From the franchise's first-ever game to its most-recent AFC Championship victory, the Broncos have a rich history against the Patriots. Take a look back through several of the most memorable wins with these photos.
Rich Jackson, Dave Costa and Pete Duranko pressure a Patriots QB during the Broncos' 35-7 win in September of 1969.
Linebacker Karl Mecklenburg stops Patriots quarterback Tony Eason during a September 28, 1986 win (27-20) against New England.
Running back Ken Bell flies through the hole during a September 28, 1986 win (27-20) against the New England Patriots.
Running back Sammy Winder follows his lead blocker Dave Studdard during a January 4, 1986 playoff win (22-17) against the New England Patriots.
Running back Ken Bell carries the ball during a December 17, 1988 win (21-10) against the New England Patriots.
Defensive back Tyrone Braxton leaps for an interception during a December 17, 1988 win (21-10) over the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium.
John Elway checks his hand after a play against the New England Patriots November 17, 1996.
Rod Smith makes a spectacular catch and stiff-arms his opponent against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 6, 1997.
Harald Hasselbach sacks Drew Bledsoe against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 6, 1997.
John Mobley is helped up by teammates after returning an interception for a touchdown against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 6, 1997.
John Elway salutes Terrell Davis after scoring a touchdown against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 6, 1997.
Mike Lodish sweeps the leg of a Patriot runner and makes the tackle against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 6, 1997.
Terrell Davis rushes for yardage against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 6, 1997.
John Elway meets with Drew Bledsoe during the coin toss of the regular season opening game against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 7, 1998.
Ed McCaffrey stretches to reach the goal line but comes up one yard short against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 7, 1998.
Terrell Davis breaks through the Patriots defense en route to the end zone for a Broncos touchdown against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 7, 1998.
Chris Cole awaits the opening kickoff against the New England Patriots at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 28, 2001.
Trevor Pryce moves in to make a play against the New England Patriots at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 28, 2001.
Rod Smith makes a 65-yard touchdown reception against the New England Patriots at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 28, 2001.
Denard Walker celebrates after intercepting a pass attempt in the back of the end zone against the New England Patriots at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 28, 2001.
Eric Brown intercepts a Patriots pass attempt against the New England Patriots at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 28, 2001.
Al Wilson sacks Tom Brady against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA on October 27, 2002.
Mike Shanahan greets with Bill Belichick after the Broncos' victory over the Patriots against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA on October 27, 2002.
Defensive back Nick Ferguson tackles WR Tim Dwight as the Denver Broncos defeated the New England Patriots 28-20 at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium on October 16, 2005 in Denver, CO. Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Patriots QB Tom Brady chats with Champ Bailey as the Denver Broncos defeated the New England Patriots 27-13 in the AFC Divisional Playoff at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 14, 2006. Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Al Wilson flexes his muscles as the Denver Broncos take on the New England Patriots at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on January 14, 2006. Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Jake Plummer winds up for a pass as the Denver Broncos defeated the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 14, 2006.
Photo: Justin Tafoya/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Mike Anderson gives a Mile High Salute after scoring a touchdown as the Denver Broncos defeated the New England Patriots 27-13 in the AFC Divisional Playoff at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 14, 2006. Photo: Eric Lars Bakke/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Rod Smith pulls in a touchdown reception as the Denver Broncos take on the New England Patriots at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on January 14, 2006. Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Champ Bailey intercepts a pass intended for Troy Brown as the Denver Broncos defeated the New England Patriots 27-13 in the AFC Divisional Playoff at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 14, 2006. Photo: Eric Lars Bakke/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Champ Bailey takes off downfield after making an interception as the Denver Broncos defeated the New England Patriots 27-13 in the AFC Divisional Playoff at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 14, 2006. Photo: Rich Clarkson/Rich Clarkson and Associates
John Lynch returns an interception as the Denver Broncos defeated the New England Patriots 27-13 in the AFC Divisional Playoff at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 14, 2006. Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
The Denver Broncos take on the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA on September 24, 2006. Photo: Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC
Javon Walker celebrates a touchdown as the Denver Broncos take on the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA on September 24, 2006. Photo: Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC
The Denver Broncos defeated the New England Patriots 17-7 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA on September 24, 2006. Photo: Eric Lars Bakke/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC
Jake Plummer congratulates Javon Walker on the sideline as the Denver Broncos defeated the New England Patriots 17-7 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA on September 24, 2006. Photo: Eric Lars Bakke/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC
Broncos players, clad in their throwback uniforms to celebrate the franchise's 50th anniversary, run onto the field in the NFL game against the New England Patriots October 11, 2009 at Invesco Field.
Knowshon Moreno rushes the ball in the NFL game against the New England Patriots October 11, 2009 at Invesco Field.
Brandon Marshall dives across the goal line for a touchdown against the New England Patriots on October 11, 2009
Vonnie Holliday knocks the ball loose from Tom Brady in the NFL game against the New England Patriots October 11, 2009 at Invesco Field. The fumble was recovered by Elvis Dumervil
Jabar Gaffney catches the ball after it was tipped by Brandon McGowan in the NFL game against the New England Patriots October 11, 2009 at Invesco Field.
Matt Prater kicks the game-winning field goal in overtime to defeat the New England Patriots on October 11, 2009
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) throws a one yard pass to Jacob Tamme for a 2nd quarter touchdown against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on January 19, 2014.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) scores on a three yard reception during third quarter action against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on January 19, 2014.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) catches a pass during first quarter action against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on January 19, 2014. (Photo by Gabriel Christus)
Denver Broncos defensive tackle Terrance Knighton (94) sacks New England quarterback Tom Brady (12) for a 10 yard loss on fourth down during third quarter action in the AFC Championship playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on January 19, 2014.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) audibles during third quarter action against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on January 19, 2014. (Photo by Gabriel Christus)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) hangs on to a 26 yard reception during second quarter action against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on January 19, 2014.
Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas (80) hangs onto the football on a 14 yard reception during third quarter action against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on January 19, 2014.
Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey (24) cheers with other teammates after winning the AFC Championship after the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on January 19, 2014. (Photo: Gabriel Christus/Denver Broncos)
CBS' Jim Nantz interviews Peyton Manning and Demaryius Thomas after Denver defeated the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on January 19, 2014.
Denver Broncos players hoist the Lamar Hunt AFC Championship trophy after defeating the New England Patriots 26-16 in the AFC Championship playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on January 19, 2014.
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) drops back to pass during second quarter action against the New England Patriots during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, November 29, 2015. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman (23) carries the ball right for a 19-yard touchdown run during second quarter action against the New England Patriots during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, November 29, 2015. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) catches a 36-yard pass as New England Patriots cornerback Logan Ryan (26) defends on the play during fourth quarter action in the NFL game at Denver,CO. November 29, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) slides into the end zone after a 15-yard touchdown run during fourth quarter action against the New England Patriots in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, November 29, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) carries the ball left for a 6-yard gain during second quarter action against the New England Patriots during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, November 29, 2015. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos linebacker Shaquil Barrett (48) pressures New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during fourth quarter action against the New England Patriots during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, November 29, 2015. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Andre Caldwell (12) catches a 4 yard touchdown reception during fourth quarter action against the New England Patriots in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, November 29, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) catches a 39-yard pass during fourth quarter action against the New England Patriots during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, November 29, 2015. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22), begins to celebrate as he heads to the end zone, after breaking into the open, running 48 yards for the game-winning touchdown in overtime against the New England Patriots in the NFL game at Denver,CO. November 29, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/Denver Broncos)
Brock Osweiler and C.J. Anderson share a hug during the postgame celebration after Denver defeated the New England Patriots 30-24 in the NFL game at Denver,CO. November 29, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) drops back to pass during first quarter action against the New England Patriots during the AFC Conference Championship Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 24, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos tight end Owen Daniels (81) celebrates his 21-yard reception for a touchdown in the first quarter against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game at Denver, Colo. January 24, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos linebacker Danny Trevathan (59) tackles New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during first quarter action against the New England Patriots during the AFC Conference Championship Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 24, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos tight end Owen Daniels (81) catches a 12 yard pass for a 2nd quarter touchdown against the New England Patriots in the NFL AFC Conference Championship playoff game at Denver, Colo. January 24, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) sacks New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) for a 6-yard loss during third quarter action against the New England Patriots during the AFC Conference Championship Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 24, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) on an 8 yard carry during fourth quarter action against the New England Patriots in the NFL AFC Conference Championship playoff game at Denver, Colo. January 24, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) scrambles for a 12 yard gain during third quarter action against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, January 24, 2016. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) celebrates his sack of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) for a 2 yard loss during first quarter action in the NFL AFC Conference Championship playoff game at Denver, Colo. January 24, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) celebrates after an interception during second quarter action against the New England Patriots during the AFC Conference Championship Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 24, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (25) reacts after breaking up a pass during third quarter action against the New England Patriots during the AFC Conference Championship Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 24, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (25) stops New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) short of the first down on fourth-and-one during fourth quarter action in the AFC Championship NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, January 24, 2016. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware (94) pressure New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during second quarter action against the New England Patriots during the AFC Conference Championship Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 24, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos cornerback Bradley Roby (29) intercepts a two-point conversion attempt by the New England Patriots during fourth quarter action against the New England Patriots during the AFC Conference Championship Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 24, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) congratulates Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) at midfield after Denver defeated the New England Patriots 20-18 in the NFL AFC Conference Championship playoff game at Denver, Colo. January 24, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) and wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) celebrate in confetti after action against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, January 24, 2016. Photo by Ben Hays.
As the Broncos approach the season, we're chatting with reporters who cover each of the team's opponents. We continue with Megan O'Brien, a team reporter the New England Patriots.
For a look at all angles of the Broncos' Week 5 road matchup against the Patriots, click here.
Aric DiLalla: What's the outlook at the quarterback position? Does it look like it will be an open competition between Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer?
Megan O'Brien:"There seems to be a perception that Stidham is the guy, but in my opinion, I think they brought back Hoyer for a reason. Especially given the circumstances of this offseason, I think we could see a situation where it very well might be Hoyer to start the season and perhaps as Stidham gets comfortable, we could see a switch. I do believe it is an open quarterback competition. I don't think the job is Stidham's. I think Hoyer's definitely in the mix, and depending on how all of this offseason goes with training camp, we could see a different situation — perhaps it's Hoyer starting. What I do think about Stidham is being around for a year, he's earned the trust of a lot of his teammates. Go back to some of the press conferences with Devin McCourty this offseason, and they just spoke about the way he carried himself as a rookie. I think that means a lot coming from a guy like Devin McCourty who's been around for quite a while. It will be interesting to see. If you go back and look at the fourth-round picks who have ended up having a career as a quarterback, there's not too many in recent years. It will be interesting to see what Stidham looks like. Looking back at last year throughout training camp and throughout the preseason, all you could say really is that he improved. But there wasn't a lot to see."
AD: Could you get a sense of Stidham's game from last season?
MOB:"Throughout training camp, throughout the preseason, he got better each time not holding onto the football too long. But a lot of his throws, it seemed like he was gaining confidence with the younger guys like Jakobi Meyers, like Gunner Olszewski, because they were all rookies last year. A lot of throws could've been pick-sixes as well, so I think for Stidham it's going to come down to just taking care of the football. If he can take care of the football and he can be a game manager, I think he'll find success within the Patriots' system."
AD: A lot of New England's free agent moves were to retain players likes Devin McCourty, Joe Thuney and Matthew Slater. How important was it to bring that core back after losing Brady in free agency?
MOB:"I think that's huge, and you look at what they're doing — we always say, look at what they do, not at what they say — all signs point toward more of a reboot this season. That's going to happen when you lose your starting quarterback, especially when your starting quarterback is Tom Brady. I think having those core guys, the leaders — the McCourtys, the Stephon Gilmores, the Julian Edelmans — they're going to help establish the culture in the locker room and they're going to make this reboot an easier transition."
AD: What is the feeling around the team and the tone without Brady?
MOB:"I think the leaders in the locker room are well established, and it starts at the top with Coach Belichick. These guys come in every season with a clean slate, a new page. I know that sounds so cliché, but that's what they do. Every year is a new year, and they truly treat it that way. Based on the conversations that we've been able to have with some of the players throughout the offseason via web conference calls, they're treating this just like any other season. It's going to be different because there is no Tom Brady, but I think the leadership in the locker room is just as strong as it's ever been."
AD: Are there any new additions through free agency or the draft that you think could make an impact in their first year in New England?
MOB:"I'm really excited about the tight ends. That was a position that the Patriots did not address last season whatsoever, which was surprising after losing Rob Gronkowski. They had Matt LaCosse on the team, they had Ryan Izzo. Neither of those [players] did too much. This year, you saw the Patriots draft tight ends with Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene. Keene's more of an H-back, so I'm interested to see how the two of those guys do. Also, [there's] the addition of Danny Vitale at fullback. Last year after losing James Develin, the Patriots really struggled to run the ball. We learned a lot about Sony Michel. He needs a lead blocker to effectively run the ball. I'm looking forward to seeing if Vitale can provide that to him or if Keene can fill in that role and to see what these tight ends can do for the offense."
AD: The AFC East seems like it's up for grabs. What's the biggest question you need to see the team answer for the Pats to compete for the AFC East and remain in the playoff mix?
MOB:"I think the AFC East, it looks like right now — obviously things can change — it's Buffalo and New England. I think Buffalo did a lot this offseason and should be extremely competitive. It's all going to come down to Josh Allen, and I think it's a make-or-break year for Josh Allen. See what he can do. I think on the defensive side of the ball it's really going to come down to those front seven guys. Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald had a great article yesterday just talking about the Patriots' defense and how they're adjusting to react to RPO [run-pass-option]offenses. I thought that was really interesting. I think they need reinforcements in the front seven. After losing so many linebackers, too, like Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins — those were guys who were versatile. They weren't just linebackers. They could play as a defensive end/linebacker kind of hybrid role. I think filling those holes is going to be key for the Patriots on the defensive side of the ball. And then offensively, just taking care of the football. What can Stidham do? Or is it going to be Hoyer — what can Hoyer do? Can Julian Edelman stay healthy, because obviously he's their number one receiver. I think there's going to be a lot of interesting undrafted free agents to watch during the preseason if and when that happens. I'm curious to see who will step up in those receiver roles. And then also N'Keal Harry, he missed half of last season. So we'll see what he can do — the [2019] first-round pick."
