The Jacksonville Jaguars walked into Mile High Stadium on Sunday and didn’t just win - they made a statement. With a 34-20 road victory over the AFC’s top-seeded Broncos, Jacksonville showed they’re not just playoff hopefuls - they’re legitimate contenders. And they did it in one of the NFL’s most hostile environments, against a team that had been rolling.
All week, there was some extra buzz surrounding this matchup, thanks in part to comments from Broncos head coach Sean Payton. While Payton praised Jacksonville as a “really good team,” he also referred to them as a “smaller market” - a label that didn’t sit well in the Jaguars’ locker room. Whether it was intended as a slight or not, it gave Jacksonville just enough fuel to turn a big game into a statement win.
After the game, Jaguars offensive coordinator Liam Coen didn’t shy away from addressing the pregame chatter. “A small market team like us can come into Mile High and get it done,” Coen said, clearly enjoying the moment. It was a subtle jab, but a pointed one - and it came after his offense had just put up the most points Denver has allowed all season.
Let’s talk about that offense for a second. Trevor Lawrence looked every bit the franchise quarterback Jacksonville drafted him to be.
"A small market team like us can come into Mile High and get it done."#JAXvsDEN pic.twitter.com/2V2i8UiKrO
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) December 22, 2025
He was sharp, decisive, and in complete control of the tempo. The offensive line gave him time, the receivers created separation, and the play-calling kept Denver’s defense off balance all afternoon.
This wasn’t a fluke or a lucky break - it was a well-executed game plan that left one of the AFC’s best teams scrambling for answers.
The Jaguars are now 11-4, holding firm atop the AFC South and staying a step ahead of the Texans. That’s a remarkable turnaround from last season’s 4-13 campaign, and it speaks volumes about the work this coaching staff and roster have put in. Coen’s confidence isn’t just bravado - it’s backed by results.
And while Payton’s comments may have been more observational than insulting, the Jaguars clearly took them personally. That’s the edge you want from a team in December - one that’s not just playing for wins, but playing with purpose. Jacksonville didn’t just beat Denver; they outplayed them in every phase, and they did it with a chip on their shoulder.
In a league where narratives can shift week to week, the Jaguars are writing their own - and it’s one that’s starting to sound a lot like a playoff threat. Small market?
Maybe. But after Sunday, there’s nothing small about what Jacksonville just pulled off.