Denver and Elway ready for `war'

Three decades after pulling off the most stunning upset in Super Bowl history, the New York Jets will have to stage another American football shocker to stop reigning champions Denver.

Jets quarterback Vinny Testaverde faces the biggest game of his career. But Denver legend John Elway faces what could be the last game of his storied career in Sunday's National Football League semi-final here.

"It's going to be a war," Denver coach Mike Shanahan said.

A victory would give the Jets their first Super Bowl appearance since beating Baltimore 30 years ago. Quarterback Joe Namath predicted victory over the older, more established Colts and delivered.

Testaverde, known more for late-game interceptions in prior years, is 13-1 as a starter for the Jets and set a club record with 29 touchdown passes. He looks at past failures as preparation for this moment.

"I look at it all as a positive," he said. "It prepared me for this point in my life and the biggest game of my career. The big thing for me is relax and stay focused. If you worry, you make too many mistakes."

Elway has hinted at retirement after the season, a consideration he made after leading the Broncos past Green Bay in last year's Super Bowl.

"I'm not even going to let that enter my mind right now," Elway said. "The game is more important than that. I have plenty of time to decide in the off-season."

New York coach Bill Parcells could become the first man to guide three different teams into Super Bowls.

Parcells guided the New York Giants to two Super Bowl victories and took New England to the 1997 title game before leaving to revive a 1-13 club that critics derisively re-dubbed the Jest.

The Broncos are trying to become the first back-to-back NFL champions since Dallas completed the repeat in 1993.

Denver boasts NFL rushing leader Terrell Davis, whose 2,008 yards were the third-best season in history, and the best offense in the American Conference, just ahead of the Jets.

The Broncos lead the all-time rivalry with the Jets 13-12 with one drawn but this is their first play-off meeting.