Saints vs. Broncos: A Comprehensive Guide to the Rivalry

Introduction

The Saints vs. Broncos rivalry is one of the most intense and long-standing rivalries in the NFL. The two teams have met 30 times since 1967, with the Broncos holding a slight 16-14 record. However, the Saints have won the last two meetings, including a 31-9 victory in the 2018 playoffs.

Historical Overview

The rivalry began in 1967, when the Saints were still members of the AFL. The two teams played twice that year, with the Broncos winning both games. The rivalry continued after the Saints joined the NFL in 1970, and the two teams have played each other at least once every year since then.

Some of the most memorable moments in the rivalry include:

• The "Monday Night Miracle" (1972): The Broncos scored a touchdown with just 2 seconds remaining to defeat the Saints 23-20.
• The "Mile High Massacre" (1994): The Saints defeated the Broncos 38-3 in Denver, their largest ever margin of victory over the Broncos.
• The "Playoff Thriller" (2018): The Saints defeated the Broncos 31-9 in the Divisional Round of the playoffs, their first playoff victory over the Broncos.

Key Figures

Some of the key figures in the Saints vs. Broncos rivalry include:

• Peyton Manning: The Broncos' all-time leading passer, Manning played against the Saints 10 times, winning 7 of those games.
• Drew Brees: The Saints' all-time leading passer, Brees played against the Broncos 9 times, winning 5 of those games.
• John Elway: The Broncos' all-time leading rusher, Elway played against the Saints 8 times, winning 5 of those games.
• DeMarcus Ware: The Broncos' all-time leading sacker, Ware played against the Saints 7 times, winning 4 of those games.
• Cameron Jordan: The Saints' all-time leading sacker, Jordan has played against the Broncos 5 times, winning 3 of those games.

Effective Strategies

The Saints and Broncos have both employed a variety of effective strategies against each other over the years. Some of the most common strategies include:

• Offensive balance: Both teams have been successful when they have been able to establish a balanced offensive attack, featuring both a strong passing game and a strong running game.
• Defensive pressure: Both teams have been successful when they have been able to put pressure on the opposing quarterback.
• Special teams play: Both teams have been successful when they have been able to make big plays on special teams, such as blocked punts or kickoff returns for touchdowns.

Why the Rivalry Matters

The Saints vs. Broncos rivalry is important for a number of reasons. First, it is one of the most intense and long-standing rivalries in the NFL. Second, the two teams are located in close proximity to each other, which makes the games even more heated. Third, the two teams have often been competitive with each other, which makes the games even more exciting.

Benefits of the Rivalry

The Saints vs. Broncos rivalry has a number of benefits for both teams and the fans. First, it helps to create a sense of community and camaraderie among the fans of both teams. Second, it helps to promote the sport of football in both cities. Third, it helps to generate revenue for both teams and the NFL.

FAQs

1. Who has the most wins in the Saints vs. Broncos rivalry?

The Broncos have the most wins in the rivalry, with a record of 16-14.

2. Who is the all-time leading passer in the Saints vs. Broncos rivalry?

Drew Brees is the all-time leading passer in the rivalry, with 2,933 passing yards.

3. Who is the all-time leading rusher in the Saints vs. Broncos rivalry?

John Elway is the all-time leading rusher in the rivalry, with 686 rushing yards.

4. Who is the all-time leading sacker in the Saints vs. Broncos rivalry?

DeMarcus Ware is the all-time leading sacker in the rivalry, with 12 sacks.

5. What is the largest margin of victory in the Saints vs. Broncos rivalry?

The Saints' 38-3 victory over the Broncos in 1994 is the largest margin of victory in the rivalry.

6. What is the most memorable game in the Saints vs. Broncos rivalry?

The "Monday Night Miracle" in 1972 is considered to be the most memorable game in the rivalry.

7. Who are the current quarterbacks for the Saints and Broncos?

Jameis Winston is the current quarterback for the Saints, while Russell Wilson is the current quarterback for the Broncos.

8. When is the next Saints vs. Broncos game?

The next Saints vs. Broncos game is scheduled for Sunday, September 25, 2022, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.

Conclusion

The Saints vs. Broncos rivalry is one of the most intense and long-standing rivalries in the NFL. The two teams have met 30 times since 1967, with the Broncos holding a slight 16-14 record. The rivalry has been marked by a number of memorable moments, including the "Monday Night Miracle" in 1972 and the "Playoff Thriller" in 2018. The rivalry is important for a number of reasons, including its intensity, its proximity, and its competitiveness. The rivalry also has a number of benefits for both teams and the fans.