1981 Denver Broncos season
{{short description|NFL team season}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2013}}
{{Infobox NFL team season
| team = Denver Broncos
| year = 1981
| record = 10–6
| division_place = 2nd AFC West
| coach = Dan Reeves
| general manager = Grady Alderman
| owner = Edgar Kaiser
| stadium = Mile High Stadium
| playoffs = Did not qualify
| uniform =
| shortnavlink = Broncos seasons
}}
File:Broncos_1968-96_uniforms.png
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,{{cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/vault/1981/10/19/826029/denver-is-standing-mile-high-once-again-craig-morton-the-oldest-player-in-the-nfl-has-led-the-rejuvenated-broncos-into-first-in-the-afc-west |magazine=Sports Illustrated |last=Zimmerman |first=Paul |author-link=Paul Zimmerman (sportswriter) |title=Denver is standing mile-high once again |date=October 19, 1981 |page=48}} 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,{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HU9OAAAAIBAJ&pg=5588%2C6927191 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=(Spokane, Washington) |agency=Associated Press |last=Mossman |first=John |title=Broncos snow Seahawks, 23-13 |date=December 14, 1981 |page=17}} 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, but the loss at Soldier Field ended their season, losing the tiebreakers for the division and wild card berths.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EfVVAAAAIBAJ&pg=3222%2C5603556 |work=Eugene Register-Guard |location=(Oregon) |agency=Associated Press |title=Bears, 35-24 |date=December 21, 1981 |page=3C}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=XqgwAAAAIBAJ&pg=6995%2C3231789|work=Spokesman-Review |location=(Spokane, Washington) |agency=Associated Press |title=Bears bust Broncos, damage Denver's hopes |date=December 21, 1981 |page=C2}}
Prior to this season, ownership changed in February; coaching and front office changes were made in March.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=evlLAAAAIBAJ&pg=4933%2C4027929 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=(Spokane, Washington) |agency=Associated Press |title=Red is out, Reeves in at Denver |date=March 10, 1981 |page=19}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ROgNAAAAIBAJ&pg=6476%2C1340424 |work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |last=Reid |first=Ron |title=Miller out, Reeves in as Broncos coach |date=March 10, 1981 |page=13}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=u0pTAAAAIBAJ&pg=5643%2C2623653 |work=Deseret News |location=(Salt Lake City, Utah) |agency=Associated Press |title=Reeves hired as new Bronco coach |date=March 11, 1981 |page=G2}}
NFL Draft
{{main article|1981 NFL Draft}}
{{NFL team draft start
| year = 1981
| teamname = Denver Broncos
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 1
| pick = 15
| player = Dennis Smith
| position = S
| college = USC
| notes =
| maderoster = yes
| hof =
| probowl = yes
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 2
| pick = 42
| player = Clay Brown
| position = TE
| college = BYU
| notes =
| maderoster =
| hof =
| probowl =
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 4
| pick = 106
| player = Mark Herrmann
| position = QB
| college = Purdue
| notes =
| maderoster = yes
| hof =
| probowl =
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 5
| pick = 125
| player = Ken Lanier
| position = T
| college = Florida State
| notes =
| maderoster = yes
| hof =
| probowl =
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 6
| pick = 151
| player = Alvin Lewis
| position = RB
| college = Colorado State
| notes =
| maderoster =
| hof =
| probowl =
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 7
| pick = 181
| player = Steve Busick
| position = LB
| college = USC
| notes =
| maderoster = yes
| hof =
| probowl =
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 9
| pick = 234
| player = Rusty Olsen
| position = DE
| college = Washington
| notes =
| maderoster = yes
| hof =
| probowl =
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 11
| pick = 290
| player = Pat Walker
| position = WR
| college = Miami (FL)
| notes =
| maderoster =
| hof =
| probowl =
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 12
| pick = 317
| player = John Hankerd
| position = LB
| college = Notre Dame
| notes =
| maderoster =
| hof =
| probowl =
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 12
| pick = 321
| player = Mandel Robinson
| position = RB
| college = Wyoming
| notes =
| maderoster =
| hof =
| probowl =
}}
{{NFL team draft end}}
Personnel
=Staff=
{{NFL final staff
| year = 1981
| team = Denver Broncos
| front_office =
- Owner – Edgar Kaiser
- General Manager – Grady Alderman
- Director of Player Personnel – John Beake
- Director of Scouting – Carroll Hardy
| head_coach =
- Head Coach – Dan Reeves
- Special Assistant – Nick Nicolau
| offensive =
- Running Backs – Charlie Lee
- Wide Receivers – Rod Dowhower
- Tight Ends – Fran Polsfoot
- Offensive Line – Jerry Frei
| defensive =
- Defensive Coordinator – Joe Collier
- Defensive Line – Stan Jones
- Linebackers – Bob Zeman
- Defensive Backs – Richie McCabe
| special_teams =
- Special Teams – Reed Johnson
}}
:{{small|Source:}}{{cite book |title=2010 Denver Broncos Media Guide |page=365 |url=http://media.denverbroncos.com/media+guide/ |access-date=March 6, 2011}}
=Roster=
{{NFL season roster
| year = 1981
| team = Denver Broncos
| quarterbacks =
{{NFLplayer|17|Steve DeBerg}}
{{NFLplayer|10|Mark Herrmann|rookie=y}}
{{NFLplayer|7|Craig Morton}}
| running_backs =
{{NFLplayer|35|Larry Canada}}
{{NFLplayer|41|Rob Lytle}}
{{NFLplayer|24|Rick Parros}}
{{NFLplayer|46|Dave Preston|d=American football}}
{{NFLplayer|32|Tony Reed}}
| wide_receivers =
{{NFLplayer|83|Wade Manning}}
{{NFLplayer|25|Haven Moses}}
{{NFLplayer|80|Rick Upchurch}}
{{NFLplayer|81|Steve Watson|d=wide receiver}}
| tight_ends =
{{NFLplayer|85|Ron Egloff}}
{{NFLplayer|88|Riley Odoms}}
{{NFLplayer|87|James Wright|d=tight end}}
| offensive_linemen =
{{NFLplayer|64|Billy Bryan|C}}
{{NFLplayer|73|Kelvin Clark|T}}
{{NFLplayer|62|Tom Glassic|G}}
{{NFLplayer|65|Glenn Hyde|G}}
{{NFLplayer|60|Paul Howard|d=American football|G}}
{{NFLplayer|76|Ken Lanier|rookie=y|T}}
{{NFLplayer|71|Claudie Minor|T}}
{{NFLplayer|70|Dave Studdard|T}}
| defensive_linemen =
{{NFLplayer|77|Greg Boyd|d=American football|DE}}
{{NFLplayer|79|Barney Chavous|DE}}
{{NFLplayer|68|Rubin Carter|d=American football|DT}}
{{NFLplayer|75|Rulon Jones|DE}}
{{NFLplayer|72|Don Latimer|DT}}
{{NFLplayer|66|Brison Manor|DE}}
| linebackers =
{{NFLplayer|58|Steve Busick|rookie=y}}
{{NFLplayer|56|Larry Evans|d=American football}}
{{NFLplayer|53|Randy Gradishar}}
{{NFLplayer|57|Tom Jackson|d=American football, born 1951}}
{{NFLplayer|59|Mark Merrill}}
{{NFLplayer|58|Rob Nairne}}
{{NFLplayer|50|Jim Ryan|d=linebacker}}
{{NFLplayer|51|Bob Swenson}}
| defensive_back =
{{NFLplayer|43|Steve Foley|d=defensive back|CB}}
{{NFLplayer|31|Mike Harden|FS}}
{{NFLplayer|22|Aaron Kyle|CB}}
{{NFLplayer|49|Dennis Smith|d=American football|rookie=y}}
{{NFLplayer|39|Roland Solomon}}
{{NFLplayer|36|Bill Thompson|d=American football|S}}
{{NFLplayer|37|Steve Trimble|rookie=y}}
{{NFLplayer|20|Louis Wright|d=American football|CB}}
| special_teams =
{{NFLplayer|11|Luke Prestridge|P}}
{{NFLplayer|19|Fred Steinfort|K}}
| reserve_lists =
{{NFLplayer|54|Keith Bishop|d=American football|G|IR}}
{{NFLplayer|89|Clay Brown|d=American football|rookie=y|TE|IR}}
{{NFLplayer|84|Jimmy Robinson|d=American football|WR|IR}}
| practice_squad =
}}
:{{small|Source:}}
Preseason
=Schedule=
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |
| style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}}"| Week
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}}"| Date !style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}}"| Opponent !style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}}"| Result !style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}}"| Record !style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}}"| Venue !style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}}"| Attendance |
|---|
| style="background:#fcc"
! 1 | {{dow tooltip|August 7, 1981}} | L 7–33 | 0–1 | 63,644 |
| style="background:#fcc"
! 2 | {{dow tooltip|August 15, 1981}} | at Miami Dolphins | L 14–24 | 0–2 | 41,502 |
| style="background:#cfc"
! 3 | {{dow tooltip|August 22, 1981}} | W 17–7 | 1–2 | 72,450 |
| style="background:#cfc"
! 4 | {{dow tooltip|August 29, 1981}} | at Cincinnati Bengals | W 24–20 | 2–2 | 41,713 |
Regular season
{{main|1981 NFL season}}
=Schedule=
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |
| style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}}"| Week
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}}"| Date !style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}}"| Opponent !style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}}"| Result !style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}}"| Record !style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}}"| Venue !style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}}"| Attendance |
|---|
| style="background: #cfc;"
! 1 | September 6 | W 9–7 | 1–0 | 74,796 |
| style="background: #fcc;"
! 2 | September 13 | at Seattle Seahawks | L 10–13 | 1–1 | Kingdome | 58,513 |
| style="background: #cfc;"
! 3 | September 20 | W 28–10 | 2–1 | 74,804 |
| style="background: #cfc;"
! 4 | September 27 | W 42–24 | 3–1 | 74,822 |
| style="background: #cfc;"
! 5 | October 4 | at Oakland Raiders | W 17–0 | 4–1 | Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum | 51,035 |
| style="background: #cfc;"
! 6 | October 11 | W 27–21 | 5–1 | 74,816 |
| style="background: #fcc;"
! 7 | October 18 | at Kansas City Chiefs | L 14–28 | 5–2 | 74,672 |
| style="background: #fcc;"
! 8 | October 25 | at Buffalo Bills | L 7–9 | 5–3 | 77,757 |
| style="background: #cfc;"
! 9 | {{dow tooltip|November 2, 1981}} | W 19–17 | 6–3 | 74,834 |
| style="background: #cfc;"
! 10 | November 8 | W 23–20{{nnbsp}}OT | 7–3 | 74,859 |
| style="background: #cfc;"
! 11 | November 15 | at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | W 24–7 | 8–3 | 64,518 |
| style="background: #fcc;"
! 12 | November 22 | at Cincinnati Bengals | L 21–38 | 8–4 | 57,207 |
| style="background: #fcc;"
! 13 | November 29 | at San Diego Chargers | L 17–34 | 8–5 | 51,533 |
| style="background: #cfc;"
! 14 | December 6 | W 16–13 | 9–5 | 74,744 |
| style="background: #cfc;"
! 15 | December 13 | W 23–13 | 10–5 | 74,527 |
| style="background: #fcc;"
! 16 | December 20 | at Chicago Bears | L 24–35 | 10–6 | 40,125 |
| style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}}"
|colspan="8"| Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text. |
=Game summaries=
==Week 1 (Sunday, September 6, 1981): vs. [[1981 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]]==
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week 1: Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos – Game summary
|date={{dow tooltip|September 6, 1981}}
|time=2:00 p.m. MDT
|road=Raiders
|R1=7 |R2=0 |R3=0 |R4=0
|home=Broncos
|H1=6 |H2=3 |H3=0 |H4=0
|stadium=Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
|attendance=74,796
|weather=
|referee=Jerry Markbreit
|TV=NBC
|TVAnnouncers=Charlie Jones (play–by–play) and Len Dawson (color commentator)
|reference=Pro Football Reference; [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198109060den.htm Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos – September 6, 1981]The Football Database; [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1981090609 Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos – September 6, 1981]
}}
{{AmFootballGameTopPlayers
| Float = right
| Visitor = Oakland Raiders
| VisitorDisplay = OAK
| Home = Denver Broncos
| HomeDisplay = DEN
| VisPasser =
| VisPassStats =
| VisRusher =
| VisRushStats =
| VisReceiver =
| VisReceivingStats =
| HomePasser =
| HomePassStats =
| HomeRusher =
| HomeRushStats =
| HomeReceiver =
| HomeReceivingStats =
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryStart|VisitorName=OAK|HomeName=DEN|state=collapsed}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=1
| Time=
| Team=Raiders
| DrivePlays=
| DriveLength=
| DriveTime=
| Type=RecTD
| Receiver=Chester
| QB=Plunkett
| yards=9
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=Bahr
| Visitor=7
| Home=0
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=1
| Time=
| Team=Broncos
| DrivePlays=
| DriveLength=
| DriveTime=
| Type=RecTD
| Receiver=Upchurch
| QB=Morton
| yards=44
| kickresult=no good (pass failed)
| Kicker=Morton
| Visitor=7
| Home=6
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=2
| Time=
| Team=Broncos
| DrivePlays=
| DriveLength=
| DriveTime=
| Type=FG
| yards=29
| Kicker=Steinfort
| Visitor=7
| Home=9
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEnd|Visitor=7|Home=9}}
- Point spread:
- Over/Under:
- Time of Game:
| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto" |
| style="width:30%;" style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Oakland Raiders|year=1981|border=2}}"|Raiders
! style="width:40%;"|Game Statistics ! style="width:30%;" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}}"|Broncos |
|---|
| style="text-align:right;"|
! First downs | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Rushes–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Passing yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! {{Abbr|Passes|Completions–Attempts–Interceptions}} | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Sacked–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Net passing yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Total yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Return yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! {{Abbr|Punts|Number–Average yardage}} | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Fumbles–lost | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Penalties–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Time of possession | |
Individual stats
==Week 2 (Sunday, September 13, 1981): at [[1981 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]]==
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week 2: Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
|date={{dow tooltip|September 13, 1981}}
|time=2:00 p.m. MDT
|road=Broncos
|R1=3 |R2=7 |R3=0 |R4=0
|home=Seahawks
|H1=7 |H2=3 |H3=3 |H4=0
|stadium=Kingdome • Seattle, Washington
|attendance=58,513
|weather=indoors (dome)
|referee=Fred Silva
|TV=NBC
|TVAnnouncers=Bob Costas (play–by–play) and Jim Turner (color commentator)
|reference=Pro Football Reference; [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198109130sea.htm Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks – September 13, 1981]The Football Database; [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1981091305 Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks – September 13, 1981]
}}
{{AmFootballGameTopPlayers
| Float = right
| Visitor = Denver Broncos
| VisitorDisplay = DEN
| Home = Seattle Seahawks
| HomeDisplay = SEA
| VisPasser =
| VisPassStats =
| VisRusher =
| VisRushStats =
| VisReceiver =
| VisReceivingStats =
| HomePasser =
| HomePassStats =
| HomeRusher =
| HomeRushStats =
| HomeReceiver =
| HomeReceivingStats =
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryStart|VisitorName=DEN|HomeName=SEA|state=collapsed}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=1
| Time=
| Team=Broncos
| DrivePlays=
| DriveLength=
| DriveTime=
| Type=FG
| yards=30
| Kicker=Steinfort
| Visitor=3
| Home=0
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=4
| Time=
| Team=Seahawks
| DrivePlays=
| DriveLength=
| DriveTime=
| Type=RecTD
| Receiver=Boyd
| QB=Zorn
| yards=3
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=Herrera
| Visitor=3
| Home=7
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=2
| Time=
| Team=Seahawks
| DrivePlays=
| DriveLength=
| DriveTime=
| Type=FG
| yards=43
| Kicker=Herrera
| Visitor=3
| Home=10
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=2
| Time=
| Team=Broncos
| DrivePlays=
| DriveLength=
| DriveTime=
| Type=RecTD
| Receiver=Odoms
| QB=Morton
| yards=11
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=Steinfort
| Visitor=10
| Home=10
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=3
| Time=
| Team=Seahawks
| DrivePlays=
| DriveLength=
| DriveTime=
| Type=FG
| yards=22
| Kicker=Herrera
| Visitor=10
| Home=13
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEnd|Visitor=10|Home=13}}
- Point spread:
- Over/Under:
- Time of Game:
| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto" |
| style="width:30%;" style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}}"|Broncos
! style="width:40%;"|Game Statistics ! style="width:30%;" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Seattle Seahawks|year=1981|border=2}}"|Seahawks |
|---|
| style="text-align:right;"|
! First downs | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Rushes–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Passing yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! {{Abbr|Passes|Completions–Attempts–Interceptions}} | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Sacked–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Net passing yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Total yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Return yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! {{Abbr|Punts|Number–Average yardage}} | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Fumbles–lost | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Penalties–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Time of possession | |
Individual stats
==Week 3 (Sunday, September 20, 1981): vs. [[1981 Baltimore Colts season|Baltimore Colts]]==
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week 3: Baltimore Colts at Denver Broncos – Game summary
|date={{dow tooltip|September 20, 1981}}
|time=2:00 p.m. MST
|road=Colts
|R1=0 |R2=0 |R3=10 |R4=0
|home=Broncos
|H1=0 |H2=14 |H3=14 |H4=0
|stadium=Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
|attendance=74,804
|weather=
|referee=Chuck Heberling
|TV=NBC
|TVAnnouncers=Marv Albert (play–by–play) and Jim Turner (color commentator)
|reference=Pro Football Reference; [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198109200den.htm Baltimore Colts at Denver Broncos – September 20, 1981]The Football Database; [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1981092001 Baltimore Colts at Denver Broncos – September 20, 1981]
}}
{{AmFootballGameTopPlayers
| Float = right
| Visitor = Baltimore Colts
| VisitorDisplay = BAL
| Home = Denver Broncos
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| VisRushStats =
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| HomePassStats =
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| HomeReceivingStats =
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryStart|VisitorName=BAL|HomeName=DEN|state=collapsed}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=2
| Time=
| Team=Broncos
| DrivePlays=
| DriveLength=
| DriveTime=
| Type=RecTD
| Receiver=Egloff
| QB=Morton
| yards=7
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=Steinfort
| Visitor=0
| Home=7
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=2
| Time=
| Team=Broncos
| DrivePlays=
| DriveLength=
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| Type=RecTD
| Receiver=Watson
| QB=Morton
| yards=29
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=Steinfort
| Visitor=0
| Home=14
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=3
| Time=
| Team=Colts
| DrivePlays=
| DriveLength=
| DriveTime=
| Type=FG
| yards=21
| Kicker=Wood
| Visitor=3
| Home=14
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=3
| Time=
| Team=Colts
| DrivePlays=
| DriveLength=
| DriveTime=
| Type=RushTD
| Runner=Dickey
| yards=63
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=Wood
| Visitor=10
| Home=14
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=3
| Time=
| Team=Broncos
| DrivePlays=
| DriveLength=
| DriveTime=
| Type=RecTD
| Receiver=Watson
| QB=Morton
| yards=18
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=Steinfort
| Visitor=10
| Home=21
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=3
| Time=
| Team=Broncos
| DrivePlays=
| DriveLength=
| DriveTime=
| Type=RecTD
| Receiver=Watson
| QB=Morton
| yards=48
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=Steinfort
| Visitor=10
| Home=28
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEnd|Visitor=10|Home=28}}
- Point spread:
- Over/Under:
- Time of Game:
| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto" |
| style="width:30%;" style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Baltimore Colts|year=1981|border=2}}"|Colts
! style="width:40%;"|Game Statistics ! style="width:30%;" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}}"|Broncos |
|---|
| style="text-align:right;"|
! First downs | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Rushes–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Passing yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! {{Abbr|Passes|Completions–Attempts–Interceptions}} | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Sacked–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Net passing yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Total yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Return yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! {{Abbr|Punts|Number–Average yardage}} | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Fumbles–lost | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Penalties–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Time of possession | |
Individual stats
==Week 4 (Sunday, September 27, 1981): vs. [[1981 San Diego Chargers season|San Diego Chargers]]==
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week 4: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – Game summary
|date={{dow tooltip|September 27, 1981}}
|time=2:00 p.m. MDT
|road=Chargers
|R1=0 |R2=0 |R3=10 |R4=14
|home=Broncos
|H1=21 |H2=7 |H3=7 |H4=7
|stadium=Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
|attendance=74,822
|weather=
|referee=Jerry Seeman
|TV=NBC
|TVAnnouncers=Don Criqui (play–by–play) and John Brodie (color commentator)
|reference=Pro Football Reference; [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198109270den.htm San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – September 27, 1981]The Football Database; [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1981092712 San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – September 27, 1981]
}}
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{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEnd|Visitor=24|Home=42}}
- Point spread:
- Over/Under:
- Time of Game:
| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto" |
| style="width:30%;" style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1981|border=2}}"|Chargers
! style="width:40%;"|Game Statistics ! style="width:30%;" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}}"|Broncos |
|---|
| style="text-align:right;"|
! First downs | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Rushes–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Passing yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! {{Abbr|Passes|Completions–Attempts–Interceptions}} | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Sacked–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Net passing yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Total yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Return yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! {{Abbr|Punts|Number–Average yardage}} | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Fumbles–lost | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Penalties–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Time of possession | |
Individual stats
==Week 5 (Sunday, October 4, 1981): at [[1981 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]]==
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week 5: Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
|date={{dow tooltip|October 4, 1981}}
|time=2:00 p.m. MDT
|road=Broncos
|R1=0 |R2=7 |R3=10 |R4=0
|home=Raiders
|H1=0 |H2=0 |H3=0 |H4=0
|stadium=Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum • Oakland, California
|attendance=51,035
|weather=
|referee=Jim Tunney
|TV=NBC
|TVAnnouncers=Charlie Jones (play–by–play) and Len Dawson (color commentator)
|reference=Pro Football Reference; [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198110040rai.htm Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders – October 4, 1981]The Football Database; [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1981100406 Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders – October 4, 1981]
}}
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{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEnd|Visitor=17|Home=0}}
- Point spread:
- Over/Under:
- Time of Game:
| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto" |
| style="width:30%;" style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}}"|Broncos
! style="width:40%;"|Game Statistics ! style="width:30%;" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Oakland Raiders|year=1981|border=2}}"|Raiders |
|---|
| style="text-align:right;"|
! First downs | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Rushes–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Passing yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! {{Abbr|Passes|Completions–Attempts–Interceptions}} | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Sacked–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Net passing yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Total yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Return yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! {{Abbr|Punts|Number–Average yardage}} | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Fumbles–lost | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Penalties–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Time of possession | |
Individual stats
==Week 6 (Sunday, October 11, 1981): vs. [[1981 Detroit Lions season|Detroit Lions]]==
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week 6: Detroit Lions at Denver Broncos – Game summary
|date={{dow tooltip|October 11, 1981}}
|time=2:00 p.m. MDT
|road=Lions
|R1=7 |R2=14 |R3=0 |R4=0
|home=Broncos
|H1=10 |H2=7 |H3=3 |H4=7
|attendance=74,618
|weather=
|referee=Bob McElwee
|TV=CBS
|TVAnnouncers=Frank Glieber (play–by–play) and John Dockery (color commentator)
|reference=Pro Football Reference; [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198110110den.htm Detroit Lions at Denver Broncos – October 11, 1981]The Football Database; [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1981101104 Detroit Lions at Denver Broncos – October 11, 1981]
}}
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| Visitor=7
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| kickresult=good
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| Visitor=21
| Home=27
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEnd|Visitor=21|Home=27}}
- Point spread:
- Over/Under:
- Time of Game:
| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto" |
| style="width:30%;" style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Detroit Lions|year=1981|border=2}}"|Lions
! style="width:40%;"|Game Statistics ! style="width:30%;" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}}"|Broncos |
|---|
| style="text-align:right;"|
! First downs | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Rushes–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Passing yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! {{Abbr|Passes|Completions–Attempts–Interceptions}} | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Sacked–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Net passing yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Total yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Return yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! {{Abbr|Punts|Number–Average yardage}} | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Fumbles–lost | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Penalties–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Time of possession | |
Individual stats
==Week 7 (Sunday, October 18, 1981): at [[1981 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]]==
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week 7: Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
|date={{dow tooltip|October 18, 1981}}
|time=2:00 p.m. MDT
|road=Broncos
|R1=0 |R2=0 |R3=7 |R4=7
|home=Chiefs
|H1=14 |H2=0 |H3=0 |H4=14
|stadium=Arrowhead Stadium • Kansas City, Missouri
|attendance=74,672
|weather=
|referee=Dick Jorgensen
|TV=NBC
|TVAnnouncers=Bob Costas (play–by–play) and Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
|reference=Pro Football Reference; [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198110180kan.htm Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs – October 18, 1981]The Football Database; [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1981101802 Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs – October 18, 1981]
}}
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}}
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| Quarter=3
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| Home=14
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| Quarter=4
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}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEnd|Visitor=14|Home=28}}
- Point spread:
- Over/Under:
- Time of Game:
| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto" |
| style="width:30%;" style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}}"|Broncos
! style="width:40%;"|Game Statistics ! style="width:30%;" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Kansas City Chiefs|year=1981|border=2}}"|Chiefs |
|---|
| style="text-align:right;"|
! First downs | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Rushes–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Passing yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! {{Abbr|Passes|Completions–Attempts–Interceptions}} | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Sacked–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Net passing yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Total yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Return yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! {{Abbr|Punts|Number–Average yardage}} | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Fumbles–lost | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Penalties–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Time of possession | |
Individual stats
==Week 8 (Sunday, October 25, 1981): at [[1981 Buffalo Bills season|Buffalo Bills]]==
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week 8: Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
|date={{dow tooltip|October 25, 1981}}
|time=11:00 a.m. MST
|road=Broncos
|R1=0 |R2=7 |R3=0 |R4=0
|home=Bills
|H1=0 |H2=3 |H3=3 |H4=3
|stadium=Rich Stadium • Orchard Park, New York
|attendance=77,757
|weather=
|referee=Gene Barth
|TV=NBC
|TVAnnouncers=Don Criqui (play–by–play) and John Brodie (color commentator)
|reference=Pro Football Reference; [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198110250buf.htm Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills – October 25, 1981]The Football Database; [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1981102503 Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills – October 25, 1981]
}}
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}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEnd|Visitor=7|Home=9}}
- Point spread:
- Over/Under:
- Time of Game:
| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto" |
| style="width:30%;" style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}}"|Broncos
! style="width:40%;"|Game Statistics ! style="width:30%;" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Buffalo Bills|year=1981|border=2}}"|Bills |
|---|
| style="text-align:right;"|
! First downs | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Rushes–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Passing yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! {{Abbr|Passes|Completions–Attempts–Interceptions}} | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Sacked–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Net passing yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Total yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Return yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! {{Abbr|Punts|Number–Average yardage}} | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Fumbles–lost | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Penalties–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Time of possession | |
Individual stats
==Week 9 (Monday, November 2, 1981): vs. [[1981 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]]==
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week 9: Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos – Game summary
|date={{dow tooltip|November 2, 1981}}
|time=7:00 p.m. MST
|road=Vikings
|R1=0 |R2=3 |R3=0 |R4=14
|home=Broncos
|H1=0 |H2=3 |H3=3 |H4=13
|stadium=Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
|attendance=74,834
|weather=
|referee=Fred Wyant
|TV=ABC
|TVAnnouncers=Frank Gifford (play–by–play), Howard Cosell (color commentator) and Fran Tarkenton (color commentator)
|reference=Pro Football Reference; [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198111020den.htm Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos – November 2, 1981]The Football Database; [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1981110201 Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos – November 2, 1981]
}}
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| Home=3
}}
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| Quarter=2
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}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
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| Home=12
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| Kicker=Danmeier
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| Kicker=Danmeier
| Visitor=17
| Home=19
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEnd|Visitor=17|Home=19}}
- Point spread:
- Over/Under:
- Time of Game:
| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto" |
| style="width:30%;" style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Minnesota Vikings|year=1981|border=2}}"|Vikings
! style="width:40%;"|Game Statistics ! style="width:30%;" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}}"|Broncos |
|---|
| style="text-align:right;"|
! First downs | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Rushes–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Passing yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! {{Abbr|Passes|Completions–Attempts–Interceptions}} | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Sacked–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Net passing yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Total yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Return yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! {{Abbr|Punts|Number–Average yardage}} | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Fumbles–lost | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Penalties–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Time of possession | |
Individual stats
==Week 10 (Sunday, November 8, 1981): vs. [[1981 Cleveland Browns season|Cleveland Browns]]==
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week 10: Cleveland Browns at Denver Broncos – Game summary
|date={{dow tooltip|November 8, 1981}}
|time=2:00 p.m. MST
|road=Browns
|R1=0 |R2=7 |R3=7 |R4=6 |R5=0
|home=Broncos
|H1=3 |H2=7 |H3=3 |H4=7 |H5=3
|stadium=Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
|attendance=74,859
|weather=
|referee=Jerry Seeman
|TV=NBC
|TVAnnouncers=Don Criqui (play–by–play) and John Brodie (color commentator)
|reference=Pro Football Reference; [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198111080den.htm Cleveland Browns at Denver Broncos – November 8, 1981]The Football Database; [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1981110804 Cleveland Browns at Denver Broncos – November 8, 1981]
}}
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{{AmFootballScoreSummaryStart|VisitorName=CLE|HomeName=DEN|state=collapsed}}
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| Quarter=1
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{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=2
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| Visitor=7
| Home=3
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
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{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
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{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=3
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}}
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}}
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}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEnd|Visitor=20|Home=23}}
- Point spread:
- Over/Under:
- Time of Game:
| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto" |
| style="width:30%;" style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Cleveland Browns|year=1981|border=2}}"|Browns
! style="width:40%;"|Game Statistics ! style="width:30%;" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}}"|Broncos |
|---|
| style="text-align:right;"|
! First downs | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Rushes–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Passing yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! {{Abbr|Passes|Completions–Attempts–Interceptions}} | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Sacked–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Net passing yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Total yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Return yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! {{Abbr|Punts|Number–Average yardage}} | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Fumbles–lost | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Penalties–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Time of possession | |
Individual stats
==Week 11 (Sunday, November 15, 1981): at [[1981 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]]==
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week 11: Denver Broncos at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
|date={{dow tooltip|November 15, 1981}}
|time=11:02 a.m. MST
|road=Broncos
|R1=7 |R2=0 |R3=7 |R4=10
|home=Buccaneers
|H1=0 |H2=0 |H3=7 |H4=0
|stadium=Tampa Stadium • Tampa, Florida
|attendance=64,518
|weather=
|referee=Jim Tunney
|TV=NBC
|TVAnnouncers=Merle Harmon (play–by–play) and George Kunz (color commentator)
|reference=Pro Football Reference; [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198111150tam.htm Denver Broncos at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – November 15, 1981]The Football Database; [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1981111506 Denver Broncos at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – November 15, 1981]
}}
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| Visitor = Denver Broncos
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{{AmFootballScoreSummaryStart|VisitorName=DEN|HomeName=TB|state=collapsed}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=1
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| QB=Morton
| yards=12
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=Steinfort
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}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=3
| Time=13:53
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| DrivePlays=—
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| Visitor=7
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}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=3
| Time=7:22
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| yards=1
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=Steinfort
| Visitor=14
| Home=7
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=4
| Time=13:33
| Team=Broncos
| DrivePlays=13
| DriveLength=60
| DriveTime=
| Type=RecTD
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| QB=DeBerg
| yards=3
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=Steinfort
| Visitor=21
| Home=7
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=4
| Time=11:01
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| Visitor=24
| Home=7
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEnd|Visitor=24|Home=7}}
- Point spread:
- Over/Under:
- Time of Game: 2 hours, 45 minutes
| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto" |
| style="width:30%;" style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}}"|Broncos
! style="width:40%;"|Game Statistics ! style="width:30%;" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|year=1981|border=2}}"|Buccaneers |
|---|
| style="text-align:right;"|
! First downs | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Rushes–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Passing yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! {{Abbr|Passes|Completions–Attempts–Interceptions}} | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Sacked–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Net passing yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Total yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Return yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! {{Abbr|Punts|Number–Average yardage}} | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Fumbles–lost | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Penalties–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Time of possession | |
Individual stats
==Week 12 (Sunday, November 22, 1981): at [[1981 Cincinnati Bengals season|Cincinnati Bengals]]==
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week 12: Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
|date={{dow tooltip|November 22, 1981}}
|time=11:00 a.m. MST
|road=Broncos
|R1=0 |R2=7 |R3=0 |R4=14
|home=Bengals
|H1=14 |H2=14 |H3=0 |H4=10
|stadium=Riverfront Stadium • Cincinnati, Ohio
|attendance=57,207
|weather=
|referee=Jerry Markbreit
|TV=NBC
|TVAnnouncers=Bob Costas (play–by–play) and Gene Washington (color commentator)
|reference=Pro Football Reference; [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198111220cin.htm Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals – November 22, 1981]The Football Database; [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1981112201 Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals – November 22, 1981]
}}
{{AmFootballGameTopPlayers
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| Visitor = Denver Broncos
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{{AmFootballScoreSummaryStart|VisitorName=DEN|HomeName=CIN|state=collapsed}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=1
| Time=
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| Type=RushTD
| Runner=Johnson
| yards=39
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=Breech
| Visitor=0
| Home=7
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=1
| Time=
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| kickresult=good
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| Home=14
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=2
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}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=2
| Time=
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| yards=2
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}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=2
| Time=
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| Home=28
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=4
| Time=
| Team=Bengals
| DrivePlays=
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| Type=FG
| yards=38
| Kicker=Breech
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| Home=31
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=4
| Time=
| Team=Broncos
| DrivePlays=
| DriveLength=
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| Type=RecTD
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| QB=DeBerg
| yards=14
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=Steinfort
| Visitor=14
| Home=31
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=4
| Time=
| Team=Bengals
| DrivePlays=
| DriveLength=
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| QB=Anderson
| yards=65
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=Breech
| Visitor=14
| Home=38
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=4
| Time=
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| kickresult=good
| Kicker=Steinfort
| Visitor=21
| Home=38
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEnd|Visitor=21|Home=38}}
- Point spread:
- Over/Under:
- Time of Game:
| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto" |
| style="width:30%;" style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}}"|Broncos
! style="width:40%;"|Game Statistics ! style="width:30%;" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Cincinnati Bengals|year=1981|border=2}}"|Bengals |
|---|
| style="text-align:right;"|
! First downs | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Rushes–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Passing yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! {{Abbr|Passes|Completions–Attempts–Interceptions}} | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Sacked–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Net passing yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Total yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Return yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! {{Abbr|Punts|Number–Average yardage}} | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Fumbles–lost | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Penalties–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Time of possession | |
Individual stats
==Week 13 (Sunday, November 29, 1981): at [[1981 San Diego Chargers season|San Diego Chargers]]==
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week 13: Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
|date={{dow tooltip|November 29, 1981}}
|time=2:00 p.m. MST
|road=Broncos
|R1=0 |R2=10 |R3=0 |R4=7
|home=Chargers
|H1=14 |H2=13 |H3=7 |H4=0
|stadium=Jack Murphy Stadium • San Diego, California
|attendance=51,533
|weather=
|referee=Bob McElwee
|TV=NBC
|TVAnnouncers=Phil Stone (play–by–play) and John Brodie (color commentator)
|reference=Pro Football Reference; [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198111290sdg.htm Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – November 29, 1981]The Football Database; [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1981112904 Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – November 29, 1981]
}}
{{AmFootballGameTopPlayers
| Float = right
| Visitor = Denver Broncos
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| Home = San Diego Chargers
| HomeDisplay = SD
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}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryStart|VisitorName=DEN|HomeName=SD|state=collapsed}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=1
| Time=
| Team=Chargers
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| Type=RushTD
| Runner=Muncie
| yards=14
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=Benirschke
| Visitor=0
| Home=7
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=1
| Time=
| Team=Chargers
| DrivePlays=
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| yards=1
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| Kicker=Benirschke
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| Home=14
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=2
| Time=
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| Type=RushTD
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| yards=4
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| Kicker=Steinfort
| Visitor=7
| Home=14
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=2
| Time=
| Team=Chargers
| DrivePlays=
| DriveLength=
| DriveTime=
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| Runner=Muncie
| yards=4
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| Kicker=Benirschke
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| Home=20
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=2
| Time=
| Team=Broncos
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| yards=21
| Kicker=Steinfort
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| Home=20
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=2
| Time=
| Team=Chargers
| DrivePlays=
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| DriveTime=
| Type=RushTD
| Runner=Muncie
| yards=3
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=Benirschke
| Visitor=10
| Home=27
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=3
| Time=
| Team=Chargers
| DrivePlays=
| DriveLength=
| DriveTime=
| Type=RecTD
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| QB=Fouts
| yards=1
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=Benirschke
| Visitor=10
| Home=34
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=4
| Time=
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| DrivePlays=
| DriveLength=
| DriveTime=
| Type=RecTD
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| yards=10
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=Steinfort
| Visitor=17
| Home=34
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEnd|Visitor=17|Home=34}}
- Point spread:
- Over/Under:
- Time of Game:
| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto" |
| style="width:30%;" style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}}"|Broncos
! style="width:40%;"|Game Statistics ! style="width:30%;" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1981|border=2}}"|Chargers |
|---|
| style="text-align:right;"|
! First downs | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Rushes–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Passing yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! {{Abbr|Passes|Completions–Attempts–Interceptions}} | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Sacked–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Net passing yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Total yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Return yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! {{Abbr|Punts|Number–Average yardage}} | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Fumbles–lost | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Penalties–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Time of possession | |
Individual stats
==Week 14 (Sunday, December 6, 1981): vs. [[1981 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]]==
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week 14: Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos – Game summary
|date={{dow tooltip|December 6, 1981}}
|time=2:00 p.m. MST
|road=Chiefs
|R1=0 |R2=6 |R3=7 |R4=0
|home=Broncos
|H1=7 |H2=9 |H3=0 |H4=0
|stadium=Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
|attendance=74,744
|weather=
|referee=Red Cashion
|TV=NBC
|TVAnnouncers=Don Criqui (play–by–play) and John Brodie (color commentator)
|reference=Pro Football Reference; [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198112060den.htm Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos – December 6, 1981]The Football Database; [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1981120605 Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos – December 6, 1981]
}}
{{AmFootballGameTopPlayers
| Float = right
| Visitor = Kansas City Chiefs
| VisitorDisplay = KC
| Home = Denver Broncos
| HomeDisplay = DEN
| VisPasser =
| VisPassStats =
| VisRusher =
| VisRushStats =
| VisReceiver =
| VisReceivingStats =
| HomePasser =
| HomePassStats =
| HomeRusher =
| HomeRushStats =
| HomeReceiver =
| HomeReceivingStats =
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryStart|VisitorName=KC|HomeName=DEN|state=collapsed}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=1
| Time=
| Team=Broncos
| DrivePlays=
| DriveLength=
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| Type=RushTD
| Runner=Lytle
| yards=2
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=Steinfort
| Visitor=0
| Home=7
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=2
| Time=
| Team=Broncos
| DrivePlays=
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| DriveTime=
| Type=FG
| yards=21
| Kicker=Steinfort
| Visitor=0
| Home=10
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=2
| Time=
| Team=Broncos
| DrivePlays=
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| Type=RushTD
| Runner=Canada
| yards=2
| kickresult=no good
| Kicker=Steinfort
| Visitor=0
| Home=16
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{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=2
| Time=
| Team=Chiefs
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| Type=FG
| yards=43
| Kicker=Lowery
| Visitor=3
| Home=16
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=2
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| Team=Chiefs
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| yards=45
| Kicker=Lowery
| Visitor=6
| Home=16
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=3
| Time=
| Team=Chiefs
| DrivePlays=
| DriveLength=
| DriveTime=
| Type=RushTD
| Runner=Hadnot
| yards=1
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=Lowery
| Visitor=13
| Home=16
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEnd|Visitor=13|Home=16}}
- Point spread:
- Over/Under:
- Time of Game:
| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto" |
| style="width:30%;" style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Kansas City Chiefs|year=1981|border=2}}"|Chiefs
! style="width:40%;"|Game Statistics ! style="width:30%;" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}}"|Broncos |
|---|
| style="text-align:right;"|
! First downs | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Rushes–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Passing yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! {{Abbr|Passes|Completions–Attempts–Interceptions}} | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Sacked–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Net passing yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Total yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Return yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! {{Abbr|Punts|Number–Average yardage}} | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Fumbles–lost | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Penalties–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Time of possession | |
Individual stats
==Week 15 (Sunday, December 13, 1981): vs. [[1981 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]]==
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week 15: Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos – Game summary
|date={{dow tooltip|December 13, 1981}}
|time=2:00 p.m. MST
|road=Seahawks
|R1=0 |R2=3 |R3=3 |R4=7
|home=Broncos
|H1=7 |H2=3 |H3=6 |H4=7
|stadium=Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
|attendance=74,527
|weather=
|referee=Fred Wyant
|TV=NBC
|TVAnnouncers=Jay Randolph (play–by–play) and Jim Turner (color commentator)
|reference=Pro Football Reference; [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198112130den.htm Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos – December 13, 1981]The Football Database; [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1981121311 Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos – December 13, 1981]
}}
{{AmFootballGameTopPlayers
| Float = right
| Visitor = Seattle Seahawks
| VisitorDisplay = SEA
| Home = Denver Broncos
| HomeDisplay = DEN
| VisPasser =
| VisPassStats =
| VisRusher =
| VisRushStats =
| VisReceiver =
| VisReceivingStats =
| HomePasser =
| HomePassStats =
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| HomeRushStats =
| HomeReceiver =
| HomeReceivingStats =
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{{AmFootballScoreSummaryStart|VisitorName=SEA|HomeName=DEN|state=collapsed}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=1
| Time=
| Team=Broncos
| DrivePlays=
| DriveLength=
| DriveTime=
| Type=RecTD
| Receiver=Odoms
| QB=Morton
| yards=22
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=Steinfort
| Visitor=0
| Home=7
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=2
| Time=
| Team=Seahawks
| DrivePlays=
| DriveLength=
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| Type=FG
| yards=28
| Kicker=Alvarez
| Visitor=3
| Home=7
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=2
| Time=
| Team=Broncos
| DrivePlays=
| DriveLength=
| DriveTime=
| Type=FG
| yards=33
| Kicker=Steinfort
| Visitor=3
| Home=10
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=3
| Time=
| Team=Broncos
| DrivePlays=
| DriveLength=
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| Type=FG
| yards=43
| Kicker=Steinfort
| Visitor=3
| Home=13
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=3
| Time=
| Team=Broncos
| DrivePlays=
| DriveLength=
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| Type=FG
| yards=24
| Kicker=Steinfort
| Visitor=3
| Home=16
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=3
| Time=
| Team=Seahawks
| DrivePlays=
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| DriveTime=
| Type=FG
| yards=20
| Kicker=Alvarez
| Visitor=6
| Home=16
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=4
| Time=
| Team=Broncos
| DrivePlays=
| DriveLength=
| DriveTime=
| Type=RushTD
| Runner=Parros
| yards=8
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=Steinfort
| Visitor=6
| Home=23
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=4
| Time=
| Team=Seahawks
| DrivePlays=
| DriveLength=
| DriveTime=
| Type=RecTD
| Receiver=Hughes
| QB=Krieg
| yards=5
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=Alvarez
| Visitor=13
| Home=23
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEnd|Visitor=13|Home=23}}
- Point spread:
- Over/Under:
- Time of Game:
| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto" |
| style="width:30%;" style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Seattle Seahawks|year=1981|border=2}}"|Seahawks
! style="width:40%;"|Game Statistics ! style="width:30%;" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}}"|Broncos |
|---|
| style="text-align:right;"|
! First downs | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Rushes–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Passing yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! {{Abbr|Passes|Completions–Attempts–Interceptions}} | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Sacked–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Net passing yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Total yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Return yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! {{Abbr|Punts|Number–Average yardage}} | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Fumbles–lost | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Penalties–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Time of possession | |
Individual stats
==Week 16 (Sunday, December 20, 1981); at [[1981 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]]==
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week 16: Denver Broncos at Chicago Bears – Game summary
|date={{dow tooltip|December 20, 1981}}
|time=11:00 a.m. MST
|road=Broncos (10–6)
|R1=3 |R2=0 |R3=14 |R4=7
|home=Bears (6–10)
|H1=0 |H2=14 |H3=14 |H4=7
|stadium=Soldier Field • Chicago, Illinois
|attendance=40,125
|weather=
|referee=Gordon McCarter
|TV=NBC
|TVAnnouncers=Bob Costas (play–by–play) and Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
|reference=Pro Football Reference; [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198112200chi.htm Denver Broncos at Chicago Bears – December 20, 1981]The Football Database; [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1981122003 Denver Broncos at Chicago Bears – December 20, 1981]
}}
{{AmFootballGameTopPlayers
| Float = right
| Visitor = Denver Broncos
| VisitorDisplay = DEN
| Home = Chicago Bears
| HomeDisplay = CHI
| VisPasser =
| VisPassStats =
| VisRusher =
| VisRushStats =
| VisReceiver =
| VisReceivingStats =
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| HomePassStats =
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| HomeReceivingStats =
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{{AmFootballScoreSummaryStart|VisitorName=DEN|HomeName=CHI|state=collapsed}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=1
| Time=
| Team=Broncos
| DrivePlays=
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| DriveTime=
| Type=FG
| yards=46
| Kicker=Steinfort
| Visitor=3
| Home=0
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=2
| Time=
| Team=Bears
| DrivePlays=
| DriveLength=
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| Type=RecTD
| Receiver=Payton
| QB=Evans
| yards=19
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=Roveto
| Visitor=3
| Home=7
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=2
| Time=
| Team=Bears
| DrivePlays=
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| Type=RushTD
| Runner=Harper
| yards=4
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=Roveto
| Visitor=3
| Home=14
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=3
| Time=
| Team=Bears
| DrivePlays=—
| DriveLength=—
| DriveTime=—
| Type=IntTD
| Def=Fencik
| yards=69
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=Roveto
| Visitor=3
| Home=21
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=3
| Time=
| Team=Broncos
| DrivePlays=
| DriveLength=
| DriveTime=
| Type=RecTD
| Receiver=Odoms
| QB=Morton
| yards=6
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=Steinfort
| Visitor=10
| Home=21
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=3
| Time=
| Team=Bears
| DrivePlays=—
| DriveLength=—
| DriveTime=—
| Type=IntTD
| Def=Harris
| yards=44
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=Roveto
| Visitor=10
| Home=28
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=3
| Time=
| Team=Broncos
| DrivePlays=
| DriveLength=
| DriveTime=
| Type=RecTD
| Receiver=Upchurch
| QB=DeBerg
| yards=25
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=Steinfort
| Visitor=17
| Home=28
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=4
| Time=
| Team=Bears
| DrivePlays=
| DriveLength=
| DriveTime=
| Type=RecTD
| Receiver=Payton
| QB=Evans
| yards=25
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=Roveto
| Visitor=17
| Home=35
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=4
| Time=
| Team=Broncos
| DrivePlays=
| DriveLength=
| DriveTime=
| Type=RecTD
| Receiver=Upchurch
| QB=DeBerg
| yards=39
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=Steinfort
| Visitor=24
| Home=35
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEnd|Visitor=24|Home=35}}
- Point spread:
- Over/Under:
- Time of Game:
| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto" |
| style="width:30%;" style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|year=1981|border=2}}"|Broncos
! style="width:40%;"|Game Statistics ! style="width:30%;" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Chicago Bears|year=1981|border=2}}"|Bears |
|---|
| style="text-align:right;"|
! First downs | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Rushes–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Passing yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! {{Abbr|Passes|Completions–Attempts–Interceptions}} | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Sacked–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Net passing yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Total yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Return yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! {{Abbr|Punts|Number–Average yardage}} | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Fumbles–lost | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Penalties–yards | |
| style="text-align:right;"|
! Time of possession | |
Individual stats
=Standings=
{{1981 AFC West standings}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://media.denverbroncos.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/1981.pdf Denver Broncos] – 1981 media guide
- [http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/results.nsf/Teams/1981-den 1981 Denver Broncos season at jt-sw.com]
- [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/1981.htm 1981 Denver Broncos] at Pro-Football-Reference.com
{{Denver Broncos}}
{{Denver Broncos seasons}}
{{1981 NFL season by team}}