Broncos vs. Jets: Five Questions in Enemy Territory

Sep 7, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets receiver Eric Decker (87) is tackled by Oakland Raiders cornerback Tarell Brown (23) and safety Tyvon Branch (33) at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Raiders 19-14. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Broncos vs. Jets — Week 6

It’s Jets week for the Denver Broncos, their first road trip since going to Seattle in week three. The Jets haven’t exactly established themselves this season, but this is still a team with some talent on both sides of the football, particularly on the front seven of the defense. The Broncos are going to need to be communicating well offensively against a team that will mix things up quite a bit and try to hit Peyton Manning as much as possible.

I took a bold step and got to know the enemy a bit better via Alan Schechter of FanSided’s New York Jets website The Jet Press. Here’s what he had to say…

1. What is the real story behind Geno Smith right now?

ESPN tabloids or just a young QB making young QB mistakes? I really do believe, as does Rex Ryan, that this is a young quarterback going through growing pains. With regards to the meeting issue, it was a simple mistake. Don’t get me wrong, if it were to become a trend, it would be a problem. But once? A guy is entitled to make a mistake figuring out the time.

As a quarterback, I believe in Geno Smith. He has shown potential. He played a great game against Oakland, completing 80% of his passes. He has made some terrific throws. The turnovers are not all his fault. The offensive line has not protected well so far. Geno has been running for his life. I always tell my readers that with the offensive line goes your entire offense. If they don’t play well, everyone looks bad. With Decker being banged up, the receivers have not gotten open. He is not the only one to blame. If his decision making can just become more consistent, the Jets will really have somethign.

2. How do you think the Jets will combat the Broncos’ pass rush?

I could see a lot of screen passes this weekend, getting Chris Johnson out on the edge. The screen pass is a great way to slow a feisty pass rush. The line has not protected Geno well when he is deep in the pocket, so Marty Mornhinweg will come up with a game plan for him to get the ball out fast. That combined with quick runs to Chris Ivory between the tackles will be the way for the Jets to slow down DeMarcus Ware and company.

3. Will Eric Decker play and will he make a significant impact on the game?

This one, Broncos fans are going to have to look out for the injury report as the week goes along, because this is hard to handicap at this point. The week of the Lions game, Decker practiced very little all week, but played on Sunday and posted a touchdown. Last week, he practiced very little, and didn’t play at all. Unless something changes, Eric may very well be a game-time decision as he was in San Diego.

4. What is the key to the Jets winning this game?

Ball control. A heavy dose of Chris Ivory, grinding out the yards, and keeping the Broncos off the field. On defense, Rex is going to have to find some exotic coverages to confuse Manning. What he has been doing has not been working over the last few weeks, thanks to a banged up Jets’ secondary.

5. Prediction?

I never want to predict my team is going to lose, but this one is going to be tough. I will put it this way, if the Jets figure out a way to keep the Broncos between 17-24 points, they have a chance to win. Otherwise, look out.