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No cover but a win: Manning, Broncos struggle in 35-19 win over Jaguars

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) reaches for a hand from wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) after a Denver touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey) (The Associated Press)

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls an audible at the line of scrimmage against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey) (The Associated Press)

Peyton Manning threw for two scores and Knowshon Moreno ran for three to lead the Denver Broncos to a tougher-than-expected 35-19 victory Sunday over the winless Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Broncos (6-0) came in as 27-point favorites, and much of the pregame hype centered on whether they'd cover the spread and when Manning would come out of the game.

Neither happened.

Manning finished 28 for 42 for 295 yards, but lost two fumbles and threw a pick-6 — a 59-yard interception return by Paul Posluszny that pulled the Jaguars (0-6) within 14-12 at halftime.

It was a two-point game late in the third quarter, before Moreno scored his last touchdown, an 8-yard run, for a 28-19 lead. Moreno finished with 42 yards.

Justin Blackmon had 14 catches for 190 yards for Jacksonville.