New York Jets (2-2) – Denver Broncos (2-2): 9-10
In difficult conditions and at the end of the suspense, Denver will seek a second surprise victory in two weeks. The tour on the East Coast will have allowed the Broncos to refuel.
Hindered by heavy rain, the two teams skated… Before finally finding their feet and offering us a second act that was contested, if not flamboyant. While the defenses took precedence over the attacks, the Jets were the only ones to unlock the counter in the first half. Thanks to two kicks from Greg Zuerlein (3/4 FG), they return to the locker room leading (6-0) and do not seem worried by Bo Nix (12/25, 60 yards, 1 touchdown) having thrown for -7 yards at this point in the game.
The rookie will, however, make the charge in the third quarter, finding Courtaud Sutton (3 receptions, 60 yards, 1 touchdown) in the end on an 8-yard pass. After four games, it was his first touchdown thrown in the NFL. The Broncos then take the advantage (6-7), and a duel of kickers begins. Greg Zuerlein is the first to strike to restore the advantage to the Jets (9-7), before Will Lutz (1/2 FG) comes to punctuate a solid drive from the Broncos (9-10). A few minutes later, Lutz had the opportunity to increase the score, but his 50-yard field goal was missed with 3 minutes to go… The Jets also had one last opportunity to win the match, but Zuerlein also missed the 50 yard field goal. All Denver has to do is put their knees on the ground and leave with victory.
Aaron Rodgers in the middle of turbulence
Yet accustomed to extreme weather conditions after 17 years spent in Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers (24/42, 225 yards, 5 carries, 26 yards) seemed very bothered by the rain. Uncomfortable with his support, imprecise in his throws, dropping several balls, the quarterback seemed very borrowed. He could even have sunk his team earlier when, on a sack by Malcolm Roach and Jonah Ellis, he released the ball and offered a defensive touchdown to the same Jonah Ellis. Fortunately for him and the Jets, the referees (wrongly) determined that his knee had hit the ground beforehand.
In the storm, only the defense raised its head above the water. If she did not manage to sack Bo Nix, she still made 7 tackles for loss and conceded only 60 yards to the Broncos aerial attack. By only giving 10 points to the Colorado players, she fully fulfilled her contract.
The running game helps Denver's defense
Despite the first touchdown thrown by Bo Nix in the NFL, tonight it was the running game that moved Denver's chains. With a found Javonte Williams (16 races, 77 yards, 2 receptions, 3 yards) and a Jaleel McLaughlin as a solid substitute (9 receptions, 46 yards), the Broncos managed to advance enough to grab a few points.
But if Denver can come home with a second victory in their hands, they once again owe it to their defense. Making 5 sacks on Aaron Rodgers, 8 tackles for loss, 4 deflected passes, containing Breece Hall to 4 yards in 10 carries, Vance Joseph's squad was once again masterful. Despite the loss in the week of its general Singleton, Denver can be relieved, the defense continues to be dominant. And when such a squad allows you to win by scoring only 10 points, how far can it take the Broncos?
