Now that the season-opening win was secured, the Jaguars can look ahead to an even larger test: Traveling to one of the most hostile environments in the NFL.
Jacksonville (1-0) flexed its muscles against the Cleveland Browns in Week 1, dominating from the jump in the 34-10 victory. While picking up a win right out of the gate is important to start the season on the right foot, Week 2 brings a much tougher matchup.
The Jaguars will face the Denver Broncos (0-1), who fell 10-7 to the Patriots in last year’s AFC Championship Game, but came out deflated on Monday Night Football against the Chiefs. Kansas City showed off its revamped run game with Kenneth Walker III racking up 173 yards and made Denver look far from a playoff contender.
Now, the Jags will travel to Mile High, which has proven a massive challenge for opposing teams. The altitude in Colorado poses a threat to a club from the Sunshine State, but coach Liam Coen said the atmosphere and rowdy fans can not rattle his team.
“I told them this morning that we have to know this plan so well that you know what the guy next to you is going to be able to do without having to say it to him or speak or talk about it,” Coen said. “That’s how well we have to be connected this week, that’s how intentional we have to be in our work and our preparation, so I’m fully anticipating a really good game from these guys.”
Denver struggled to find any semblance of offense on Monday, totaling just 176 total yards and nine first downs. On the flip side, the Jaguars came out firing against a Browns defense that was highly ranked last season.
Coen praised quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s stellar outing in Week 1 and said his performance was a solid way to kick off the season. Lawrence tossed four touchdowns for just the fourth time in his six-year career.
“I thought he took care of the football as well on Sunday which was a huge deal for us,” Coen said. “To see him use his legs this early on is also very encouraging to see, and to let him just go play free. If we can continue to see that, that’s the consistency that we’re all looking for.”
Despite Denver’s lackluster offensive showing, there were flashes on the defensive line. Defensive end Zach Allen is coming off back-to-back, seven-plus sack seasons and picked up right where he left off on Monday. He notched two sacks against a depleted Chiefs offensive line, putting the Jags front five on notice for Sunday.
Allen, 29, was named an AP First-team All-Pro and given Pro Bowl honors in 2025. He added three quarterback hits and five tackles to his 2026 debut.
“We know last year they led the NFL in sacks … Especially when they’re at home and the guys can kind of tee off a little bit more, anticipating some of the silent cadences and counts,” Coen said. “Allen is one of the more underrated players in the National Football League, especially in his rush. He has real rush from a three-technique.”
While 2026 is a new chapter, the Jaguars are familiar with the 2025 rendition of the Broncos. The two faced off on Dec. 21 in Denver. Jacksonville won the high-scoring battle 34-20 with top-notch performances from Lawrence and wideout Parker Washington.
“It helps our players know the atmosphere and know what they’re going into,” Coen said. “I’m sure they’re looking at that game just as much as we are. For me, it’s more that we have the experience of going there and going through that trip and knowing what that’s like and the altitude and the atmosphere and having to go and play a quality opponent.”
