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1981 Denver Broncos season
1981 Denver Broncos season
Owner	Edgar Kaiser
General manager	Grady Alderman
Head coach	Dan Reeves
Home field	Mile High Stadium
Results
Record	10–6
Division place	2nd AFC West
Playoff finish	Did not qualify
	← 1980; Broncos seasons; 1982 →;

The 1981 Denver Broncos season was the team's 22nd year in professional football and its 12th with the National Football League (NFL). Led by first-year head coach Dan Reeves,^[1] the Broncos were 10–6, tied for first in the AFC West, but failed to make the postseason again due to their loss to the Buffalo Bills, who gained the final berth.

The Broncos were undefeated at home in 1981,^[2] but had six road losses. After a promising 8–3 start, Denver lost three of their final five games, including a critical loss against the Cincinnati Bengals in week 12. Entering the season finale against the Chicago Bears, they had a one-game lead over the San Diego Chargers in the AFC West,^[2] but the loss at Soldier Field ended their season, losing the tiebreakers for the division and wild card berths.^[3]^[4]

Prior to this season, ownership changed in February; coaching and front office changes were made in March.^[1]^[5]^[6]^[7]

NFL Draft

Round	Pick	Player	Position	College
1981 Denver Broncos draft
1	15	Dennis Smith *	S	USC
2	42	Clay Brown	TE	BYU
4	106	Mark Herrmann	QB	Purdue
5	125	Ken Lanier	T	Florida State
6	151	Alvin Lewis	RB	Colorado State
7	181	Steve Busick	LB	USC
9	234	Rusty Olsen	DE	Washington
11	290	Pat Walker	WR	Miami (FL)
12	317	John Hankerd	LB	Notre Dame
12	321	Mandel Robinson	RB	Wyoming
Made roster † Pro Football Hall of Fame * Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

Personnel

Staff

**1981 Denver Broncos staff**
	Front office Owner – Edgar Kaiser General Manager – Grady Alderman Director of Player Personnel – John Beake Director of Scouting – Carroll Hardy Head coaches Head Coach – Dan Reeves Special Assistant – Nick Nicolau Offensive coaches Running Backs – Charlie Lee Wide Receivers – Rod Dowhower Tight Ends – Fran Polsfoot Offensive Line – Jerry Frei			Defensive coaches Defensive Coordinator – Joe Collier Defensive Line – Stan Jones Linebackers – Bob Zeman Defensive Backs – Richie McCabe Special teams coaches Special Teams – Reed Johnson

Source:^[8]

Roster

**1981 Denver Broncos roster**
Quarterbacks (QB) 17 Steve DeBerg 10 Mark Herrmann 7 Craig Morton Running backs (RB) 35 Larry Canada 41 Rob Lytle 24 Rick Parros 46 Dave Preston 32 Tony Reed Wide receivers (WR) 83 Wade Manning 25 Haven Moses 80 Rick Upchurch 81 Steve Watson Tight ends (TE) 85 Ron Egloff 88 Riley Odoms 87 James Wright		Offensive linemen (OL) 64 Billy Bryan C 73 Kelvin Clark T 62 Tom Glassic G 65 Glenn Hyde G 60 Paul Howard G 76 Ken Lanier T 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) 58 Steve Busick 56 Larry Evans 53 Randy Gradishar 57 Tom Jackson 59 Mark Merrill 58 Rob Nairne 50 Jim Ryan 51 Bob Swenson Defensive backs (DB) 43 Steve Foley CB 31 Mike Harden FS 22 Aaron Kyle CB 49 Dennis Smith 39 Roland Solomon 36 Bill Thompson S 37 Steve Trimble 20 Louis Wright CB Special teams 11 Luke Prestridge P 19 Fred Steinfort K		Reserve 54 Keith Bishop G (IR) 89 Clay Brown TE (IR) 84 Jimmy Robinson WR (IR) Rookies in italics

Source:

Preseason

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance
1	August 7	New York Jets	L 7–33	0–1	Mile High Stadium	63,644
2	August 15	at Miami Dolphins	L 14–24	0–2	Miami Orange Bowl	41,502
3	August 22	Green Bay Packers	W 17–7	1–2	Mile High Stadium	72,450
4	August 29	at Cincinnati Bengals	W 24–20	2–2	Riverfront Stadium	41,713

Regular season

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance
1	September 6	Oakland Raiders	W 9–7	1–0	Mile High Stadium	74,796
2	September 13	at Seattle Seahawks	L 10–13	1–1	Kingdome	58,513
3	September 20	Baltimore Colts	W 28–10	2–1	Mile High Stadium	74,804
4	September 27	San Diego Chargers	W 42–24	3–1	Mile High Stadium	74,822
5	October 4	at Oakland Raiders	W 17–0	4–1	Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum	51,035
6	October 11	Detroit Lions	W 27–21	5–1	Mile High Stadium	74,816
7	October 18	at Kansas City Chiefs	L 14–28	5–2	Arrowhead Stadium	74,672
8	October 25	at Buffalo Bills	L 7–9	5–3	Rich Stadium	77,757
9	November 2	Minnesota Vikings	W 19–17	6–3	Mile High Stadium	74,834
10	November 8	Cleveland Browns	W 23–20^OT	7–3	Mile High Stadium	74,859
11	November 15	at Tampa Bay Buccaneers	W 24–7	8–3	Tampa Stadium	64,518
12	November 22	at Cincinnati Bengals	L 21–38	8–4	Riverfront Stadium	57,207
13	November 29	at San Diego Chargers	L 17–34	8–5	Jack Murphy Stadium	51,533
14	December 6	Kansas City Chiefs	W 16–13	9–5	Mile High Stadium	74,744
15	December 13	Seattle Seahawks	W 23–13	10–5	Mile High Stadium	74,527
16	December 20	at Chicago Bears	L 24–35	10–6	Soldier Field	40,125
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

^[9]

Game summaries

Week 1 (Sunday, September 6, 1981): vs. Oakland Raiders

Week 1: Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Raiders	7	0	0	0	7
Broncos	6	3	0	0	9

at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado

Date: September 6
Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
Game attendance: 74,796
Referee: Jerry Markbreit
TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones (play–by–play) and Len Dawson (color commentator)
^[10]^[11]

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	Chester 9-yard touchdown reception from Plunkett, Bahr kick good	7	0
1					Broncos	Upchurch 44-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Morton kick no good (pass failed)	7	6
2					Broncos	29-yard field goal by Steinfort	7	9
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							7	9

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 2 (Sunday, September 13, 1981): at Seattle Seahawks

Week 2: Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Broncos	3	7	0	0	10
Seahawks	7	3	3	0	13

at Kingdome • Seattle, Washington

Date: September 13
Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
Game weather: indoors (dome)
Game attendance: 58,513
Referee: Fred Silva
TV announcers (NBC): Bob Costas (play–by–play) and Jim Turner (color commentator)
^[12]^[13]

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	30-yard field goal by Steinfort	3	0
4					Seahawks	Boyd 3-yard touchdown reception from Zorn, Herrera kick good	3	7
2					Seahawks	43-yard field goal by Herrera	3	10
2					Broncos	Odoms 11-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good	10	10
3					Seahawks	22-yard field goal by Herrera	10	13
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							10	13

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

Week 3 (Sunday, September 20, 1981): vs. Baltimore Colts

Week 3: Baltimore Colts at Denver Broncos – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Colts	0	0	10	0	10
Broncos	0	14	14	0	28

at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado

Date: September 20
Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
Game attendance: 74,804
Referee: Chuck Heberling
TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert (play–by–play) and Jim Turner (color commentator)
^[14]^[15]

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

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	BAL	DEN
2					Broncos	Egloff 7-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good	0	7
2					Broncos	Watson 29-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good	0	14
3					Colts	21-yard field goal by Wood	3	14
3					Colts	Dickey 63-yard touchdown run, Wood kick good	10	14
3					Broncos	Watson 18-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good	10	21
3					Broncos	Watson 48-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good	10	28
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							10	28

Point spread:
Over/Under:
Time of Game:

Colts	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 (Sunday, September 27, 1981): vs. San Diego Chargers

Week 4: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	0	0	10	14	24
Broncos	21	7	7	7	42

at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado

Date: September 27
Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
Game attendance: 74,822
Referee: Jerry Seeman
TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play–by–play) and John Brodie (color commentator)
^[16]^[17]

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					Broncos	Odoms 19-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good	0	7
1					Broncos	Watson 93-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good	0	14
1					Broncos	J Wright 2-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good	0	21
2					Broncos	Watson 21-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good	0	28
3					Broncos	Preston 2-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good	0	35
3					Chargers	Smith 39-yard touchdown reception from Fouts, Benirschke kick good	7	35
3					Chargers	52-yard field goal by Benirschke	10	35
4					Chargers	Cappelletti 1-yard touchdown run, Benirschke kick good	17	35
4					Chargers	Winslow 1-yard touchdown reception from Fouts, Benirschke kick good	24	35
4					Broncos	Lytle 3-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good	24	42
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							24	42

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 5 (Sunday, October 4, 1981): at Oakland Raiders

Week 5: Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Broncos	0	7	10	0	17
Raiders	0	0	0	0	0

at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum • Oakland, California

Date: October 4
Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
Game attendance: 51,035
Referee: Jim Tunney
TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones (play–by–play) and Len Dawson (color commentator)
^[18]^[19]

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
2					Broncos	Preston 4-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good	7	0
3					Broncos	31-yard field goal by Steinfort	10	0
3					Broncos	Parros 20-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good	17	0
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							17	0

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 6 (Sunday, October 11, 1981): vs. Detroit Lions

Week 6: Detroit Lions at Denver Broncos – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Lions	7	14	0	0	21
Broncos	10	7	3	7	27

Date: October 11
Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
Game attendance: 74,618
Referee: Bob McElwee
TV announcers (CBS): Frank Glieber (play–by–play) and John Dockery (color commentator)
^[20]^[21]

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

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	DET	DEN
1					Broncos	Watson 95-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good	0	7
1					Broncos	24-yard field goal by Steinfort	0	10
1					Lions	Sims 48-yard touchdown run, Murray kick good	7	10
2					Lions	Sims 1-yard touchdown run, Murray kick good	14	10
2					Broncos	Watson 40-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good	14	17
2		—	—	—	Lions	Interception returned 60 yards for touchdown by Hall, Murray kick good	21	17
3					Broncos	24-yard field goal by Steinfort	21	20
4					Broncos	Parros 15-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good	21	27
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							21	27

Point spread:
Over/Under:
Time of Game:

Lions	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 18, 1981): at Kansas City Chiefs

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

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

at Arrowhead Stadium • Kansas City, Missouri

Date: October 18
Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
Game attendance: 74,672
Referee: Dick Jorgensen
TV announcers (NBC): Bob Costas (play–by–play) and Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
^[22]^[23]

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
1					Chiefs	Jackson 1-yard touchdown run, Lowery kick good	0	7
1		—	—	—	Chiefs	Fumble recovery returned 47 yards for touchdown by Paul, Lowery kick good	0	14
3					Broncos	Watson 11-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good	7	14
4					Chiefs	Marshall 64-yard touchdown reception from Kenney, Lowery kick good	7	21
4					Broncos	Watson 11-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good	14	21
4					Chiefs	Delaney 82-yard touchdown run, Lowery kick good	14	28
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							14	28

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 8 (Sunday, October 25, 1981): at Buffalo Bills

Week 8: Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Broncos	0	7	0	0	7
Bills	0	3	3	3	9

at Rich Stadium • Orchard Park, New York

Date: October 25
Game time: 11:00 a.m. MST
Game attendance: 77,757
Referee: Gene Barth
TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play–by–play) and John Brodie (color commentator)
^[24]^[25]

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

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	DEN	BUF
2					Broncos	Watson 36-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good	7	0
2					Bills	41-yard field goal by Mike-Mayer	7	3
3					Bills	46-yard field goal by Mike-Mayer	7	6
4					Bills	36-yard field goal by Mike-Mayer	7	9
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							7	9

Point spread:
Over/Under:
Time of Game:

Broncos	Game Statistics	Bills
	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 (Monday, November 2, 1981): vs. Minnesota Vikings

Week 9: Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	0	3	0	14	17
Broncos	0	3	3	13	19

at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado

Date: November 2
Game time: 7:00 p.m. MST
Game attendance: 74,834
Referee: Fred Wyant
TV announcers (ABC): Frank Gifford (play–by–play), Howard Cosell (color commentator) and Fran Tarkenton (color commentator)
^[26]^[27]

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

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	MIN	DEN
2					Broncos	42-yard field goal by Steinfort	0	3
2					Vikings	32-yard field goal by Danmeier	3	3
3					Broncos	49-yard field goal by Steinfort	3	6
4					Broncos	Lytle 5-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick no good	3	12
4					Broncos	Watson 15-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good	3	19
4					Vikings	Galbreath 1-yard touchdown run, Danmeier kick good	10	19
4					Vikings	Galbreath 1-yard touchdown run, Danmeier kick good	17	19
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							17	19

Point spread:
Over/Under:
Time of Game:

Vikings	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 8, 1981): vs. Cleveland Browns

Week 10: Cleveland Browns at Denver Broncos – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	OT	Total
Browns	0	7	7	6	0	20
Broncos	3	7	3	7	3	23

at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado

Date: November 8
Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
Game attendance: 74,859
Referee: Jerry Seeman
TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play–by–play) and John Brodie (color commentator)
^[28]^[29]

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

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	CLE	DEN
1					Broncos	45-yard field goal by Steinfort	0	3
2					Browns	Miller 1-yard touchdown run, Bahr kick good	7	3
2					Broncos	Watson 5-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good	7	10
3					Broncos	43-yard field goal by Steinfort	7	13
3					Browns	Logan 23-yard touchdown reception from Sipe, Bahr kick good	14	13
4					Broncos	Preston 4-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good	14	20
4					Browns	27-yard field goal by Bahr	17	20
4					Browns	32-yard field goal by Bahr	20	20
OT					Broncos	30-yard field goal by Steinfort	20	23
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							20	23

Point spread:
Over/Under:
Time of Game:

Browns	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 11 (Sunday, November 15, 1981): at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 11: Denver Broncos at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Broncos	7	0	7	10	24
Buccaneers	0	0	7	0	7

at Tampa Stadium • Tampa, Florida

Date: November 15
Game time: 11:02 a.m. MST
Game attendance: 64,518
Referee: Jim Tunney
TV announcers (NBC): Merle Harmon (play–by–play) and George Kunz (color commentator)
^[30]^[31]

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

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	DEN	TB
1	4:04	10	45		Broncos	Odoms 12-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good	7	0
3	13:53	—	—	—	Buccaneers	Interception returned 40 yards for touchdown by Brown, Capece kick good	7	7
3	7:22	13	80		Broncos	Canada 1-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good	14	7
4	13:33	13	60		Broncos	Canada 3-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Steinfort kick good	21	7
4	11:01	4	3		Broncos	31-yard field goal by Steinfort	24	7
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							24	7

Point spread:
Over/Under:
Time of Game: 2 hours, 45 minutes

Broncos	Game Statistics	Buccaneers
	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 22, 1981): at Cincinnati Bengals

Week 12: Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Broncos	0	7	0	14	21
Bengals	14	14	0	10	38

at Riverfront Stadium • Cincinnati, Ohio

Date: November 22
Game time: 11:00 a.m. MST
Game attendance: 57,207
Referee: Jerry Markbreit
TV announcers (NBC): Bob Costas (play–by–play) and Gene Washington (color commentator)
^[32]^[33]

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

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	DEN	CIN
1					Bengals	Johnson 39-yard touchdown run, Breech kick good	0	7
1					Bengals	Johnson 2-yard touchdown reception from Anderson, Breech kick good	0	14
2					Broncos	Lytle 5-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good	7	14
2					Bengals	Anderson 2-yard touchdown run, Breech kick good	7	21
2					Bengals	Collinsworth 7-yard touchdown reception from Anderson, Breech kick good	7	28
4					Bengals	38-yard field goal by Breech	7	31
4					Broncos	Watson 14-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Steinfort kick good	14	31
4					Bengals	Alexander 65-yard touchdown reception from Anderson, Breech kick good	14	38
4					Broncos	Lytle 14-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Steinfort kick good	21	38
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							21	38

Point spread:
Over/Under:
Time of Game:

Broncos	Game Statistics	Bengals
	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 (Sunday, November 29, 1981): at San Diego Chargers

Week 13: Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Broncos	0	10	0	7	17
Chargers	14	13	7	0	34

at Jack Murphy Stadium • San Diego, California

Date: November 29
Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
Game attendance: 51,533
Referee: Bob McElwee
TV announcers (NBC): Phil Stone (play–by–play) and John Brodie (color commentator)
^[34]^[35]

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
1					Chargers	Muncie 14-yard touchdown run, Benirschke kick good	0	7
1					Chargers	Muncie 1-yard touchdown run, Benirschke kick good	0	14
2					Broncos	Canada 4-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good	7	14
2					Chargers	Muncie 4-yard touchdown run, Benirschke kick good	7	20
2					Broncos	21-yard field goal by Steinfort	10	20
2					Chargers	Muncie 3-yard touchdown run, Benirschke kick good	10	27
3					Chargers	Sievers 1-yard touchdown reception from Fouts, Benirschke kick good	10	34
4					Broncos	Moses 10-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Steinfort kick good	17	34
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							17	34

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 14 (Sunday, December 6, 1981): vs. Kansas City Chiefs

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

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chiefs	0	6	7	0	13
Broncos	7	9	0	0	16

at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado

Date: December 6
Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
Game attendance: 74,744
Referee: Red Cashion
TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play–by–play) and John Brodie (color commentator)
^[36]^[37]

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					Broncos	Lytle 2-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good	0	7
2					Broncos	21-yard field goal by Steinfort	0	10
2					Broncos	Canada 2-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick no good	0	16
2					Chiefs	43-yard field goal by Lowery	3	16
2					Chiefs	45-yard field goal by Lowery	6	16
3					Chiefs	Hadnot 1-yard touchdown run, Lowery kick good	13	16
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							13	16

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 15 (Sunday, December 13, 1981): vs. Seattle Seahawks

Week 15: Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Seahawks	0	3	3	7	13
Broncos	7	3	6	7	23

at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado

Date: December 13
Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
Game attendance: 74,527
Referee: Fred Wyant
TV announcers (NBC): Jay Randolph (play–by–play) and Jim Turner (color commentator)
^[38]^[39]

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 22-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good	0	7
2					Seahawks	28-yard field goal by Alvarez	3	7
2					Broncos	33-yard field goal by Steinfort	3	10
3					Broncos	43-yard field goal by Steinfort	3	13
3					Broncos	24-yard field goal by Steinfort	3	16
3					Seahawks	20-yard field goal by Alvarez	6	16
4					Broncos	Parros 8-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good	6	23
4					Seahawks	Hughes 5-yard touchdown reception from Krieg, Alvarez kick good	13	23
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							13	23

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 16 (Sunday, December 20, 1981); at Chicago Bears

Week 16: Denver Broncos at Chicago Bears – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Broncos (10–6)	3	0	14	7	24
Bears (6–10)	0	14	14	7	35

at Soldier Field • Chicago, Illinois

Date: December 20
Game time: 11:00 a.m. MST
Game attendance: 40,125
Referee: Gordon McCarter
TV announcers (NBC): Bob Costas (play–by–play) and Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
^[40]^[41]

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

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	DEN	CHI
1					Broncos	46-yard field goal by Steinfort	3	0
2					Bears	Payton 19-yard touchdown reception from Evans, Roveto kick good	3	7
2					Bears	Harper 4-yard touchdown run, Roveto kick good	3	14
3		—	—	—	Bears	Interception returned 69 yards for touchdown by Fencik, Roveto kick good	3	21
3					Broncos	Odoms 6-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good	10	21
3		—	—	—	Bears	Interception returned 44 yards for touchdown by Harris, Roveto kick good	10	28
3					Broncos	Upchurch 25-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Steinfort kick good	17	28
4					Bears	Payton 25-yard touchdown reception from Evans, Roveto kick good	17	35
4					Broncos	Upchurch 39-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Steinfort kick good	24	35
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							24	35

Point spread:
Over/Under:
Time of Game:

Broncos	Game Statistics	Bears
	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⁽³⁾	10	6	0	.625	6–2	8–4	478	390	W2
Denver Broncos	10	6	0	.625	5–3	7–5	321	289	L1
Kansas City Chiefs	9	7	0	.563	5–3	7–5	343	290	W1
Oakland Raiders	7	9	0	.438	2–6	5–7	273	343	L2
Seattle Seahawks	6	10	0	.375	2–6	6–8	322	388	W1

References

^ ^a ^b Zimmerman, Paul (October 19, 1981). "Denver is standing mile-high once again". Sports Illustrated. p. 48.
^ ^a ^b Mossman, John (December 14, 1981). "Broncos snow Seahawks, 23-13". Spokesman-Review. (Spokane, Washington). Associated Press. p. 17.
^ "Bears, 35-24". Eugene Register-Guard. (Oregon). Associated Press. December 21, 1981. p. 3C.
^ "Bears bust Broncos, damage Denver's hopes". Spokesman-Review. (Spokane, Washington). Associated Press. December 21, 1981. p. C2.
^ "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.
^ 2010 Denver Broncos Media Guide. p. 365. Retrieved March 6, 2011.
^ "Viking comeback falls just short". Spokane Daily Chronicle. (Washington). Associated Press. November 3, 1981. p. 18.
^ Pro Football Reference; Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos – September 6, 1981
^ The Football Database; Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos – September 6, 1981
^ Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks – September 13, 1981
^ The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks – September 13, 1981
^ Pro Football Reference; Baltimore Colts at Denver Broncos – September 20, 1981
^ The Football Database; Baltimore Colts at Denver Broncos – September 20, 1981
^ Pro Football Reference; San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – September 27, 1981
^ The Football Database; San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – September 27, 1981
^ Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders – October 4, 1981
^ The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders – October 4, 1981
^ Pro Football Reference; Detroit Lions at Denver Broncos – October 11, 1981
^ The Football Database; Detroit Lions at Denver Broncos – October 11, 1981
^ Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs – October 18, 1981
^ The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs – October 18, 1981
^ Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills – October 25, 1981
^ The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills – October 25, 1981
^ Pro Football Reference; Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos – November 2, 1981
^ The Football Database; Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos – November 2, 1981
^ Pro Football Reference; Cleveland Browns at Denver Broncos – November 8, 1981
^ The Football Database; Cleveland Browns at Denver Broncos – November 8, 1981
^ Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – November 15, 1981
^ The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – November 15, 1981
^ Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals – November 22, 1981
^ The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals – November 22, 1981
^ Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – November 29, 1981
^ The Football Database; Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – November 29, 1981
^ Pro Football Reference; Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos – December 6, 1981
^ The Football Database; Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos – December 6, 1981
^ Pro Football Reference; Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos – December 13, 1981
^ The Football Database; Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos – December 13, 1981
^ Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Chicago Bears – December 20, 1981
^ The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Chicago Bears – December 20, 1981

External links

Denver Broncos – 1981 media guide
1981 Denver Broncos at Pro-Football-Reference.com

[zsivmh-1] Zimmerman, Paul (October 19, 1981). "Denver is standing mile-high once again". Sports Illustrated. p. 48.

[brsnow-2] Mossman, John (December 14, 1981). "Broncos snow Seahawks, 23-13". Spokesman-Review. (Spokane, Washington). Associated Press. p. 17.

[bears-3] "Bears, 35-24". Eugene Register-Guard. (Oregon). Associated Press. December 21, 1981. p. 3C.

[srbust-4] "Bears bust Broncos, damage Denver's hopes". Spokesman-Review. (Spokane, Washington). Associated Press. December 21, 1981. p. C2.

[reiut-5] "Red is out, Reeves in at Denver". Spokesman-Review. (Spokane, Washington). Associated Press. March 10, 1981. p. 19.

[moriabc-6] Reid, Ron (March 10, 1981). "Miller out, Reeves in as Broncos coach". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. p. 13.

[ndrhr-7] "Reeves hired as new Bronco coach". Deseret News. (Salt Lake City, Utah). Associated Press. March 11, 1981. p. G2.

[8] 2010 Denver Broncos Media Guide. p. 365. Retrieved March 6, 2011.

[vcbfs-9] "Viking comeback falls just short". Spokane Daily Chronicle. (Washington). Associated Press. November 3, 1981. p. 18.

[10] Pro Football Reference; Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos – September 6, 1981

[11] The Football Database; Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos – September 6, 1981

[12] Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks – September 13, 1981

[13] The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks – September 13, 1981

[14] Pro Football Reference; Baltimore Colts at Denver Broncos – September 20, 1981

[15] The Football Database; Baltimore Colts at Denver Broncos – September 20, 1981

[16] Pro Football Reference; San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – September 27, 1981

[17] The Football Database; San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – September 27, 1981

[18] Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders – October 4, 1981

[19] The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders – October 4, 1981

[20] Pro Football Reference; Detroit Lions at Denver Broncos – October 11, 1981

[21] The Football Database; Detroit Lions at Denver Broncos – October 11, 1981

[22] Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs – October 18, 1981

[23] The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs – October 18, 1981

[24] Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills – October 25, 1981

[25] The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills – October 25, 1981

[26] Pro Football Reference; Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos – November 2, 1981

[27] The Football Database; Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos – November 2, 1981

[28] Pro Football Reference; Cleveland Browns at Denver Broncos – November 8, 1981

[29] The Football Database; Cleveland Browns at Denver Broncos – November 8, 1981

[30] Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – November 15, 1981

[31] The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – November 15, 1981

[32] Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals – November 22, 1981

[33] The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals – November 22, 1981

[34] Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – November 29, 1981

[35] The Football Database; Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – November 29, 1981

[36] Pro Football Reference; Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos – December 6, 1981

[37] The Football Database; Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos – December 6, 1981

[38] Pro Football Reference; Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos – December 13, 1981

[39] The Football Database; Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos – December 13, 1981

[40] Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Chicago Bears – December 20, 1981

[41] The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Chicago Bears – December 20, 1981

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