9 winners, 1 loser in the Broncos 23-13 win over Jacksonville

The Broncos are 2-0 for the first time since 2018 and head back to Denver for the home opener with confidence.

The Denver Broncos are now 2-0.

Yes, it was exactly what the Broncos needed to do in these first two games, but to go on the road for the opponent’s home opener and win in back-to-back weeks is hard to do. To play as well as Denver has makes this start even more impressive.

After the 23-13 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Broncos head back to Denver for their home opener with some confidence.

Per the usual, I’m bound to forget someone, leave them off or put them in the wrong category, so please mention them in the comments.

Winners

Teddy Bridgewater

In terms of starts, it doesn’t get any better for Bridgewater. He has looked fantastic to start his career in Denver. Teddy 2 Gloves was once again calm, cool and confident in leading the offense to a great showing on the road. Bridgewater finished 26-for-34 passing for 328 yards and two touchdowns. To celebrate, Broncos Country can get the new Teddy 2 Gloves shirt from BreakingT.

Courtland Sutton

The Broncos receiver had himself a day in Jacksonville. About the only thing Sutton didn’t do was get a touchdown. Sutton had a game-high nine catches for another game-high 159 yards.

Javonte Williams

The rookie running back is going to be a lot of fun to watch. And this was his second NFL game. Needless to say, “Pookie” is just getting started. Williams had a game-high 13 carries for 64 yards, and he added one reception for 10 yards. I’ll throw in Melvin Gordon as an honorable mention. This two-headed monster will be hard for defenses to stop this season.

Tim Patrick

The Broncos receiver only had three catches for 37 yards, but he got another touchdown. You score a TD, you make the winners list. Speaking of touchdowns …

Noah Fant

The Denver tight end had four receptions for 33 yards but one of those catches was a touchdown. It was nice to see Fant get in the end zone.

Pat Surtain II

There was some curiosity over what the rookie cornerback would look like in his first NFL start. Surtain is in this position due Ronald Darby being on injured reserve. Surtain got flagged for defensive pass interference, but he made a spectacular play on his interception. He finished with four tackles, two solo.

Kareem Jackson

The Broncos safety was once again all over the field. Jackson led the team in tackles with six, four solo and had a great play on his pick. For those keeping track, Denver won the turnover battle.

Von Miller

To see the Denver edge back on the field is so awesome. The fact he’s playing like himself is even better. Miller had the lone sack for the Broncos as well two tackles, both for a loss.

Vic Fangio

There were a couple moments where this game could have gotten away from Denver, but it didn’t happen. The Broncos didn’t get derailed or lose confidence, and that’s coaching. And once again, Fangio had some gutsy fourth-down calls that paid off.

Losers

Broncos special teams

The Jaguars long kickoff return for a touchdown was one of the moments that could have turned this game around. Thankfully Denver remained poised and confident and didn’t let that wreck the game. But the special teams must get its issues figured out. It appears the offense and defense can do good things this season, but special teams remains the bugaboo. Still.