The Drive
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The Drive refers to the January 11, 1987 AFC Championship Game between the Denver Broncos and the Cleveland Browns. Broncos quarterback John Elway, in a span of 5 minutes and 1 second, led his team 98 yards to tie the game with 37 seconds left in regulation. Denver won the game in overtime with a field goal, 23-20.
The 98-yard drive ranks as pro football's prototype performance in the clutch. Elway and his team spanned almost all of the 100 yard football field.
[edit] Play-by-play
The Browns had jumped to a 20-13 lead and the Broncos had muffed the ensuing kickoff when Elway took over, first-and-10 on their own 2-yard line, with 5:32 to play in the game.
1. - First down and 10, Denver 2-yard line. Sammy Winder 5-yard pass from Elway.
2. - Second down and 5, Denver 7-yard line. Winder 3-yard run.
3. - Third down and 2, Denver 10-yard line. Winder 2-yard run.
4. - First down and 10, Denver 12-yard line. Winder 3-yard run.
5. - Second down and 7, Denver 15-yard line. Elway 11-yard run.
6. - First down and 10, Denver 26-yard line. S. Sewell 22-yard pass from Elway.
7. - First down and 10, Denver 48-yard line. S. Watson 12-yard pass from Elway.
Two-minute warning
8. - First down and 10, Cleveland 40-yard line (1:59 remaining). Incomplete pass by Elway, intended for Vance Johnson.
9. - Second down and 10, Cleveland 40-yard line (1:52 remaining). Dave Puzzilli sack of Elway, 8-yard loss.
10. - Third down and 18, Cleveland 48-yard line (1:47 remaining). V. Johnson 20-yard pass from Elway.
11. - First down and 10, Cleveland 28-yard line (1:19 remaining). Incomplete pass by Elway, intended for Watson
12. - Second down and 10, Cleveland 28-yard line (1:10 remaining). Steve Sewell 14-yard pass from Elway.
13. - First down and 10, Cleveland 14-yard line (:57 remaining). Incomplete pass by Elway, intended for Watson.
14. - Second down and 10, Cleveland 14-yard line (:42 remaining). John Elway 9-yard run (scramble)
15. - Third down and 1, Cleveland 5-yard line (:39 remaining). Mark Jackson 5 yard pass from Elway for link building
the touchdown. Rich Karlis then adds the extra point to tie the game.
