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5 takeaways from Broncos' 34-20 loss to Jaguars
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- 5 takeaways from Broncos' 34-20 loss to Jaguars
The Denver Broncos (12-3) were upset by the Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4) in a 34-20 loss at home on Sunday afternoon. Here are five quick takeaways from the game.
1. Denver's defense is in a slump: Over the last two weeks, Vance Joseph's unit has allowed 708 yards of offense and 60 points to their opponents. Jacksonville went 4-of-5 in the red zone on Sunday amd Trevor Lawrence completed 63.9% of his passes for 279 yards with three touchdowns (and he added 20 yards and a score on the ground). This Jaguars offense is talented, but it's a troubling sign for the Broncos that the defense is playing like this just ahead of the playoffs.
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2. RJ Harvey is getting hot: The rookie running back rushed seven times for 50 yards and a touchdown, averaging 7.1 yards per carry. He also hauled in four receptions for 71 yards, giving him 121 yards on 11 touches on the day. Harvey has helped make up for the loss of J.K. Dobbins , and Denver can keep him fresh by mixing in Jaleel McLaughlin .
3. Officiating was bad once again: From Malcolm Roach 's roughing the passer penalty to Jahdae Barron 's pass interference foul, Broncos fans had plenty of reasons to question the officials on Sunday (both plays were fouls by the letter of the law). Denver finished the day with six costly penalties for 61 yards surrendered, and it wasn't the first time this season that they were on the receiving end of some questionable decisions. To be clear, though, the Jaguars played a better game on Sunday, and it would be silly to argue that the officiating cost the Broncos a win.
4. Broncos can still clinch division and No. 1 seed: Despite the loss, Denver still controls its playoff fate. If the Broncos win on Thursday and the Los Angeles Chargers lose to the Houston Texans on Saturday, Denver would clinch the AFC West before hosting L.A. in their regular-season finale in Week 18. And if the Broncos win on Thursday and a few AFC contenders lose, Denver would clinch the No. 1 seed in the conference. Regardless of what happens elsewhere in the conference, the Broncos can clinch the top seed if they win out.
5. Pat Bryant 's health is the biggest focus: Denver's loss on Sunday was overshadowed by Pat Bryant's injury on the second-to-last play of the game. Bryant was taken to a local hospital with concussion-like symptoms , and coach Sean Payton said the receiver had movement in his hands and legs . Bryant's status is much more important than the Broncos' playoff standing, and fans will be hoping and praying he's able to recover quickly. He is believed to be OK .
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After falling to the Jaguars, the Broncos will now go on the road to face the Kansas City Chiefs in a special Christmas Day edition of Thursday Night Football in Week 17.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos: 5 takeaways from 34-20 loss to Jacksonville Jaguars
