This Sunday, the Jacksonville Jaguars will make a trip to Denver to face off against the Broncos for a Week 4 AFC matchup. Both teams have not started the season the way they would have wanted and each desperately could use a win.
Here are a few matchups to watch as they’ll be vital to the outcome of Sunday’s game:
The Jaguars vs. the altitude
Jacksonville has not traveled to Mile High since 2016, which ended in a 20-10 loss for the Jaguars. For many of the Jaguars’ younger players, this will be their first time playing in this type of environment. The lack of oxygen caused by the high altitudes in the Rockies can be difficult to deal with according to many current players and it is something that Doug Marrone and staff will have to account for on Sunday.
Gardner Minshew vs. the Broncos’ defense
It’s been a wild last three weeks for rookie Gardner Minshew II. The young quarterback has been poised, confident, and has put Jacksonville in position to win. However, the Broncos’ defense will likely be his toughest test yet. Denver has talent littered all over their defense, from Von Miller to Chris Harris Jr. to a familiar face in former Texan, Kareem Jackson.
Simply put, Minshew will have to be on his game once again this Sunday. Based on what we’ve seen so far, it wouldn’t be a shocker to see him bring his best as he’s played many games on the West Coast.
Jaguars receivers vs. Denver’s secondary
Many thought the Jags’ secondary would be a liability this season, including myself. However, the staff and front office seemed to disagree, feeling comfortable as they only added free agent acquisition, Chris Conley.
Jacksonville has certainly proved their doubters wrong as the trio of Chark, Conley and Westbrook have been electric, to say the least. Chark has been the go-to weapon for Minshew, but Conley and Westbrook have certainly contributed greatly to the passing offense, too.
The Jags’ receivers will face a tough Denver secondary Sunday filled with talented NFL veterans like Harris and Jackson. It will be key for this unit to help Minshew as much as they can if the Jaguars want to come away with a .500 record.
The Jaguars’ defensive line vs. the Broncos’ offensive line
This matchup could end up being the deciding factor. Much like the game against the Titans, if Jacksonville can swarm quarterback Joe Flacco and create pressure and sacks, it could be a long day for Denver.
Jacksonville thrives on a dominant pass-rush and Denver’s offensive line has been a bit porous this season. This points to “Sacksonville” having another big day if Garrett Bolles and the rest of Denver’s line fail to protect Flacco. Denver allowed six sacks this past weekend, and could be in for more as the Jaguars are coming off an amazing nine-sack performance against Tennessee.
