Dec 18, 2025
3 min read
"When you watch them and watch the tape, it's a small market, but you see a really good team," head coach Sean Payton said Wednesday.
ENGELWOOD, Colo. - Jaguars appear in many areas.
They have scored at least 25 points in seven consecutive games.They boast the best defense in the league.Their quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, posted six touchdowns in Week 15 en route to AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors.
"The way you watch them and watch the tape," head coach Sean Payton said Wednesday, "it's a smaller market, but you're seeing a really good team."
However, as the AFC's No. 3 seed heads to Denver to face off against the two leaders, the 10-4 Jaguars' takeover win or loss could be very surprising.
"I think the one thing that stands out is that they're plus-10 in turnover rate," Payton said. "They're second in the league in interceptions... They play man-to-man, but there are a lot of breakdowns like last week, where seven [sets] looked at the quarterback in their zone. We have to get to the point.
Jacksonville is third in the league in turnover differential this season, and only the Bears have more than the Jaguars' 26 this season. The Jags have forced at least three turnovers in six different games this year, including each of the last two games. Jacksonville is 5-1 in those games, and Payton highlighted the Jaguars' playmaking ability.
“You see the hits, and in general I would say they handle the rush well in those zone coverages,” Payton said."So if you're throwing in the zone, your eyes are on the ball — and it's different when your eyes aren't and you're playing man."
Payton highlighted the importance of the Broncos improving their turnover margin after Week 12 against Denver, and the Broncos have won or tied the turnover battle in each of their last four games.
With just two turnovers in the last four games, Denver's offense has shown an ability to protect the ball - which will be important in Sunday's matchup.
"I thought they did a good job of just having vision and then hitting the ball," quarterback Bo Nix said."It's just something to be aware of, but nothing to be afraid of."
Sutton prepares to see an old friend
There are reunions almost every week in the NFL, and former Broncos receiver Tim Patrick will be part of the Jaguars' receiving corps on Sunday against Jacksonville.
Patrick, who played in 55 games over four years for the Broncos before suffering back-to-back season-ending injuries, will face his former team — and friend — in Courtland Sutton.
"My dog, I'm so happy for him," Sutton said."... We talked a lot before he went to Jacksonville, before he made his decision. I'm really happy for him. This guy has been through injuries and setbacks. He's got the guts and the mindset to go out there and prove himself."
Patrick has caught 13 passes for 172 yards and three touchdowns this season, and Payton said he's excited to see the success this year.
“I love it,” Peyton said.“He was just a professional.It’s nice to be around... You’re happy for these guys.”
Sutton said he would "1000 percent" swap jerseys with Patrick after the game.
"It's locked," Sutton said.
