JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- The moment has been well-documented. The Jacksonville Jaguars put themselves on the map with their upset over the Denver Broncos in the 1996 playoffs.

But nearly three years later, the biggest victory in Jaguars history seems to hover over the franchise like a haunting memory that can't be eclipsed.

"We've been living off that win for too long now," says quarterback Mark Brunell.

That's in large part because the Broncos routed the Jaguars in two subsequent meetings, once in the playoffs in 1997, then again last year in a regular-season game that was supposed to be a defining moment for Jacksonville.

This year, the Jaguars (11-1) have the league's best record and every reason to believe they can exceed the magic of 1996. And while their game against the Broncos (4-8) Monday night has lost some luster because of Denver's struggles, many Jacksonville players say it remains as big as any on their schedule.

"It lingers," says Jaguars right tackle Leon Searcy. "The Broncos have always been the benchmark this organization measures itself by. They've had so much success. It's unfortunate for them that they're struggling right now. But we can't concern ourselves with that. They're still the Broncos. We still have memories of the way they've handed it to us the last few years."

The details stick out awkwardly for a franchise that has dealt with abundant success over its five seasons. In 1997, Denver rolled up 310 yards rushing on the Jaguars in a humiliating 42-17 defeat in the wild-card playoffs.

As bitter as that loss was, last year's might have been more telling. Stung by the playoff failure in '97, Jacksonville built up its running game and tried to improve its defense. The Jaguars headed into Denver to prove they were ready to compete among the NFL elite.

They came away with a 37-24 defeat that wasn't as close as the score sounded. Denver scored at will, Jason Elam tied an NFL record with a 63-yard field goal, and the Jaguars were left to play their final 10 games knowing they were likely shooting for no better than second in the AFC.

"Anytime you lose to someone, it's a sore spot," said coach Tom Coughlin. "With Denver, we've played them at critical times in the season. We've lost to them. Anytime you've had that experience, it's not a very pleasant one."

When the schedule came out, Jacksonville was pleased to learn it would play the Broncos at home for the first time since the franchise was established.

But instead of a game rife with playoff implications, only the Jaguars are thinking postseason. Under most scenarios involving games Sunday, Jacksonville will still need a victory against Denver to clinch a playoff spot come Monday night. The Jaguars can also set a record for regular-season wins.

"I hesitate to say we've got payback coming, but that's kind of how it is," said linebacker Kevin Hardy. "We finally get them in our back yard. I'm sure guys who were in the games the last few years will remember what happened."

With a win, the Jaguars also can assure the Broncos of their first losing season since 1994, which would mark Mike Shanahan's first sub-.500 season as coach of the Broncos.

Keeping the Broncos motivated is Shanahan's biggest goal at this point.

"Obviously, you've got a respect level and a pride level that makes you always want to go in and play well," he said. "We understand that Jacksonville is playing for home-field advantage. They want to keep momentum going. We know they'll be ready. If we have our head between our tails, we'll be embarrassed very quickly."

Sort of the way they felt after the 1996 game.

Those who played for the Broncos three years ago still remember it well.

"It was definitely an eye-opener for us," said linebacker Bill Romanowski. "Everyone was in a state of shock around here for a long time. But I think that loss is what helped us go win two Super Bowls in a row."

DENVER Season schedule and results

JACKSONVILLE Season schedule and results

September 13 Miami L 21-38 September 19 @Kansas City L 10-26 September 26 @Tampa Bay L 10-13 October 3 NY Jets L 13-21 October 10 @Oakland W 16-13 October 17 Green Bay W 31-10 October 24 @New England L 23-24 October 31 Minnesota L 20-23 November 7 @San Diego W 33-17 November 14 @Seattle L 17-20 November 22 Oakland W 27-21 December 5 Kansas City L 10-16 December 13 @Jacksonville 9:00pm ET December 19 Seattle 4:15pm ET December 25 @Detroit 4:15pm ET January 2 San Diego 4:15pm ET

September 12 San Francisco W 41-3 September 19 @Carolina W 22-20 September 26 Tennessee L 19-20 October 3 @Pittsburgh W 17-3 October 11 @NY Jets W 16-6 October 17 Cleveland W 24-7 October 31 @Cincinnati W 41-10 November 7 @Atlanta W 30-7 November 14 Baltimore W 6-3 November 21 New Orleans W 41-23 November 28 @Baltimore W 30-23 December 2 Pittsburgh W 20-6 December 13 Denver 9:00pm ET December 19 @Cleveland 1:00pm ET December 26 @Tennessee 1:00pm ET January 2 Cincinnati 1:00pm ET

Records source: STATS, Inc.

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