The Denver Broncos were able to beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 20-10 despite a poor performance from the offense, giving them an 8-4 record.
With starting quarterback Trevor Siemian out with a foot injury, rookie Paxton Lynch started his second career game. Lynch was not impressive, only throwing for 104 yards and zero touchdowns. The Broncos punted 11 times out of 14 possessions and was one for 13 on converting third downs. The defense came threw once again in a much-needed win.
“A gut check. We needed to win the way we won. Defensively, it was a beautiful thing,” said Broncos Head Coach Gary Kubiak to KOA News Radio.
The Broncos forced two interceptions and a fumble recovery against Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles. The most crucial interception came in the third quarter courtesy of cornerback Bradley Roby.
Trailing 10-3 in the third quarter, the Jaguars were driving until Roby intercepted a Bortles pass and took it 51 yards the other way for a touchdown. It was Roby’s second defensive touchdown this year, tying him for the league lead. It was also the Broncos fourth defensive touchdown so far this season.
“Call me Mr. Pick Six. Every time I’m trying to score. It’s a habit Aqib (Talib) started,” said Roby. “We all want to be Mr. Pick Six every week. I want some more. Two for two. I gotta get another one.”
According to Pro Football Focus, Roby and the rest of the Broncos cornerbacks were targeted 20 times versus the Jaguars. They only allowed six catches for 57 yards and two interceptions. The other interception came from all-pro cornerback Chris Harris Jr. Bortles had a 0.0 quarterback rating when throwing at Broncos cornerbacks.
The win currently has the Broncos back in the playoffs and was needed after the last weeks heartbreaking lost to AFC West rival Kansas City Chiefs.
With four games left in the regular season, every game is a must win. The Broncos are in the thick of things in the AFC playoff race and cannot afford a slip up.
They will travel to Tennessee to face young stud quarterback Marcus Mariota and the Titans in hopes to continuing their winning ways.
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