Home win is good way to end season

Brad Byler, Special to the Rocky

Originally published 06:42 p.m., December 30, 2007
Updated 06:42 p.m., December 30, 2007

Earlier in the week, John Lynch said the Broncos needed to re-establish home field dominance to become a factor again.

Sunday’s overtime victory over the Vikings was probably not what the 15-year veteran safety had in mind. Leading 19-3 in the fourth quarter to a Minnesota team that treated the football like a hand grenade for three quarters, the Broncos let the game blow up in their faces in the final quarter before rallying to win on a Jason Elam overtime field goal.

Definitely ugly, but a win nonetheless. And more importantly for the Broncos future, it was a win that established a trend. Denver finished with three straight victories at home to end the season with a 5-3 mark at Invesco Field at Mile High.

“To end the season with three wins at home is a good way to end the season and important as well,” said Lynch, who led the Broncos with nine tackles Sunday.

In 2005 the Broncos were unbeaten at home before losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game. Since that time, Denver has been a mediocre 9-7 at home, including their worst home loss ever at the hands of San Diego, 41-3, earlier this season.

It’s easy to see what formula lands a team in the postseason. Among the 10 teams clinching a playoff spot heading into Sunday’s game, only the New York Giants (3-5) had a losing record at home.

“To be a good football team in this league, you have to establish yourself at home,” Broncos cornerback Dre’ Bly said. “We were able to finish this game today with a win. Hopefully we can use this as motivation in the off season to start next year. Things didn’t go as we planned this season, but to finish with a win…you can’t ask for anything better than that.”

The Broncos were 4-4 at home last season, and twice needed overtime field goals from Elam this year to improve at home in 2007. Sunday’s victory came in front of many purple-clad Vikings fans, who took advantage of the Broncos losing season to buy tickets to see their team. Broncos tight end Tony Scheffler said he could sympathize with loyal fans, and thinks the Broncos will reward them next season.

“We were in some games and kind of gave them away late this season,’’ he said. “It’s frustrating for fans. I can see that. We just have to keep playing hard and get better on the road, and I think Mile High will always be a great home field advantage.”