On This Day in Broncos History: December 24

December 24, 1977 -- After 17 frustrating seasons, Denver finally made it to the post season. They started a playoff run which would end with the Broncos playing in Super Bowl XII by hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers in a Divisional round game. This was a rematch of Denver's Week 8 game in which they defeated the Steelers 21-7 at Mile High Stadium.

Denver RB Rob Lytle opened the scoring with a first quarter touchdown that came on a 7-yard run. The Steelers tied the game at 7-7 in the second quarter only to see Denver go ahead 14-7 on a 10-yard run by Otis Armstrong. The score was tied 14-14 at the half. Broncos QB Craig Morton connected with TE Riley Odoms for a 30-yard touchdown pass to give Denver a 21-14 lead in the third quarter. Pittsburgh tied the score at 21-21 in the fourth quarter. The Broncos ran away with the game after that. Jim Turner kicked field goals of 44 and 25 yards to give Denver a 27-21 lead. The final score was a 34-yard Morton to Jack Dolbin pass for a touchdown. Denver won 34-21 to advance to the AFC Championship game.