Broncos haven’t been this bad since early years following AFL-NFL merger

The Denver Broncos have not had three consecutive losing seasons since the years immediately following the AFL-NFL merger.

1971 season

Denver Broncos receivers Jerry Simmons (80) and Dwight Harrison (82) on the sideline against the Oakland Raiders at the Oakland Coliseum. (Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports)

The Broncos started the 1971 season with a tie against the Miami Dolphins before proceeding to lose three games in a row to the Green Bay Packers, Chiefs and Raiders.

They would win their next two games before suffering another three-game losing skid. After a home defeat against the Cincinnati Bengals, Saban resigned on November 17th. He would stay on as the team’s general manager.

The Broncos finished in last place in the AFC West and had a 1-5 record against divisional opponents. Saban was hired as head coach of the Bills following that season.

1972 season

Denver Broncos defensive back Leroy Mitchell (41) in action against the Los Angeles Rams at the Coliseum. (Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports)

With Ralston on the sideline as the team’s new head coach, the Broncos started the 1972 season with a 30-17 win over the Oilers before going on to lose their next four games.

They managed to finish third in the division following back-to-back blowout wins over the San Diego Chargers and New England Patriots, which gave hope going into the next season.

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