Examining the Broncos' Super Bowl history

The Denver Broncos will be appearing in the Super Bowl for the eighth time in franchise history, tying the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Dallas Cowboys for the most appearances in the NFL's title game.

Sporting an illustrious history, we examine the Broncos' Super Bowl history through the ages.

Super Bowl XII

Jan. 15, 1978
Cowboys 27, Broncos 10
MVP: Harvey Martin, DE, Randy White, DT, Dallas

An inauspicious start to the Broncos run of Super Bowl appearances began at the tail end of the Cowboys' glory years. The Cowboys built a big lead on the backs of Tony Dorsett and Roger Staubach and finished the job with a trick-play touchdown thrown by fullback Robert Newhouse. Sadly, the 17-point loss would be the Broncos' best Super Bowl showing for 20 years.

Super Bowl XXI

Jan. 25, 1987
Giants 39, Broncos 20
MVP: Phil Simms, QB, New York

Nearly a decade after their first trip, the Broncos got back to the big game on the arm of golden boy John Elway. The 26-year-old Elway would begin his run of three Super Bowl appearances in four years well, scoring on a four-yard touchdown plunge in the first quarter. The wheels fell off from there as a safety in the second quarter turned the game in the Giants' favor. The win gave Giants head coach Bill Parcells his first ring.

Super Bowl XXII

Jan. 31, 1988
Redskins 42, Broncos 10
MVP: Doug Williams, QB Washington

Elway got off to another hot start, throwing a 56-yard touchdown in the first quarter. Once again, it was all downhill from there as the Redskins would score 42 unanswered points from the second quarter on. Elway ended his second Super Bowl appearance with three interceptions.

Super Bowl XXIV

Jan. 28, 1990
49ers 55, Broncos 10
MVP: Joe Montana, QB, San Francisco

The Broncos saved the worst of the '80s for last, transitioning to the '90s with the most lopsided defeat in Super Bowl history. Joe Montana threw five touchdown passes and the 49ers kept the pedal down throughout the second half after a 27-3 halftime lead. John Elway seemed cursed and questions about his ability to win the big game persisted.

Super Bowl XXXII

Jan. 25, 1998
Broncos 31, Packers 24
MVP: Terrell Davis, RB, Denver

Finally some salvation. The Broncos finally figured out a Super Bowl formula and it happened to rely heavily on stud running back Terrell Davis. With John Elway fading into the background, Davis rushed for 157 yards and three touchdowns and the Broncos finally had a satisfying trip to the Super Bowl.

Super Bowl XXXIII

Jan. 31, 1999
Broncos 34, Falcons 19
MVP: John Elway, QB, Denver

Elway and Co. got it done in back-to-back years and the future architect of current successful Broncos teams was able to ride off into the sunset a two-time champion and MVP. The Falcons were overmatched and the world was deprived of what could have been a great game between Denver and the high-flying Minnesota Vikings. The "Dirty Bird" was gently put to rest.

Super Bowl XLVIII

Feb. 2, 2014
Seahawks 43, Broncos 8
MVP: Malcolm Smith, LB, Seattle

It was ugly from the first snap, with the Super Bowl's first ever safety on the opening snap. From there things got worse and Peyton Manning was deprived of another championship. The loss meant the Broncos would find themselves on the losing end of three of the five biggest blowouts in Super Bowl history, a feat that will likely never be matched.