WHEN THE JETS RUN
Like the Broncos, New York leans on a running back combo. has 42 carries and has 39 attempts. “They’ve got a nice 1-2 punch with those guys,” Broncos coach said. “Thatap our first call of duty — stop the running game.” The Jets are averaging only 3.6 yards per carry (tied for 25th in the NFL). The Broncos rank eighth defending the run (93.8) and have allowed only four explosive rushes (at least 12 yards) in four games.
Edge: Broncos.
WHEN THE JETS PASS
Can a pass defense show signs of progress when squandering a 10-point fourth quarter lead, failing to create a takeaway, getting only one sack and allowing 304 yards? Yes, if you’re the Broncos. And now they get to face a rookie quarterback in . It’s time for the pass rush to get going. After a six-sack opener, they have only four sacks over the last three games. If the secondary keeps track of (21 catches), none of the other receivers can dominate the game.
Edge: Broncos.
WHEN THE BRONCOS RUN
The Broncos rank third in rushing yards per game (148.3) and second in yards per carry (5.6). and are playing like veterans — now get them the football more often. The Broncos should try and pound it on first down since they’ve had success — their 334 rushing yards on first-and-10 rank fourth in the league. The Jets are 16th against the run (108.3) and it will be important for the Broncos’ interior defensive line to effectively block Leonard Williams.
Edge: Broncos.
WHEN THE BRONCOS PASS
The Jets have six interceptions and have allowed five touchdowns and feature a veteran cornerback trio of Trumaine Johnson, Morris Claiborne and Buster Skrine. Broncos quarterback has not thrown a touchdown in three games. The Jets rushed at least five players on 20 of Jacksonville quarterback ’ 43 drop-backs last week. That will put pressure on left tackle Garett Bolles (who finished OK after a tough start last week) and right tackle (filling in for Jared Veldheer).
Edge: Jets.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Broncos coach Vance Joseph said, “I think our special teams are really up there with Baltimore and Seattle now. We can block kicks and we can make plays in the return game.” Thatap true. Kicker Brandon McManus has made all 16 of his kicks (nine field goals/seven extra points) but the Broncos are in the middle third of the league covering and returning kicks. Jets punt returner is averaging 26.7 yards per attempt.
Edge: Broncos.
THREE THINGS TO WATCH
1. Takeaway drought. The Broncos have gone three consecutive games without a takeaway for the first time since November 2015 (also three games). One reason is the secondary isn’t making many plays on the football. Cornerback Chris Harris has four pass break-ups, but the rest of the secondary has only five. Darnold has thrown five interceptions.
2. Challenge Jets top cornerback. Trumaine Johnson received $34 million at signing when he left the Rams for the Jets. Johnson has four interceptions since the start of 2016 (34 games), including one this year. But he got caught semi-napping last week at Jacksonville when ran by him for a 64-yard touchdown. The Broncos should challenge him with .
3. Overall team focus. The Broncos seemed to empty the tank against Kansas City, building a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter only to allow the winning touchdown with 1:39 remaining. Will the players be refocused for a rebound in a winnable game? We’ll find out in the first quarter if the Broncos are looking back or dealing with the present.
Staff predictions
Mark Kiszla:Broncos 16, Jets 13
My faith in Broncos went unrewarded against Kansas City. Fool me once, shame on me. Fool me twice, shame on …Record: 3-1
Ryan O’Halloran:Broncos 27, Jets 20
The Broncos are traveling a long way off a short week and blowing a 10-point lead at home. But the Jets are really bad.Record: 3-1
Kyle Fredrickson:Jets 21, Broncos 20
A late Sam Darnold touchdown gives Denver serious quarterback envy and the pressure on coach Vance Joseph’s job security heightens.Record: 3-1
