The Broncos were bailed out Sunday by their defense. Again.
An interception return touchdown by Bradley Roby in the third quarter provided the Broncos’ only touchdown of the second half as they held off the Jaguars, 20-10.
The Broncos couldn’t generate any offense in the second half, keeping the door open for the Jaguars, but the Broncos got two late stops to seal it. Rookie quarterback Paxton Lynch only threw for 104 yards while subbing for the injured Trevor Siemian, but the Broncos just kept forcing punts and forcing Blake Bortles into turnovers.
Bortles was intercepted twice and also lost a fumble in the final two minutes with the score 17-10. It was his fifth multiple interception game of the season.
The Broncos won despite producing just 10 first downs and converting 1-of-13 third downs. The Jaguars ran 81 plays; the Broncos ran 54.
Roby’s interception return midway through the third quarter covered 51 yards and made it 17-3. A 22-yard run by Bortles early in the fourth quarter was the Jaguars’ only touchdown.
The Broncos are 8-4, and their final four games -- at Tennessee, vs. New England, at Kansas City and vs. the Raiders -- are all against fellow playoff contenders.
The Jaguars fall to 2-10.