The Jacksonville Jaguars enter Sunday’s matchup against the Denver Broncos with an opportunity that extends well beyond earning another victory. If the Jacksonville Jaguars can pull off the upset against the Denver Broncos on Sunday in Denver, they will have a chance to send a powerful message to the rest of the NFL.
This AFC showdown presents an early opportunity for both teams to establish themselves. The winner will leave Empower Field at Mile High with another victory, additional confidence and a valuable head-to-head advantage.
If these two teams eventually finish with identical records, the winner of Sunday’s game will have secured the head-to-head tiebreaker, which could carry significant postseason implications later.
Top Six Takeaways
- Jacksonville has an opportunity to make an early AFC statement with a road victory in Denver.
- The Jaguars must establish their running game and remain committed to it throughout the afternoon.
- Protecting Trevor Lawrence is essential against Denver’s powerful defensive front and pass rush.
- Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez Jr. could become key offensive weapons for Jacksonville.
- A balanced offense can create better play-action opportunities for Lawrence and his receiving targets.
- Jacksonville’s offensive line will be a major factor in determining whether the Jaguars can control the game.
Jacksonville Arrives With Confidence
When facing the Broncos, Jacksonville is riding high on confidence. In addition to a 34-10 thrashing of the Cleveland Browns to kick off the season, the Jaguars have won nine consecutive games in the regular season, one of which was a December triumph against these very Broncos in Denver.
That previous success can provide Jacksonville with confidence, but Sunday represents another challenge. Past victories will not determine what happens when the Jaguars and Broncos line up again.
Denver, meanwhile, is looking for an opportunity to respond after Monday Night Football’s 31-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Broncos will return home determined to get back on track.
On Sunday, victory will require nothing less than 100% effort from both clubs.
The Running Game Must Lead the Way
Despite quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s incredible streak, the Jaguars must rely on their rushing game if they want to open the season 2-0 against the Broncos.
Denver is thought to have a top-tier defense this season despite how it played against the Chiefs. One of the biggest strengths of that defense is its ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks.
With 68 sacks, 11 more than the next club, Denver dominated the league last season. That production demonstrates exactly why Jacksonville cannot allow the Broncos to turn Sunday into an afternoon of predictable passing situations.
To counter Denver’s formidable pass rush, Jacksonville needs to rely on its running game.
Do Not Abandon the Run
No matter how slowly it starts, the Jaguars cannot quit the run.
Jacksonville needs Lawrence to stay upright for the entire game if it wants to win. Establishing the run can slow Denver’s defensive pressure while creating opportunities for Jacksonville to control the tempo.
The Jaguars should focus on running the football to help establish their passing game, particularly through play-action.
If Denver is forced to respect Jacksonville’s running backs, Lawrence could have more opportunities to find his receivers and attack different areas of the field.
Denver’s Run Defense Can Be Challenged
The running game’s capabilities extend beyond merely countering Denver’s formidable pass rush.
Based on what we saw in Week 1, the Jaguars might be able to exploit a hole in Denver’s run defense. With 38 rushes against the Chiefs, Denver gave up 220 yards and two scores. The Chiefs’ 5.8 yards per carry average was remarkable.
Upon joining the Chiefs, running back Kenneth Walker III made a strong impression. On 23 carries, Walker gained 173 yards and scored a touchdown.
Those numbers provide Jacksonville with a reason to test Denver’s defensive front early and continue challenging it throughout the game.
Tuten and Rodriguez Could Be Critical
Last week, Bhayshul Tuten made a solid debut versus Cleveland. Tuten gained 66 yards on 15 carries in his debut game as the Jaguars’ starting running back.
Powerful back Chris Rodriguez Jr. added 23 yards on six carries.
On Sunday, Jacksonville will need to rely on the two of them.
Their effectiveness could become one of the defining elements of the matchup. Jacksonville does not necessarily need one explosive rushing play after another. Consistent positive yardage can keep the offense on schedule and prevent Denver from controlling obvious passing situations.
Set the Stage for Trevor Lawrence
In order to set up Lawrence, his receivers and the Jaguars’ dynamic passing threat, the running game needs to be effective.
Jacksonville cannot become one-dimensional.
If the offense fails to diversify its passing game and run the ball effectively against Denver, the Broncos could be able to pin Lawrence down all afternoon.
A successful ground attack changes that equation. Play-action becomes more effective, linebackers must respect the run, and Lawrence potentially gains additional time to make decisions.
The Offensive Line Faces a Major Test
The offensive line is still working on establishing continuity, so facing Denver’s defensive front is no easy task.
Sunday therefore represents an important challenge for Jacksonville’s offensive line.
The unit must create running lanes while simultaneously preventing Denver’s pass rushers from consistently reaching Lawrence. If the line is able to open gaps for the running backs, its confidence should be greatly enhanced moving forward.
Success in the trenches could ultimately determine the direction of the game.
A Chance to Send a Message
For Jacksonville to beat Denver, its ability to run the ball might be its most important weapon.
If Jacksonville’s running game is successful, Denver’s defense could remain off-kilter for much of the game, making it more difficult to stop Lawrence and the passing offense.
That balance should give Lawrence enough time to survey the field, make decisions and determine when to attack.
Sunday is more than another game on the schedule. Jacksonville has an opportunity to leave Denver with a road victory, an important head-to-head AFC advantage and additional confidence for the season ahead.
The Jaguars know the challenge.
Now they have to take it on.
WEDGEDIN News
Featured Sports Report
Written by Kaleef Thompson
