What was the primary objective for the Denver Broncos at the start of the 1999 season, and what significant event impacted their ability to achieve it?

The Denver Broncos began the 1999 season with the goal of winning a third consecutive Super Bowl. However, this objective was significantly challenged by the retirement of their Super Bowl XXXIII MVP quarterback, John Elway, during the offseason. Elway had played his entire career with the Broncos, and his departure created a major void.

Who was named the starting quarterback for the 1999 Denver Broncos season, and who was the veteran backup passed over for the role?

Head coach Mike Shanahan named Brian Griese, a third-round pick from the 1998 NFL Draft, as the starting quarterback for the 1999 season. This decision meant veteran quarterback Bubby Brister, who was considered a credible backup, was passed over for the starting position.

Describe the Denver Broncos' participation in the first NFL game held in Australia.

In the preseason, the Denver Broncos played in the first and, to date, only NFL game held in Australia. On August 7, they competed against the San Diego Chargers at Stadium Australia in Sydney, drawing a crowd of 73,811 spectators. The Broncos emerged victorious in this international exhibition game with a score of 20-17.

How did the 1999 Denver Broncos season compare historically to other teams defending their Super Bowl title?

The 1999 season was historically poor for a team defending its Super Bowl title. Until the injury-plagued 2022 Los Angeles Rams season, the Broncos' 6-10 record represented the worst performance for a Super Bowl defending champion in a non-strike season. The 1982 San Francisco 49ers had a lower winning percentage when failing to defend their first Super Bowl championship.

What was the combined record of the 1999 Denver Broncos and the Atlanta Falcons, and why is this statistic significant?

The Denver Broncos and the Atlanta Falcons, who had played in Super Bowl XXXIII, combined for a dismal 11-21 record in the 1999 season. As of 2022, this is the worst combined record for both the defending conference and/or Super Bowl champions in the season immediately following their championship appearance. This mark was later matched by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders in the 2003 season.

According to Football Outsiders, how did the strength of schedule for the Denver Broncos change from the 1998 season to the 1999 season?

Football Outsiders calculated that the Denver Broncos experienced one of the largest single-season increases in schedule difficulty. After having the league's third-easiest schedule in their Super Bowl-winning 1998 season, they faced the toughest schedule in the league in 1999. This dramatic shift was attributed to factors including John Elway's retirement and Terrell Davis's injury.

What significant injury occurred during Week 4 of the 1999 season that impacted the Denver Broncos?

In Week 4 of the 1999 season, star running back Terrell Davis, who had been the league MVP the previous year, suffered a knee injury. This injury was severe enough to place him on injured reserve, ending his season prematurely and significantly impacting the team's offensive capabilities.

Who was the first-round pick for the Denver Broncos in the 1999 NFL Draft, and what position does he play?

The Denver Broncos selected Al Wilson with their first-round pick (31st overall) in the 1999 NFL Draft. Al Wilson played the position of linebacker and attended the University of Tennessee.

Which players were selected by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft?

In the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos selected two players. The first was Montae Reagor, a defensive tackle from Texas Tech. The second was Lennie Friedman, a guard from Duke University.

What does the asterisk (*) next to a player's name in the 1999 NFL Draft table signify?

The asterisk (*) next to a player's name in the 1999 NFL Draft table indicates that the player made at least one Pro Bowl during their career. This designation highlights players who achieved significant individual recognition beyond their draft status.

What trades were involved in the Denver Broncos acquiring the 67th overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft?

The Denver Broncos acquired the 67th overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft through a trade with the Carolina Panthers. Carolina traded their third-round selection (67th overall) and their fourth-round selection in the 2000 NFL Draft (112th overall) to Denver in exchange for quarterback Jeff Lewis.

Who were the primary personnel in the Denver Broncos' front office during the 1999 season?

During the 1999 season, Pat Bowlen served as the President and Chief Executive Officer. Joe Ellis was the Vice President of Business Operations, John Beake was the Vice President of Administration, and Neal Dahlen held the position of General Manager.

Who was the head coach and who led the offensive and defensive units for the 1999 Denver Broncos?

Mike Shanahan was the Head Coach and also held the title of Vice President of Football Operations for the 1999 Denver Broncos. Gary Kubiak served as the Offensive Coordinator, while Greg Robinson was the Defensive Coordinator.

Identify the quarterbacks listed on the 1999 Denver Broncos roster.

The quarterbacks on the 1999 Denver Broncos roster were Bubby Brister (number 6), Jeff Brohm (number 11), Brian Griese (number 14), and Chris Miller (number 12).

Which players on the 1999 Denver Broncos roster were designated as fullbacks (FB)?

The players listed as fullbacks (FB) on the 1999 Denver Broncos roster were Howard Griffith (number 29), Anthony Lynn (number 37), and Detron Smith (number 42).

What does the italicization of player names in the 1999 Denver Broncos roster signify?

In the 1999 Denver Broncos roster, player names that are italicized indicate that they were rookies during that season. This formatting helps distinguish first-year players from veterans.

Which key players on the 1999 Denver Broncos roster were placed on Injured Reserve (IR)?

Several key players on the 1999 Denver Broncos roster were placed on Injured Reserve (IR). These included running back Terrell Davis, offensive guard Lennie Friedman, offensive tackle Tony Jones, safety Tori Noel, tight end Shannon Sharpe, linebacker John Mobley, linebacker Artie Ulmer, and defensive end Alfred Williams.

What was the outcome of the Denver Broncos' Week 1 game in the 1999 season?

In the first week of the 1999 season, the Denver Broncos lost their home game against the Miami Dolphins with a score of 21-38. This loss marked the beginning of a challenging start to the season for the team.

When did the Denver Broncos achieve their first victory of the 1999 season, and against which opponent?

The Denver Broncos secured their first win of the 1999 season in Week 5. They defeated the Oakland Raiders on the road with a score of 16-13, although this game was technically a tie that went into overtime, with the Broncos ultimately prevailing.

Did the Denver Broncos play any overtime games during the 1999 regular season, and what were the results?

Yes, the Denver Broncos played two overtime games during the 1999 regular season. They won their Week 11 game against the Oakland Raiders 27-21 and also won their Week 15 game against the Seattle Seahawks 36-30.

What was the Denver Broncos' final standing in the AFC West division for the 1999 season?

In the 1999 season, the Denver Broncos finished in fifth place in the AFC West division with a record of 6 wins and 10 losses. This was the lowest position in the division for the team that year.

Which teams finished ahead of the Denver Broncos in the 1999 AFC West standings?

The Seattle Seahawks and the Kansas City Chiefs both finished ahead of the Denver Broncos in the 1999 AFC West standings, each with a record of 9-7. The San Diego Chargers and the Oakland Raiders also finished ahead of Denver, both with records of 8-8.

What were the total points scored for (PF) and points allowed against (PA) by the Denver Broncos during the 1999 season?

During the 1999 season, the Denver Broncos scored a total of 314 points (PF) and allowed 318 points against them (PA).

Who were the owners and the head coach of the Denver Broncos during the 1999 season?

Pat Bowlen was the owner and president of the Denver Broncos during the 1999 season. Mike Shanahan served as the head coach.

What was the significance of John Elway's retirement for the 1999 Denver Broncos season?

John Elway's retirement after the 1998 season, following their Super Bowl XXXIII victory, left a significant leadership and performance void. As the team's iconic quarterback who had spent his entire career with Denver, his absence was a major storyline and challenge for the team heading into the 1999 season.

Which player was selected as the 31st overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos?

The Denver Broncos selected Al Wilson as the 31st overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft. Wilson played linebacker and attended the University of Tennessee.

What was the Broncos' record in games decided in the final two minutes of play during the 1999 season?

The text states that many of the Broncos' games in the 1999 season were decided in the final two minutes of play, but they found themselves on the losing end in those close contests, contributing to their overall 6-10 record.

Who were the general managers for the Denver Broncos in 1999?

In 1999, the Denver Broncos had two individuals listed as General Managers: Neal Dahlen and Mike Shanahan.

What does the notation 'OT' signify in the 1999 Denver Broncos schedule results?

The notation 'OT' in the 1999 Denver Broncos schedule results indicates that the game went into overtime. This means the score was tied at the end of regulation play, and an extra period was played to determine the winner.

Which player, previously the league MVP, suffered a season-ending injury in Week 4 of the 1999 season?

Star running back Terrell Davis, who had been the league MVP the previous year, suffered a knee injury in Week 4 of the 1999 season that placed him on injured reserve for the remainder of the season.

What was the result of the Denver Broncos' final regular season game in 1999?

The Denver Broncos lost their final regular season game of 1999 on January 2nd against the San Diego Chargers with a score of 6-12.

Who was the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos in 1998, and what was his status in 1999?

John Elway was the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos in 1998, leading them to a Super Bowl XXXIII victory where he was named MVP. In the 1999 offseason, Elway retired from professional football after spending his entire career with the team.

What was the attendance for the Denver Broncos' Week 1 game against the Miami Dolphins in 1999?

The attendance for the Denver Broncos' Week 1 game against the Miami Dolphins on September 13, 1999, was 75,623 spectators.

Which college did the Denver Broncos' 1999 draft picks Al Wilson and Montae Reagor attend?

Al Wilson, the Broncos' first-round pick, attended the University of Tennessee. Montae Reagor, a second-round pick, attended Texas Tech University.

What was the significance of the Broncos' 6-10 record in the context of the AFC West division in 1999?

The Denver Broncos' 6-10 record in 1999 placed them in last place (5th) in the AFC West division. This was their worst divisional finish of the season.

Who were the offensive and defensive coordinators for the 1999 Denver Broncos?

Gary Kubiak served as the Offensive Coordinator for the 1999 Denver Broncos, while Greg Robinson was the Defensive Coordinator.

What does the notation 'W' and 'L' signify in the 1999 Denver Broncos schedule results?

In the 1999 Denver Broncos schedule results, 'W' signifies a win for the Broncos, and 'L' signifies a loss.

Which player on the 1999 Denver Broncos roster was noted for military service?

Linebacker Chris Gizzi was listed on the 1999 Denver Broncos roster as being on military service, rather than injured reserve or inactive.

1999 Denver Broncos Season Wiki: Gridiron Transition: The Denver Broncos' 1999 Season Analysis

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Season Overview

Record and Context

The 1999 Denver Broncos concluded their season with a 6-10 record, marking their first losing season since 1994 and their worst performance since 1990. This season followed consecutive Super Bowl victories, including Super Bowl XXXIII, and was significantly impacted by the retirement of legendary quarterback and Super Bowl XXXIII MVP, John Elway. The team faced the considerable challenge of transitioning to a new era under Head Coach Mike Shanahan, with Brian Griese stepping into the pivotal quarterback role.

Global Preseason and Domestic Struggles

The preseason featured a notable international engagement: the Broncos played the San Diego Chargers in Sydney, Australia, before a crowd of 73,811. Domestically, the regular season began with a significant stumble, as the Broncos lost their first four games. Many contests were decided in the closing minutes, but the team consistently found themselves on the losing side, ultimately finishing last in the five-team AFC West division.

Impact of Injuries

Compounding the challenges of transition, the Broncos suffered a critical injury early in the season. Star running back Terrell Davis, the league MVP from the previous year, sustained a knee injury in Week 4, ending his season prematurely. This loss significantly hampered the team's offensive capabilities and contributed to their overall struggles.

Key Personnel

Ownership and Management

The franchise was owned by Pat Bowlen, who also served as President. The General Manager roles were held by Neal Dahlen and Mike Shanahan, indicating a collaborative approach to football operations. This leadership structure was in place during a critical period of team evolution.

Coaching Staff

Mike Shanahan continued as Head Coach, also holding the title of Vice President of Football Operations. Gary Kubiak served as Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach, while Greg Robinson led the defense as Defensive Coordinator. Key assistants included Alex Gibbs (Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line) and Bobby Turner (Running Backs), forming the core of the coaching department.

1999 Draft Class

Notable Selections

The Denver Broncos made several selections in the 1999 NFL Draft, aiming to bolster their roster following the departure of key players. The first-round pick, Al Wilson, a linebacker from Tennessee, was a significant addition. Other notable selections included Montae Reagor (Defensive Tackle) and Lennie Friedman (Guard), both of whom had careers that included Pro Bowl selections.

The following table details the Denver Broncos' selections in the 1999 NFL Draft:

Round	Pick	Player	Position	College	Notes
1	31	Al Wilson*	Linebacker	Tennessee
2	58	Montae Reagor	Defensive tackle	Texas Tech	from San Francisco
2	61	Lennie Friedman*	Guard	Duke
3	67	Chris Watson	Cornerback	Eastern Illinois	from Carolina
3	93	Travis McGriff	Wide receiver	Florida
4	127	Olandis Gary	Running back	Georgia
5	158	David Bowens	Defensive end	Western Illinois	from Dallas
5	167	Darwin Brown	Defensive back	Texas Tech
6	179	Desmond Clark*	Tight end	Wake Forest	from New Orleans via Washington
6	204	Chad Plummer	Wide receiver	Cincinnati
7	218	Billy Miller*	Tight end	USC	from New Orleans via Washington
7	238	Justin Swift	Tight end	Kansas State
Made roster Pro Bowl selection

Game Schedule & Results

Season Progression

The 1999 season saw the Broncos navigate a challenging schedule, marked by close contests and a difficult start. The team experienced a winless first month, followed by a period of mixed results, including crucial overtime victories against the Raiders and Seahawks. Ultimately, the team finished the season with a 6-10 record, failing to secure a playoff berth.

The following table details the Denver Broncos' 1999 regular season schedule and results:

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Attendance
1	September 13	Miami Dolphins	L 21–38	0–1	75,623
2	September 19	at Kansas City Chiefs	L 10–26	0–2	78,683
3	September 26	at Tampa Bay Buccaneers	L 10–13	0–3	65,297
4	October 3	New York Jets	L 13–21	0–4	74,181
5	October 10	at Oakland Raiders	W 16–13	1–4	55,704
6	October 17	Green Bay Packers	W 31–10	2–4	73,352
7	October 24	at New England Patriots	L 23–24	2–5	60,011
8	October 31	Minnesota Vikings	L 20–23	2–6	75,021
9	November 7	at San Diego Chargers	W 33–17	3–6	61,204
10	November 14	at Seattle Seahawks	L 17–20	3–7	66,314
11	November 22	Oakland Raiders	W 27–21 (OT)	4–7	70,012
12	Bye
13	December 5	Kansas City Chiefs	L 10–16	4–8	73,855
14	December 13	at Jacksonville Jaguars	L 24–27	4–9	71,357
15	December 19	Seattle Seahawks	W 36–30 (OT)	5–9	65,987
16	December 25	at Detroit Lions	W 17–7	6–9	73,158
17	January 2	San Diego Chargers	L 6–12	6–10	69,278

AFC West Standings

Divisional Performance

The Denver Broncos finished the 1999 season in fifth place within the AFC West division, reflecting the team's overall performance. This placement underscores the competitive landscape of the division and the challenges faced by the Broncos during this transitional period.

The final standings for the AFC West in the 1999 NFL season were as follows:

AFC West
Team	W	L	T	PCT	PF	PA	STK
⁽³⁾ Seattle Seahawks	9	7	0	.563	338	298	L1
Kansas City Chiefs	9	7	0	.563	390	322	L2
San Diego Chargers	8	8	0	.500	269	316	W2
Oakland Raiders	8	8	0	.500	390	329	W1
Denver Broncos	6	10	0	.375	314	318	L1

Team Roster

Key Personnel and Positions

The 1999 roster featured a mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent, tasked with filling the void left by iconic players. The quarterback position saw Brian Griese take the primary role, supported by veterans Bubby Brister and Jeff Brohm. The offensive line included established players like Tom Nalen and Mark Schlereth, while the defensive front was anchored by talents such as Trevor Pryce. The team also had notable players at linebacker like Al Wilson and in the defensive backfield with Tory James.

A detailed breakdown of the 1999 Denver Broncos roster by position:

Quarterbacks (QB)
6	Bubby Brister	QB
11	Jeff Brohm	QB
14	Brian Griese	QB
12	Chris Miller	QB
Running Backs (RB)
33	John Avery	RB/KR
22	Olandis Gary	RB
29	Howard Griffith	FB
31	Derek Loville	RB
37	Anthony Lynn	FB
42	Detron Smith	FB
Wide Receivers (WR)
81	Andre Cooper	WR
85	Chris Doering	WR
87	Ed McCaffrey	WR
83	Travis McGriff	WR/PR
80	Rod Smith	WR
Tight Ends (TE)
89	Dwayne Carswell	TE
86	Byron Chamberlain	TE
88	Desmond Clark	TE
82	Billy Miller	TE
Offensive Linemen (OL)
79	Chris Banks	G
60	K. C. Jones	C
78	Matt Lepsis	T
66	Tom Nalen	C
62	Dan Neil	G
69	Mark Schlereth	G
70	Trey Teague	G
71	Melvin Tuten	T
Defensive Linemen (DL)
73	Cyron Brown	DE
95	Paul Grasmanis	DT
96	Harald Hasselbach	DE
97	Mike Lodish	DT
93	Trevor Pryce	DT
99	Montae Reagor	DE/DT
90	Neil Smith	DE
94	Keith Traylor	NT
98	Maa Tanuvasa	DE
Linebackers (LB)
52	David Bowens	OLB
59	Glenn Cadrez	LB
53	Bill Romanowski	OLB
58	Steve Russ	OLB
54	Nate Wayne	OLB
56	Al Wilson	MLB
Defensive Backs (DB)
34	Tyrone Braxton	SS
40	Dale Carter	CB
48	George Coghill	FS
39	Ray Crockett	CB
20	Tory James	CB
25	Darrius Johnson	CB/S
23	Jason Moore	SS
35	Jason Suttle	CB
21	Chris Watson	CB/KR
Special Teams (ST)
1	Jason Elam	K
16	Tom Rouen	P
Reserve / Injured Reserve (IR)
26	Eric Brown	S (IR)
30	Terrell Davis	RB (IR)
64	Lennie Friedman	G (IR)
49	Chris Gizzi	LB (Military)
77	Tony Jones	T (IR)
38	Tori Noel	S (IR)
84	Shannon Sharpe	TE (IR)
51	John Mobley	LB (IR)
50	Artie Ulmer	LB (IR)
91	Alfred Williams	DE (IR)
Rookies in italics

Season Analysis

Post-Championship Decline

The 1999 season is often cited as a stark example of the challenges faced by teams following consecutive Super Bowl victories. The departure of a franchise icon like John Elway created a significant leadership and performance vacuum. Coupled with the league's toughest schedule (as calculated by Football Outsiders) and the devastating injury to Terrell Davis, the Broncos struggled to maintain their championship form. This season serves as a case study in team transition and the impact of key personnel changes on performance.

Comparative Performance

The combined record of the Broncos (6-10) and their Super Bowl XXXIII opponent, the Atlanta Falcons (7-9), resulted in an 11-21 combined record for the season following their championship matchup. As of 2022, this represented the worst combined record for defending conference or Super Bowl champions in the subsequent season. This highlights the difficulty in sustaining elite performance year after year in the NFL.

Strategic Implications

The 1999 season underscored the importance of depth and adaptability in professional football. The loss of key players like Davis and the need for a new starting quarterback exposed vulnerabilities. The team's performance also reflected the increasing strength and parity within the AFC West division, where multiple teams finished with winning records.

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References

Broncos' record worst among Super Bowl champions, Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Jan 3, 2000 by John Branch

A full list of references for this article are available at the 1999 Denver Broncos season Wikipedia page

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Academic and Informational Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only, presented in an academic style suitable for higher education students. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional sports advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional sports analysis, scouting, or strategic consultation. Always refer to official league data and consult with qualified sports professionals for specific insights or predictions.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Gridiron Transition

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Season Overview 🏈

📉 Record and Context

✈️ Global Preseason and Domestic Struggles

🤕 Impact of Injuries

Key Personnel 👨‍💼

👑 Ownership and Management

👨‍🏫 Coaching Staff

1999 Draft Class 📜

🌟 Notable Selections

Game Schedule & Results 🗓️

⚔️ Season Progression

AFC West Standings 📊

📍 Divisional Performance

Team Roster 👥

👥 Key Personnel and Positions

Season Analysis 📈

🏆 Post-Championship Decline

⚖️ Comparative Performance

💡 Strategic Implications

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📜 Academic and Informational Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Season Overview

Record and Context

Global Preseason and Domestic Struggles

Impact of Injuries

Key Personnel

Ownership and Management

Coaching Staff

1999 Draft Class

Notable Selections

Game Schedule & Results

Season Progression

AFC West Standings

Divisional Performance

Team Roster

Key Personnel and Positions

Season Analysis

Post-Championship Decline

Comparative Performance

Strategic Implications

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Academic and Informational Notice