1983 Denver Broncos season

1983 Denver Broncos season
1983 Denver Broncos season
Owner	Edgar Kaiser
General manager	Hein Poulus
Head coach	Dan Reeves
Home stadium	Mile High Stadium
Results
Record	9–7
Division place	3rd AFC West
Playoffs	Lost Wild Card Playoffs; (at Seahawks) 7–31
Uniform

The 1983 Denver Broncos season was its 24th in professional football and 14th in the National Football League (NFL). Led by third-year head coach Dan Reeves, the Broncos were 9–7, third in the AFC West, and made their first playoff appearance in four seasons.

Before the season, the Broncos traded with the Baltimore Colts for the rights to first overall pick in the 1983 draft, quarterback John Elway. He started ten games for the Broncos as a rookie, and the team won four of them.^[1] In his first two starts, both road wins, Elway left the game trailing, relieved by veteran Steve DeBerg.^[2]^[3]

After three straight losses, Elway was benched by Reeves in early October;^[4] and DeBerg led the team to four consecutive victories and a 6–3 record. A shoulder injury in a loss in Seattle sidelined him and Elway again became the starter.^[5]^[6] In the rematch with Seattle two weeks later in Denver, Elway was out with the flu and third-string rookie Gary Kubiak led the Broncos to a win.^[7]^[8]

Elway's finest game as a rookie came in week 15, the Broncos' second game against Baltimore, the team that drafted him. Denver trailed 19–0 at the start of the fourth quarter, until Elway threw for three touchdowns in the final period to win 21–19 and kept their playoff hopes alive.^[9]^[10] The following week was a lopsided road loss at Kansas City in −30 °F (−34 °C) wind chill, but the Broncos made the playoffs, gaining the final AFC berth over Cleveland, also at 9–7, whom they defeated in week 14.^[11]

DeBerg started the wild card playoff loss in Seattle,^[8]^[12] and was relieved by Elway in the fourth quarter.^[13]

The Broncos' wild-card playoff loss to the Seahawks marked their only playoff appearance during the three-year ownership of Edgar Kaiser Jr.; Pat Bowlen bought the team the following spring.

NFL draft

Round	Pick	Player	Position	College	Notes
1983 Denver Broncos draft
1	4	Chris Hinton	Guard	Northwestern	traded to the Baltimore Colts along with Quarterback Mark Herrmann and the Broncos' first round pick in the 1984 NFL Draft for John Elway
2	31	Mark Cooper	Tackle	Miami (FL)	1983-1987 (5 seasons) then Tampa Bay from 1987-1989
3	60	Clint Sampson	Wide Receiver	San Diego State	1983-1986 (4 seasons)
5	116	George "Weedy" Harris	Linebacker	Houston
5	125	Bruce Baldwin	Defensive Back	Harding
6	143	Victor Heflin	Defensive Back	Delaware State	not signed by the Broncos, but went on to play for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1983-1984
7	172	Myron Dupree	Defensive Back	North Carolina Central	1983
8	197	Gary Kubiak	Quarterback	Texas A&M	1983-1991 (9 seasons)
9	228	Brian Hawkins	Defensive Back	San Jose State
10	254	Walt Bowyer	Defensive End	Arizona State	1983-1984, 1987-1988 (4 seasons)
11	283	Don Bailey	Center	Miami (FL)	not signed by the Broncos, but went on to play for the Indianapolis Colts from 1984-1985
12	310	Karl Mecklenburg *	Linebacker	Minnesota	1983-1994 (12 seasons), 6x Pro Bowl, 4x First Team All-Pro, Denver Broncos Ring of Fame
Made roster † Pro Football Hall of Fame * Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

^[14]

Personnel

Staff

**1983 Denver Broncos staff**
	Front office Owner – Edgar Kaiser Vice President/General Manager – Hein Poulus Director of Football Operations – John Beake Coordinator of College Scouting – Reed Johnson Head coaches Head Coach – Dan Reeves Assistant Head Coach/Defense – Joe Collier Special Assistant – Marvin Bass Offensive coaches Quarterbacks/Wide Receivers – John Hadl Running Backs – Nick Nicolau Offensive Line – Dan Radakovich			Defensive coaches Defensive Line – Stan Jones Linebackers – Myrel Moore Defensive Backs – Charlie West Special teams coaches Special Teams/Tight Ends – Fran Polsfoot Strength and conditioning Strength/Conditioning – IJ Gorman

Source:^[15]

Roster

**1983 Denver Broncos roster**
Quarterbacks (QB) 7 John Elway 8 Gary Kubiak Running backs (RB) 39 Jesse Myles 34 Nathan Poole 46 Dave Preston 47 Gerald Willhite 23 Sammy Winder Wide receivers (WR) 84 Clint Sampson 82 Zach Thomas 80 Rick Upchurch 81 Steve Watson Tight ends (TE) 85 Ron Egloff 88 Riley Odoms 83 John Sawyer		Offensive linemen (OL) 74 Jerry Baker T 54 Keith Bishop G 64 Billy Bryan C 63 Mark Cooper G 62 Tom Glassic G 60 Paul Howard G 63 Ken Lanier T 70 Dave Studdard T 67 Keith Uecker T Defensive linemen (DL) 65 Walt Bowyer DE 68 Rubin Carter NT 79 Barney Chavous DE 75 Rulon Jones DE 72 Don Latimer NT 66 Brison Manor DE 77 Karl Mecklenburg DE 78 Rich Stachowski NT		Linebackers (LB) 58 Steve Busick ILB 59 Darren Comeaux ILB 55 Rick Dennison OLB 53 Randy Gradishar ILB 57 Tom Jackson OLB 50 Jim Ryan OLB 52 Ken Woodard OLB Defensive backs (DB) 21 Myron Dupree SS 43 Steve Foley FS 31 Mike Harden CB 28 Roger Jackson FS/CB 29 Wilbur Myers FS 49 Dennis Smith SS 37 Steve Trimble SS 45 Steve Wilson CB 20 Louis Wright CB Special teams (ST) 3 Rich Karlis K 11 Luke Prestridge P		Reserve 86 Dean Barnett TE (IR) 17 Steve DeBerg QB (IR) -- Bret Felknor DE (IR) -- George Harris LB (IR) 73 Shawn Hollingsworth T (IR) 41 Rob Lytle RB (IR) -- Maomao Niko T (IR) 24 Rick Parros RB (IR) -- Jeff Raikes WR (IR) 51 Bob Swenson LB (IR) 87 James Wright TE (IR) Rookies in italics

Preseason

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance
1	August 5	Seattle Seahawks	W 10–7	1–0	Mile High Stadium	53,887
2	August 13	Atlanta Falcons	W 21–10	2–0	Mile High Stadium	73,199
3	August 20	Cleveland Browns	W 19–10	3–0	Mile High Stadium	73,244
4	August 26	at Minnesota Vikings	L 3–34	3–1	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	59,435

Regular season

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance
1	September 4	at Pittsburgh Steelers	W 14–10	1–0	Three Rivers Stadium	58,233
2	September 11	at Baltimore Colts	W 17–10	2–0	Memorial Stadium	52,613
3	September 18	Philadelphia Eagles	L 10–13	2–1	Mile High Stadium	74,202
4	September 25	Los Angeles Raiders	L 7–22	2–2	Mile High Stadium	74,289
5	October 2	at Chicago Bears	L 14–31	2–3	Soldier Field	58,210
6	October 9	at Houston Oilers	W 26–14	3–3	Astrodome	44,209
7	October 16	Cincinnati Bengals	W 24–17	4–3	Mile High Stadium	74,305
8	October 23	San Diego Chargers	W 14–6	5–3	Mile High Stadium	74,581
9	October 30	Kansas City Chiefs	W 27–24	6–3	Mile High Stadium	74,640
10	November 6	at Seattle Seahawks	L 19–27	6–4	Kingdome	61,189
11	November 13	at Los Angeles Raiders	L 20–22	6–5	Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum	51,945
12	November 20	Seattle Seahawks	W 38–27	7–5	Mile High Stadium	74,710
13	November 27	at San Diego Chargers	L 7–31	7–6	Jack Murphy Stadium	43,650
14	December 4	Cleveland Browns	W 27–6	8–6	Mile High Stadium	70,912
15	December 11	Baltimore Colts	W 21–19	9–6	Mile High Stadium	74,864
16	December 18	at Kansas City Chiefs	L 17–48	9–7	Arrowhead Stadium	11,377
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1 (Sunday, September 4, 1983): at Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 1: Denver Broncos at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Broncos (1–0)	0	7	0	7	14
Steelers (0–1)	0	7	3	0	10

at Three Rivers Stadium • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Date: September 4
Game time: 11:00 a.m. MDT
Game weather: 73 °F (23 °C), wind 5 mph (8 km/h)
Game attendance: 58,233
Referee: Jerry Seeman
TV announcers (NBC): Bob Costas (play–by–play) and Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
^[16]^[17]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
DEN	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
PIT	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	DEN	PIT
2	12:38				Broncos	Winder 1-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good	7	0
2	1:08				Steelers	Harris 4-yard touchdown run, Anderson kick good	7	7
3	8:41				Steelers	31-yard field goal by Anderson	7	10
4	2:54				Broncos	Egloff 2-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Karlis kick good	14	10
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							14	10

Point spread:
Over/Under:
Time of Game:

Broncos	Game Statistics	Steelers
	First downs
	Rushes–yards
	Passing yards
	Passes
	Sacked–yards
	Net passing yards
	Total yards
	Return yards
	Punts
	Fumbles–lost
	Penalties–yards
	Time of possession

Individual stats

Week 2 (Sunday, September 11, 1983): at Baltimore Colts

Week 2: Denver Broncos at Baltimore Colts – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Broncos (2–0)	0	3	0	14	17
Colts (1–1)	3	0	0	7	10

at Memorial Stadium • Baltimore, Maryland

Date: September 11
Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
Game weather: 84 °F (29 °C), wind 10 mph (16 km/h)
Game attendance: 52,613
Referee: Gene Barth
TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert (play–by–play) and John Brodie (color commentator)
^[18]^[19]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
DEN	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
BAL	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	DEN	BAL
1	8:06				Colts	32-yard field goal by Allegre	0	3
2	1:51				Broncos	42-yard field goal by Karlis	3	3
4	11:45	—	—	—	Colts	Fumble recovery returned 41 yards for touchdown by Anderson, Allegre kick good	3	10
4	5:55				Broncos	Watson 24-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Karlis kick good	10	10
4	0:29				Broncos	Watson 2-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good	17	10
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							17	10

Point spread:
Over/Under:
Time of Game:

Broncos	Game Statistics	Colts
	First downs
	Rushes–yards
	Passing yards
	Passes
	Sacked–yards
	Net passing yards
	Total yards
	Return yards
	Punts
	Fumbles–lost
	Penalties–yards
	Time of possession

Individual stats

Week 3 (Sunday, September 18, 1983): vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Week 3: Philadelphia Eagles at Denver Broncos – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Eagles (2–1)	7	0	0	6	13
Broncos (2–1)	0	0	3	7	10

at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado

Date: September 18
Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
Game attendance: 74,202
Referee: Gordon McCarter
TV announcers (CBS): Tom Brookshier (play–by–play) and Charlie Waters (color commentator)
^[20]^[21]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
PHI	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
DEN	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	PHI	DEN
1	4:18				Eagles	Quick 38-yard touchdown reception from Jaworski, Franklin kick good	7	0
3	11:01				Broncos	34-yard field goal by Karlis	7	3
4	13:08				Eagles	20-yard field goal by Franklin	10	3
4	1:54				Broncos	Parros 33-yard touchdown reception from Elway, Karlis kick good	10	10
4	0:57				Eagles	43-yard field goal by Franklin	13	10
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							13	10

Point spread:
Over/Under:
Time of Game:

Eagles	Game Statistics	Broncos
	First downs
	Rushes–yards
	Passing yards
	Passes
	Sacked–yards
	Net passing yards
	Total yards
	Return yards
	Punts
	Fumbles–lost
	Penalties–yards
	Time of possession

Individual stats

Week 4 (Sunday, September 25, 1983): vs. Los Angeles Raiders

Week 4: Los Aneles Raiders at Denver Broncos – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Raiders (4–0)	0	7	13	2	22
Broncos (2–2)	0	0	0	7	7

at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado

Date: September 25
Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
Game attendance: 74,289
Referee: Dick Jorgensen
TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert (play–by–play) and John Brodie (color commentator)
^[22]^[23]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
RAI	Passing	Jim Plunkett	13/24, 154 YDS, 2 TDs, 1 INT
	Rushing	Marcus Allen	15 CAR, 45 YDS
	Receiving	Marcus Allen	4 CAR, 20 YDS
DEN	Passing	Steve DeBerg	8/21, 117 YDS, 1 INT
	Rushing	Sammy Winder	20 CAR, 119 YDS
	Receiving	Steve Watson	5 REC, 72 YDS

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	RAI	DEN
2	7:11	2	36		Raiders	Branch 35-yard touchdown reception from Plunkett, Bahr kick good	7	0
3	9:41				Raiders	27-yard field goal by Bahr	10	0
3	2:23				Raiders	29-yard field goal by Bahr	13	0
3	0:44				Raiders	Branch 17-yard touchdown reception from Plunkett, Bahr kick good	20	0
4	1:42	—	—	—	Broncos	Thomas 70-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, Karlis kick good	20	7
4	0:54	—	—	—	Raiders	DeBerg tackled in end zone for a safety by Townsend	22	7
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							22	7

Point spread: Broncos +3½
Over/Under: 34.0 (under)
Time of Game:

Raiders	Game Statistics	Broncos
11	First downs	16
37–82	Rushes–yards	30–130
154	Passing yards	188
13–24–1	Passes	14–33–2
3–22	Sacked–yards	5–50
132	Net passing yards	138
214	Total yards	268
113	Return yards	122
9–46.1	Punts	8–42.6
3–0	Fumbles–lost	4–2
4–22	Penalties–yards	9–78
29:29	Time of possession	30:31

Individual stats

Week 5 (Sunday, October 2, 1983): at Chicago Bears

Week 5: Denver Broncos at Chicago Bears – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Broncos (2–3)	0	0	7	7	14
Bears (2–3)	14	10	0	7	31

at Soldier Field • Chicago, Illinois

Date: October 2
Game time: 11:00 a.m. MDT
Game attendance: 58,210
Referee: Fred Silva
TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones (play–by–play) and Bob Griese (color commentator)
^[24]^[25]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
DEN	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
CHI	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	DEN	CHI
1	13:49				Bears	Suhey 13-yard touchdown run, Thomas kick good	0	7
1	0:07				Bears	Gault 15-yard touchdown reception from McMahon, Thomas kick good	0	14
2	10:00	—	—	—	Bears	Interception returned 11 yards for touchdown by Frazier, Thomas kick good	0	21
2	1:07				Bears	19-yard field goal by Thomas	0	24
3	2:15				Broncos	Poole 15-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good	7	24
4	14:32				Broncos	Upchurch 15-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Karlis kick good	14	24
4	14:08				Bears	Gault 72-yard touchdown reception from Evans, Thomas kick good	14	31
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							14	31

Point spread:
Over/Under:
Time of Game:

Broncos	Game Statistics	Bears
	First downs
	Rushes–yards
	Passing yards
	Passes
	Sacked–yards
	Net passing yards
	Total yards
	Return yards
	Punts
	Fumbles–lost
	Penalties–yards
	Time of possession

Individual stats

Week 6 (Sunday, October 9, 1983): at Houston Oilers

Week 6: Denver Broncos at Houston Oilers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Broncos (3–3)	7	13	3	3	26
Oilers (0–6)	0	14	0	0	14

at Astrodome • Houston, Texas

Date: October 9
Game time: 11:00 p.m. MDT
Game weather: indoors (dome)
Game attendance: 44,209
Referee: Fred Wyant
TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play–by–play) and Ahmad Rashad (color commentator)
^[26]^[27]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
DEN	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
HOU	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	DEN	HOU
1	3:33				Broncos	Egloff 7-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Karlis kick good	7	0
2	14:51				Oilers	Smith 40-yard touchdown reception from Nielsen, Kempf kick good	7	7
2	11:27				Broncos	45-yard field goal by Karlis	10	7
2	4:34				Broncos	Watson 24-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Karlis kick good	17	7
2	2:16				Broncos	39-yard field goal by Karlis	20	7
2	1:05				Oilers	Campbell 1-yard touchdown run, Kempf kick good	20	14
3	0:32				Broncos	49-yard field goal by Karlis	23	14
4	1:57				Broncos	35-yard field goal by Karlis	26	14
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							26	14

Point spread:
Over/Under:
Time of Game:

Broncos	Game Statistics	Oilers
	First downs
	Rushes–yards
	Passing yards
	Passes
	Sacked–yards
	Net passing yards
	Total yards
	Return yards
	Punts
	Fumbles–lost
	Penalties–yards
	Time of possession

Individual stats

Week 7 (Sunday, October 16, 1983): vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Week 7: Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bengals (1–6)	7	3	7	0	17
Broncos (4–3)	7	3	7	7	24

at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado

Date: October 16
Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
Game attendance: 74,305
Referee: Jerry Markbreit
TV announcers (NBC): Bob Costas (play–by–play) and Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
^[28]^[29]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
CIN	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
DEN	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	CIN	DEN
1	5:05				Broncos	Preston 3-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Karlis kick good	0	7
1	0:20				Bengals	Alexander 3-yard touchdown run, Breech kick good	7	7
2	6:31				Bengals	35-yard field goal by Breech	10	7
2	1:07				Broncos	31-yard field goal by Karlis	10	10
3	7:11				Broncos	Parros 3-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good	10	17
3	2:35	—	—	—	Bengals	Interception returned 55 yards for touchdown by Horton, Breech kick good	17	17
4	6:57				Broncos	Parros 7-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Karlis kick good	17	24
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							17	24

Point spread:
Over/Under:
Time of Game:

Bengals	Game Statistics	Broncos
	First downs
	Rushes–yards
	Passing yards
	Passes
	Sacked–yards
	Net passing yards
	Total yards
	Return yards
	Punts
	Fumbles–lost
	Penalties–yards
	Time of possession

Individual stats

Week 8 (Sunday, October 23, 1983): vs. San Diego Chargers

Week 8: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers (3–5)	0	3	3	0	6
Broncos (5–3)	0	0	0	14	14

at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado

Date: October 23
Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
Game attendance: 74,581
Referee: Jim Tunney
TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert (play–by–play) and John Brodie (color commentator)
^[30]^[31]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
SD	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
DEN	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	SD	DEN
2	0:23				Chargers	29-yard field goal by Benirschke	3	0
3	1:49				Chargers	30-yard field goal by Benirschke	6	0
4	12:32				Broncos	Upchurch 30-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Karlis kick good	6	7
4	1:42				Broncos	Preston 2-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good	6	14
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							6	14

Point spread:
Over/Under:
Time of Game:

Chargers	Game Statistics	Broncos
	First downs
	Rushes–yards
	Passing yards
	Passes
	Sacked–yards
	Net passing yards
	Total yards
	Return yards
	Punts
	Fumbles–lost
	Penalties–yards
	Time of possession

Individual stats

Week 9 (Sunday, October 30, 1983): vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Week 9: Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chiefs (4–5)	7	0	3	14	24
Broncos (6–3)	0	17	3	7	27

at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado

Date: October 30
Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
Game attendance: 70,912
Referee: Chuck Heberling
TV announcers (NBC): Bob Costas (play–by–play) and Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
^[32]^[33]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
KC	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
DEN	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	KC	DEN
1	5:07				Chiefs	Brown 1-yard touchdown run, Lowery kick good	7	0
2	6:11				Broncos	Poole 15-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good	7	7
2	3:34				Broncos	31-yard field goal by Karlis	7	10
2	1:40				Broncos	Watson 46-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Karlis kick good	7	17
3	11:21				Chiefs	21-yard field goal by Lowery	10	17
3	5:51				Broncos	27-yard field goal by Karlis	10	20
4	8:55				Broncos	Poole 15-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good	10	27
4	6:11				Chiefs	Jackson 9-yard touchdown run, Lowery kick good	17	27
4	1:31				Chiefs	Sampson 8-yard touchdown reception from Kenney, Lowery kick good	24	27
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							24	27

Point spread:
Over/Under:
Time of Game:

Chiefs	Game Statistics	Broncos
	First downs
	Rushes–yards
	Passing yards
	Passes
	Sacked–yards
	Net passing yards
	Total yards
	Return yards
	Punts
	Fumbles–lost
	Penalties–yards
	Time of possession

Individual stats

Week 10 (Sunday, November 6, 1983): at Seattle Seahawks

Week 10: Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Broncos (6–4)	0	3	6	10	19
Seahawks (6–4)	6	0	14	7	27

at Kingdome • Seattle, Washington

Date: November 6
Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
Game weather: indoors (dome)
Game attendance: 61,189
Referee: Bob McElwee
TV announcers (NBC): Merle Harmon (play–by–play) and Dave Rowe (color commentator)
^[34]^[35]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
DEN	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
SEA	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	DEN	SEA
1	10:19				Seahawks	42-yard field goal by Johnson	0	3
1	0:52				Seahawks	18-yard field goal by Johnson	0	6
2	10:07				Broncos	38-yard field goal by Karlis	3	6
3	12:57				Seahawks	Largent 14-yard touchdown reception from Krieg, Johnson kick good	3	13
3	11:14				Seahawks	Johns 30-yard touchdown reception from Krieg, Johnson kick good	3	20
3	3:15				Broncos	Winder 1-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick no good	9	20
4	14:00				Broncos	43-yard field goal by Karlis	12	20
4	9:36				Seahawks	Krieg 10-yard touchdown run, Johnson kick good	12	27
4	6:01				Broncos	Watson 25-yard touchdown reception from Elway, Karlis kick good	19	27
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							19	27

Point spread:
Over/Under:
Time of Game:

Broncos	Game Statistics	Seahawks
	First downs
	Rushes–yards
	Passing yards
	Passes
	Sacked–yards
	Net passing yards
	Total yards
	Return yards
	Punts
	Fumbles–lost
	Penalties–yards
	Time of possession

Individual stats

Week 11 (Sunday, November 13, 1983): at Los Angeles Raiders

Week 11: Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Raiders – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Broncos (6–5)	10	0	0	10	20
Raiders (8–3)	0	6	7	9	22

at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum • Los Angeles, California

Date: November 13
Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
Game attendance: 51,945
Referee: Red Cashion
TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play–by–play) and Merlin Olsen (color commentator)
^[36]^[37]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
DEN	Passing	John Elway	11/31, 190 YDS, 1 INT
	Rushing	John Elway	3 CAR, 32 YDS, 1 TD
	Receiving	Rick Upchurch	3 REC, 63 YDS
RAI	Passing	Jim Plunkett	26/42, 252 YDS
	Rushing	Marcus Allen	18 CAR, 84 YDS, 1 TD
	Receiving	Todd Christensen	8 REC, 114 YDS

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	DEN	RAI
1	9:24				Broncos	23-yard field goal by Karlis	3	0
1	8:26	—	—	—	Broncos	Fumble recovery returned 0 yards for touchdown by Chavous, Karlis kick good	10	0
2	12:39				Raiders	28-yard field goal by Bahr	10	3
2	0:02				Raiders	42-yard field goal by Bahr	10	6
3	5:52				Raiders	Allen 7-yard touchdown run, Bahr kick good	10	13
4	11:44				Raiders	Hawkins 17-yard touchdown run, Bahr kick no good (aborted)	10	19
4	6:35				Broncos	22-yard field goal by Karlis	13	19
4	0:58				Broncos	Elway 4-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good	20	19
4	0:04				Raiders	39-yard field goal by Bahr	20	22
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							20	22

Point spread: Broncos +7
Over/Under: 42.0 (push)
Time of Game:

Broncos	Game Statistics	Raiders
14	First downs	23
25–63	Rushes–yards	29–140
190	Passing yards	252
11–31–1	Passes	26–43–0
2–21	Sacked–yards	5–52
169	Net passing yards	200
232	Total yards	340
91	Return yards	147
7–36.4	Punts	5–44.8
2–1	Fumbles–lost	3–3
5–29	Penalties–yards	7–57
26:30	Time of possession	33:30

Individual stats

Week 12 (Sunday, November 20, 1983): vs. Seattle Seahawks

Week 12: Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Seahawks (6–6)	0	7	13	7	27
Broncos (7–5)	10	10	7	11	38

at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado

Date: November 20
Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
Game attendance: 74,581
Referee: Gene Barth
TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert (play–by–play) and John Brodie (color commentator)
^[38]^[39]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
SEA	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
DEN	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	SEA	DEN
1	12:34				Broncos	42-yard field goal by Karlis	0	3
1	3:00				Broncos	Watson 78-yard touchdown reception from Kubiak, Karlis kick good	0	10
2	7:04				Broncos	25-yard field goal by Karlis	0	13
2	1:52				Broncos	Willhite 24-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good	0	20
2	11:14				Seahawks	Walker 50-yard touchdown reception from Krieg, Johnson kick good	7	20
3	10:57				Broncos	Kubiak 7-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good	7	27
3	5:39				Seahawks	Hughes 1-yard touchdown run, Johnson kick good	14	27
3	1:12				Seahawks	Metzelaars 17-yard touchdown reception from Krieg, Johnson kick no good	20	27
4	10:28				Broncos	21-yard field goal by Karlis	20	30
4	7:40				Broncos	38-yard field goal by Karlis	20	33
4	4:35				Seahawks	Young 11-yard touchdown reception from Krieg, Johnson kick good	27	33
4	1:39	—	—	—	Broncos	Krieg tackled in end zone for a safety by Jones	27	35
4	1:08				Broncos	40-yard field goal by Karlis	27	38
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							27	38

Point spread:
Over/Under:
Time of Game:

Seahawks	Game Statistics	Broncos
	First downs
	Rushes–yards
	Passing yards
	Passes
	Sacked–yards
	Net passing yards
	Total yards
	Return yards
	Punts
	Fumbles–lost
	Penalties–yards
	Time of possession

Individual stats

Week 13 (Sunday, November 27, 1983): at San Diego Chargers

Week 13: Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Broncos (7–6)	7	0	0	0	7
Chargers (5–8)	14	7	0	10	31

at Jack Murphy Stadium • San Diego, California

Date: November 27
Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
Game attendance: 43,650
Referee: Gordon McCarter
TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play–by–play) and Gene Washington (color commentator)
^[40]^[41]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
DEN	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
SD	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	DEN	SD
1	10:59				Broncos	Poole 1-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good	7	0
1	4:54				Chargers	Winslow 9-yard touchdown reception from Fouts, Benirschke kick good	7	7
1	1:29				Chargers	Winslow 2-yard touchdown reception from Fouts, Benirschke kick good	7	14
2	8:51				Chargers	Brooks 3-yard touchdown run, Benirschke kick good	7	21
4	14:43				Chargers	Muncie 1-yard touchdown run, Benirschke kick good	7	28
4	6:29				Chargers	20-yard field goal by Benirschke	7	31
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							7	31

Point spread:
Over/Under:
Time of Game:

Broncos	Game Statistics	Chargers
	First downs
	Rushes–yards
	Passing yards
	Passes
	Sacked–yards
	Net passing yards
	Total yards
	Return yards
	Punts
	Fumbles–lost
	Penalties–yards
	Time of possession

Individual stats

Week 14 (Sunday, December 4, 1983): vs. Cleveland Browns

Week 14: Cleveland Browns at Denver Broncos – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Browns (8–6)	3	3	0	0	6
Broncos (8–6)	0	21	3	3	27

at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado

Date: December 4
Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
Game attendance: 70,912
Referee: Pat Haggerty
TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert (play–by–play) and John Brodie (color commentator)
^[42]^[43]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
CLE	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
DEN	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	CLE	DEN
1	9:57				Browns	47-yard field goal by Bahr	3	0
2	14:29				Broncos	Winder 3-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good	3	7
2	5:27				Broncos	Sampson 39-yard touchdown reception from Elway, Karlis kick good	3	14
2	1:03				Broncos	Sampson 49-yard touchdown reception from Elway, Karlis kick good	3	21
2	0:02				Browns	58-yard field goal by Cox	6	21
3	7:01				Broncos	20-yard field goal by Karlis	6	24
4	8:02				Broncos	50-yard field goal by Karlis	6	27
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							6	27

Point spread:
Over/Under:
Time of Game:

Browns	Game Statistics	Broncos
	First downs
	Rushes–yards
	Passing yards
	Passes
	Sacked–yards
	Net passing yards
	Total yards
	Return yards
	Punts
	Fumbles–lost
	Penalties–yards
	Time of possession

Individual stats

Week 15 (Sunday, December 11, 1983): vs. Baltimore Colts

Week 15: Baltimore Colts at Denver Broncos – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Colts (6–9)	3	13	3	0	19
Broncos (9–6)	0	0	0	21	21

at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado

Date: December 11
Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
Game weather: 40 °F (4 °C)
Game attendance: 74,864
Referee: Fred Silva
TV announcers (NBC): Jay Randolph (play–by–play) and Bob Chandler (color commentator)
^[44]^[45]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
BAL	Passing	Mike Pagel	13/27, 217 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT
	Rushing	Curtis Dickey	19 CAR, 92 YDS
	Receiving	Bernard Henry	8 REC, 169 YDS, 1 TD
DEN	Passing	John Elway	23/44, 345 yards, 3 TDs
	Rushing	John Elway	3 CAR, 23 YDS
	Receiving	Steve Watson	4 REC, 98 YDS

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	BAL	DEN
1	1:20				Colts	42-yard field goal by Allegre	3	0
2	10:55				Colts	55-yard field goal by Allegre	6	0
2	7:23				Colts	41-yard field goal by Allegre	9	0
2	5:55				Broncos	Henry 40-yard touchdown reception from Pagel, Allegre kick good	16	0
3	7:50				Colts	26-yard field goal by Allegre	19	0
4	10:52				Broncos	Sampson 21-yard touchdown reception from Elway, Karlis kick good	19	7
4	4:54				Broncos	Myles 26-yard touchdown reception from Elway, Karlis kick good	19	14
4	0:44				Broncos	Willhite 26-yard touchdown reception from Elway, Karlis kick good	19	21
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							19	21

Point spread:
Over/Under:
Time of Game:

Colts	Game Statistics	Broncos
	First downs
	Rushes–yards
	Passing yards
	Passes
	Sacked–yards
	Net passing yards
	Total yards
	Return yards
	Punts
	Fumbles–lost
	Penalties–yards
	Time of possession

Individual stats

Week 16 (Sunday, December 18, 1983): at Kansas City Chiefs

Week 16: Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Broncos (9–7)	0	3	0	14	17
Chiefs (6–10)	21	7	10	10	48

at Arrowhead Stadium • Kansas City, Missouri

Date: December 18
Game time: 11:00 a.m. MST
Game attendance: 11,377
Referee: Tom Dooley
TV announcers (NBC): Phil Stone (play–by–play) and Jim Turner (color commentator)
^[46]^[47]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
DEN	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
KC	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	DEN	KC
1	13:53	—	—	—	Chiefs	Interception returned 58 yards for touchdown by Smith, Lowery kick good	0	7
1	7:47				Chiefs	Sampson 48-yard touchdown reception from Kenney, Lowery kick good	0	14
1	5:00				Chiefs	Scott 17-yard touchdown reception from Kenney, Lowery kick good	0	21
2	12:21				Broncos	24-yard field goal by Karlis	3	21
2	4:27				Chiefs	Brown 1-yard touchdown run, Lowery kick good	3	28
3	7:00				Chiefs	38-yard field goal by Lowery	3	31
3	2:10				Chiefs	Brown 6-yard touchdown run, Lowery kick good	3	38
4	11:56				Chiefs	43-yard field goal by Lowery	3	41
4	8:57				Broncos	Willhite 1-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good	10	41
4	8:35				Broncos	Willhite 2-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good	17	41
4	1:53				Chiefs	Paige 23-yard touchdown reception from Blackledge, Lowery kick good	17	48
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							17	48

Point spread:
Over/Under:
Time of Game:

Broncos	Game Statistics	Chiefs
	First downs
	Rushes–yards
	Passing yards
	Passes
	Sacked–yards
	Net passing yards
	Total yards
	Return yards
	Punts
	Fumbles–lost
	Penalties–yards
	Time of possession

Individual stats

Standings

AFC West
	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	STK
Los Angeles Raiders⁽¹⁾	12	4	0	.750	6–2	10–2	442	338	W1
Seattle Seahawks⁽⁴⁾	9	7	0	.563	5–3	8–4	403	397	W2
⁽⁵⁾	9	7	0	.563	3–5	9–5	302	327	L1
San Diego Chargers	6	10	0	.375	4–4	4–8	358	462	L1
Kansas City Chiefs	6	10	0	.375	2–6	4–8	386	367	W1

Playoffs

Round	Date	Opponent (seed)	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance
AFC Wild Card Playoffs	December 24	at Seattle Seahawks (4)	L 7–31	0–1	Kingdome	60,752

Source:^[8]^[12]^[13]

Playoff game summaries

1983 AFC Wild Card Playoffs (Saturday, December 24, 1983): at (4) Seattle Seahawks

AFC Wild Card Playoffs: Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Broncos (0–1)	7	0	0	0	7
Seahawks (1–0)	7	3	7	14	31

at Kingdome • Seattle, Washington

Date: December 24
Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
Game weather: indoors (dome)
Game attendance: 60,752
Referee: Red Cashion
TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones (play–by–play), Bob Griese (color commentator) and Ahmad Rashad (sideline reporter)
^[48]^[49]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
DEN	Passing	Steve DeBerg	14/19, 131 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT
	Rushing	Sammy Winder	16 CAR, 59 YDS
	Receiving	Jesse Myles	7 REC, 73 YDS, 1 TD
SEA	Passing	Dave Krieg	12/13, 200 YDS, 3 TDs
	Rushing	Curt Warner	23 CAR, 99 YDS
	Receiving	Steve Largent	4 REC, 76 YDS, 1 TD

Scoring summary

Quarter	Time	Drive			Team	Scoring information	Score
Quarter	Time	Plays	Yards	TOP	Team	Scoring information	DEN	SEA
1	10:18	8	62	4:33	Seahawks	Largent 17-yard touchdown reception from Krieg, Johnson kick good	0	7
1	3:38	9	76	4:08	Broncos	Myles 13-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Karlis kick good	7	7
2	9:25	9	32	4:33	Seahawks	37-yard field goal by Johnson	7	10
3	6:58	5	73	3:19	Seahawks	Metzelaars 5-yard touchdown reception from Krieg, Johnson kick good	7	17
4	14:56	9	61	4:17	Seahawks	Johns 18-yard touchdown reception from Krieg, Johnson kick good	7	24
4	9:34	9	64	4:43	Seahawks	Hughes 2-yard touchdown run, Johnson kick good	7	31
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.							7	31

Point spread:
Over/Under:
Time of Game: 2 hours, 53 minutes

Broncos	Game Statistics	Seahawks
21	First downs	17
33–125	Rushes–yards	38–145
254	Passing yards	200
24–34–2	Passes	12–13–0
2–19	Sacked–yards	2–21
233	Net passing yards	179
360	Total yards	324
128	Return yards	146
4–47.8	Punts	3–41.7
1–1	Fumbles–lost	1–0
5–35	Penalties–yards	3–34
30:57	Time of possession	29:03

Individual stats

Playoff Game Officials

Playoff
Round	Opponent	Referee	Umpire	Head Linesman	Line Judge	Back Judge	Side Judge	Field Judge	Alternate
Wild Card	at Seattle	(43) Red Cashion	(67) John Keck	(109) Sid Semon	(41) Dick McKenzie	(28) Don Wedge	(90) Gil Mace	(84) Bob Wortman

References

^ Pro-Football-Reference.com: 1983 Denver Broncos
^ "Elway hurt; DeBerg directs Broncos win". Gadsden Times. Alabama. Associated Press. September 5, 1983. p. B4.
^ "Denver's DeBerg keeps rescuing $5 million man". Palm Beach Post. wire services. September 13, 1983. p. D6.
^ "Struggling Broncos bench Elway, DeBerg starter for rest of season". Montreal Gazette. UPI. October 6, 1983. p. D-14.
^ Harris, John (November 7, 1983). "Warner shows off for grandfather". Spokane Chronicle. p. 21.
^ "Elway back as starter after Broncos lose DeBerg". Montreal Gazette. news services. November 8, 1983. p. D10.
^ Mossman, John (November 21, 1983). "Broncos romp behind reserve QB". Spokane Chronicle. Associated Press. p. C1.
^ ^a ^b ^c "Broncos center ball to DeBerg for playoff against Seahawks". Pittsburgh Press. Associated Press. December 23, 1983. p. C2.
^ Pro-Football-Reference.com: Baltimore Colts 19 at Denver Broncos 21; Sunday, December 11, 1983
^ "NFL roundup". Spokane Chronicle. Associated Press. December 12, 1983. p. 15.
^ "NFL roundup". Spokane Chronicle. Associated Press. December 19, 1983. p. 28.
^ ^a ^b Cour, Jim (December 23, 1983). "Broncos to bench Elway, start DeBerg". Evening News. Newburgh-Beacon, New York. Associated Press. p. 2B.
^ ^a ^b Hewitt, Brian (December 26, 1983). "The laughing stops". Spokane Chronicle. (Washington). (Chicago Sun-Times). p. 21.
^ "1983 Denver Broncos Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
^ 2010 Denver Broncos Media Guide. p. 361. Retrieved March 6, 2011.
^ Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Pittsburgh Steelers – September 4, 1983
^ The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Pittsburgh Steelers – September 4, 1983
^ Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Baltimore Colts – September 11, 1983
^ The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Baltimore Colts – September 11, 1983
^ Pro Football Reference; Philadelphia Eagles at Denver Broncos – September 18, 1983
^ The Football Database; Philadelphia Eagles at Denver Broncos – September 18, 1983
^ Pro Football Reference; Los Angeles Raiders at Denver Broncos – September 25, 1983
^ The Football Database; Los Angeles Raiders at Denver Broncos – September 25, 1983
^ Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Chicago Bears – October 2, 1983
^ The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Chicago Bears – October 2, 1983
^ Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Houston Oilers – October 9, 1983
^ The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Houston Oilers – October 9, 1983
^ Pro Football Reference; Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos – October 16, 1983
^ The Football Database; Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos – October 16, 1983
^ Pro Football Reference; San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – October 23, 1983
^ The Football Database; San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – October 23, 1983
^ Pro Football Reference; Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos – October 30, 1983
^ The Football Database; Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos – October 30, 1983
^ Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks – November 6, 1983
^ The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks – November 6, 1983
^ Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Raiders – November 13, 1983
^ The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Raiders – November 13, 1983
^ Pro Football Reference; Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos – November 20, 1983
^ The Football Database; Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos – November 20, 1983
^ Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – November 27, 1983
^ The Football Database; Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – November 27, 1983
^ Pro Football Reference; Cleveland Browns at Denver Broncos – December 4, 1983
^ The Football Database; Cleveland Browns at Denver Broncos – December 4, 1983
^ Pro Football Reference; Baltimore Colts at Denver Broncos – December 11, 1983
^ The Football Database; Baltimore Colts at Denver Broncos – December 11, 1983
^ Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs – December 18, 1983
^ The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs – December 18, 1983
^ Pro Football Reference; 1983 AFC Wild Card Playoffs – (5) Denver Broncos at (4) Seattle Seahawks – December 24, 1983
^ The Football Database; 1983 AFC Wild Card Playoffs – (5) Denver Broncos at (4) Seattle Seahawks – December 24, 1983

External links

Denver Broncos – 1983 media guide
1983 Denver Broncos season at jt-sw.com
1983 Denver Broncos at Pro-Football-Reference.com

[1] Pro-Football-Reference.com: 1983 Denver Broncos

[lhrdbd-2] "Elway hurt; DeBerg directs Broncos win". Gadsden Times. Alabama. Associated Press. September 5, 1983. p. B4.

[ddbkres-3] "Denver's DeBerg keeps rescuing $5 million man". Palm Beach Post. wire services. September 13, 1983. p. D6.

[strbrch-4] "Struggling Broncos bench Elway, DeBerg starter for rest of season". Montreal Gazette. UPI. October 6, 1983. p. D-14.

[wshoffgf-5] Harris, John (November 7, 1983). "Warner shows off for grandfather". Spokane Chronicle. p. 21.

[mgzelbk-6] "Elway back as starter after Broncos lose DeBerg". Montreal Gazette. news services. November 8, 1983. p. D10.

[brbehrqb-7] Mossman, John (November 21, 1983). "Broncos romp behind reserve QB". Spokane Chronicle. Associated Press. p. C1.

[bcbtdpp-8] "Broncos center ball to DeBerg for playoff against Seahawks". Pittsburgh Press. Associated Press. December 23, 1983. p. C2.

[9] Pro-Football-Reference.com: Baltimore Colts 19 at Denver Broncos 21; Sunday, December 11, 1983

[rudtw-10] "NFL roundup". Spokane Chronicle. Associated Press. December 12, 1983. p. 15.

[rudnnt-11] "NFL roundup". Spokane Chronicle. Associated Press. December 19, 1983. p. 28.

[btbelsdb-12] Cour, Jim (December 23, 1983). "Broncos to bench Elway, start DeBerg". Evening News. Newburgh-Beacon, New York. Associated Press. p. 2B.

[thlfstp-13] Hewitt, Brian (December 26, 1983). "The laughing stops". Spokane Chronicle. (Washington). (Chicago Sun-Times). p. 21.

[14] "1983 Denver Broncos Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com.

[15] 2010 Denver Broncos Media Guide. p. 361. Retrieved March 6, 2011.

[16] Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Pittsburgh Steelers – September 4, 1983

[17] The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Pittsburgh Steelers – September 4, 1983

[18] Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Baltimore Colts – September 11, 1983

[19] The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Baltimore Colts – September 11, 1983

[20] Pro Football Reference; Philadelphia Eagles at Denver Broncos – September 18, 1983

[21] The Football Database; Philadelphia Eagles at Denver Broncos – September 18, 1983

[22] Pro Football Reference; Los Angeles Raiders at Denver Broncos – September 25, 1983

[23] The Football Database; Los Angeles Raiders at Denver Broncos – September 25, 1983

[24] Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Chicago Bears – October 2, 1983

[25] The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Chicago Bears – October 2, 1983

[26] Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Houston Oilers – October 9, 1983

[27] The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Houston Oilers – October 9, 1983

[28] Pro Football Reference; Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos – October 16, 1983

[29] The Football Database; Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos – October 16, 1983

[30] Pro Football Reference; San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – October 23, 1983

[31] The Football Database; San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – October 23, 1983

[32] Pro Football Reference; Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos – October 30, 1983

[33] The Football Database; Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos – October 30, 1983

[34] Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks – November 6, 1983

[35] The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks – November 6, 1983

[36] Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Raiders – November 13, 1983

[37] The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Raiders – November 13, 1983

[38] Pro Football Reference; Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos – November 20, 1983

[39] The Football Database; Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos – November 20, 1983

[40] Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – November 27, 1983

[41] The Football Database; Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – November 27, 1983

[42] Pro Football Reference; Cleveland Browns at Denver Broncos – December 4, 1983

[43] The Football Database; Cleveland Browns at Denver Broncos – December 4, 1983

[44] Pro Football Reference; Baltimore Colts at Denver Broncos – December 11, 1983

[45] The Football Database; Baltimore Colts at Denver Broncos – December 11, 1983

[46] Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs – December 18, 1983

[47] The Football Database; Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs – December 18, 1983

[48] Pro Football Reference; 1983 AFC Wild Card Playoffs – (5) Denver Broncos at (4) Seattle Seahawks – December 24, 1983

[49] The Football Database; 1983 AFC Wild Card Playoffs – (5) Denver Broncos at (4) Seattle Seahawks – December 24, 1983

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