What Is 1968 Denver Broncos football team

Overview

The 1968 Denver Broncos season marked the team’s ninth year in the American Football League (AFL) and their third at Mile High Stadium. Competing in the AFL Western Division, the Broncos struggled with consistency, finishing with a losing record and missing the postseason.

Coached initially by Lou Saban and later by Goody Knight, the team showed flashes of potential but lacked the stability needed for a playoff push. Despite strong individual performances, particularly from quarterback Steve Tensi and wide receiver Lionel Taylor, the Broncos couldn’t overcome defensive shortcomings.

• Record: The 1968 Broncos finished the regular season with a 5–8–1 record, including five wins, eight losses, and one tie.
• Head Coach:Lou Saban started the season but was replaced after a 1–4–1 start; Goody Knight took over as interim coach for the remainder.
• Home Stadium: All home games were played at Mile High Stadium, which seated over 50,000 fans and became a signature venue in Denver.
• Quarterback Play:Steve Tensi started 12 games, throwing for 1,947 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions.
• Division Standing: The team placed fourth in the AFL Western Division, behind the Oakland Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs, and San Diego Chargers.

How It Works

The 1968 season reflected the challenges of mid-tier AFL franchises balancing roster development, coaching changes, and competitive pressure. The Broncos’ operational model that year centered on building around a young quarterback and shoring up defense through mid-season adjustments.

• Quarterback Development:Steve Tensi was the centerpiece of the offense; his dual-threat ability offered hope, but inconsistency limited overall effectiveness.
• Coaching Transition: After Lou Saban was dismissed mid-season, Goody Knight became interim head coach, marking a rare mid-year leadership change.
• Defensive Struggles: The defense allowed an average of 23.6 points per game, ranking among the worst in the AFL.
• Offensive Output: The Broncos scored 263 total points (18.8 per game), with key contributions from receivers Lionel Taylor and Paul Smith.
• Special Teams: Kicker Rich Siroth converted 22 of 31 field goals, providing one of the team’s few reliable elements.
• Injuries and Depth: Several key players missed time due to injury, exposing a lack of depth on both the offensive and defensive lines.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1968 Broncos’ performance can be better understood by comparing them to division rivals and league averages:

The Broncos underperformed relative to division leaders, particularly in points allowed. While their offense was slightly below league average, their defense ranked near the bottom, contributing heavily to their losing record.

Why It Matters

The 1968 season was a transitional year that highlighted both the promise and growing pains of the Broncos franchise before their eventual rise in the 1970s. It underscored the importance of coaching stability and quarterback development in professional football.

• The mid-season coaching change was one of the earliest examples of instability in Broncos history, foreshadowing future organizational challenges.
• Steve Tensi’s performance showed potential but also the risks of building around a young, unproven quarterback in a competitive league.
• The team’s struggles emphasized the need for stronger defensive recruitment, which would become a priority in later years.
• Playing at Mile High Stadium helped grow local fan support, laying groundwork for future attendance and revenue growth.
• The 1968 season was part of a broader rebuilding phase that eventually led to the Broncos’ first Super Bowl appearance in 1977.
• Despite missing the playoffs, the year contributed to long-term team identity and resilience in the face of adversity.

Ultimately, the 1968 Denver Broncos season is remembered not for its success, but for the lessons it provided on leadership, roster construction, and the importance of sustained competitiveness in professional football.