Look back at photos from the history between the Broncos and Bengals, including Brandon Stokley's miracle touchdown in 2009.
Linebacker Randy Gradishar eyes the Bengals quarterback during a game against Cincinnati at Mile High Stadium.
Steve Busick and Dennis Smith gang up on a Bengals ballcarrier.
Cornerback Steve Wilson picks off a Bengals pass during a September 2, 1984 win (20-17) over Cincinnati at Mile High Stadium.
Wide receiver Steve Watson leaves the field with Bengals receiver Cris Collinsworth after a September 2, 1984 win (20-17) over Cincinnati at Mile High Stadium.
Linebacker Karl Mecklenburg and other members of the Broncos defense nail a Bengals ballcarrier during a November 27, 1994 win (15-13) over Cincinnati at Mile High Stadium.
Linebacker Karl Mecklenburg wraps up a Bengals ballcarrier during a November 27, 1994 win (15-13) over Cincinnati at Mile High Stadium.
Denver: Ed McCaffrey looks to the end zone en route to a touchdown reception against the Cincinnati Bengals at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 21, 1997.
Denver Broncos in action against the Cincinnati Bengals at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 21, 1997.
Denver: Terrell Davis rushes the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 21, 1997.
Denver: Neil Smith sacks the quarterback as Alfred Williams scoops up the loose ball against the Cincinnati Bengals at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 21, 1997.
Denver: Ray Crockett makes a tackle against the Cincinnati Bengals at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 21, 1997.
Terrell Davis rushes the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals at Cinergy Field in Cincinnati, OH on November 1, 1998.
John Elway rolls out of the pocket against the Cincinnati Bengals at Cinergy Field in Cincinnati, OH on November 1, 1998.
Terrell Davis rushes the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals at Cinergy Field in Cincinnati, OH on November 1, 1998.
Rod Smith recovers an Ed McCaffrey fumble against the Cincinnati Bengals at Cinergy Field in Cincinnati, OH on November 1, 1998.
Ian Gold intercepts a Bengals pass attempt and returns the ball for a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio on September 7, 2003.
Mike Anderson makes a tackle on special teams against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio on September 7, 2003.
Jake Plummer fires a pass downfield against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio on September 7, 2003.
Rod Smith makes a reception against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio on September 7, 2003. Rod Smith on a reception against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio on September 7, 2003.
Deltha O' Neal returns a punt against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio on September 7, 2003.
Clinton Portis rushes the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio on September 7, 2003.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Javon Walker (84) goes high over Cincinnati Bengals' Dexter Jackson to pull in a 39-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter of their football game in Denver on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2006. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos' Mike Bell, right, salutes the fans as he is congratulated by teammate Rod Smith after Bell's 2-yard touchdown run in the third quarter of their football game with the Cincinnati Bengals in Denver on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2006. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey, left, intercepts a pass intended for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson during the first quarter of their football game in Denver on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2006. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Denver Broncos' Patrick Chukwurah (54), Al Wilson (56), Ian Gold (52), and Karl Paymah (41) celebrate after recovering the ball after a bad snap on an extra point attempt during the fourth quarter of a football game in Denver, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2006. Cincinnati Bengals kicker Shayne Graham (17) and Reggie Kelly (82) look on. The Broncos beat the Bengals 24-23. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
D.J. Williams rushes Carson Palmer during a fourth quarter series in the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals September 13, 2009
Brandon Stokley celebrates with teammates after scoringwith 11 seconds remaining on a tipped pass reception for 87 yards in the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium September 13, 2009
Brandon Stokley glances at Dhani Jones as he heads to the end zone scoring with 11 seconds remaining on a tipped pass reception for 87 yards in the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium September 13, 2009
LMont Jordan gains 4 yards on a carry off left guard in the fourth quarter of the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals September 13, 2009
Brian Dawkins moves into tackle Brian Leonard on a Bengals play in the first quarter in the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals September 13, 2009
Denver Broncos Eric Decker makes a reception and scores a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth quarter of the NFL game September 18th, 2011 at Sports Authority Field in Denver CO.
Denver Broncos Joe Mays and Jonathan Wilhite tackle Cincinnati Bengals Cedric Benson in the first half of the NFL game September 18th, 2011 at Sports Authority Field in Denver CO.
Denver Broncos Willis McGahee (23) salutes the fans and celebrates with teammates after scoring on a 1-yard run in first quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game September 18, 2011 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver,CO.
Denver Broncos Kyle Orton (8) fires under pressure from Cincinnati Bengals Rey Maualuga (58) in fourth quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game September 18, 2011 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver,CO.
Denver Broncos Von Miller sacks the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton in the second half of the NFL game September 18th, 2011 at Sports Authority Field in Denver CO.
Denver Broncos Willis McGahee rushes the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half of the NFL game September 18th, 2011 at Sports Authority Field in Denver CO.
Denver Broncos Brian Dawkins (20) flashes one-and-one fingers to the fans after Denver defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 24-22 in the NFL game September 18, 2011 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver,CO.
Denver Broncos linebacker Wesley Woodyard (52) tackles Cincinnati Bengals half back Brian Leonard during fourth quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday Nov. 4, 2012 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by: Gabriel Christus)
Cincinnati Bengals Vontaze Burfict (55) makes a diving tackle for Denver Broncos running back Lance Ball (35) on a 7 yard catch-and-run during first quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH November 4, 2012.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) passes on Denver's third series during second quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH November 4, 2012.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker (87) goes air borne fighting for extra yardage on a 5 yard reception during third quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH November 4, 2012.
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) does a dance after sacking Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) during second quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday Nov. 4, 2012 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by: Gabriel Christus)
Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey (24)catches an interception meant for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J Green during fourth quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday Nov. 4, 2012 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by: Gabriel Christus)
Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey (24) sets up to defend Cincinnati Bengals A.J. Green (18) during first quarter action in the NFL game at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH November 4, 2012.
110912-ConiferFB-Lakewood, Colorado-against Northridge High School on Nov. 4, 2012 at Trailblazer Stadium. Photo by Gabriel Christus/Photo Editor/Evergreen Newspapers
Denver Broncos wide receiver Trindon Holliday (11) returns the ball for a touchdown on a kickoff during third quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday Nov. 4, 2012 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by: Gabriel Christus)
Denver Broncos tight end Joel Dreessen (81) celebrates his 1 yard touchdown reception with Jacob Tamme (84) during fourth quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH November 4, 2012.
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) hits Cincinnati Bengals quarterback AJ McCarron (5) as he throws the ball during overtime action in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) pushes off Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Adam Jones (24) for a 4 yard gain during third quarter action in the NFL game in Denver, Colo. December 28, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (25) breaks up a deep pass intended for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) during fourth quarter action in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) celebrates a touchdown on an 8 yard reception during third quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jordan Norwood (11) returns a punt 14 yards during fourth quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) celebrates his sack of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback AJ McCarron (5) for a 5 yard loss during fourth quarter action in the NFL game in Denver, Colo. December 28, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos tight end Owen Daniels (81) celebrates after catcheing a 26 yard pass for a first down on a Denver 4th quarter drive against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game in Denver, Colo. December 28, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos defense during third quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware (94) celebrates a game-ending fumble recovery during overtime action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib (21) breaks up a pass intended for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) during first quarter action in the NFL game at Paul Brown Stadium Cincinnati, Ohio. September 25, 2016.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) celebrates his 55-yard touchdown with Emmanuel Sanders (10) during fourth quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Paul Brown Stadium Cincinnati, Ohio. September 25, 2016.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) hauls in a 55-yard for a touchdown as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Chris Lewis-Harris (37) attempts to defend during fourth quarter action in the NFL game at Paul Brown Stadium Cincinnati, Ohio. September 25, 2016.
Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) dives on a scramble for 5-yards during first quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Paul Brown Stadium Cincinnati, Ohio. September 25, 2016.
Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) attempts to block a Cincinnati Bengals placekicker Mike Nugent (2) 34-yard field goal during fourth quarter in the NFL game at Paul Brown Stadium Cincinnati, Ohio. September 25, 2016.
The Denver Broncos do not play the Cincinnati Bengals all that often, so it would be a very normal reaction for fans to feel no real connection here.
However, when you peel away a few layers, there is more common ground than first realized.
Of course, Derek Wolfe came to Denver from the University of Cincinnati, which has become a big time program over the last 20 years, but the Broncos and Bengals have connections extending back even further.
Alfred Williams played four years in Cincinnati for the Bengals as a top draft choice out of the University of Colorado, then came to Denver as a starting impact defensive end for our back-to-back Super Bowl champions in 1997 and 1998.
Williams is the only position player to start on the CU national championship team and also earn two rings on the Broncos' consecutive world championship teams.
Punter Tom Rouen also was on all three teams, but Williams is the only one from the offensive or defensive units to be on all three.
Once upon a time, Colorado State University had an outstanding basketball player named Lonnie Wright, and it was widely thought he was physical enough to be a pro safety.
The Broncos not only shared that opinion but signed Wright, who never played football at CSU, as a free agent in 1966. He played and sometimes started for Denver in 1966 and 1967, posting five pass interceptions in his two years as a Bronco. Then the Cincinnati Bengals joined the American Football League as an expansion team and Paul Brown selected Wright for the Bengals off the Bronco roster.
But Wright was actually a two-sport athlete for the Broncos, also playing for the Denver Rockets (renamed the Nuggets in 1974) in the American Basketball Association, and he instead turned his full-time attention to pro basketball and had a fine career in that sport.
Of course, the owner and original coach of the Cincinnati Bengals was Paul Brown, and the Broncos lines up against teams coached by the man in the brown fedora eight times.
Take a look back at the last time the Broncos played the Bengals, December 22, 2014 at Paul Brown Stadium.
Brown is widely considered to be the founder of modern professional football and, without question, the creator of many aspects of the game that seem so routine today, and so every team in pro football has an attachment to Brown, whether their fans and media realize it or not.
In today's game we take for granted that the plays are called from the sideline (or coaches' booth) and relayed to the quarterback via headset. But for the first 50 years of pro football history, the quarterbacks called the plays.
Except in Cleveland, under Brown, and in Cincinnati, under Brown. He was the first to realize that his quarterback was under enough pressure just playing the game on the field, and that there is logic in making the play calls from the sidelines.
Brown sent the plays in via a messenger guard, with a rotating guard taking each play in as the game progressed. I had a chance to watch this every time the Broncos played the Bengals, and it was just one of the many contributions that Brown made to the game.
The Bengals won their first game ever, in Cincinnati over the Broncos on opening day of 1968, and Brown's franchise had focus and direction from the first day.
This was all quite a dramatic change from the beginnings of pro football in Cincinnati.
The Cincinnati Celts spent a season in what is now regarded as the National Football League in 1921, but lasted only four games and went 1-3.
That thoroughly ignominious beginning was topped (or bottomed?) by the Cincinnati Reds (yes, a name shared with the baseball team) in 1933 and 1934.
The Reds of professional football went just 2-16 before folding in 1934, throwing no touchdown passes and scoring just three rushing touchdowns in their two-year history, one of which came against NFL founder George Halas and his Chicago Bears.
The Reds allowed 30 touchdowns in just eight games played in 1934, and that Cincinnati team actually still holds two all-time NFL records.
In 1934, Cincinnati had perhaps the most inglorious team in NFL history (often called by researchers the worst club ever to play), and the Reds set the all-time records for fewest points scored in a season (10) and for highest rushing average allowed by an opponent, an extraordinary 6.4 yards per rush for the opposition.
The Brown family still owns the Bengals, a franchise that has both stability of ownership since its 1968 inception, and in coaching, as well, under long-tenured head coach Marvin Lewis, so certainly no attempt is being made to compare this era to that.
But the beauty of history is we get to look at all of it, the good and the bad, and all together, it weaves the tapestry we watch unfolding in the present.
Every team has a story, and I think the reader would agree there are lesser-known connections of interest for the Broncos and Bengals after all.
