ONE BIG QUESTION:
Can Denver’s O-line sluggish DL Quinnen Williams and Co.?
The Broncos boast a top-10 scoring offense via 4 weeks, as Denver has averaged 25 issues consistent with recreation and already damaged the 30-point threshold on a couple of events. Quarterback Russell Wilson has performed a significant component in that luck, as he entered Week 5 tied for 2nd in landing passes and ranks 0.33 in passer ranking. Wilson is the lone quarterback this season with 9 or extra landing passes and two or fewer interceptions.
Against the Jets, despite the fact that, the Broncos will face a big check towards New York’s entrance. The problem starts with defensive lineman Quinnen Williams, who has 17 quarterback pressures this season, in keeping with Next Gen Stats. That general ranks fourth amongst defensive tackles via 4 weeks. For offenses, that internal drive creates a novel problem.
“This is a team that does a great job of getting pressure with a four-man rush,” Payton stated. “When you face an elite [defensive] tackle, or a group that’s really good at [defensive] tackle, you don’t have the luxury of chipping them or nudging them on the perimeter. Now, which direction the center turns is important, and especially … [on] third down. If you’re not getting a pressure look, which way do we want to [turn] … because when the center turns towards [Rams DT] Aaron Donald for instance, you’d like to do that. They’re smart enough sometimes to not let that happen and they cover the center up. … There are nuances that become problematic. The biggest problem that always exists is that three-yard spot behind the quarterback. If that turf gets occupied by the defense, it gets hard to play quarterback.”
Williams and the Jets’ protection has allowed the fifth-highest third-down conversion price within the NFL and allowed 21 issues consistent with recreation, however the crew has buckled down within the purple zone. Their fighters have scored touchdowns on simply 25 % of red-zone possessions, which ranks first within the NFL. The Broncos, in the meantime, boosted their offensive red-zone numbers in Week 4 by means of scoring touchdowns on all 3 alternatives.
Against the Jets, the Broncos should give you the option to stop Williams from disrupting the sport after which convert on red-zone possibilities.
MATCHUP TO WATCH:
Denver’s run protection vs. RB Breece Hall
In closing yr’s assembly, then-rookie Breece Hall made his presence identified early as he broke off a 62-yard landing rush to offer his workforce an early lead. Though he suffered a season-ending harm later within the recreation, he has returned and looks to have the similar burst that he confirmed in 2022. Hall posted an 83-yard run in New York’s Week 1 win and added a 43-yarder towards the Chiefs closing week.
Denver’s protection has given up a median of 176 speeding yards consistent with recreation, which ranks thirty second within the NFL. Those numbers are impacted by means of the Dolphins’ 350-yard speeding efficiency in Week 3, however the Bears additionally posted 171 speeding yards in closing week’s matchup. There are causes, despite the fact that, that the unit may just make stronger in Week 5. The Broncos held Josh Jacobs to 48 yards on 19 carries (2.5 YPC) in Week 1, and the Denver protection might be at its healthiest in different weeks. Inside linebacker Josey Jewell and protection Justin Simmons are each poised to go back, and defensive take on Mike Purcell is questionable to play.
If the Broncos can sluggish Hall and the Jets’ speeding assault, they’re going to be capable to make the Jets’ offense one-dimensional and put drive on Zach Wilson. The Jets quarterback posted a 105.2 ranking in Week 4 towards the Chiefs, which was once the most efficient mark of his profession. Still, the Broncos might wish to make Wilson turn out he can fit that efficiency. Over the closing 3 video games, the Jets have averaged 13.3 issues consistent with recreation and Wilson has had 4 turnovers and been sacked 8 instances.
STAT TO KNOW:
After posting two landing receptions in each and every of the closing two seasons, Courtland Sutton is off to a scorching get started in 2023. The former Pro Bowler has 3 touchdowns via 4 video games, and he is one among 9 avid gamers this season with no less than 20 catches, 200 yards and 3 rankings via 4 video games.
Sutton has made his proportion of giant performs this season, and he ranks fourth within the AFC in positive factors of no less than 25 yards since he entered the league in 2018.
Against the Jets, Sutton will most likely face off towards All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner, who was once in protection towards Sutton on the finish of closing yr’s recreation. Gardner was once now not whistled for a penalty as Sutton lunged for a go in spite of everything zone of closing yr’s recreation, and the Jets escaped with the win.
In this matchup, Sutton may just proceed his scorching begin to the season and in all probability assist the Broncos earn redemption over New York.