Way Back Wednesday: The Broncos' greatest win

[Miles]

We were a great team, as proven not only by that win but by the fact that we were in the process of going a calendar year without a defeat as we followed up this win with another in Super Bowl XXXIII over Atlanta.


So much credit has to be given to the game preparation that head coach Mike Shanahan used for that Green Bay game, not just in game planning but in establishing the team's mindset.


We had won road playoff games in Kansas City and Pittsburgh to advance to Super Bowl XXXII, and I can still remember what Mike told the team in their first Super Bowl preparation meeting.


"You guys have already done the hardest part," he said. "You won on the road at Kansas City and Pittsburgh, both real tough road cities in playoffs. Now, we just have to go and win in San Diego."


Shanahan continued, "Hey, we always win in San Diego. It's like a home stadium for us. And it's the Super Bowl, so not only will a lot of Bronco fans be there, but half the stadium will be cheering for Denver."


Of course, he did not mention the point spread or the fact that we were facing the defending world champions.


But the mindset was established, and the confidence permeated that meeting room and continued unabated for the next two weeks. There still were lots of meetings and practices, but with that approach in mind, the Denver Broncos won the first of our three world titles in San Diego.


No Bronco fan can ever forget team owner Pat Bowlen standing on the championship stage and holding the Vince Lombardi Trophy above his head as he said, "This one's for John."


There is nothing like the first time, and that is without question our most significant moment ever vs. the Packers and in franchise history.