Englewood, Colo. ? The last time the Denver Broncos finished below .500 was 1999, when John Elway was learning what it was like to sleep late on Sundays and Terrell Davis blew out a knee.

This year, the Broncos (6-9) will post a losing record for just the second time in the 13-year Mike Shanahan era, injuries and key departures again playing a part.

But while a letdown was expected eight years ago following back-to-back Super Bowl wins, the Broncos began this season with high hopes after an offseason spending spree and roster shuffle brought in Dre’ Bly, Daniel Graham, Travis Henry, Simeon Rice, Sam Adams and Brandon Stokley.

The Broncos (6-9) were assured of a losing season with a 23-3 loss at San Diego on Christmas Eve.

The festering frustration finally broke free when safety John Lynch ripped off LaDainian Tomlinson’s helmet early in the game and flung it 10 yards, drawing an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

“Obviously, frustration figures in,” an embarrassed Lynch said after the Chargers completed their season sweep by a combined 64-6 score. “I think you’re trying to put some juice in your team and just playing intense. It is something I’ve never done in my career. I am embarrassed by it.”

Lynch thought coming back for a 15th NFL season was going to give him a shot at a second ring. Instead, it’s been one of his most disappointing campaigns and has him wondering if it’s worth returning in 2008.

“We had very high hopes coming into this year. It’s been an extremely frustrating year. And to get whupped a couple of times by a division opponent is no fun, and you’re out there trying to do everything you can to win,” he said.

The Broncos finish against Minnesota (8-7), which can still sneak into the NFC playoffs with a win and some help from Dallas.