Broncos vs Jaguars Recap: What Went Wrong for Denver
The Denver Broncos experienced a defeat of 34-20 against the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 21, 2025, at Empower Field at Mile High. The loss ended the 11-game winning run of Denver and revealed the hidden issues that restricted the Broncos despite a good season. This summary analyzes the ways in which Jacksonville surpassed Denver and the reasons that the Broncos were unable to conclude the match.
Final Score and Key Numbers
The Jaguars finished the game with a 34-20 win over the Broncos. Denver led the AFC West and entered the matchup with one of the league’s best records, but Jacksonville controlled the most crucial moments. Trevor Lawrence threw three touchdown passes and also ran for a score, giving Jacksonville four total offensive touchdowns.
Denver’s offense managed 20 points, with Bo Nix throwing for 352 yards and a touchdown and rookie running back R.J. Harvey scoring on the ground. Still, Colorado could not keep up with Jacksonville’s balanced scoring attack.
Offensive Struggles: Execution and Consistency
Denver’s attack was not completely hidden, however, the Jaguars were always able to respond. Bo Nix’s stats in yards were good, but problems with precision on important passes and mistakes at the wrong moment made Denver’s progress slower. A fumble in the last quarter that cost a lot and a pick late in the game turned the tide of the match towards Jacksonville.
The Broncos had success moving the ball at times, but they could not sustain pressure on Jacksonville’s defense. Missed opportunities in the red zone forced Denver to settle for field goals instead of touchdowns. That lack of finishing hurt the Broncos in what became a one-score game early in the second half.
Jaguars’ Offense Exploits Broncos’ Defense
Jacksonville’s offense executed its game plan with efficiency. Trevor Lawrence was the clear difference maker, completing a high percentage of his passes and keeping pressure on Denver’s secondary. He found wide receiver Parker Washington for big gains, including a key 63-yard play that swung momentum.
The Jaguars also excelled inside Denver’s 20-yard line, scoring four touchdowns on five trips to the red zone. That efficiency put relentless scoring pressure on the Broncos and forced Denver into catch-up mode.
Defense Letdowns: Missed Tackles and Soft Coverage
Denver’s defense has been one of the league’s strengths this season, particularly with its pass rush. Even so, Jacksonville found ways to move the ball consistently. The Broncos showed moments of pressure, recording five sacks, but could not stop key third-down conversions or limit explosive plays.
Secondary breakdowns and missed tackles early in the game allowed the Jaguars to build confidence. Soft coverage on critical routes gave Lawrence and his receivers space, and Jacksonville exploited Denver’s defensive lapses with methodical drives.
Turnovers and Game-Changing Plays
The turnover battle swung in Jacksonville’s favor. Denver’s turnovers came at pivotal times, particularly the fourth-quarter fumble that took the ball out of scoring position and a late interception. Turnovers erased momentum and gave the Jaguars easy opportunities to extend their lead.
Special teams also added to Denver’s difficulties. A missed field goal and penalty yardage disrupted the Broncos’ ability to control field position, making it harder to mount consistent scoring drives.
Injury and Emotional Impact
Late in the game, wide receiver Pat Bryant was carted off after a frightening hit. That play did not change the score, but it visibly impacted Denver’s sideline and could have affected offensive rhythm. Bryant had been a reliable target throughout the season before his injury in this game.
The Broncos’ emotional response following the injury added an off-field concern beyond the loss. Coach Sean Payton reported encouraging news about Bryant’s movement after the hit, but the moment underscored how quickly games can turn on unexpected events.
What This Means Going Forward
The Denver Broncos‘ defeat has not completely ruled them out of the playoffs, but it has laid bare their weaknesses. The team needs to work on ball handling, scoring in the red zone and defense if they want to make it to the playoffs. The upcoming matches are very important for the team regarding home-ground advantage and keeping the momentum going.
At the same time, if the Bronco team is able to spot the weaknesses and work on them, they would still be the high-level contestants in the league. However, the match against the Jaguars will always remind that top teams are not allowed to be sloppy in any aspect in order to win.
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