Most of the Jets never had played at the Broncos’ new home. Many of the Jets in prime roles Sunday looked winded and dismayed over their flux at quarterback.
Not that the Jets’ defense opened the game with any fortitude, allowing 33 plays and 176 yards and 19 minutes of possession time in the Broncos’ first two drives. That helped Denver build a 10-0 lead.
It was the Jets’ offense, however, that reached a distressing low. This shutout was the first for the Jets since Christmas Eve 10 years ago against the Saints. The Jets in nine possessions Sunday never reached the red zone.
You wonder how the Jets are going to bounce back from this punishment? How they will prevent this season of rubble from eking into next season and beyond?
Well, they could give Roc Alexander a call.
Alexander showed on Sunday in the Broncos’ 27-0 victory how to rise from a splat. From a trampling.
He was the scapegoat for fans and critics after the Broncos’ playoff loss at Indianapolis last season, the game in which the Colts scored 49 points and it looked like Alexander – twisting, turning, confused at cornerback – allowed all 49.
“I wondered after that if he would be here,” Broncos linebacker Ian Gold said. “I wondered what his status would be. I wondered how he would hold up mentally.”
Alexander did, too.
Especially when he looked around and saw the Broncos drafting cornerbacks, three total, in their last draft.
“I saw all the rookies they were drafting coming in and I knew it was going to affect my job,” Alexander said. “It was hard. It was a challenge.”
Alexander embraced football’s dirty work – special teams. He is on all of them for the Broncos, including returning kickoffs.
And against the Jets, after Denver moved ahead 10-0, it was Alexander who recovered the Jets’ fumbled kickoff at the Jets’ 18. Two plays later, the Broncos were in the end zone and ahead 17-0.
It was Alexander who capitalized on the first of five Jets’ turnovers.
“I was running downfield and saw the hit, saw the ball and dove for it,” Alexander said. “The Jets were juggling me around. They punched me in the ribs. They were cursing. There sure is a lot that goes on in the bottom of that pile.”
But Alexander – a second-year player, tougher, more seasoned, recovered from his Indy humiliation – held the ball. Held his ground.
Found new ground.
He was a free-agent pickup last year, a guy who grew up in Colorado Springs and played at Washington.
He beat the odds as a free agent through training camp and made one start last year. By season’s end he was in the nickel package, and by the playoff game at the Colts he seemed on solid ground.
“He was a free agent, like I was, and I wanted to see him make it,” Broncos receiver Rod Smith said. “I talked to him about the things that made me stick in this league. We talked about the good and the bad that can happen and taking the bad as a challenge. I told him as a veteran guy you learn that there is always a better day ahead – just make sure you’re around to see it.”
Alexander has.
He has found a way to help the Broncos reach 8-2.
He understands that the Broncos start with 53 players. Then name eight inactives on game day. Then take the field with 45 players, with 22 of those starters.
For the other 23, the backbone of any NFL team, a niche must be found. A contribution must be made.
Alexander did.
“Sometimes you gotta know your role,” Alexander said. “Sometimes, you gotta find one.”
Sometimes, once a player has had a taste of starting, he will not embrace a backup or special-teams role. Some players view special teams as beneath them.
Alexander let it go, the embarrassment at Indy, the uncertainty of his status with the Broncos after their draft, and found ways to help the Broncos win.
He is a model for the Jets.
He is a model for us all.
Staff writer Thomas Georgecan be reached at 303-820-1994 or tgeorge@denverpost.com.
