Denver Broncos

Bold Predictions: Denver Broncos v. Jacksonville Jaguars

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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At 11:00am, the Denver Broncos give way to their first-round draft Paxton Lynch as the team face the Jacksonville Jaguars in his home state.

Trevor Siemian appeared to be the week 13 starter, but after news broke about a right foot injury and him walking in a boot Wednesday, all the optimism changed. Siemian played his best game of his career, college or professional utilizing his legs to neutralize a pass rush.

Oct 30, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Broncos are fortunate to play two young quarterbacks as Lynch takes the reins in his home sate of Florida. This will be his second game in Florida, his first against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in week four. Yet, facing the Jacksonville Jaguars this will be his first start since the Atlanta Falcons in week five.

Lynch’s start left a lot to be desired. However, expect Broncos/Lynch to learn from last week and Falcons’ game with a better game plan to suit his strengths. In my opinion, anticipate an improved quarterback play.

After the heartbreaking loss to the Chiefs, Von Miller was quite candid about the outcome of the game, putting the blame squarely on the defense. The Jaguars will be without key components on offense: Julius Thomas, Allen Hurns, Chris Ivory and Rashad Greene are all out or doubtful. You would prefer to play a team with all players at disposal, but look for Miller and the rest of the defense to step up after last week.

Jaguars are top-5 in total defense, but are near 25th in run defense. Devontae Booker is still searching for his first 100-yard game as a rookie. Malik Jackson may put his stamp on ending such desire, but he is not the player he was in Denver. Booker’s chance at a 100-yard game hinges on the performance of the offensive line. If center Matt Paradis and company can push piles, there will be lanes to run through.

Week 13 bold predictions are officially a go.

Paxton Lynch: Pass For 310 and Rush For a TD

Oct 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) before the game against the Houston Texans at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Trevor Siemian exceeds expectations of a first year player, but the Denver Broncos get a look at the future in Paxton Lynch. Siemian performed the best all season in the most critical game of the year. After a disappointing start against the Atlanta Falcons, expect the Broncos to display a different playbook today against the Jaguars. Gary Kubiak should install more rollouts and designed QB runs with Lynch to make him comfortable.

Furthermore, Lynch can elude defenders better in mobility and will sling it through the air when given the chance. Today, he will throw for over 300 yards and rush for a score leading the Broncos to a great bounce back victory. The defense of the Jaguars can be easily exposed at linebacker and the secondary. Lynch designed runs or read option plays keep players honest to respect the run and his legs. This is where the golden arm of Lynch can expose the secondary of the Jaguars. One area to avoid is the Jalen Ramsey side of the field.

The Broncos coaching staff must show trust in the rookie to mold the offense to Lynch’s talents. Kubiak did not shy away from molding the offense to meet Lynch’s skill set in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers game. Lynch worked from the shotgun mostly that and do not look for that to change.

Broncos D: Hold Blake Bortles and Jaguars offense under 230 yards.

Nov 27, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) and outside linebacker Shane Ray (56) react to a defensive stop in the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The loss of four playmakers in the Jaguars offense is a huge loss for a team that must find way to score 20-points to win. Marqise Lee is not familiar name at least in the NFL. Lee is playing great the past few weeks, but now he will square off against Chris Harris or Aqib Talib. Both cornerbacks Harris and Talib should respond, but the player needing a bounce back is Bradley Roby.

Von Miller is turning into a leader in the Denver Broncos defense. A change to what happened in year’s past due to his off-the-field issues. After his comments this week about the Kansas City Chiefs game, the defense will play with more fire. Since there will be no Julius Thomas for the Jaguars offense, Brandon Marshall and Todd Davis now have eyes set on Mercedes Lewis. Lewis is no slouch at tight end, in case you are wondering.

A Jaguars’ running game also takes a hit in the loss of Chris Ivory. TJ Yeldon takes his place, but he does not appear to be the bell cow for the team. There should be a variety of looks and misdirection with the loss of Ivory to enhance the running game. A numerous amount of players missing for the Jaguars on offense, expect the Broncos “No Fly Zone” and “Orange Rush” to hold the Jaguars to under 230 yards offense.

Devontae Booker: 120-yards Rushing, 2 TDs; 55 Receiving Yards

Nov 27, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Devontae Booker (23) makes a reception in overtime against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Chiefs defeated the Broncos 30-27 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Despite the top-5 defense, the Jacksonville Jaguars post 24th run defense in the NFL. Malik Jackson is not the same player like he was with the Denver Broncos, but emotions are flying high for the ex-Bronco. The amount of pass rushers and non-run stuffers allow Devontae Booker to run wild on the Jaguars defense.

Booker is future three-down back in the NFL, which means the option, as a receiver in the passing game is a premium trait. During the Kansas City Chiefs game, he launched himself high in the air to catch a pass from Trevor Siemian on the run. After his clutch performance late to extend drives, head coach Gary Kubiak should involve him more in the passing game.

It is not a bad thing for Booker to absorb contact, but a regular occurrence can take its toll on the human body. The best part about Booker’s game is not talent to take a hit, but avoiding would-be tacklers. Expect the Broncos to run in the game more to expose the misfortune of the Jaguars run defense. This is the type of game for Booker to earn his first 100-yard game. I have been vying for the success of Booker in the running game. Today in the Broncos/Jaguars game Booker should run for 120-yards rushing and 55 receiving yards.