The Denver Broncos had a losing culture in recent years.
After winning Super Bowl 50, the Broncos missed the playoffs in seven straight seasons following quarterback Peyton Manning’s retirement. During that time, Denver lost 16 straight games to the Kansas City Chiefs.
That losing streak was finally snapped on Sunday when the Broncos upset the Chiefs 24-9 at home. It was the kind of win that can turn around not just a season, but the direction of the entire franchise.
“It feels so good for the guys that have been here and that have fought tooth and nail to keep this place afloat,” offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey said. “Justin Simmons, Garrett Bolles, Tim Patrick, Courtland Sutton – guys that have been here for such a long time and put their heart and soul into this organization. To come out and beat these guys, the defending world champs and number one team in the AFC. That’s a huge win. That’s a win that’s going to make us believers. It’s a win that can change an organization.”
Sunday might have been the first step in the process of getting the franchise back on track. Denver coach Sean Payton is now 1-1 against the Chiefs since taking charge of the Broncos, and he’s now tasked with getting a 3-5 team back into the playoff hunt. McGlinchey seems to believe the team is now trending in the right direction.
