The New York Jets are making their way to Denver, Colorado this weekend to take on the Broncos. After coming away with a home win last week against Kansas City, what do the Jets need to do to find success on the road?
Play A Complete Game
The last time the Jets found themselves on the road, they ultimately chalked up another loss against Tampa. They were coming off an emotional win against Buffalo at home, and ended up collapsing in a game that looked like an easy victory.
Fast forward to Week 14, and the Jets are in a similar position. Coming off of another emotional win against Kansas City, the Jets hit the road for another game that looks like an easy dub. This game will be the ultimate test of maturity and development for Gang Green. They’ve struggled all year when on the road, currently holding a 1-4 record.
If they can grab victory number two, it will propel the Jets in their final games. With three of the last four being on the road, the Jets need to make their mark by playing a complete game this week.
With 3 TD passes against the Broncos on Sunday, @JoshMcCown12 will become the oldest player (38 years, 159 days) since 1970 to throw his 100th career TD pass @nyjets #jets
— NFL Research (@NFLResearch) December 9, 2017
Defense Needs To Rebound
Last week, the Jets secondary gave up a handful of big plays to the Chiefs offense. Travis Kelce grabbed two early touchdowns, and Tyreek Hill amassed 150 receiving yards. The Jets will need to prevent such lacking coverage this week against Denver.
And there is definitely ample opportunity for them to do so. The Denver Broncos currently rank 31st in the NFL with 27 giveaways, and with quarterback Trevor Siemian at the helm, turnovers may be inevitable. The Broncos also rank 31st in the league with a -16 turnover differential, with the Jets ranking 11th in terms of total takeaways (17).
This means that the Jets defense will have plenty of opportunity to help set up the offense. Siemian currently has 13 interceptions on the year, including three last week against the Miami Dolphins. The Jets will need to capitalize on the Broncos’ mistakes as much as possible.
Record Shouldn’t Overshadow Talent
Despite the Broncos being a 3-9 football team, the Jets should still understand that they are a team equipped with talent. Many players on their current roster were a part of the Broncos’ Super Bowl winning team a few years back, and that should not go unnoticed.
Von Miller is one of those guys. He still remains as one of the priemier players not only on the Broncos, but in the entire NFL. The Jets offensive line may be in for a long day trying to defend him.
Others include Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr., who will be a tough matchup against the Jets’ receiver tandem of Jermaine Kearse and Robby Anderson. On offense, there is Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, who have proven throughout their careers to be capable of big-play, clutch time performances if need be.
So while, yes, the Broncos has dropped their last eight games, the Jets need to be weary of the talent they are going up against. That is the main reason why it is a looming “trap” game for the Jets. They could be easily exposed if they are not prepared come Sunday.
– Kyle Hirshkind is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Jets and covers the New York Jets. Like and follow on Follow @kylehirshkind Follow @FPC_Jets
