On This Day in Broncos History: November 7

November 7, 1976 - Many people may not remember that when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were added to the NFL as an expansion team in 1976, they were originally placed in the AFC West. To say Tampa Bay’s inaugural season was a disaster would be something of an understatement. They lost all fourteen games that season, including being shutout five times. On November 7, 1976, the Buccaneers traveled to the Mile High City to take on the Broncos.

The Broncos started quickly, taking a 10-0 lead in the first quarter on a 19-yard Jim Turner field goal and a 36-yard pass from QB Steve Ramsey to RB Otis Armstrong. Tampa Bay tied the score at 10-10 at the half. After falling behind 13-10 to the expansion team in the third quarter, Denver went to work. Ramsey and WR Haven Moses connected for a 71-yard touchdown pass. Randy Gradishar returned an interception 31 yards for a score and the Broncos led 24-13 at the end of three quarters. Denver added 24 more points in the fourth quarter on 33-yard Turner field goal, a 9-yard run by RB Lonnie Perrin, a 32-yard interception return by DB John Rowser and a 26-yard fumble return by DB Randy Poltl. When the dust settled, Denver had won 48-13.


Broncos Birthdays: None