Denver Broncos: Key matchups vs. the New York Jets

2: Bradley Chubb vs. Mekhi Becton

Mekhi Becton, a left tackle out of Louisville and the Jets’ first selection in the 2020 draft, is an absolute monster and of the most difficult matchups in the NFL. Becton, standing 6-foot-7 inches and weighing in at 367 pounds, is a massive yet tremendous athlete.

Becton has already shown this year that he can handle the NFL game and has received rave reviews throughout the league for his play early in the season.

There is some doubt whether Becton has a chance to play Thursday, but has not been ruled out. The Broncos cannot afford to plan any other way than Becton will be playing.

Therefore, Bradley Chubb must show up, and show out. Chubb has been handled for much of the season, totaling zero sacks so far.

Chubb has had pressure all season to be the “man” with Von Miller out, and so far has experienced the attention Miller got throughout his career.

Chubb must breakthrough this week and rattle an already shaky Jets’ quarterback Sam Darnold. To do so, he will have to be Becton and maybe even a back chipping him from the outside.

With Jurrell Casey out, the Broncos will rely on Chubb and Shelby Harris to produce pressure or Darnold is talented enough to make some plays.

If Darnold gets going early, it will be dangerous as the Jets are fighting for Gase’s job.

Chubb can win against Becton with his strong technique mixed with an array of counter moves. Becton is a good player, but still a very raw player. Chubb has the edge in experience and coaching and can utilize that to come up with a timely play or two (or three, or four, or five).

Overall, the Broncos are down, but not out. This is a very winnable game, and one the Broncos should feel pretty good about.

With a win this week, and ten days off, the Broncos could be going into week five riding the high of a win and getting some much-needed reinforcements back (Bouye and Lock).