Broncos Humbled by Jaguars in 20-34 Defeat | First Home Loss Since 2024

Recap

Not only did the Jacksonville Jaguars end the Denver Broncos’ 11-game win streak, but they also became the first team to beat the Broncos at home in over a full calendar year. The Broncos were outplayed and outcoached in all phases of the game. While the Broncos gave a respectable performance and avoided having any egregious miscues, they failed to execute in key situations on both sides of the ball.

• Denver’s league-leading redzone defense (per Stat Muse) allowed touchdowns on four of Jacksonville’s five redzone visits.

• Offensively, the Broncos came into the game as one of the league’s most efficient teams on 3rd down (per Stat Muse), yet against the Jaguars, they only converted on just 5 of 14 3rd downs.

Despite sacking Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence 5 times, Denver’s defense still allowed over 250 passing yards and four total touchdowns to the Jacksonville signal-caller. This included a career-high 145 in receiving yards and a touchdown from relatively unknown wide receiver Parker Washington.

The Broncos’ offense moved the ball up and down the field, even outgaining the Jaguars by nearly 100 yards, but still failed to execute when it mattered. Not only did Bo Nix and company struggle mightily on 3rd downs, but they also converted on only one of three 4th-down attempts.

Bounce Back Opportunity

In this clash of AFC powerhouses, the Jaguars showed up to Mile High with something to prove and delivered a reality check to the Broncos. Thankfully, Denver still controls its own destiny.

They have a quick turnaround and a great opportunity to get rid of the taste of this loss as they are set to face off against the quarterback-less Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas night. With the AFC West title and playoff seeding on the line, the Broncos have no margin for error with the Chargers and Patriots right on their tail in these final two weeks.

I expect to see a motivated and focused Broncos team the rest of the way.

Broncos Country POV

From a fan’s perspective, the timing of this loss to the Jaguars couldn’t have been better. It felt like they needed a slice of humble pie so they could remember how much losing sucks and lock back in for a deep playoff run.

I also see a resemblance to the loss against the Steelers in the Broncos’ 2015 Super Bowl season – a late-December loss to a playoff team they would go on to beat in the playoff rematch.

I know it’s easy to compare this year’s Broncos to the Super Bowl 50 squad because it’s been that long since Denver has had this level of success, but the vibes truly feel the same.

No one believes in this team except the coaches, the players, and Broncos Country.

And honestly, that’s just the way we like it.