DenverBroncos.Com

The Jaguars have had one of the top running games in the league over the past several years, and with Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor in the backfield, it’s no wonder why.

But so far in 2008, they have struggled. In last week’s game against Pittsburgh, the Jaguars’ two-headed running attack combined for just 26 total yards on the ground. The Broncos’ defense remembers last year’s game against the Jags, however, so they know not to underestimate them.

“We still know the talent they have,” D.J. Williams told reporters after Friday’s practice. “Just cause last week they only had 26 yards doesn’t mean they’re not capable of coming in and running for 100 or 200 yards. But that’s our job – to stop them from doing that.”

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As Sunday’s matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars gets one day closer, the Broncos remember last year’s game all too well.

The Jags jumped out to an early 17-7 lead in the first half, extending it to 20-7 before the Broncos would get on the board again. A fourth quarter touchdown got Denver within a score, but it was not to be. The Jaguars won that game 23-14. This year, the Broncos would like to swap it up.

Denver is coming off a 16-13 win over a Buccaneers team that is similar to Jacksonville in several ways. Both teams like to play hard-nosed defense. Both like to pound the ball in the running game. And in that game against the Bucs, the Denver defense stepped up to match the physicality of their opponent. They’ll need to do it again this week.

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The Broncos have the Jacksonville Jaguars on tap for this weekend. The Jags come to Denver with a 2-3 record on the season but the Broncos know that Jacksonville has played all five of its opponents close this season. Denver realizes that it is up against a talented football team, regardless of what its record may be coming in.

“The average fan looks at them and they see a 2-3 record and they don’t see the football team,” Head Coach Mike Shanahan said. “That’s usually indicative of most people. You are looking at the record and not how they have been playing. Our football team is well aware of that and we will be ready to play.”

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On Wednesday Head Coach Mike Shanahan announced that Tony Scheffler and Selvin Young will be out against Jacksonville.

Scheffler and Young each suffered left groin strains in the Broncos 16-13 win over Tampa Bay on Sunday.

Eddie Royal, who suffered an ankle sprain against the Buccaneers, should not miss much practice time with his injury and could be available on Sunday.

According to Shanahan both Young and Scheffler should be ready for the team’s Monday Night Football game against New England in two weeks.

Royal and Ebenezer Ekuban were not scheduled to participate in drills on Wednesday but should practice on Thursday. According to Shanahan both players are probable for Jacksonville.

-Jake Grilley, DenverBroncos.com

Another award is coming the Broncos’ way.

The NFL announced on Tuesday that Matt Prater will be named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for Week 5.

Prater’s selection as AFC Special Teams Player of the Week marks the first such award of his two-year NFL career.

During the Broncos’ 16-13 win against Tampa Bay on Sunday, Prater made all three field goal attempts — a 55-yarder, a 40-yarder and a 27-yarder — and his lone extra point try, racking up 10 points for the team. He also recorded touchbacks on four-of-five kickoffs. His 55-yarder in the second quarter was the longest field goal in the NFL for Week 5 and tied for the fifth-longest field goal in Broncos history.

Prater’s four touchbacks also led the NFL for the week, and he averaged 69.4 yards on his five kickoffs. He is tied for the NFL lead with 11 touchbacks on kickoffs this season.

Prater is the first Bronco to be named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week since punt returner Glenn Martinez earned that award in Week 11 of the 2007 season. His selection marks the 18th time a Broncos player has received AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors since the award was initiated by the NFL in 1993.

Broncos on Monday signed free-agent tight end Chad Mustard. To make room for Mustard the team waived guard Dylan Gandy.

Mustard is in his fifth NFL season and third year with the Broncos. He competed with Denver in its 2008 training camp before he was waived on Aug. 30.

He has has totaled 12 receptions for 123 yards in 41 career games with the Broncos and Browns.

Mustard gives the Broncos added depth at tight end.

Tony Scheffler suffered a groin strain against Tampa Bay on Sunday. Scheffler underwent an MRI on Monday, the full extent of his injury should be known later in the week.

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The Broncos came away with a win, taking down the Buccaneers 16-13 and moving to 4-1 in the process.

But a few Broncos were injured in the hard-fought win, including two of the team’s top pass catchers.

Eddie Royal went down during a punt return, and he did not return to the game. He went into the locker room and did not return, suffering a sprained ankle.

Tony Scheffler also left the game with an injury on the final drive of the game. He suffered a strained left groin.

Ebenezer Ekuban and Selvin Young both suffered left groin strains as well.

Head Coach Mike Shanahan will give another update during his press conference tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. MDT.

– Adam Zinser

15:00: It’s second-and-five at the Tampa Bay 25, and it has started to rain.

Cutler completes his pass for a four-yard gain to Scheffler, bringing up third-and-one at the Tampa Bay 21.

Pittman pounds the ball for a gain of four and the first down.

12:40: After a pair of runs, it’s third-and-two from the Tampa Bay nine yard line.

Cutler’s pass is incomplete as it flys out the back of the endzone.

Prater’s 27-yard field goal attempt is good, and the Broncos extend the lead, 16-6.

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15:00: The Buccaneers will receive to start the second half. First-and-10 at their own 20.

Graham carries the ball around the right end for a 14-yard gain and a quick first down.

14:30: They have less success on the following play, however, as Dewayne Robertson stuffs Graham in the hole for barely one-yard.

13:20: It’s third-and-four from the 40. Griese is in the shotgun. He hits Bryant just past the first down marker.

12:40: The Bucs have gotten several quick first downs to start the second half, the most recent on a Griese-to-Alex Smith connection.

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It’s a tribute to Gary Zimmerman who this summer was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

Standing at midfield are Zimmerman and Broncos President and CEO Pat Bowlen as a video tribute plays to Zimmerman.

Also at midfield are a framed Zimmerman jersey and Zimmerman’s bronze bust that will be placed in the Hall in Canton.

The crowd gives Zim a standing ovation before Bowlen takes the podium. Bowlen pointed out Zimmerman’s location and addition to the Ring of Fame at INVESCO Field.

Zimmerman also takes a moment to speak to the fans from the podium as his name is unveiled on the Ring of Fame.

And now the teams retake the field, and it’s time to get ready for the second half.