Big Cat Country
The Jacksonville Jaguars took care of business in Denver with a double-digit victory over the No. 1 seed Broncos. With the win Jacksonville tightened its grip on the AFC race, while reminding the league this team travels just fine. Liam Coen’s offense shined with Parker Washington playing the role of Broncos executioner throughout the matchup. Here’s everything you need to know from Jacksonville’s Week 16 34-20 road victory over the Denver Broncos.
Live blog:
Catch up on all the big plays and best moments from tonight’s game in our live blog!
Pregame Notes:
The Jaguars entered week 16 reasonably healthy at the starter level, with the primary injuries of note being running back Bhayshul Tuten inactive due to his finger injury. Additionally, defensive lineman Danny Striggow was also inactive after suffering an ankle injury against the New York Jets. Additionally, offensive lineman Chuma Edoga, defensive tackle Maason Smith, and tight end Hunter Long were all healthy scratches with the team deciding to go with Austin Johnson and Matt Dickerson over Smith. For the Broncos, the biggest injury considerations entering the matchup was the Broncos placing safety Brandon Jones on IR with a pec injury suffered against Green Bay. Denver also saw a return of starting left guard Ben Powers, who’s was previously on IR since October with a biceps injury. Emergency quarterback Sam Ehlinger, running back Cody Schrader, cornerback Reese Taylor, linebacker Justin Strnad, offensive tackle Geron Christian, defensive tackle Jordan Jackson, and defensive end Sai’vion Jones.
Additionally, the following Jacksonville players left Sunday’s game due to injury:
1st Half
Both offenses kicked the day off with quick punts following three-and-outs from both defenses. Following a second consecutive three-and-out by the Jacksonville offense, the Denver offense strung together an 11-play, 61-play drive, assisted by a close fourth down conversion which was unsuccessfully challenged by Liam Coen. However, Denver kicker Will Lutz missed the field goal, doinking it off the right upright. Jacksonville, with great field position, worked their way down the field via a Broncos 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty, a 21-yard Parker Washington scramble drill reception from Lawrence.
The 10-play, 66-yard drive was capped by an incredible, 12-yard Washington contested catch for Trevor Lawrence’s 30th touchdown of 2025. (Jaguars 7, Broncos 0)
The Denver offense immediately answered with a touchdown drive of their own, a 5-play, 65-yard, 2:21, with three of the five snaps being explosive plays (33, 12, and 15-yards). Broncos WR Courtland Sutton beat CB Jourdan Lewis for the slot-fade touchdown, using the space to run away from the coverage in the endzone to tie the game. (Jaguars 7, Broncos 7)
The Jaguars’ early offensive struggles continued with the team going backwards on two of the following three snaps, punting back to Denver on fourth-and-26. Anthony Campanilie’s unit held Denver to a 54-yard field goal after giving up a 26-yard catch on the opening drive...
