The “Ambush at Mile High” was a shocking playoff victory by the Jacksonville Jaguars, who were in their second NFL season, over John Elway’s Denver Broncos in an AFC Divisional playoff game in early January of 1997. The 13-3 Broncos hadn’t lost all season at Mile High Stadium, and when they took a 12-0 first quarter lead on a touchdown throw from Elway to Shannon Sharpe, the Jaguars didn’t seem to have a chance. But Jacksonville hung tough, pulling ahead 13-12 at the half and then 20-12 after three quarters following a 31-yard TD pass from Mark Brunell to Keenan McCardell. Another touchdown throw by Brunell in the fourth quarter extended the Jaguar lead to 30-20 – and Jacksonville, who had entered the game as 14-point underdogs, pulled off the upset, 30-27. Jacksonville lost to the Patriots in the AFC title game, while the Broncos won their first Super Bowl the next season. ― NFL 100
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