Can a fiery performance by Broncos QB Bo Nix overcome Jacksonville's stingy defense? The Jaguars aim to contain red-hot Denver and keep bucking expectations.
Denver is under red-flag weather cautions this week. Advisories say to avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire.
On Sunday, at Mile High Stadium, will conditions still be favorable for the rapid-fire spread of the Bronco offense?
Speaking to reporters Thursday, Anthony Campanile acknowledged Bo Nix has been on fire recently. But the Jaguars defensive coordinator thinks his guys are ready for whatever the Broncos' second-year quarterback throws at them.
Nix "is playing at an elite level in my opinion – [he's] hard to bring down, but making good decisions, too," said Campanile, who noted the "incredible throws" Nix made in the Broncos' 34-26 win over the Green Bay Packers last Sunday.
Broncos QB Bo Nix had one of his best outings this season against the Packers, especially after Green Bay's Micah Parsons left the game with a torn ACL. (Ron Chenoy/Imagn Images)Nix has been Denver's starter since he was drafted out of Oregon with the 12th overall pick in 2024. Statistically, Nix played the best game of his career against the Packers in Week 15, when he completed 23 of 34 pass attempts for 302 yards and four touchdown passes – each to a different receiver. against zero interceptions.
"(T)he receiving core is super talented," Campanile said. "You don’t see a whole lot of flaws there."
And yet, while Nix's completion percentage versus Green Bay was 67.7, it was the fourth best rate of his 2025 season. The Packers did not sack Nix, though their sack leader and four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher, Micah Parsons, was forced out of the game in the third quarter after tearing his ACL. Without pressure from Parsons, Nix led a Broncos' comeback after they trailed 23-21.
Before the ACL injury, Parsons totalled a team-leading 12.5 sacks – third most in the NFL – and 26 QB hits.
Still, the Jaguars' DC is taking nothing for granted against the Denver Broncos.
LB Ventrell Miller, DT Arik Armstead (center) and DE Travon Walker will help anchor a deep and healthy Jaguars defense against the Broncos on Sunday. (Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union)"I see a good football team, just really well-rounded as an offense," Campanile said. The Broncos', under veteran head coach Sean Payton, "run the ball well, [and they're] physical in the front. They finish blocks and they’ve done a great job in pass protection, too."
The Broncos (12-2) will no doubt challenge the red-hot Jaguars. Denver currently sits atop the AFC West, vying for the conference title. The Broncos haven't lost since Week 3 and they've already clinched a playoff berth.
But Jaguars defenders are no slouches -- each unit has grown stronger.
A few key defenders who were listed on Thursday's injury report, including starters Arik Armstead (hand), Josh Hines-Allen (illness/shoulder) and Travon Walker (knee) were at practice Friday and are expected to suit up Sunday. Hines-Allen was limited Thursday, but fully participated Friday, while Armstead and Walker practiced both days.
Linebacker Jalen McLeod (ankle) began the season on injured reserve, but the team activated the rookie linebacker this week, signaling he's healthy enough to play. But Friday, the team ruled McLeod out for Sunday's game in Denver.
Jags' LB Dennis Gardeck chases down Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba in an Oct. 12 matchup at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville. (Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union)A sixth-round draft pick out of Auburn, McLeod may get his wind back for the Jags' final regular-season divisional matchups, at the Indianapolis Colts (8-6) and versus the Tennessee Titans (2-12). The Jaguars would likely welcome back the 6-foot-1, 235-pound Washington DC native to spell starter Foye Oluokun, after rookie Jack Kiser was sent the IR for the remainder of the season.
Even without the services of the two rookies, Jacksonville's linebacker squad is loaded with talent.
Starter Dennis Gardeck has exceeded expectations at in the starting role this season.
Head coach Liam Coen describes Gardeck this season as "savvy," "slippery, and "violent."
In his eighth year in the league, Gardeck played for the Arizona Cardinals until a torn ACL in October 2024 ended his season. He signed with the Jags in June.
"He's relentless in his approach," Coen said during Friday's media availability. "The way that he plays is definitely something we appreciate."
While Gardeck hasn't stuffed the stat sheet, he's a disruptive, menacing force for opposing quarterbacks.
When a reporter Friday asked Coen if he's ever thought of reining Gardeck in, Coen said, "Hell no. No, no shot. Let him rip."
The Jags' defense is ranked 10th in the NFL in total defense. Defending against the run, it's ranked No. 1, allowing just over 86 yards per game and allowing just 10 TDs this season. The Jaguars rate 20th in pass defense, allowing on average 222 ypg.
But Jacksonville also is the league's second-best in takeaways, with 26. The secondary, anchored by LB Devin Lloyd, safety Eric Murray and cornerback Jourdan Lewis, has accounted for 18 interceptions this season. Campanile calls them "total pros."
"I'm fired up to get out there and play against a great football team," Campanile said. "I think everybody's just fired up about it."