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October 1, 1989. I had vowed, when this series was created, that I would not include not include a Broncos game loss as a significant moment for any given date. I have chosen, however to use October 1, 1989 -- a date on which the Cleveland Browns defeated Denver to highlight a larger point: The Browns 16-13 victory on that date was the only time they were able to defeat the Broncos in twelve consecutive meetings, running from 1975 to 1989. It was also one of only two wins over Denver which quarterback Bernie Kosar ever had as a Brown -- as measured against the six times that the Broncos defeated the Kosar-led Browns, including three playoff losses. Speaking of playoff losses, that incredible streak of the Broncos' domination of the Browns, included seven regular season wins and three playoff wins. All three of those playoff wins came in the AFC Championship game.
The first came in the 1986 playoffs when, trailing 20-13 with just over five minutes left in the game, John Elway led the Broncos 98 yards to tie the game. Denver went on to win the game in overtime and that final regulation scoring drive became a legend known as "The Drive."
The following season -- 1987 -- the Broncos and the Browns faced off again in the AFC Championship game. This time the Browns tied the score at 31-31 in the 4th quarter, only to see John Elway lead another touchdown drive to take a 38-31 lead. The Browns responded with a drive of their own and were on the verge of tying the game when Denver DB Jeremiah Castille stripped the ball from Cleveland RB Earnest Byner at the Broncos' 2-yard line. Denver gave up an intentional safety and went on to win 38-33. This game came to known as the game that gave NFL lore "The Fumble."
Two years later, in 1989, the Broncos and the Browns met once again in the AFC Championship game. This time, Denver burst out to a 24-7 lead by the middle of the 3rd quarter and never looked back, pacing the Browns the rest of the way for a 37-21 victory.
Broncos Birthdays: None