A Thanksgiving feast of notes. …
Al Wilson, when asked, on the first day of training camp, what the key to the Broncos’ season would be: “Turnovers.”
Four months later, the Broncos are plus-14 in turnovers and sitting in first place in the AFC West. And to think, in their previous three seasons, they were minus-9, minus-4 and minus-5.
What’s made the difference?
“It starts up front,” Wilson said. “We have a front four that really knows how to get after the quarterback, that knows how to stop the run as well. In previous years, we’ve always been good against the run, but we’ve been lacking in our pass rush.” …
For the record, the Broncos were plus-10 in turnovers in each of their Super Bowl seasons in the 1990s. …
The happiest man at Invesco Field on Sunday? That would be Jeb Putzier, who signed an offer sheet with the Jets during the offseason, only to have the Broncos match it. Said Putzier, “The whole time, this is what I wanted, to stay here.” …
Sunday’s game marked the Jets’ first appearance at Invesco Field at Mile High.
Their previous game in Denver came Oct. 3, 1999, a date which lives in infamy in Broncos history. That was when Terrell Davis tore his knee while trying to make a post-interception tackle, marking the beginning of the end for the greatest running back in franchise history. …
It’s not like the Broncos have had an easy schedule en route to their 8-2 record. Fact: The Jets were the third team with a losing record among the 10 the Bronx have played. …
Yes, it will be a physical challenge to turn around and play in Texas on Thursday. But the Cowboys have it even worse. Said John Lynch, when asked about the quick turnaround, “One thing I know is Dallas, with the Monday night game, will be playing their third game in 11 days. So they’ve got it tougher than we do.” …
If anyone knows about playing on Thanksgiving Day, it’s Ebenezer Ekuban, who spent the first five seasons of his career with the Cowboys. Yes, says Ekuban, it’s an advantage for Dallas because the Cowboys don’t have to travel. “Certainly, it was a big advantage,” he said. …
Jets offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger, the Broncos’ receivers coach during the Super Bowl-winning years, played wide receiver at Eastern Illinois, where his quarterback and roommate was named Mike Shanahan. …
Add Heimerdinger: He’s the author of one of the greatest quotes in recent NFL history.
Said Heimerdinger, when asked a few years ago whether he thought he would land an NFL head coaching job, “They want a big name, not a long one.” …
Two words to cheer you up this morning, Jets fans: Matt Leinart. With Eli Manning having landed with the Giants, the Jets have to do whatever it takes to get Leinart.
I’d tell you how inept the Jets’ offense is, but Shanahan’s decision not to kick a field goal as time expired in the first half tells you everything you need to know. …
Not that Vinny Testaverde didn’t have his moments. Take that pass in the third quarter, for instance, when he hit Lynch in stride. …
At least the Jets didn’t waste any opportunities in the red zone. Of course, they didn’t have any opportunities in the red zone. …
Ian Gold, when asked if he looks at the standings on Monday mornings: “I take a peek at them, but honestly, my focus, and everyone else’s focus – which is different from years I’ve been here before – is on the next game.” …
The Broncos are 8-2, but don’t have much breathing room, what with the season finale at San Diego. Said Wilson, when asked if the Chargers were in the Broncos’ rearview mirror, “Not thinking about them. Could care less about them.”
Catch Jim Armstrong from 6-9 a.m. during “The Press Box” on ESPN 560 AM. He can be reached at 303-820-5452 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com.
