Jaguars leading the Broncos at halftime but not by much

The Jacksonville Jaguars have shown progress throughout the 2022 season but for every step forward they take, they seemingly take one backward, and against the Denver Broncos in Week 8, it was no different. They’re leading 10-7 at halftime but you could make the case they should be winning by a wider margin.

The Jag found the end zone in their second possession and it looked like they were going to score their second touchdown of the game in the following possession but Trevor Lawrence threw an ugly interception in the Broncos’ goal line. In their next offensive drive, they marched 54 yards down the field on six plays but couldn’t seal the deal and had to settle for a field goal.

Denver wasted no time and Russell Wilson led an 11-play, 85-yard drive that ended on a touchdown pass to wide receiver Jerry Jeudy.

The Jaguars’ defense has generally done a good job of containing Denver’s offense, outside of the Jerry Jeudy touchdown. Russell Wilson is 12-of19 for 80 yards (4.9 yards per attempt) and the Broncos’ running backs are averaging 3.8 yards per carry. Also, Tyson Campbell logged his second interception of the season.

The Jaguars have shown flashes, must put it all together vs. the Broncos

Travis Etienne is showing why the Jags felt comfortable parting ways with James Robinson. The 25th overall pick in last year’s draft has had no trouble gaining yards in chunks against the Broncos and has already toted the rock 11 times for 94 yards.

Tight end Evan Engram has become a security blanket for Trevor Lawrence this season but it wasn’t until Week 8 that he scored his first touchdown in Jaguars uniform.

Both Dawuane Smoot and Arden Key have registered sacks and they both came at crucial times. Key’s sack came in the Broncos’ first drive and forced them to go three-and-out. Smoot sacked Wilson near the end of the second quarter and got Denver out of field-goal range.

The Jags are entering the second half with a narrow lead. They must widen it if they want to put an end to their four-game losing streak.