The Broncos’ running game was unimpressive the last time they played in prime time. That was their season opener, a 23-20 loss to Oakland on “Monday Night Football.” Denver rushed for only 35 yards against the Raiders.
With the Broncos back in prime time for a home game against the Jets, they have a different starting quarterback and a much-improved ground game.
The Broncos (4-5) have won three of their last four games with Tim Tebow at quarterback. They have rushed for 177, 195, 299 and 244 yards in those four games. To keep that momentum going against the Jets, the Broncos must:
The Jets run the ball about 53 percent of the time on first-and-10 plays. That’s higher than most NFL teams in these pass-happy times. Green Bay, the defending league champion, runs the ball only 47 percent of the time on first-and-10 plays. And the Jets run the ball 70 percent of the time on second-and-5 plays, so it’s clear which direction they would like to go.
Linebacker Wesley Woodyard, one of the key players in the Broncos’ pass coverages, didn’t play Sunday at Kansas City because of a sore knee but is expected to play against the Jets.
The Jets were blown out 37-16 at home Sunday by Tom Brady and the Patriots, so they will come to Denver in a bad mood — especially on defense. If the Broncos’ running game sputters, Tebow figures to be less effective throwing the ball.
Jeff Legwold: 303-954-2359 or jlegwold@denverpost.com
