The Jacksonville Jaguars will visit the Denver Broncos in Week 2 at Empower Field at Mile High. Cody Roarke, a Mile High Sports Broncos reporter and host of Locked On Broncos, identified Denver wide receivers Jaylen Waddle and Pat Bryant as potential X-factors in the matchup.
Jacksonville Jaguars team reporter Kainani Stevens spoke with Roarke during the 2026 regular season. Roarke discussed Denver’s Week 1 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football and the adjustments the Broncos need to make before facing Jacksonville.
“The Broncos can’t feel sorry for themselves. They have to get right back at it and prepare for another tough test,” Roarke said.
Denver looks for a stronger offensive performance
Roarke said the Denver Broncos retained 94 percent of the roster from the previous season. Safety P.J. Locke joined the Dallas Cowboys, while John Franklin-Myers joined the Tennessee Titans. Denver also added wide receiver Jaylen Waddle in a trade with the Miami Dolphins.
Waddle had three targets against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1. Roarke said the wide receiver needs to become more involved in the Denver offense.
“Waddle has to be more involved because three targets are simply not enough for a guy you invested a first-round pick in,” Roarke said.
Denver quarterback Bo Nix was cleared from his ankle injury and was full-go during training camp, according to Roarke. Nix was pressured on 45.5 percent of his dropbacks against Kansas City, and Roarke said the quarterback and offensive line must communicate more effectively.
“Nix was pressured by the Chiefs on 45.5 percent of his drop backs, and they weren’t sending a lot of exotic looks,” Roarke said. “They were sending four players, sometimes with three and still getting home.”
Waddle and Pat Bryant could be Denver X-factors
Roarke identified Waddle and second-year wide receiver Pat Bryant as potential X-factors against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He said Bryant had a strong offseason and could affect the game as both a blocker and a pass-catcher.
The Denver Broncos also need to improve their rushing attack after recording six rushing attempts in the first half against Kansas City and only a few more in the second half. Roarke said Jacksonville could put Denver in a difficult position by stopping the run.
Trevor Lawrence presents another challenge for Denver’s defense. Roarke said the Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback can hurt the Broncos with both his legs and his arm.
Roarke also discussed Jacksonville’s road victory over Denver the previous December, when the Broncos had won 11 consecutive games. The Jacksonville Jaguars and Denver Broncos are scheduled to meet in Week 2 at Empower Field at Mile High; the date and kickoff time were not provided.
Source: Original report