Football in September is often a mirage – a chaotic stretch where preseason expectations collide with regular-season reality. Week 1 often looks like an extension of the preseason, but Week 2 is where a team’s true identity begins to crystalize. The Denver Broncos certainly hope so, returning to  Empower Field at Mile High this Sunday to host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

Slated for a 2:05 p.m. MDT kickoff on CBS, this non-division matchup offers a compelling test of early adjustments and sideline execution. While NFL prediction markets attempt to untangle these early-season narratives, both franchises will look to establish a sustainable rhythm following wildly different season openers.

Denver Broncos Seek Offensive Answers in Week 2

A home opener can cure all ills – but Denver first needs to diagnose its Week 1 issues before applying any remedy. In their season opener, the Broncos struggled to establish a rhythm on either side of the ball, while being outscored 31-10.

Offensively, Denver managed just 176 total net yards in Week 1, while averaging more yards per carry by running backs than Bo Nix generated per pass attempt. Pass protection and ball security emerged as immediate hurdles, as the Broncos surrendered four sacks and handed out two turnovers. Despite all of that, the Broncos never seemed interested in investing in their run game; a consistent concern during the Sean Payton era. Sustaining drives also proved difficult; the offense converted only 16.7% of its third-down opportunities, repeatedly stalling out before crossing midfield.

Defensively, the Broncos allowed 392 total net yards in the opener. The unit was heavily tested in the trenches, yielding 220 rushing yards at a concerning 5.79 yards per attempt despite averging first contact with the ball-carrier slightly before they reached the line of scrimmage. The Broncos’ stunning number of missed tackles led directly to disaster on that front. The pass defense fared slightly better, allowing 184 gross passing yards while registering two sacks and one interception. However, getting off the field remained a persistent challenge, as the defense allowed opponents to move the chains on 52.94% of third-down tries.

Jaguars Strengths and Secondary Vulnerabilities

The Jacksonville Jaguars arrive in Denver fresh off a commanding Week 1 performance where they scored 34 points, the sixth-highest total in the league. While their overall offensive output of 360 total yards was a middle-of-the-pack 14th, Jacksonville thrived on clinical, situational execution. They were methodical, converting 50% of their third-down opportunities (tied for sixth-best) and cashing in on 100% of their red-zone trips (tied for first). Crucially, they played a clean, turnover-free game in their opener.

Defensively, Jacksonville established a suffocating standard for getting off the field. The Jaguars surrendered just 10 points (tied for second-fewest) and smothered opposing drives by allowing a league-low 12.5% third-down conversion rate. Their pass rush proved highly disruptive, taking down the opposing quarterback five times in Week 1 – tied for the most sacks in the NFL.

That said, all of that was against Deshaun Watson and the woebegone Cleveland Browns, so take all of that with a grain of salt.

Make no mistake: Jacksonville’s front seven is impressive. But the data reveals that despite that ferocious front, the Jaguars’ secondary showed a genuine vulnerability to explosive plays. Jacksonville surrendered 9.32 yards per passing attempt in Week 1, a mark that ranked a bottom-tier 28th across the league. For a Broncos passing attack that sputtered out of the gate, taking deep shots against this aggressive Jacksonville defense could be the skeleton key to loosening up the defensive front.

Keys to the Game: How Denver Attacks Jacksonville

The primary storyline in this Sunday matchup centers squarely on classic, hard-nosed trench warfare. In their season opener, the Jaguars recorded five sacks, tying for the league lead. The Broncos, conversely, surrendered four sacks. Denver tackles Garett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey will need to strap up their chin straps and contain Jacksonville edge rushers Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker. Giving the offensive backfield a clean pocket is non-negotiable if Denver hopes to establish a rhythm.

If the offensive line holds, Denver can exploit a Jacksonville secondary that yielded that 28th-ranked 9.32 yards per passing attempt in its opener. Explosive Broncos receiver Marvin Mims Jr. will miss the game with a foot injury, placing more of the onus on Jaylen Waddle and Troy Franklin to stretch the field. Pushing the ball downfield could back the safeties up and create vital running lanes for J.K. Dobbins, who is aiming to improve on a ground game that managed just 61 yards last week.

On the other side of the ball, the Broncos must tighten up their situational defense. Last week, Denver allowed opponents to convert 52.94% of their third-down attempts. They now face a Jacksonville offense that converted 50% of its third downs and scored touchdowns on both of its red-zone trips in Week 1. Forcing Jacksonville into longer third-down distances and generating takeaways will be essential for the Broncos to defend their home turf.

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Sportradar Content Studio contributed to this story.