Record 13-3
Points Scored: 395 (24.7)
Points Against: 258 (16.1)
Highlight: The Broncos clinched their first AFC West title and a first round bye with a win over the rival Raiders in Denver on Christmas Eve. It was the first division title for Denver since the 1998 season. The Broncos caught a break earlier in the day when the Bengals were upset at home by the Bills. By gametime, Denver had everything they needed on the table: a playoff berth, a division title, and a first round bye. The Broncos dispatched of the Raiders rather easily. Jake Plummer scored on a quarterback sneak to give Denver an early 10-0 lead. Mike Anderson punched home another touchdown and the Broncos lead 16-0 at the half. Denver cruised to a 22-3 win. The 2005 season also featured some other great highlights including: Victories over New England (28-20) and Philly (49-21) in a three week span to give them a 6-2 record. Denver also recorded a thrilling 24-21 win at Dallas on Thanksgiving. Ron Dayne's 55 yard run set up Jason Elam's game winning 24 yard field goal to push Denver's record to 9-2 at that point.
Lowlight: The AFC Championship loss to Pittsburgh at home. Anytime you are 60 minutes away from the Super Bowl and you are playing at home, you have to win that game. Plus, Denver was a five point favorite heading into the contest. Two plays stick out: Early in the game, Champ Bailey dropped a surefire interception and the ball bounced into Hines Ward's hands for a first down. The Steelers converted a field goal to make it 3-0. The Broncos also forced a fumble on the next Pitt drive, but the play was overturned. The Steelers converted big 3rd downs on that drive and scored a touchdown to take a 10-0 lead. By halftime, Denver trailed 24-3 and it was all over as the Broncos suffered a devastating 34-17 loss.
What If?: If Denver wins the AFC Championship over Pittsburgh, then the Broncos win the Super Bowl over Seattle that year. Denver's defense was really good at two things in '05: Stopping the run and forcing turnovers. The Broncos would have shut down Stephen Alexander and stifled Matt Hasselback and Seattle passing game. Also, the only reason Seattle was in the game against Pittsburgh was because Big Ben played so poorly for the Steelers. Mike Shanahan would have a great gameplan for the Super Bowl, and he would have limited Jake Plummer enough to make sure he didn't make any mistakes. Also, Denver would have pounded Mike Anderson and Tatum Bell all game long. The 2005 Broncos could have stolen another Super Bowl for Pat Bowlen and Mike Shanahan.
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