Davis, Broncos Run Past Jags
The 1998 season continues to be a highlight film for the defending Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos.
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In a battle of AFC division leaders, the Broncos' offense continued its season-long roll while the defense sacked Jaguars quarterback Mark Brunell seven times. Davis rushed for 136 yards and three touchdowns and caught five passes for 76 yards.
Davis joined Hall of Famers O.J. Simpson and Jim Brown as the only players ever to record 1,000 yards in the first seven games of the season. Davis reached the milestone just prior to the two-minute warning in second half, breaking up the middle for a four-yard gain.
"This was a playoff game to us," said Davis. "It feels good to be in the company of great backs like O.J. Simpson and Jim Brown. I wasn't aware of how close I was near the end of the game."
Last year's Super Bowl MVP, who rushe for 184 yards and two touchdowns in a playoff victory over the Jaguars last season, became the first running back to crack the 100-yard rushing barrier against Jacksonville in 18 regular-season games -- the longest current streak in the NFL.
"I think it is a heck of a compliment to Terrell because we know how great those players were," said Denver coach Mike Shanahan. "Terrell is very early in his career so he'll be measured by what he does over the course of his career, not just three or four seasons."
Elam
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| Mark Brunell and the Jaguars were forced to submit to the undefeated Broncos at Mile High Stadium Sunday. (AP) |
"I am as happy as I can be," said Elam. "I knew before the snap that the kick would tie the record and I made sure to mark it right with my spot. Tom Rouen had a great hold and I got a good swing. I knew it was pretty close and I was trying to help it along. As I was running down the field I lost it for a second in the lights. I almost beat it down there."
Dempsey set the record with a game-winning 63-yard field goal for the New Orleans Saints against the Detroit Lions on November 8th, 1970.
"Jason told me he could make it and he has kicked them from 62, 63 and 64 yards in practice a number of times," added Shanahan. "He had a little wind so I thought he had an excellent chance of making it."
The Broncos improved to 7-0 with their 20th straight win at home. Counting last year's playoff run, Denver has won 12 straight overall.
John Elway completed 21 of 35 passes for 295 yards and a touchdown, his 34th career 300-yard game but first since Week Eight last season.
Brunell had a huge second half for the Jaguars and finished 28-of-46 for 353 yards and three touchdowns. Keenan McCardell had nine receptions for 113 yards.
"It was very disappointing," said Brunell. "We have got to keep going forward. The first half was horrible offensively and defensively. We did fight back but it was not enough."
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