The Jacksonville Jaguars are heading to Denver to take on the Broncos in Week 2, in what will be a very important game for both teams.
The Jaguars are coming off a dominating 34-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns, whereas the Broncos lost 31-10 to the Kansas City Chiefs.
For Jacksonville, a Week 2 victory is needed to prove that their first win of the season wasn't merely because they were playing an easy opponent. Denver will be looking to prevent yet another season starting out 0-2.
In Wednesday's press conference, head coach Liam Coen spoke about what his expectations are for the upcoming game.
Coen first pointed out that it would be a mistake to underestimate the Broncos based on how poorly they played in Week 1, as they are still a talented,
dangerous team. Still, as he also acknowledged, Jacksonville played Denver late last season, which gives them a level of familiarity that can only be helpful.
"I think we know how they're going to respond," he said. "There's no question that they're a well-coached, talented team that we have, obviously, a lot of film on from last year. And then, obviously, playing them later on helps with some of that. Definitely different ways of how they used Waddle throughout the game. And I know they'll want to continue to get him involved early on."
Yet the biggest thing Coen said the Jaguars need to focus on is not what the Broncos are capable of, or who is on their roster. Instead, he said their biggest concern is their own communication and connection.
"So much of this week is truly about us," he said. "We have to be aware of their good players and their good schemes and their good coaching. But also, going into this atmosphere, the communication, both verbally and visually, guys being on the screws, like I told them this morning, that we have to know this plan so well that you know what the guy next to you is going to be able to do without having to say it to him, or speak, or talk about it. That's how well we have to be connected this week. That's how intentional we have to be in our work and our preparation."
On the offense in particular, building chemistry between key players, like Trevor Lawrence and Brian Thomas Jr., has been a focus for the Jaguars throughout the offseason. Keeping that chemistry and connection strong will be vital as Jacksonville faces its first difficult opponent in a stretch of challenging games.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Coen highlights key factor for Jaguars in Week 2 game vs. Broncos
