A recent win for the Jacksonville Jaguars could prove to be a key moment that carries into the playoffs.
The significance of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ win a few weeks ago over the Denver Broncos extends beyond the wins and losses columns.
The Broncos entered that Week 16 game on an 11-game winning streak and as the favorite of many to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl this year.
However, the Jaguars would go on to win that game 34-20 behind a big day from Trevor Lawrence and a defensive performance that included two takeaways.
Claiming a convincing win over the hottest team in football at that point and doing so in a hostile road environment is something that the Jaguars can carry with them moving forward, as head coach Liam Coen detailed recently on the Pat McAfee Show.
“We hadn’t been in a ton of hostile environments really throughout the season, honestly,” Coen said. “That was one. They did a phenomenal job packing that place and having a homefield advantage that our guys just went in and played free. It wasn’t perfect. We didn’t start very fast offensively. Once we got clicking though, some good things were able to happen and our defense were able to get a couple turnovers.
“That game definitely helps your confidence, being able to say we’re going to need to go on the road in hostile environments. Probably in inclement weather and be able to go on the road and win football games in January. So that’s definitely one you can point to that said, man, we should have confidence going and doing that again.”
The Jaguars are currently the three seed in the AFC, and with a win in Week 18 — or a Houston loss — Jacksonville will secure the division title and be guaranteed at least one home playoff game.
The Jaguars are still in the mix for the one seed and homefield advantage, but need quite a bit of help to earn that top spot. Chances are, if the Jaguars are going to make a postseason run, they’ll have to do so away from home.