Broncos Defense Falters Against Jaguars in Disappointing 34-20 Defeat
The Denver Broncos’ defense has raised significant concerns as the season progresses into December. Despite a commendable performance against the Green Bay Packers, particularly in the second half, the Broncos displayed their vulnerabilities in a disappointing 34-20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Historically, Denver has boasted one of the league’s premier defenses over the last two seasons, but recent performances have exposed critical flaws, particularly during this late stretch of the season.
Defensive Struggles Resurface
While the Broncos managed to keep their defense intact against teams like the Las Vegas Raiders and Washington Commanders—who lacked elite quarterback play—their shortcomings became glaringly apparent against a stronger opponent. The Broncos’ defense, which had shown resilience against Jordan Love and the Packers by limiting them to just 55 yards on 28 plays in the second half, could not replicate that success against the Jaguars.
Trevor Lawrence and Jaguars Overpower Broncos
The Jaguars, led by quarterback Trevor Lawrence, proved to be a formidable challenge. After a shaky start, Jacksonville found its rhythm and dominated the game, particularly in the red zone. The Broncos’ defensive struggles were not confined to one area; they were pervasive. Despite beginning the game strong with three sacks in the first quarter, the pass rush faltered, diminishing their hopes of breaking the single-season sack record.
Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s decision to increase blitzing in a bid to regain control backfired, as it left gaps in coverage that Lawrence exploited with ease. The Broncos’ inability to adjust quickly to the blitz led to a series of successful connections between Lawrence and his receivers, turning the field into a virtual playground.
Tackling Troubles Surface Again
As the Jaguars shifted to a faster, short-passing game, the Broncos’ tackling issues resurfaced. Parker Washington, in particular, capitalized on this weakness, making several big plays after short catches. Defenders like Riley Moss struggled to bring down ball carriers, allowing Jacksonville to excel in gaining yards after the catch, a persistent issue for Denver throughout the season.
By the time the Broncos’ defense began to regain its footing, the damage was already done. The Jaguars had built a commanding 17-point lead, leaving the Broncos’ offense with a daunting task. Despite their best efforts to mount a comeback, the gap proved too great to close.
Looking Ahead for the Broncos
As the season winds down, the Broncos face critical questions about their defensive strategy and overall performance. The path forward requires introspection and adjustment if they hope to regain their status as a defensive powerhouse in the league. The upcoming weeks will be crucial for the Broncos as they strive to address their defensive woes and find a way to turn their season around.
