The Denver Broncos are preparing for a challenging matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have demonstrated strength in several key areas this season. The Jaguars have scored at least 25 points in seven consecutive games and currently hold the league’s top run defense. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence recently threw six touchdowns in Week 15, earning AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors.
“As you look at them and you watch the tape,” said Head Coach Sean Payton on Wednesday, “it’s a smaller market, but you see a real good team.”
The Jaguars, holding the No. 3 seed in the AFC with a 10-4 record, have excelled particularly in creating turnovers. Payton noted their impressive turnover ratio: “I think the one thing that stands out [is] they’re plus-10 in the turnover ratio. They’re second in the league in interceptions. … They play man to man, but there’s a lot of snaps, like last week, where seven [sets of] eyes are on the quarterback in their zone coverage. We’ve got to be on point.”
Jacksonville ranks third overall this season in turnover differential and has recorded 26 takeaways—second only to Chicago’s Bears. In six games this year, they forced at least three turnovers per game and won five of those contests. Payton pointed out their defensive tactics: “You see the punch-outs, and then I would say generally speaking, in those zone coverages, they rush the passer real well. So, if you’re hurried into zone-coverage throws, eyes are on the ball — and it’s different when your eyes aren’t and you’re playing man.”
Since returning from their Week 12 bye, Denver has improved its own turnover margin by either winning or tying that battle over each of its last four games—a figure that matches what they accomplished during the first ten weeks combined. The Broncos’ offense has committed just two turnovers during this stretch.
Quarterback Bo Nix addressed Jacksonville’s defensive approach: “I think they do a good job with just having vision and then punching the ball out,” he said. “It’s just something to be aware of, but nothing to be scared of.”
Sunday’s game will also mark a reunion between current Jaguars receiver Tim Patrick and his former teammates after he spent four years with Denver before suffering back-to-back season-ending injuries.
“My dog, I’m so happy for him,” Courtland Sutton said about Patrick’s return to play. “… We talked a lot before he went to Jacksonville, before he made the decision. I’m just so happy for him. The dude’s been through a lot in terms of injuries and just being an underdog. He has the mindset and mentality to overlook all of that and just go out there and continue to prove himself.”
Patrick has made 13 catches for 172 yards and three touchdowns so far this season.
“I love it,” Payton said regarding Patrick’s success since joining Jacksonville. “He just was a pro. Great to be around. … You’re happy for those guys.”
Sutton confirmed plans to exchange jerseys with Patrick after Sunday’s contest: “It’s already locked in,” Sutton said.
