Broncos Lose to Jacksonville 14-23

In the end, the mistakes, penalties and plain inability to stop the run were too much for the Denver Broncos as they fell to Jacksonville 14-23. Both teams now sit at 2-1.

Ball control doomed the Broncos in the end, who had 21:18 of ball possession compared to the Jaguars’ 38:42. Special teams was a factor again, with a Domenik Hixon fumble resulting in 3 Jaguars points to start the second half, along with a big return by Maurice Jones-Drew leading to a Jacksonville touchdown in the first half.

The Jaguars defense stuffed Travis Henry, holding him to 35 yards on 11 carries. Javon Walker was also a non-factor, catching two balls for 10 yards.

I can already smell the 4th quarter controversy brewing regarding Mike Shanahan‘s 4th and 5 call deep in Denver territory at the 9 yard line with over 4 minutes left. I want to tell you my take right now. I loved the call. Loved it. The rush defense of the Broncos was abysmal – hell, the defense overall was bad. He put the ball in Cutler‘s hand, who threw a beautiful toss to Daniel Graham. If Graham holds onto that ball, we’re talking about a Denver win, it’s that simple.

The Broncos now head into the toughest portion of their schedule – at Indianapolis, against the 1-2 San Diego Chargers at home, then their bye before the 3-0 Pittsburgh Steelers come to town.

What are your thoughts on the game?  The Jaguars are renowned for playing up and down to the level of competition.  Did we lose to a good team that showed up to play?  Or are we not as good a team as many expected, and can consider ourselves lucky to even be 2-1?