What went wrong in 1990: The Broncos’ defense gave up 23.4 points per game and the season fell apart with a six-game losing streak. … After reaching the Super Bowl during the 1989 season, the Broncos went from first to worst despite having the NFL’s fifth-leading rusher (Bobby Humphrey, 1,202 yards) and passer (John Elway, 3,526 yards), respectively
Forecast for 1991: Sports Illustrated picked the Broncos to finish 8-8, tied for third in the five-team AFC West. Elway, entering his ninth year, was given the play-calling duties by coach Dan Reeves.
Final record: 12-4, first in AFC West.