The Denver Broncos will face the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road Week 2. The two teams had polar performances in Week 1. Denver was composed and convincing throughout their game, Jacksonville was not. While most analysts and fans of both teams foresee Denver walking away with the win, remember that anything can happen. Here are a few key things to watch for.
Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars Could Be Closer Than Expected
Broncos Have Enough Weapons To Be a Threat on Both Sides of the Ball
The Broncos defense is expected to return to their glory days, with their cornerback group considered one of the best. The secondary could be a real nightmare for rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Von Miller looks as if he can be his usual dangerous self in Week 2. Patrick Surtain will replace an injured Ronald Darby. This matchup will present an opportunity for him to showcase why he was the Broncos first-round pick in 2021. Laviska Shenault Jr. could be at his mercy.
There is true depth in every position on Denver’s offense. Teddy Bridgewater is expected to continue to find his targets in Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick. Meanwhile tight ends Noah Fant, Albert Okwuegbunam and Eric Saubert should continue being a real powerhouse.
Will Jaguars Defense Be Enough To Stop the Broncos?
The Jaguars made several notable upgrades to their defense during the off-season. Against the weak Houston Texans, it did not show at all as they allowed almost 300 passing yards and 160 rushing yards.
The Jaguars had aimed to add bulk up front, improve against the run and transform their secondary into one capable of press coverage. They achieved that, despite what their Week 1 performance showed. Their run defense has made dramatic improvements, becoming much sturdier than the last two seasons. They should be able to create more pass-rush opportunities. Denver’s Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams were the NFL’s biggest ground surprise, with Gordon being the fastest ball carrier in Week 1. They are expected to be the duo to watch. Jacksonville must be on their toes around these guys or risk failing once again.
Denver Needs to Watch Josh Allen
The Jaguars biggest unknown is defensive end Josh Allen. He missed eight games last season, yet he is Jacksonville’s best edge rusher. Jacksonville only registered 18 sacks last season, the second fewest in the NFL. Allen was dynamite during a 2019 Pro Bowl season in which he set a franchise rookie record with 10.5 sacks. He and every-down linebacker Myles Jack, plus shutdown cornerback C.J. Henderson could be a premium defensive triple-threat to Denver’s offensive line.
Will Trevor Lawrence Experience the Full Force of Broncos Defense?
The Jaguars biggest issue may put the Broncos in a favorable position. In the pre-season finale, Lawrence was in the shotgun for all but a single snap. Running from the shotgun isn’t as efficient as a quarterback making a handoff at the line of scrimmage. A strong running game would keep the heat of the rookie, but Meyer refused to utilize players like James Robinson and Carlos Hyde. They were afforded only 14 carries combined in Week 1. Lawrence attempted 51 passes. For a rookie to do that in his first game does not spell success. If Meyer utilizes Robinson, who totaled the most yards of any undrafted rookie in NFL history, the Broncos focus will need to be on him.
While the Broncos are projected to come away with another win, the Jaguars will be itching to correct their errors. Denver should not be overconfident, instead they should expect the unexpected.
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