2005 Divisional Round: Broncos 27, Patriots 13
Lynch's four years with the Broncos peaked during the 2005 season, a 13-3 campaign that then brought about the franchise's first postseason win since Super Bowl XXXIII. That record had earned Denver a first-round bye and a home game in the Divisional Round against the Patriots, winners of three of the previous four Super Bowls. Brady had yet to lose a playoff game, and he had just completed perhaps his most productive season of his career to that point.
But Lynch and the Broncos would fluster Brady like no other team had. Early in the game, amid a thundering din from the Mile High crowd, the Patriots committed a false start, which sent the mob further into hysterics. Lynch proceeded to provide more encouragement to them, Michael Silver reported for Sports Illustrated, and an annoyed Brady yelled to him, "That's right, John, you get 'em fired up!"
Lynch and Denver's defense didn't let up, holding Brady and the Patriots to just 13 points. Bailey provided one of the best defensive plays in franchise history with a 100-yard interception return that came up just short of a touchdown, and Lynch then ended New England's final possession with an interception of his own.
Week 17, 2007 season: Broncos 22, Vikings 19
In what would end up being his final NFL game, Lynch didn't have any eye-popping statistics, though he did lead the Broncos in tackles with nine. The game didn't have any playoff consequences for the Broncos, but Lynch and his teammates had bigger goals in mind.
"It's about competing, regardless of the circumstances," Lynch said. "This was nice."
The game itself was an entertaining nail-biter, though the Broncos gave up a 19-3 fourth-quarter lead. Early on, Lynch provided a helping hand on a key play with the Vikings driving for a touchdown. As Minnesota running back Chester Taylor ran on a sweep play to the right pylon, Lynch took his blocker to the ground just in front of the goal line, forcing Taylor to dive over him with the ball outstretched. At that moment, Taylor took on contact from D.J. Williams in midair, losing the ball just as it was about to cross the goal line. The turnover would prove critical for Denver.
In overtime, the Broncos forced a turnover and recovered the ball in the red zone, setting up a chip shot game-winner for Jason Elam.
For Lynch, who admitted that he was considering retirement after the season, it was a good cap to the season and to his career.
"I've tried to play football and make those decisions at the proper time, but human nature kicks in and yeah, there were moments when you try to soak it in," Lynch said.
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Five of the most memorable games from John Lynch's Broncos career - DenverBroncos.com
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