After a dominating win against the New England Patriots last week, the New York Jets had a nice mini-bye before playing the Denver Broncos this week. For the Jets, this is an unique revenge game; stemming from Broncos’ head coach Sean Payton’s comments last year about New York offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and his inability to run a team. Because of that, the Jets will have a lot to play for, including Hackett’s friend and New York quarterback, Aaron Rodgers.
Rodgers has declared that last year’s comments aren’t on his mind, but it’s hard to believe those words hold merit. At any rate, it’s an interesting matchup between two teams with a lot to prove in Week 4.
New York Jets vs. Denver Broncos Matchup History
The Jets and Broncos have played each other 41 times in their respective history. Currently, Denver leads the series 22-18-1. Most Jets fans likely remember the “rivalry” between the two teams during the late 90’s; which crescendoed with the Broncos beating New York in the AFC Championship game in the 1998 season.
25 Years Ago Today
January 17, 1999
° 1998 AFC CHAMPIONSHIP °After trailing the nine-point underdog #Jets 10-0 in the third, the defending-Super Bowl champion #Broncos rattle off 23 unanswered points to seize their sixth AFC title, 23-10.
Terrell Davis notches his NFL… pic.twitter.com/2sLdiu2yjP
— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) January 18, 2024
Of course, that year, John Elway and the Broncos went on to win the Super Bowl as their quarterback rode into the sunset of retirement. And, as many Jets fans also remember, the following year, Vinny Testaverde would tear his Achilles, ending what could have been a Super Bowl season.
Key Players for the Jets
On offense, the Jets need to be able to run the football; that means a heavy dose of Breece Hall and Braelon Allen for New York. Currently, Allen is the second-highest graded running back in the NFL, per PFF. Meanwhile, his 4.11 yards after contact per attempt rank 12th in the NFL. The rookie has proven to not only be a tough runner, but a true 1B option behind Hall.
Meanwhile, Hall ranks 25th in YCO/A with 3.48; and while he hasn’t looked as good as a pure runner early in the season, he’s a proven commodity in the Jets offense. Both backs also have shown excellent prowess as pass-catchers ranking inside the top-15 in yards per routes run this season.
Although PFF has the Broncos graded as the sixth-worst team against the run, they’re closer to the middle of the pack in terms of metrics. However, the Broncos have struggled securing tackles, which bodes well for the Jets to establish themselves on the ground. With that said, a strong rushing attack sets up the pass – which could be somewhat difficult against a good Broncos’ secondary.
In the passing game, Allen Lazard needs to continue playing well for New York. Lazard is tied for the lead with multiple players with three receiving touchdowns. He’s been a safety valve for Rodgers up to this point, and needs to continue to do so this week.
Tug on Allen Lazard’s jersey all you want, he will get the touchdown! pic.twitter.com/u39kq7iHpj
— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) September 20, 2024
Defensively, the spotlight shines on Will McDonald. Currently, McDonald’s five sacks are second in the NFL. With Jermaine Johnson gone for the year and Haason Reddick still yet to report, McDonald needs to have a big game against the Broncos.
Outside of Courtland Sutton, Denver does not have experienced playmakers. The secondary should do their job on the back end, so McDonald and the rest of the defensive line need to apply pressure on rookie quarterback Bo Nix.
Key Players for the Broncos
On offense, the gameplan should be similar to the Jets. The Broncos need to establish the run in this contest. Despite New York shoring up their run defense against the Patriots last week, the Jets still are among the worst in the league. Denver needs their plethora of running backs to perform well to stop New York from selling out against the pass.
On defense, the defense needs to be able to stop the rushing attack of New York. However, the spotlight will be on their star cornerback, Patrick Surtain. Surtain will be shadowing Garrett Wilson this week, and will need to keep the Jets’ star receiver in check.
If the Broncos are able to successfully take Wilson out of the equation, it creates pressure for the rest of the Jets’ offensive players to step up. If they’re unable to do so, it could lead to a victory for Denver.
Keys to Victory for the Jets
Frustrate Bo Nix
If the Jets defense can stop the Broncos’ rushing attack, it puts plenty of pressure on Nix. As a rookie who hasn’t pushed the ball downfield much, taking away the rushing attack forces him to do so. There, it allows opportunity for mistakes. The Jets need to capitalize on those mistakes; whether it’s forcing him into sacks or bad decisions with the football.
Get the most out of their depth
The Jets need to have their wide receiver and defensive line depth step up in this matchup. On offense, Lazard and company must become reliable options for Rodgers. Meanwhile, the defensive line depth needs to put pressure on Nix, and stop the rushing attack of Denver. The Jets kept a plethora of linemen on the roster. Those players need to step up and perform in this matchup.
Play with a chip on their shoulder
The Jets can’t go into this matchup thinking this is a pushover game. Considering Payton’s comments about the Jets, New York needs to have a killer mindset in this matchup. They need to not only prove a point, but must drive that point home against an inferior opponent.
