1996 Denver Broncos season
The 1996 Denver Broncos season was the franchise's 27th season in the National Football League, the 37th overall and their 2nd under head coach Mike Shanahan. The Broncos improved on their 8–8 record from 1995 and finished the season with a 13–3 record. They also cliched the AFC West for the first time since 1991, and earning the top seed in the AFC Playoffs. In the playoffs, the Broncos were upset by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Divisional Round, 30–27. Prior to their defeat, they were the top-seeded team in the NFL and were  heavily favored to go to and win the Super Bowl by many analysts, breaking the AFC losing streak from the 1980s. The loss rendered the 1996 Broncos team as a historic failure, as it was a major Super Bowl or bust year. This was also the final year the Broncos wore their "Orange Crush" uniforms. Offseason. NFL Draft. The team was also set to pick University of Nebraska quarterback Brook Berringer. Berringer was killed in a plane crash two days before the draft. Awards and records. Pro Bowl QB John Elway RB Terrell Davis TE Shannon Sharpe T Gary Zimmerman  DE Alfred Williams DT Michael Perry LB Bill Romanowski S Steve Atwater S Tyrone Braxton AP Offensive Player of the Year – Terrell Davis UPI AFL-AFC Offensive MVP – Terrell Davis (1996 was the last year this award was given out) Terrell Davis sets Franchise rushing record For Carries (345) in a season and touchdown's rushing (13) in a season Milestones. Terrell Davis reaches 1,000yds faster than any Denver Bronco running back in Franchise history