National Football League

Opener between Broncos, Jags resumes

Published Sep. 12, 2010 8:59 p.m. ET

foxsports

The season opener between Denver and Jacksonville was suspended 33 minutes Sunday because of lightning.

Officials sent players, coaches and staff members off the field at the start of the fourth quarter. The Jaguars were leading 17-14.

They returned 23 minutes later, then had a 10-minute warmup before beginning the final quarter.

Public address announcers asked fans to seek shelter during the delay.

The game was the hottest in Jacksonville's franchise history. It was 93 degrees in the third quarter, with 59 percent humidity and a heat index of 105 degrees.

The stifling heat also brought some rain in the third quarter. Lightning followed a few minutes later.

It was the third delay in five games for Jacksonville this season. The Jaguars also had lightning delays in preseason games against Miami and Tampa Bay.

The temperature dropped to 78 degrees after the thunderstorm.