What are the key matchups between the Denver Broncos and the New York Jets?
Since week one I have taken a look at two critical individual matchups the Broncos needed to win to come out of each game with a victory. So far, the Denver Broncos have come up short on these of the matchups over the last three weeks.
Throughout the season, I’ll continue to break down two key individual matchups each week that are critical to a Broncos win.
This week, the Denver Broncos face off with the New York Jets on the road. The Jets are coming off a loss to the Indianapolis Colts last Sunday. The Jets are in a downward spiral with fans and media calling for Jets Head Coach Adam Gase’s job.
The Broncos are beaten up with injuries up and down the rost to many contributing players. Even though the NFL is unforgiving, the team can turn it around at any point. It may be hard to believe, but look at what the Tennesee Titans did last year starting 2-4 then making a run to the AFC Championship game.
Two years ago the Houston Texans started 0-3 before winning the AFC South Division.
All it takes is a spark and some good play from unexpected players.
So, who will those players be?
This week I take a look at who must win their matchups to ensure the Broncos win their first game of 2020.
1: Brett Rypien vs. Gregg Williams
No Jets defensive player brings a large scare to the Broncos offensively. However, Gregg Williams, defensive coordinator for the Jets, loves to bring pressure in all matchups.
The Broncos’ offensive line seems to struggle consistently with either picking up the pressure, or the quarterback holds onto the ball too long.
Williams may need to rely on the blitz to bring pressure as the Jets lack a formidable pass rush with no real threat off the edge.
So, the question is, can week 4 starting quarterback Brett Rypien be able to get the ball out on time?
Rypien showed an ability to recognize coverage last week on his brief stint completed 8 passes out of 9 attempts for 53 yards versus the Tampa Bay Bucs last weekend. This will be Rypien’s first career NFL start, so there is little more than a small snapshot to go off of.
https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1311021826311680004
Rypien will need to continue to hit the open man quickly to beat Williams and the blitz.
Rypien should be ready for man press outside and overload blitzes from the right side, where Demar Dotson will be making his first start.
This season, the Jets have blitzed almost 40% of the time, ranking as the 4th highest in the NFL.
The Broncos can take advantage of Jerry Jeudy and K.J. Hamler against the Jets corners. The Jets have two really good safeties with Marcus Maye and Bradley McDougald.
The Jets’ defensive weakness is outside, but does Rypien have the arm strength to threaten the Jets on the perimeter quick and accurate throws. That will be the question. For the Broncos to win, Rypien will have to win the matchup against Williams and the Jets blitz.
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).