haven Moses 80 Rick Upchurch 81 Steve Watson Tight ends (TE) 85 Ron Egloff 86 Emery Moorehead 88 Riley Odoms		Offensive linemen (OL) 54 Keith Bishop G 64 Billy Bryan C 73 Kelvin Clark T 62 Tom Glassic G 65 Glenn Hyde G 60 Paul Howard G 71 Claudie Minor T 70 Dave Studdard T Defensive linemen (DL) 77 Greg Boyd DE 79 Barney Chavous DE 68 Rubin Carter DT 75 Rulon Jones DE 72 Don Latimer DT 66 Brison Manor DE		Linebackers (LB) 52 Greg Bracelin 56 Larry Evans 53 Randy Gradishar 57 Tom Jackson 58 Rob Nairne 59 Joe Rizzo 50 Jim Ryan Defensive backs (DB) 29 Bernard Jackson FS 43 Steve Foley CB 31 Mike Harden FS 22 Aaron Kyle CB 36 Bill Thompson S 20 Louis Wright CB Special teams 11 Luke Prestridge P 19 Fred Steinfort K				Reserve 35 Larry Canada RB (IR) -- John Havekost G (IR) 24 Rick Parros RB (IR) -- Golden Richards WR (IR) 51 Bob Swenson LB (IR) Rookies in italics

Preseason

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance
1	August 9	Cincinnati Bengals	W 17–6	1–0	Mile High Stadium	67,532
2	August 16	at New York Giants	L 6–9	1–1	Giants Stadium	30,904
3	August 23	Los Angeles Rams	L 13–26	1–2	Mile High Stadium	73,946
4	August 30	at Green Bay Packers	W 38–0	2–2	Lambeau Field	53,060

Regular season

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance
1	September 7	at Philadelphia Eagles	L 6–27	0–1	Veterans Stadium	70,307
2	September 14	Dallas Cowboys	W 41–20	1–1	Mile High Stadium	74,919
3	September 21	San Diego Chargers	L 13–30	1–2	Mile High Stadium	74,970
4	September 29	at New England Patriots	L 14–23	1–3	Schaefer Stadium	60,153
5	October 5	at Cleveland Browns	W 19–16	2–3	Municipal Stadium	81,065
6	October 13	Washington Redskins	W 20–17	3–3	Mile High Stadium	74,657
7	October 19	Kansas City Chiefs	L 17–23	3–4	Mile High Stadium	74,459
8	October 26	at New York Giants	W 14–9	4–4	Giants Stadium	67,598
9	November 2	Houston Oilers	L 16–20	4–5	Mile High Stadium	74,717
10	November 9	at San Diego Chargers	W 20–13	5–5	San Diego Stadium	51,435
11	November 16	New York Jets	W 31–24	6–5	Mile High Stadium	72,114
12	November 23	Seattle Seahawks	W 36–20	7–5	Mile High Stadium	73,274
13	December 1	at Oakland Raiders	L 3–9	7–6	Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum	51,593
14	December 7	at Kansas City Chiefs	L 14–31	7–7	Arrowhead Stadium	40,237
15	December 14	Oakland Raiders	L 21–24	7–8	Mile High Stadium	73,974
16	December 21	at Seattle Seahawks	W 25–17	8–8	Kingdome	51,853
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1 (Sunday, September 7, 1980): at Philadelphia Eagles

Week 1: Denver Broncos at Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Broncos	0	0	6	0	6
Eagles	7	13	0	7	27

at Veterans Stadium • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Date: September 7
Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
Game attendance: 70,307
Referee: Chuck Heberling
TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play–by–play) and John Brodie (color commentator)
^[6]^[7]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
DEN	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
PHI	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	DEN	PHI
1	5:43	5	87		Eagles	Carmichael 56-yard touchdown reception from Jaworski, Franklin kick good	0	7
2	8:40	10	73		Eagles	17-yard field goal by Franklin	0	10
2	1:45	7	80		Eagles	Fitzkee 16-yard touchdown reception from Jaworski, Franklin kick good	0	17
2	0:31	5	15		Eagles	32-yard field goal by Franklin	0	20
3	4:06	7	15		Broncos	44-yard field goal by Steinfort	3	20
3	2:21	4	3		Broncos	43-yard field goal by Steinfort	6	20
4	14:55	5	80		Eagles	Spagnola 11-yard touchdown reception from Jaworski, Franklin kick good	6	27
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							6	27

Point spread:
Over/Under:
Time of Game: 3 hours, 13 minutes

Broncos	Game Statistics	Eagles
	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 14, 1980): vs. Dallas Cowboys

Week 2: Dallas Cowboys at Denver Broncos – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Cowboys	0	10	3	7	20
Broncos	7	17	14	3	41

at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado

Date: September 14
Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
Game attendance: 74,919
Referee: Jerry Markbreit
TV announcers (CBS): Lindsey Nelson (play–by–play) and Sonny Jurgensen (color commentator)
^[8]^[9]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
DAL	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
DEN	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	DAL	DEN
1					Broncos	Robinson 1-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good	0	7
2					Broncos	46-yard field goal by Steinfort	0	10
2					Broncos	Robinson 3-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good	0	17
2					Cowboys	Hill 31-yard touchdown reception from White, Septién kick good	7	17
2		—	—	—	Broncos	Fumble recovery returned 32 yards for touchdown by Thompson, Steinfort kick good	7	24
2					Cowboys	30-yard field goal by Septién	10	24
3					Cowboys	36-yard field goal by Septién	13	24
3					Broncos	Armstrong 3-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good	13	31
3					Broncos	Jensen 4-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good	13	38
4					Cowboys	Hill 22-yard touchdown reception from White, Septién kick good	20	38
4					Broncos	55-yard field goal by Steinfort	20	41
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							20	41

Point spread:
Over/Under:
Time of Game:

Cowboys	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 3 (Sunday, September 21, 1980): vs. San Diego Chargers

Week 3: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	3	24	3	0	30
Broncos	3	3	7	0	13

at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado

Date: September 21
Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
Game attendance: 74,970
Referee: Fred Silva
TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg (play–by–play) and Merlin Olsen (color commentator)
^[10]^[11]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
SD	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
DEN	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	SD	DEN
1					Chargers	53-yard field goal by Benirschke	3	0
1					Broncos	51-yard field goal by Steinfort	3	3
2					Chargers	Cappelletti 1-yard touchdown run, Benirschke kick good	10	3
2					Broncos	46-yard field goal by Steinfort	10	6
2					Chargers	Joiner 22-yard touchdown reception from Fouts, Benirschke kick good	17	6
2		—	—	—	Chargers	Interception returned 68 yards for touchdown by Edwards, Benirschke kick good	24	6
2					Chargers	32-yard field goal by Benirschke	27	6
3					Chargers	42-yard field goal by Benirschke	30	6
3					Broncos	Moses 15-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good	30	13
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							30	13

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 4 (Monday, September 29, 1980): at New England Patriots

Week 4: Denver Broncos at New England Patriots – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Broncos	7	0	7	0	14
Patriots	3	7	7	6	23

at Schaefer Stadium • Foxborough, Massachusetts

Date: September 29
Game time: 7:00 p.m. MDT
Game attendance: 60,153
Referee: Red Cashion
TV announcers (ABC): Frank Gifford (play–by–play), Howard Cosell (color commentator) and Don Meredith (color commentator)
^[12]^[13]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
DEN	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
NE	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	DEN	NE
1	7:39	5	55		Broncos	Moses 17-yard touchdown reception from Robinson, Steinfort kick good	7	0
1	1:27	10	57		Patriots	26-yard field goal by Smith	7	3
2	10:25	7	66		Patriots	Ferguson 2-yard touchdown run, Smith kick good	7	10
3	11:24	5	37		Broncos	Armstrong 8-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good	14	10
3	8:06	7	78		Patriots	Morgan 45-yard touchdown reception from Grogan, Smith kick good	14	17
4	9:38	16	78		Patriots	19-yard field goal by Smith	14	20
4	2:12	9	45		Patriots	36-yard field goal by Smith	14	23
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							14	23

Point spread:
Over/Under:
Time of Game: 2 hours, 54 minutes

Broncos	Game Statistics	Patriots
	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 5, 1980): at Cleveland Browns

Week 5: Denver Broncos at Cleveland Browns – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Broncos	3	10	3	3	19
Browns	3	10	3	0	16

at Municipal Stadium • Cleveland, Ohio

Date: October 5
Game time: 11:00 a.m. MDT
Game attendance: 81,065
Referee: Jerry Seeman
TV announcers (NBC): Sam Nover (play–by–play) and Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
^[14]^[15]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
DEN	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
CLE	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	DEN	CLE
1					Broncos	18-yard field goal by Steinfort	3	0
1					Browns	24-yard field goal by Cockroft	3	3
2					Broncos	47-yard field goal by Steinfort	6	3
2					Browns	Rucker 40-yard touchdown reception from Sipe, Cockroft kick good	6	10
2		—	—	—	Broncos	Interception returned 93 yards for touchdown by Gradishar, Steinfort kick good	13	10
2					Browns	45-yard field goal by Cockroft	13	13
3					Broncos	41-yard field goal by Steinfort	16	13
3					Browns	40-yard field goal by Cockroft	16	16
4					Broncos	19-yard field goal by Steinfort	19	16
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							19	16

Point spread:
Over/Under:
Time of Game:

Broncos	Game Statistics	Browns
	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 (Monday, October 13, 1980): vs. Washington Redskins

Week 6: Washington Redskins at Denver Broncos – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Redskins	3	0	7	7	17
Broncos	7	3	3	7	20

at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado

Date: October 13
Game time: 7:00 p.m. MDT
Game attendance: 74,657
Referee: Fred Wyant
TV announcers (ABC): Frank Gifford (play–by–play), Howard Cosell (color commentator) and Don Meredith (color commentator)
^[16]^[17]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
WAS	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
DEN	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	WAS	DEN
1					Broncos	Armstrong 8-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good	0	7
1					Redskins	23-yard field goal by Moseley	3	7
2					Broncos	57-yard field goal by Steinfort	3	10
3					Redskins	Jackson 55-yard touchdown run, Moseley kick good	10	10
3					Broncos	23-yard field goal by Steinfort	10	13
4					Redskins	Monk 1-yard touchdown reception from Theismann, Moseley kick good	17	13
4					Broncos	Upchurch 32-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good	17	20
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							17	20

Point spread:
Over/Under:
Time of Game:

Redskins	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 19, 1980): vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Week 7: Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chiefs	3	10	7	3	23
Broncos	7	7	3	0	17

at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado

Date: October 19
Game time: 12:00 p.m. MDT
Game attendance: 74,459
Referee: Chuck Heberling
^[18]^[19]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
KC	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
DEN	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	KC	DEN
1					Chiefs	37-yard field goal by Lowery	3	0
1					Broncos	Upchurch 14-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good	3	7
2					Broncos	Odoms 6-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good	3	14
2					Chiefs	39-yard field goal by Lowery	6	14
2					Chiefs	Dixon 26-yard touchdown reception from Fuller, Lowery kick good	13	14
3					Broncos	41-yard field goal by Steinfort	13	17
3					Chiefs	Marshall 46-yard touchdown reception from Fuller, Lowery kick good	20	17
4					Chiefs	34-yard field goal by Lowery	23	17
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							23	17

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 8 (Sunday, October 26, 1980): at New York Giants

Week 8: Denver Broncos at New York Giants – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Broncos	0	7	7	0	14
Giants	3	6	0	0	9

at Giants Stadium • East Rutherford, New Jersey

Date: October 26
Game time: 11:00 a.m. MST
Game attendance: 67,598
Referee: Gordon McCarter
TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert (play–by–play) and Gene Washington (color commentator)
^[20]^[21]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
DEN	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
NYG	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	DEN	NYG
1					Giants	28-yard field goal by Danelo	0	3
2					Broncos	Jensen 1-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good	7	3
2					Giants	28-yard field goal by Danelo	7	6
2					Giants	45-yard field goal by Danelo	7	9
3					Broncos	Armstrong 2-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good	14	9
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							14	9

Point spread:
Over/Under:
Time of Game:

Broncos	Game Statistics	Giants
	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 (Sunday, November 2, 1980): vs. Houston Oilers

Week 9: Houston Oilers at Denver Broncos – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Oilers	0	7	6	7	20
Broncos	6	3	0	7	16

at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado

Date: November 2
Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
Game attendance: 74,717
Referee: Gene Barth
TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg (play–by–play) and Merlin Olsen (color commentator)
^[22]^[23]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
HOU	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
DEN	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	HOU	DEN
1					Broncos	45-yard field goal by Steinfort	0	3
1					Broncos	20-yard field goal by Steinfort	0	6
2					Oilers	Campbell 1-yard touchdown run, Fritsch kick good	7	6
2					Broncos	28-yard field goal by Steinfort	7	9
3					Oilers	Campbell 9-yard touchdown run, Fritsch kick no good	13	9
4					Oilers	Carpenter 2-yard touchdown run, Fritsch kick good	20	9
4					Broncos	Jensen 8-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good	20	16
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							20	16

Point spread:
Over/Under:
Time of Game:

Oilers	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 9, 1980): at San Diego Chargers

Week 10: Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Broncos	0	7	6	7	20
Chargers	0	6	0	7	13

at Jack Murphy Stadium • San Diego, California

Date: November 9
Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
Game weather: 61 °F (16 °C), wind 6 mph (10 km/h)
Game attendance: 51,435
Referee: Jerry Markbreit
TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones (play–by–play) and Len Dawson (color commentator)
^[24]^[25]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
DEN	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
SD	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	DEN	SD
2					Chargers	30-yard field goal by Benirschke	0	3
2					Chargers	34-yard field goal by Benirschke	0	6
2					Broncos	Lytle 3-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good	7	6
3					Broncos	28-yard field goal by Steinfort	10	6
3					Broncos	42-yard field goal by Steinfort	13	6
4					Broncos	Preston 4-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good	20	6
4					Chargers	Jefferson 3-yard touchdown reception from Fouts, Benirschke kick good	20	13
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							20	14

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 11 (Sunday, November 16, 1980): vs. New York Jets

Week 11: New York Jets at Denver Broncos – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Jets	7	10	0	7	24
Broncos	3	7	7	14	31

at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado

Date: November 16
Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
Game attendance: 72,114
Referee: Cal Lepore
TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones (play–by–play) and Len Dawson (color commentator)
^[26]^[27]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
NYJ	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
DEN	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	NYJ	DEN
1					Broncos	-yard field goal by Steinfort	0	3
1					Jets	Walker 36-yard touchdown reception from Todd, Leahy kick good	7	3
2					Jets	22-yard field goal by Leahy	10	3
2					Jets	Jones 31-yard touchdown reception from Todd, Leahy kick good	17	3
2					Broncos	Odoms 22-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good	17	10
3					Broncos	Preston 3-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good	17	17
4					Broncos	Keyworth 1-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good	17	24
4					Jets	Dierking 1-yard touchdown run, Leahy kick good	24	24
4					Broncos	Upchurch 13-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good	24	31
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							24	31

Point spread:
Over/Under:
Time of Game:

Jets	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 12 (Sunday, November 23, 1980): vs. Seattle Seahawks

Week 12: Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Seahawks	0	10	0	10	20
Broncos	7	10	3	16	36

at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado

Date: November 23
Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
Game attendance: 73,274
Referee: Jerry Seeman
TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones (play–by–play) and Len Dawson (color commentator)
^[28]^[29]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
SEA	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
DEN	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	SEA	DEN
1					Broncos	Odoms 2-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good	0	7
2					Seahawks	21-yard field goal by Herrera	3	7
2		—	—	—	Seahawks	Lewis 75-yard punt return for a touchdown, Herrera kick good	10	7
2					Broncos	24-yard field goal by Steinfort	10	10
2					Broncos	Morton 1-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good	10	17
3					Broncos	33-yard field goal by Steinfort	10	20
4					Seahawks	20-yard field goal by Herrera	13	20
4					Broncos	Moses 27-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good	13	27
4		—	—	—	Broncos	Interception returned 15 yards for touchdown by Latimer, Steinfort kick good	13	34
4		—	—	—	Broncos	Zorn tackled in end zone for a safety by Jones	13	36
4					Seahawks	McCutcheon 5-yard touchdown reception from Adkins, Herrera kick good	20	36
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							20	36

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 13 (Monday, December 1, 1980): at Oakland Raiders

Week 13: Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Broncos	3	0	0	0	3
Raiders	0	0	6	3	9

at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum • Oakland, California

Date: December 1
Game time: 7:00 p.m. MST
Game attendance: 51,593
Referee: Red Cashion
TV announcers (ABC): Frank Gifford (play–by–play), Howard Cosell (color commentator) and Don Meredith (color commentator)
^[30]^[31]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
DEN	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
OAK	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	DEN	OAK
1					Broncos	41-yard field goal by Steinfort	3	0
3					Raiders	Plunkett 8-yard touchdown run, Bahr kick no good	3	6
4					Raiders	44-yard field goal by Bahr	3	9
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							3	9

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 14 (Sunday, December 7, 1980): at Kansas City Chiefs

Week 14: Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Broncos	0	0	7	7	14
Chiefs	0	28	0	3	31

at Arrowhead Stadium • Kansas City, Missouri

Date: December 7
Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
Game attendance: 40,237
Referee: Fred Wyant
TV announcers (NBC): Jay Randolph (play–by–play) and Mike Haffner (color commentator)
^[32]^[33]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
DEN	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
KC	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	DEN	KC
2					Chiefs	Smith 33-yard touchdown reception from Kenney, Lowery kick good	0	7
2					Chiefs	Morgado 1-yard touchdown run, Lowery kick good	0	14
2		—	—	—	Chiefs	Fumble recovery returned 3 yards for touchdown by Howard, Lowery kick good	0	21
2					Chiefs	Garcia 8-yard touchdown reception from Kenney, Lowery kick good	0	28
3					Broncos	Odoms 22-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good	7	28
4					Broncos	Moses 4-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good	14	28
4					Chiefs	20-yard field goal by Lowery	14	31
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							14	31

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 15 (Sunday, December 14, 1980): vs. Oakland Raiders

Week 15: Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Raiders	7	10	0	7	24
Broncos	0	7	7	7	21

at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado

Date: December 14
Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
Game attendance: 73,974
Referee: Dick Jorgensen
TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play–by–play) and John Brodie (color commentator)
^[34]^[35]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
OAK	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
DEN	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	OAK	DEN
1		—	—	—	Raiders	Interception returned 58 yards for touchdown by Owens, Bahr kick good	7	0
2					Broncos	Preston 2-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good	7	7
2					Raiders	44-yard field goal by Bahr	10	7
2					Raiders	Chandler 11-yard touchdown reception from Plunkett, Bahr kick good	17	7
3					Broncos	Odoms 12-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good	17	14
4					Raiders	Chandler 38-yard touchdown reception from Plunkett, Bahr kick good	24	14
4					Broncos	Preston 9-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good	24	21
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							24	21

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 16 (Sunday, December 21, 1980): at Seattle Seahawks

Week 16: Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Broncos	10	9	6	0	25
Seahawks	0	0	3	14	17

at Kingdome • Seattle, Washington

Date: December 21
Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
Game weather: indoors (dome)
Game attendance: 51,853
Referee: Bob McElwee
TV announcers (NBC): Jay Randolph (play–by–play) and Gene Washington (color commentator)
^[36]^[37]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
DEN	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
SEA	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	DEN	SEA
1					Broncos	53-yard field goal by Steinfort	3	0
1					Broncos	Odoms 18-yard touchdown reception from Robinson, Steinfort kick good	10	0
2					Broncos	Robinson 1-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick no good	16	0
2					Broncos	55-yard field goal by Steinfort	19	0
3					Seahawks	47-yard field goal by Herrera	19	3
3					Broncos	34-yard field goal by Steinfort	22	3
3					Broncos	38-yard field goal by Steinfort	25	3
4					Seahawks	McCutcheon 2-yard touchdown run, Herrera kick good	25	10
4					Seahawks	Jodat 9-yard touchdown reception from Zorn, Herrera kick good	25	17
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							25	17

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

Standings

AFC West
view talk edit	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	STK
San Diego Chargers⁽¹⁾	11	5	0	.688	6–2	9–3	418	327	W2
Oakland Raiders⁽⁴⁾	11	5	0	.688	6–2	9–3	364	306	W2
Kansas City Chiefs	8	8	0	.500	4–4	6–8	319	336	W1
Denver Broncos	8	8	0	.500	3–5	5–7	310	323	W1
Seattle Seahawks	4	12	0	.250	1–7	3–9	291	408	L9

References

^ "Broncos sink Hawks as quick as you can say Matt Robinson". Spokesman-Review. (Spokane, Washington). Associated Press. December 22, 1980. p. B1.
^ "Red is out, Reeves in at Denver". Spokesman-Review. (Spokane, Washington). Associated Press. March 10, 1981. p. 19.
^ Reid, Ron (March 10, 1981). "Miller out, Reeves in as Broncos coach". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. p. 13.
^ "Reeves hired as new Bronco coach". Deseret News. (Salt Lake City, Utah). Associated Press. March 11, 1981. p. G2.
^ "1980 Denver Broncos Draftees". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
^ Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Philadelphia Eagles – September 7, 1980
^ The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Philadelphia Eagles – September 7, 1980
^ Pro Football Reference; Dallas Cowboys at Denver Broncos – September 14, 1980
^ The Football Database; Dallas Cowboys at Denver Broncos – September 14, 1980
^ Pro Football Reference; San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – September 21, 1980
^ The Football Database; San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – September 21, 1980
^ Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at New England Patriots – September 29, 1980
^ The Football Database; Denver Broncos at New England Patriots – September 29, 1980
^ Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Cleveland Browns – October 5, 1980
^ The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Cleveland Browns – October 5, 1980
^ Pro Football Reference; Washington Redskins at Denver Broncos – October 13, 1980
^ The Football Database; Washington Redskins at Denver Broncos – October 13, 1980
^ Pro Football Reference; Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos – October 19, 1980
^ The Football Database; Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos – October 19, 1980
^ Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at New York Giants – October 26, 1980
^ The Football Database; Denver Broncos at New York Giants – October 26, 1980
^ Pro Football Reference; Houston Oilers at Denver Broncos – November 2, 1980
^ The Football Database; Houston Oilers at Denver Broncos – November 2, 1980
^ Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – November 9, 1980
^ The Football Database; Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – November 9, 1980
^ Pro Football Reference; New York Jets at Denver Broncos – November 16, 1980
^ The Football Database; New York Jets at Denver Broncos – November 16, 1980
^ Pro Football Reference; Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos – November 23, 1980
^ The Football Database; Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos – November 23, 1980
^ Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders – December 1, 1980
^ The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders – December 1, 1980
^ Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs – December 7, 1980
^ The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs – December 7, 1980
^ Pro Football Reference; Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos – December 14, 1980
^ The Football Database; Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos – December 14, 1980
^ Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks – December 21, 1980
^ The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks – December 21, 1980

External links

Denver Broncos – 1980 media guide
1980 Denver Broncos at Pro-Football-Reference.com

[metrob-1] "Broncos sink Hawks as quick as you can say Matt Robinson". Spokesman-Review. (Spokane, Washington). Associated Press. December 22, 1980. p. B1.

[reiut-2] "Red is out, Reeves in at Denver". Spokesman-Review. (Spokane, Washington). Associated Press. March 10, 1981. p. 19.

[moriabc-3] Reid, Ron (March 10, 1981). "Miller out, Reeves in as Broncos coach". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. p. 13.

[ndrhr-4] "Reeves hired as new Bronco coach". Deseret News. (Salt Lake City, Utah). Associated Press. March 11, 1981. p. G2.

[5] "1980 Denver Broncos Draftees". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved January 22, 2022.

[6] Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Philadelphia Eagles – September 7, 1980

[7] The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Philadelphia Eagles – September 7, 1980

[8] Pro Football Reference; Dallas Cowboys at Denver Broncos – September 14, 1980

[9] The Football Database; Dallas Cowboys at Denver Broncos – September 14, 1980

[10] Pro Football Reference; San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – September 21, 1980

[11] The Football Database; San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – September 21, 1980

[12] Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at New England Patriots – September 29, 1980

[13] The Football Database; Denver Broncos at New England Patriots – September 29, 1980

[14] Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Cleveland Browns – October 5, 1980

[15] The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Cleveland Browns – October 5, 1980

[16] Pro Football Reference; Washington Redskins at Denver Broncos – October 13, 1980

[17] The Football Database; Washington Redskins at Denver Broncos – October 13, 1980

[18] Pro Football Reference; Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos – October 19, 1980

[19] The Football Database; Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos – October 19, 1980

[20] Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at New York Giants – October 26, 1980

[21] The Football Database; Denver Broncos at New York Giants – October 26, 1980

[22] Pro Football Reference; Houston Oilers at Denver Broncos – November 2, 1980

[23] The Football Database; Houston Oilers at Denver Broncos – November 2, 1980

[24] Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – November 9, 1980

[25] The Football Database; Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – November 9, 1980

[26] Pro Football Reference; New York Jets at Denver Broncos – November 16, 1980

[27] The Football Database; New York Jets at Denver Broncos – November 16, 1980

[28] Pro Football Reference; Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos – November 23, 1980

[29] The Football Database; Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos – November 23, 1980

[30] Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders – December 1, 1980

[31] The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders – December 1, 1980

[32] Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs – December 7, 1980

[33] The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs – December 7, 1980

[34] Pro Football Reference; Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos – December 14, 1980

[35] The Football Database; Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos – December 14, 1980

[36] Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks – December 21, 1980

[37] The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks – December 21, 1980

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v t e Denver Broncos
Founded in 1960 Based in Denver, Colorado Headquartered in Dove Valley, Colorado
Franchise	History All-time roster Starting quarterbacks Coaches Seasons First-round draft picks
Stadiums	Mile High Stadium Empower Field at Mile High
Key personnel	Owners Rob Walton Greg Penner (CEO) Carrie Walton Penner Mellody Hobson Condoleezza Rice Lewis Hamilton General manager George Paton Head coach Sean Payton Consultant John Elway
Culture	A Few Seconds of Panic Alan Roach Barrel Man Bucky the Bronco Cheerleaders Elway to Marino Everybody's All-American "Hold That Mork" (Mork & Mindy episode) "Joy to the World" Miles Orange Crush Defense "Rocky Mountain Way" South Park "Cartman's Mom Is a Dirty Slut" "Sarcastaball" Thunder "You Only Move Twice" (The Simpsons episode)
Lore	1977 season (Broncomania) Snowball Game The Drive The Fumble Tebowmania 3:16 game Mile High Miracle No Fly Zone
Rivalries	Kansas City Chiefs Las Vegas Raiders Los Angeles Chargers New England Patriots Brady–Manning rivalry Pittsburgh Steelers Seattle Seahawks
Retired numbers	7 18 44
Division championships (15)	1977 1978 1984 1986 1987 1989 1991 1996 1998 2005 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Conference championships (8)	1977 1986 1987 1989 1997 1998 2013 2015
League championships (3)	1997 (XXXII) 1998 (XXXIII) 2015 (50)
Media	Radio network Dave Logan Brian Griese Scott Hastings Ed McCaffrey Alan Roach TV: KUSA 9News Radio: 850 KOA (AM)
Current league affiliations	League: National Football League (1970–present) Conference: American Football Conference Division: West Division
Former league affiliation	League: American Football League (1960–1969)