1986 AFC Championship: The Drive
Nearly a decade after the Broncos’ first AFC Championship appearance, they made their second with a new No. 7 under center. That would be the now-legendary John Elway, who stepped onto a frosty and hostile field at Cleveland Stadium to take on the AFC’s top seed. While the first three-and-a-half quarters were dramatic enough, it truly ramped up midway through the fourth quarter. Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar found receiver Brian Brennan for a 48-yard score to put Cleveland up a touchdown, and then a miscue on the ensuing kickoff return put the Broncos in the shadow of their own goalpost at their own 2-yard line.
But the Broncos weren’t done yet. As the offense entered the huddle, guard Keith Bishop told the rest of the group, “We’ve got them right where we want them.” With a rabid Browns crowd roaring, Elway proceeded to marshal the Broncos down the field, methodically picking up first downs and helping the team escape out of a third-and-18 situation. As the clock ticked down inside the last two minutes, Elway pushed the Broncos into the red zone. Then, from the 5-yard line with less than a minute left, the future Hall of Famer dropped back, planted his back foot and drove a pass down the seam to wide receiver Mark Jackson for the game-tying touchdown.
In overtime, the Denver defense forced a three-and-out, setting up Elway for the game-winning drive. He completed two passes for 50 yards, and kicker Rich Karlis knocked the 33-yarder through to give the Broncos their second AFC Championship victory.
