The Denver Broncos are in desperation mode and face a Jacksonville Jaguars squad coming off its first win of the season and having 10 days to prepare for this contest.
Though the all-time series between these teams is tied, the Jaguars have always found a way to be a thorn in Denver’s side.
The Broncos season will be pretty much over with an 0-4 start, so winning on Sunday is a must. Here are four things to look for in this game.
1. Can the Broncos slow down ‘Sacksonville’?
The Jaguars can be ferocious on defense, particularly when rushing the passer. The Broncos have not been so good at protecting the quarterback.
If Jacksonville is to win this game, this is how it happens. If the Broncos can’t protect Joe Flacco, as they were unable to do last week against the Green Bay Packers, it will be a long day.
The Jags racked up nine sacks last week against the Tennessee Titans.
2. How will Jalen Ramsey play?
At his best, Jalen Ramsey might be the best cornerback in football. However, he has requested a trade from Jacksonville and during the week, there were questions over whether he would even play in this game as he had the birth of a child and some minor injury concerns.
He has made the trip to Denver and if he plays, you would have to expect that he will all but eliminate Denver’s No. 1 receiver, likely Emmanuel Sanders.
3. Can Phillip Lindsay duplicate his performance?
In last week’s loss, Lindsay was fantastic, playing easily his best game of the season.
Lindsay had 25 touches and accounted for 130 yards of total offense while scoring two touchdowns against the Packers. The Broncos fed him the ball often and it jumpstarted the entire offense.
His play will be key to a victory in this game.
4. Slowing down ‘Minshewmania’
When Jacksonville lost Nick Foles to a broken collarbone in the season opener, it looked like Jacksonville was in trouble. But rookie quarterback Gardner Minshew has become the talk of the town.
‘Minshewmania’ has been running wild in Jacksonville and it now invades the Mile High City. Though Minshew doesn’t do anything that is going to blow a team away, he makes smart, concise decisions with the football and looks well beyond his years at the quarterback position.
It’s time for Vic Fangio to get creative on defense and dial up some plays to rattle the young rookie, forcing him into some mistakes. Von Miller and Bradley Chubb must have an impact on this game and perhaps make the play in the end to seal this game.
