JACKSONVILLE - The Jacksonville Jaguars squandered a lead and dropped a 20-13 road decision to the Denver Broncos in Week 2 of the 2026 season at Empower Field at Mile High, with breakdowns on both sides of the ball and special teams miscues handing Denver a game the Jaguars controlled for nearly three quarters.

NFL Media and Jaguars Media Analyst Bucky Brooks, writing in his weekly film breakdown, said the loss came down to big plays surrendered and a critical turnover late in the third quarter. The Broncos generated four runs of 10 or more yards and six passes of at least 20 yards, while a Jaguars turnover at the end of the third quarter flipped the game’s momentum in Denver’s favor.

“The Jaguars gift-wrapped the game to the Broncos instead of walking out of Empower Field at Mile High with a hard-fought win that could have sparked an early-season run,” Brooks wrote.

Franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence was under constant duress from Denver’s pass rush, though the official stat line showed only two sacks allowed. Brooks noted the persistent harassment changed how Lawrence operated in the pocket and disrupted his rhythm and timing throughout the afternoon. “While some observers will blame Lawrence for failing to deliver in the clutch, the Broncos’ dominance over his supporting cast was too much for him to overcome,” Brooks wrote.

Wide receiver Parker Washington provided the lone consistent bright spot, posting his fifth consecutive game with at least 80 receiving yards before being held to one catch for 18 yards in the second half as Denver’s coverage tightened.

Defensively, coordinator Anthony Campanile faced a no-win dilemma against Broncos quarterback Bo Nix. When Jacksonville dropped into zone coverage with a four-man rush, Nix picked it apart methodically. When Campanile dialed up blitzes, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and others won one-on-one matchups on the perimeter for chunk gains. “If the Jaguars brought the heat, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and others won their one-on-one matchups and delivered big play after big play on the perimeter,” Brooks wrote.

The Jaguars now sit at 0-1 following their Week 1 bye and face a quick turnaround with a Week 3 home game at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville.