All the Pressure Is on S.F., Bronco Players Say

They know most of America expects them to get soundly beaten in Super Bowl XXIV. Yet, the Denver Broncos, those 12-point underdogs from the AFC, aren’t acting like a club headed for the guillotine.

During the team photo-and-interview session Tuesday at the Superdome, the Broncos acted like a carefree team with nothing to lose and portrayed the San Francisco 49ers as a team with the weight of the world on its shoulders.

“We have a chance to be the (1980) U.S. hockey team against the Russians,” a relaxed Coach Dan Reeves said. “The 49ers have an opportunity to grab a piece of history, be the first team in 10 years to win back-to-back championships and the second to win four. We have a tremendous opportunity to alter history.”

“We’ve got nothing to lose,” added John Elway, sitting in a chair with his legs crossed. “They’re the dynasty with all the pressure. All we have to do is go out and play. We’re having fun because we don’t have a chance to win this game according to you guys.”

The point spread for Sunday’s showdown is the largest since the Kansas City Chiefs were a 13-point underdog in Super Bowl IV against the Minnesota Vikings. The largest spread ever came in Super Bowl III when the Joe Namath-led New York Jets were 18-point underdogs to the mighty Baltimore Colts.

The Broncos are well aware that the Chiefs and Jets both emerged as surprise winners. “There’s nothing wrong with being the underdog,” running back Sammy Winder said. “It (the point spread) has nothing to do with what happens Sunday.”

The Broncos have been constantly reminded this week of their 0-3 record in Super Bowls, including blowouts of 39-20 to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXI and 42-10 to the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl XXII. Should they lose Sunday, the Broncos would tie the Vikings for the most Super Bowl losses.

Indeed, the Broncos think this year’s team is the best of their Super Bowl entries in the last decade. Under defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, they have a simpler, more physical defense. The Broncos also have a respectable running game that should take pressure off Elway.

“This is the best team we’ve brought to the Super Bowl,” Elway said. “We’re bigger, we’re better on defense and we have a better running game. But we’re playing the best team we’ve played in a Super Bowl.”