GAME PLAN: The Broncos hope to complement what has been a very sturdy running game with more productivity in their passing game, disappointingly feeble in recent weeks. Quarterback Case Keenum is in his first year as the Broncos’ starter and is still developing a rapport with his receivers. But the hope is now, a month into the season, that Keenum and especially wideouts Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas are getting close to being on the same page.
The Broncos’ pass rush has its eyes on rattling Jets rookie quarterback Sam Darnold. Von Miller, Bradley Chubb and Co. hope to take out some of their frustration in their failures against the Chiefs’ elusive Patrick Mahomes by getting to Darnold, getting stops and/or turnovers and giving their offense more scoring opportunities.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH
–Broncos LBs Todd Davis and Brandon Marshall vs. Jets RBs Isaiah Crowell and Bilal Powell. The Chiefs’ Kareem Hunt ran for more than 100 yards and made key receptions in Kansas City’s victory over the Broncos last week. Against the Jets, Marshall and Davis face a change of pace tandem in Crowell and Powell with Crowell capable of the breakaway play while Powell can pound the ball between the tackles. The Broncos first defensive priority is to contain the run and Davis and Marshall will have to channel speed and power tackling depending on who is in the Jets backfield.
–Broncos WRs Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders vs. Jets CBs Trumaine Johnson and Morris Claiborne. The big play from Denver’s wideouts has been largely missing in the last couple weeks and Thomas in particular has had several dropped passes at critical moments in games. As such Denver has struggled to stretch opposing defenses. Both Sanders and Thomas have shown before that they are capable playmakers and it may just be a matter of gradually improving chemistry between new quarterback Case Keenum and his wideouts before they start connecting with more frequency on downfield plays. Pass defense, though has been a strength for the Jets, whose six interceptions are fifth in the league.
