Fansided

Every NFL team’s most devastating loss of all time

By Jarrett Bailey

ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 04: Quarterback Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts after taking a sack in the third quarter against the Detroit Lions during the NFC Wildcard Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium on January 4, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 04: Quarterback Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts after taking a sack in the third quarter against the Detroit Lions during the NFC Wildcard Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium on January 4, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – JANUARY 11: Quarterback John Elway #7 of the Denver Broncos runs with the football as he is pursued by linebacker Chip Banks #56 of the Cleveland Browns as running back Steve Sewell #30 blocks and running back Gerald Willhite #47 and offensive lineman Ken Lanier #76 look on during the 1986 season AFC Championship Game at Cleveland Municipal Stadium on January 11, 1987 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Broncos defeated the Browns 23-20. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – JANUARY 11: Quarterback John Elway #7 of the Denver Broncos runs with the football as he is pursued by linebacker Chip Banks #56 of the Cleveland Browns as running back Steve Sewell #30 blocks and running back Gerald Willhite #47 and offensive lineman Ken Lanier #76 look on during the 1986 season AFC Championship Game at Cleveland Municipal Stadium on January 11, 1987 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Broncos defeated the Browns 23-20. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /

Cleveland Browns: 1986 AFC Championship Game vs Denver Broncos

Frankly, you could put either playoff game against Denver in this spot. The Earnest Byner fumble in the 1987 AFC Championship Game was incredibly devastating, as well, but it doesn’t quite top “The Drive.”

The Browns were leading the Broncos 20-13 with just over five minutes to play. A punt had downed Denver at their own two yard-line, and the Browns looked like they were about to advance to their first Super Bowl. Unfortunately for Cleveland, their defense couldn’t get off the field. John Elway led Denver on a 15 play, 98 yard drive that was capped off with a touchdown pass to Mark Jackson.

Cleveland had gotten the Broncos into multiple third down situations, including a third down and 18 in which Elway connected to Jackson for a gain of 20. The long drive by Denver sent the game into overtime, where Denver won on a field goal that looked as if it went wide left, but was ruled as a made kick. Denver advanced to the Super Bowl, and you could hear a pin drop in Cleveland Municipal Stadium. The Broncos would go on to lose to the Giants in the Super Bowl, and the two teams would meet once again in the 1987 AFC Championship Game.

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