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The Denver Broncos’ Passing Attack in 1986: A Look at Key Stats
The 1986 Denver Broncos season was defined by a potent passing attack, largely built around quarterback John Elway’s arm. While the team wasn’t necessarily known for rigidly adhering to any specific passing play frequency like “2-3-23,” their success hinged on a strategic balance of short, intermediate, and long throws. This article explores the nuances of their passing game during that memorable season.
John Elway’s Leadership and Passing Performance
John Elway, in his fourth season, showcased significant growth in 1986. He became a master of comebacks and clutch performances, guiding the Broncos to Super Bowl XXI. Although specific play breakdowns from that era aren’t readily available like modern football analytics, a retrospective analysis reveals the distribution of Elway’s passes based on available data. He didn’t specifically adhere to passing 2 short, 3 medium, 23 deep, but he played well based on those distances.
He completed 332 of 567 passes for 3,485 yards and 19 touchdowns. His ability to read defenses and make accurate throws, especially under pressure, made him a formidable opponent. A look at John Elway’s career details can be found on Wikipedia.
Key Receiving Targets: Vance Johnson, Mark Jackson, and Steve Watson
Elway’s success was also due to the receiving corps. Vance Johnson led the team with 76 receptions, while Mark Jackson contributed 59 catches and Steve Watson added 50. These three receivers offered Elway reliable targets at different depths of the field. Johnson was a speedster who could stretch the field vertically, while Jackson and Watson were dependable possession receivers who could make tough catches in traffic. Their individual skills complemented each other, creating a balanced passing attack.
The Role of the Running Game
While the passing game was crucial, the Broncos’ running game, led by Sammy Winder, helped to keep defenses honest. Winder rushed for 759 yards and eight touchdowns, forcing defenses to respect the ground game. This balance prevented teams from solely focusing on stopping Elway and the passing attack, ultimately opening up more opportunities through the air.
Offensive Strategy and Playcalling
Head Coach Dan Reeves and offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan are attributed for the team’s game-winning strategies. These are not the plays they will rely on. The plays called were based on down and distance and which team was being played. Shanahan’s playcalling was designed to exploit defensive weaknesses and take advantage of Elway’s strengths. This flexibility allowed the Broncos to adapt their offensive approach based on the opponent and game situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Broncos’ record in 1986?
The Broncos finished the 1986 regular season with an 11-5 record.
Who was the head coach of the Broncos in 1986?
Dan Reeves was the head coach of the Denver Broncos in 1986.
Did the Broncos win the Super Bowl in 1986?
No, the Broncos lost Super Bowl XXI to the New York Giants.
Who were the Broncos’ key offensive players in 1986?
Key offensive players included quarterback John Elway, running back Sammy Winder, and receivers Vance Johnson, Mark Jackson, and Steve Watson.
What was John Elway’s passing yardage in 1986?
John Elway passed for 3,485 yards in 1986.
Summary
The 1986 Denver Broncos’ offensive success stemmed from John Elway’s exceptional passing ability, a skilled receiving corps, and a balanced offensive strategy. While they didn’t operate under any predetermined passing distribution formula, their ability to effectively utilize both short, medium, and long passes, combined with a credible running game, made them a formidable offensive force, culminating in a Super Bowl appearance.
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