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The original was posted on /r/nfl by /u/Kimber80 on 2024-01-31 15:52:48.
Yes, it’s been a quarter-century since John Elway played his last game, leading the Denver Broncos to victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl XXXIII.
By record, this was one of the best Super Bowl matchups ever, as both teams came in to the game with sterling 14-2 marks. But the game itself was largely boring. The Falcons led 3-0 early, but after the Broncos answered with a 80 yard TD drive on their first possession, they led the rest oft he way. The Broncos led 7-3, 17-6, 17-6 and 34-19 after each quarter.
It was a balanced effort - Elway threw for 336 yards and an efficient 99.2 PR to win MVP honors, while on the ground Terrell Davis rushed 25 times for 102 yards. In contrast, Falcons QB Chris Chandler threw for 1 TD and 3 INTs and finished with a 47.2 PR. The Broncos gained 120 more yards than the Falcons, had fewer turnovers, and more time of possession. Notably, the Falcons were not penalized in this game. But it didn’t help.
The 1998 Denver Broncos are IMO one of the under-rated teams of all time. IIRC, they are the only team since the 1972 Dolphins to not lose a meaningful game all season. They started 13-0, and by the time they lost their two regular season games, had already clinched HFA throughout the playoffs.
Congratulations, Broncos!