For the record: The Jets are 5-4 (tied for second place in the AFC East). The Broncos are 4-5 (tied for second place in the AFC West).
Who’s hot: The Jets were burned by the Tom Brady- led Patriots on Sunday night, but defense still is the Jets’ strength. The Jets are in the NFL’s top 10 in total defense and pass defense. The Jets have 13 interceptions and six fumble recoveries.
Who’s not: The Jets’ running game. They’re averaging only 98.1 yards rushing, ranking 24th in the 32-team league. Running backs Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson have combined for only three rushing touchdowns.
Key stat: The Broncos and Jets have allowed 23 sacks each this season. Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez was sacked five times Sunday by the Patriots. Denver’s defense ranks eighth in the league with 24 sacks.
FYI: This is the third meeting between the Broncos and Jets in four seasons. The Broncos won 34-17 at the Meadowlands in 2008. The Jets won 24-20 in Denver last year. The Broncos are 16-15-1 in regular- season games against the Jets.
Coachspeak: “We were wanting this game in the worst way. But you’re not going to beat New Eng- land, you’re not going to beat many teams, when you make the mistakes that we made.” — New York coach Rex Ryan, after the Jets committed three turnovers in their 37-16 loss to the Patriots
Lindsay H. Jones, The Denver Post
