NFL

Denver arrives with title, leaves with bye

By wire services
Published December 25, 2005

DENVER - Win the AFC West, earn a well-deserved week off, embarrass the Raiders. It was the kind of day they dream about in Broncoland, the likes of which they haven't celebrated in the seven long seasons since Denver's last Super Bowl title.

Jake Plummer threw for 268 yards, Mike Anderson surpassed 1,000 yards rushing on the season and the Broncos closed out an undefeated season at home against archrival Oakland.

"I'm at a loss for words," Broncos defensive end Ebenezer Ekuban said. "I've been in the league seven years and I've never experienced anything like it before."

At kickoff, Denver had secured its first division title since 1998 with San Diego's 20-7 loss at Kansas City. Cincinnati's loss to Buffalo gave the Broncos a chance to wrap up the second seed in the AFC and a first-round bye.

All that was left was to beat the Raiders and that wasn't too big a challenge.

Kerry Collins went 17-for-41 for 178 yards and an interception in the Denver end zone after being flushed from the pocket.

Oakland moved the ball at times, but was overcome on almost every drive by untimely mistakes: illegal procedure, holding, dropped passes, receivers who slipped.

"They're a good team and you can't make mistakes against them, whether it's dropped passes or interceptions before the half or penalties that hurt us," Collins said.

Only Sebastian Janikowski's 43-yard field goal in the fourth quarter prevented the Raiders from being shut out for the first time since 1997.

Even so, they lost their fifth straight and fell to 5-17 against Denver's Mike Shanahan, the coach Al Davis fired early in the 1989 season.

"That's been a long time ago," Shanahan said when asked if he enjoys beating up on Davis more than anyone. "I was pleased because his defense had given up only one 300-yard game since we played them last," Nov. 13 in Oakland.

Saturday, the Broncos gained 414 on their way to finishing 8-0 at home for the first time since 1998, when they won their second Super Bowl and played at Mile High Stadium, now a parking lot across the street from Invesco Field.

They assured themselves their first home playoff game since then, and thanks to Cincy's unexpected loss, they guaranteed it would be the weekend of Jan. 14-15, two weeks after Saturday's finale at San Diego.

"It's pretty basic math," Shanahan said. "The opportunity we have is a great one."

Next weekend could be light. Because the Chargers are out of the playoff race and the Broncos have nothing to play for, Shanahan could rest Plummer and some other starters.

Receiver Rod Smith said he wants to play. Cornerback Champ Bailey, hampered with injuries all season, wouldn't mind some rest. Backup quarterback Bradlee Van Pelt said he'd be ready to go.

In this game, Anderson stayed healthy just long enough to top 1,000 yards for the second time in his career.

He twisted his left ankle after rushing for 46 yards and a score and sat out the second half.

The sixth-year rusher was hurt when he fell awkwardly on the sideline after defensive back Stanford Routt tackled him on an 11-yard gain just before halftime. Anderson was limping after the game but said he was glad he was able to pop right up and didn't think the injury was serious.

NOTABLE: Starting in place of injured LaMont Jordan, Zack Crockett ran six straight times for 31 yards to start the game for Oakland. He finished with 61 yards on 15 carries.

[Last modified December 24, 2005, 23:43:13]