In a meaningless regular season finale game for the Denver Broncos and Head Coach Gary Kubiak, this game meant everything.
While already being eliminated from the playoffs, the Broncos played the spoiler role to the Oakland Raiders as they looked to clinch their first AFC West title in 14 years and the two seed in the playoffs. The Broncos won 24-6, which turned out to be Kubiak last game as Broncos head coach.
Kubiak announced to the team after the game he is retiring. According to reports, Kubiak is reportedly stepping down because of health concerns.
After a week five lost to the Atlanta Falcons, Kubiak was rushed to the hospital to be treated for a “complex migraine condition” and missed the following week. Kubiak also suffered a mini-stroke at halftime of a game in 2013 as head coach of the Houston Texans.
In only two years as the Broncos head coach, Kubiak had a brilliant run. He went 20-11 and won a Super Bowl in his first year. His players truly have the upmost respect for him and were happy to win the game for him.
“It was emotional,” said quarterback Trevor Siemian. “Glad we sent him off with a win.”
Kubiak gave players like Siemian, who finished with 206 yards passing to go along with two touchdowns and one interception, a chance to play in the NFL. Siemian threw for only seven touchdowns and 11 interceptions in his final season at Northwestern University. He tore his ACL in his final college game and was ready for a real estate career.
“I had no business being drafted. He got me in the door and gave me a chance,” Siemian said of Kubiak.
The win is bittersweet. The Broncos clicked on both sides of the football, something that was needed before they went on a three game losing streak. The team out gained the Raiders by a margin 349-221 and forced three turnovers. Broncos also helped the Kansas City Chiefs win the division by beating the Raiders.
“We should have been clicking like this four weeks ago,” said cornerback Chris Harris Jr,
With the Broncos offseason starting now, the first thing they need to do is find a new head coach to get the team back in the playoffs next season and hopefully to the Super Bowl.
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