Broncos vs. Seahawks: Blast from the past

This is the next in a series of short articles which will hold up up what I see as Denver's best (and worst) game against each of the Broncos' 2014 opponents. Feel free to disagree with my choices and share your own views in the comments section. Let's lift up Denver's great (and "bummer") moments to keep the history, traditions and rivalries stoked. It should be noted that in many cases the choice was made based upon the final margin of victory (or defeat).

Denver Broncos vs Seattle Seahawks

Best Game: September 7, 1997
Score: Denver 35, Seattle 14

What makes this game great: First, it was a win. Second, it was Denver's second step in a season which would end with the Broncos' first-ever Super Bowl win. Third, it was a win in Seattle. In this game, the Broncos took a 10-0 lead in the first quarter only to fall behind 14-10 in the second, when an Elway fumble was returned for a touchdown. Elway responded by driving the Broncos for a field goal in the last minute of the half to trail 14-13. The second half started with a see-saw battle -- the Seahawks punted twice and the Broncos once -- before Elway led the Broncos on a 77-yard touchdown drive in 8 plays. Add a 2-point conversion and the Broncos were on top 21-14. Denver's Darrien Gordon intercepted a Warren Moon pass on Seattle's next possession and returned it 32 yards for a touchdown. Denver 28, Seattle 14. In the fourth quarter, the Seahawks were turned away on a 4-1-DEN38. Six plays later, the Broncos had made it 35-14 on a 1-yard run by Terrell Davis. The Broncos closed out the Seahawks by stopping them on 4-2-DEN45, then ran out the clock.

Worst Game: February 2, 2014
Score: Seattle 43, Denver 8

What makes this game horrible: First, it happened in the Super Bowl. Second, it brought a season that saw the Broncos' offense set numerous records to a crashing halt. This was just about as lopsided as a game could get. A safety on the first play of the game set the tone. Despite having just two "three and out" drives after the safety, the Broncos trailed by just 8-0 at the end of the first quarter. At the end of the first quarter and In the second quarter two of the wheels came off when Peyton Manning threw two interceptions. The first led to a touchdown drive by Seattle. The second was a "pick-6." Suddenly the Broncos found themselves trailing 22-0 at the half. The second half started just as badly when the Broncos allowed Percy Harvin to return the opening kick 87 yards for a touchdown. Later in that same quarter, a fumble by Demaryius Thomas killed a promising Denver drive and set up another touchdown drive by the Seahawks. The Broncos did must a touchdown drive of their own to trail 36-8 at the end of three quarters. Unfortunately, Seattle responded with a touchdown drive to open the fourth quarter then simply held on for the win.

This week, the Broncos face a stiff test. They have been struggling somewhat on both sides of the ball on their way to their first two wins. Seattle will be looking to avenge a loss to San Diego when Denver visits Seattle. This game could set the tone for the rest of the season for one or both teams.

Go Broncos.

Editor's Note: SB Nation's partner FanDuel is hosting a $250,000 Fantasy Football Contest for Week 2's NFL games. It's only $10 to join and first place wins $25,000. Starts Sunday, September 14th at 1pm ET. Here's the link Looking back at the best & worst games played against 2014 opponents.