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Through the Years

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#TBT: Memorable moments from the Broncos' history against the Lions

On this Throwback Thursday, flip through photos of the Broncos' series history against the Detroit Lions.

Denver Broncos defensive end Lyle Alzado (77) attempts a tackle during the team's 31-27 victory at the Detroit Lions. Nov. 28, 1974. (Pro Football Hall of Fame via AP Images)
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Denver Broncos defensive end Lyle Alzado (77) attempts a tackle during the team's 31-27 victory at the Detroit Lions. Nov. 28, 1974. (Pro Football Hall of Fame via AP Images)

Quarterback Craig Morton drops back to pass during an October 11, 1981 win (27-21) against the Detroit Lions.
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Quarterback Craig Morton drops back to pass during an October 11, 1981 win (27-21) against the Detroit Lions.

Rod Hanna
Denver Broncos defender Billy Thompson reaches for Detroit Lions running back Billy Sims (20) on Oct. 11, 1981 in Denver, as Sims steps over two of his players on his way to the goal line. Sims scored on the 49-yard touchdown run.(AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
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Denver Broncos defender Billy Thompson reaches for Detroit Lions running back Billy Sims (20) on Oct. 11, 1981 in Denver, as Sims steps over two of his players on his way to the goal line. Sims scored on the 49-yard touchdown run.(AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)

Denver Broncos quarterback Craig Morton (7) watches from the sidelined during an NFL game against the Detroit Lions on Oct. 11, 1981. The Broncos defeated the Lions 27-21. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
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Denver Broncos quarterback Craig Morton (7) watches from the sidelined during an NFL game against the Detroit Lions on Oct. 11, 1981. The Broncos defeated the Lions 27-21. (Peter Read Miller via AP)

Peter Read Miller/Peter Read Miller
Detroit Lions running back Billy Sims (20) runs upfield during an NFL game against the Denver Broncos on Oct. 11, 1981. The Broncos defeated the Lions 27-21. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
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Detroit Lions running back Billy Sims (20) runs upfield during an NFL game against the Denver Broncos on Oct. 11, 1981. The Broncos defeated the Lions 27-21. (Peter Read Miller via AP)

Peter Read Miller/Peter Read Miller
Detroit Lions defensive end Al "Bubba" Baker (60) drills Denver Broncos quarterback Craig Morton (7) during an NFL game on October 11, 1981. The Broncos defeated the Lions 27-21. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
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Detroit Lions defensive end Al "Bubba" Baker (60) drills Denver Broncos quarterback Craig Morton (7) during an NFL game on October 11, 1981. The Broncos defeated the Lions 27-21. (Peter Read Miller via AP)

Peter Read Miller/Peter Read Miller
Receiver Steve Watson carries the ball downfield during an October 11, 1981 win (27-21) against the Detroit Lions.
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Receiver Steve Watson carries the ball downfield during an October 11, 1981 win (27-21) against the Detroit Lions.

Rod Hanna
Detroit Lions defensive end Al "Bubba" Baker (60) sacks Broncos quarterback Craig Morton (7) during the Lions 27 - 21 loss to the Denver Broncos on October 11, 1981 at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
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Detroit Lions defensive end Al "Bubba" Baker (60) sacks Broncos quarterback Craig Morton (7) during the Lions 27 - 21 loss to the Denver Broncos on October 11, 1981 at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)

Denver Broncos running back Sammy Winder (23) eludes Detroit Lions defensive end Keith Ferguson (77) during an NFL game in Denver, Colo., Nov. 1, 1987. The Broncos shutout the Lions 34-0. (AP Photo/Damian Strohmeyer)
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Denver Broncos running back Sammy Winder (23) eludes Detroit Lions defensive end Keith Ferguson (77) during an NFL game in Denver, Colo., Nov. 1, 1987. The Broncos shutout the Lions 34-0. (AP Photo/Damian Strohmeyer)

Denver Broncos Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway (7) runs upfield during an NFL game against the Detroit Lions in Denver, Colo., Nov. 1, 1987. The Broncos shutout the Lions 34-0. (AP Photo/Damian Strohmeyer)
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Denver Broncos Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway (7) runs upfield during an NFL game against the Detroit Lions in Denver, Colo., Nov. 1, 1987. The Broncos shutout the Lions 34-0. (AP Photo/Damian Strohmeyer)

Larry Lee prepares to snap the ball versus the Lions
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Larry Lee prepares to snap the ball versus the Lions

Rick McDonald
Denver Broncos wide receiver Vance Johnson (82) scores on a 35-yard reception during an NFL game against the Detroit Lions in Denver, Colo., Nov. 1, 1987. The Broncos shutout the Lions 34-0. (AP Photo/Damian Strohmeyer)
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Denver Broncos wide receiver Vance Johnson (82) scores on a 35-yard reception during an NFL game against the Detroit Lions in Denver, Colo., Nov. 1, 1987. The Broncos shutout the Lions 34-0. (AP Photo/Damian Strohmeyer)

Detroit Lions quarterback Chuck Long (16) sets up to pass while being pressured by Denver Broncos linebacker Karl Mecklenburg (77) during an NFL game Denver, Colo., Nov. 1, 1987. The Broncos shutout the Lions 34-0. (AP Photo/Damian Strohmeyer)
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Detroit Lions quarterback Chuck Long (16) sets up to pass while being pressured by Denver Broncos linebacker Karl Mecklenburg (77) during an NFL game Denver, Colo., Nov. 1, 1987. The Broncos shutout the Lions 34-0. (AP Photo/Damian Strohmeyer)

Mel Bratton scores a touchdown against the Lions during the Broncos' 40-27 loss in Detroit on November 22, 1990.
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Mel Bratton scores a touchdown against the Lions during the Broncos' 40-27 loss in Detroit on November 22, 1990.

Eric Lars Bakke
Coach Dan Reeves and receiver Vance Johnson watch from the sideline during a November 22, 1990 loss (40-27) to the Lions in Detroit.
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Coach Dan Reeves and receiver Vance Johnson watch from the sideline during a November 22, 1990 loss (40-27) to the Lions in Detroit.

Eric Lars Bakke
Keith Burns gets the fans pumped up against the Detroit Lions at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 28, 2003.
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Keith Burns gets the fans pumped up against the Detroit Lions at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 28, 2003.

Rod Smith takes a silent moment before the start of the game against the Detroit Lions at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 28, 2003.
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Rod Smith takes a silent moment before the start of the game against the Detroit Lions at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 28, 2003.

Jason Elam celebrates after converting a field goal attempt against the Detroit Lions at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 28, 2003.
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Jason Elam celebrates after converting a field goal attempt against the Detroit Lions at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 28, 2003.

Jake Plummer scrambles from the pocket and picks up a first down against the Detroit Lions at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 28, 2003.
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Jake Plummer scrambles from the pocket and picks up a first down against the Detroit Lions at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 28, 2003.

Mario Fatafehi celebrates after sacking the Lions quarterback against the Detroit Lions at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 28, 2003.
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Mario Fatafehi celebrates after sacking the Lions quarterback against the Detroit Lions at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 28, 2003.

Bertrand Berry moves in to make a play against the Detroit Lions at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 28, 2003.
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Bertrand Berry moves in to make a play against the Detroit Lions at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 28, 2003.

Ashley Lelie hauls down a touchdown reception against the Detroit Lions at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 28, 2003.
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Ashley Lelie hauls down a touchdown reception against the Detroit Lions at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 28, 2003.

Al Wilson awaits the snap of the ball against the Detroit Lions at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 28, 2003.
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Al Wilson awaits the snap of the ball against the Detroit Lions at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 28, 2003.

Broncos defenders converge to stuff a Lions running back against the Detroit Lions at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 28, 2003.
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Broncos defenders converge to stuff a Lions running back against the Detroit Lions at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 28, 2003.

Shannon Sharpe celebrates after his touchdown reception against the Detroit Lions at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 28, 2003.
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Shannon Sharpe celebrates after his touchdown reception against the Detroit Lions at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 28, 2003.

Olandis Gary meets with ex-teammates Mike Anderson and Clinton Portis following the Broncos victory over the Lions against the Detroit Lions at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 28, 2003.
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Olandis Gary meets with ex-teammates Mike Anderson and Clinton Portis following the Broncos victory over the Lions against the Detroit Lions at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 28, 2003.

The Denver Broncos defense stops Detroit Lions Keiland Williams (34) on the Denver 1-yard line in second quarter action in the NFL game against the Detroit Lions October 30, 2011 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO.
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The Denver Broncos defense stops Detroit Lions Keiland Williams (34) on the Denver 1-yard line in second quarter action in the NFL game against the Detroit Lions October 30, 2011 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO.

Eric Lars Bakke/Eric Lars Bakke
Chris Harris Jr. tries to break up a pass against the Detroit Lions in the NFL game October 30, 2011 at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO
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Chris Harris Jr. tries to break up a pass against the Detroit Lions in the NFL game October 30, 2011 at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO

Von Miller meets a Lions ballcarrier in midair in the NFL game October 30, 2011 at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO
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Von Miller meets a Lions ballcarrier in midair in the NFL game October 30, 2011 at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) chats with Detroit Lions Head Coach Jim Caldwell during pre game warm ups prior to action against the Detroit Lions in the NFL game at Ford Field in Detroit, MI September 27, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
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Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) chats with Detroit Lions Head Coach Jim Caldwell during pre game warm ups prior to action against the Detroit Lions in the NFL game at Ford Field in Detroit, MI September 27, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)

Eric Lars Bakke/© Eric Lars Bakke
during first quarter action against the Detroit Lions in the NFL game at Ford Field in Detroit, MI September 27, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
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during first quarter action against the Detroit Lions in the NFL game at Ford Field in Detroit, MI September 27, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)

Eric Lars Bakke/© Eric Lars Bakke
Denver Broncos cornerback Bradley Roby (29) intercepts a pass intended for Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) during first quarter action in the NFL game at Ford Field in Detroit, MI September 27, 2015. (Photo: © Steve Woltmann)
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Denver Broncos cornerback Bradley Roby (29) intercepts a pass intended for Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) during first quarter action in the NFL game at Ford Field in Detroit, MI September 27, 2015. (Photo: © Steve Woltmann)

Denver Broncos DeMarcus Ware (94) brushes off Detroit Lions offensive tackle Riley Reiff (71) aside on a pass rush during second quarter action in the NFL game at Ford Field in Detroit, MI September 27, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
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Denver Broncos DeMarcus Ware (94) brushes off Detroit Lions offensive tackle Riley Reiff (71) aside on a pass rush during second quarter action in the NFL game at Ford Field in Detroit, MI September 27, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)

Eric Lars Bakke/© Eric Lars Bakke
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) avoids a tackle on a 9 yard catch-and run during first quarter action against the Detroit Lions in the NFL game at Ford Field in Detroit, MI September 27, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
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Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) avoids a tackle on a 9 yard catch-and run during first quarter action against the Detroit Lions in the NFL game at Ford Field in Detroit, MI September 27, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)

Eric Lars Bakke/© Eric Lars Bakke
FILE - In this Sept. 27, 2015 file photo, Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris (25) runs the ball after a blocked extra point attempt against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit. Denver's defense, which finished No. 1 overall for the first time in franchise history and led the league in sacks, total yards and passing yards, is what will likely determine the Broncos' playoff fortunes. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski, File)
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FILE - In this Sept. 27, 2015 file photo, Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris (25) runs the ball after a blocked extra point attempt against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit. Denver's defense, which finished No. 1 overall for the first time in franchise history and led the league in sacks, total yards and passing yards, is what will likely determine the Broncos' playoff fortunes. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski, File)

Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) avoids a Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) tackle on a 45 yard catch-and run for a 2nd quarter touchdown in the NFL game at Ford Field in Detroit, MI September 27, 2015. (Photo: © Steve Woltmann)
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Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) avoids a Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) tackle on a 45 yard catch-and run for a 2nd quarter touchdown in the NFL game at Ford Field in Detroit, MI September 27, 2015. (Photo: © Steve Woltmann)

Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) takes a reception up field for a 16 yard gain during first quarter action against the Detroit Lions in the NFL game at Ford Field in Detroit, MI September 27, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
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Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) takes a reception up field for a 16 yard gain during first quarter action against the Detroit Lions in the NFL game at Ford Field in Detroit, MI September 27, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)

Eric Lars Bakke/© Eric Lars Bakke
Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman (23) celebrates his one yard run for a touchdown with C.J. Anderson (22) during second quarter action against the Detroit Lions in the NFL game at Ford Field in Detroit, MI September 27, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
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Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman (23) celebrates his one yard run for a touchdown with C.J. Anderson (22) during second quarter action against the Detroit Lions in the NFL game at Ford Field in Detroit, MI September 27, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)

Eric Lars Bakke/© Eric Lars Bakke
Denver Broncos defensive end Malik Jackson (97) and Von Miller (58) bring down Detroit Lions running back Joique Bell (35) for no gain during first quarter action in the NFL game at Ford Field in Detroit, MI September 27, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
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Denver Broncos defensive end Malik Jackson (97) and Von Miller (58) bring down Detroit Lions running back Joique Bell (35) for no gain during first quarter action in the NFL game at Ford Field in Detroit, MI September 27, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)

Eric Lars Bakke/© Eric Lars Bakke
Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) runs the ball defended by Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib (21) during an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
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Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) runs the ball defended by Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib (21) during an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)

Rick Osentoski
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