Broncos’ Defense Faces Crucial Challenges Against Jets

The Denver Broncos are gearing up for a critical matchup against the New York Jets on October 12, 2024, with an emphasis on their defensive strategy. Star defenders such as Patrick Surtain II and Nik Bonitto must dominate their individual battles to ensure a successful outing. Despite the Broncos’ solid defensive performance this season, they have experienced moments of vulnerability, particularly in their ability to avoid penalties. The Jets, while struggling offensively, possess a potent rushing attack and an effective quick passing game, areas where the Broncos’ defense has shown weaknesses.

In preparation for the game, the Broncos need to focus on five key defensive matchups that could determine the outcome. Stopping the Jets’ rushing game and limiting their ability to exploit mismatches will be paramount.

Key Matchups to Watch

One of the most anticipated matchups is between Patrick Surtain II and Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson. This season, Wilson has emerged as a primary target for quarterback Justin Fields, and Surtain will be under pressure to contain him. Historically, their encounters have been competitive, with both players having their moments of success. This year, Wilson has thrived against man coverage, recording nine receptions on ten targets for 122 yards and four touchdowns. Surtain, with nearly 54% of his snaps in man coverage, will need to elevate his game to limit Wilson’s impact.

The Broncos’ linebacker situation presents another area of concern. Alex Singleton‘s struggles, particularly in run defense and covering running backs, could be exploited by Jets running back Breece Hall. Hall has demonstrated impressive performance this season, accumulating 259 rushing yards with an average of 5.6 yards per carry. The Jets’ use of motion to create running lanes will challenge Singleton, and the Broncos may need to adjust their positioning, possibly moving Talanoa Hufanga closer to the line of scrimmage to mitigate this threat.

Defensive Line Dynamics

On the edge, Nik Bonitto stands out as a formidable force, leading the NFL with seven sacks in five games. His speed and agility have made him a nightmare for opposing offensive tackles. In this matchup, he will primarily face Jets left tackle Olumuyiwa Fashanu, who has struggled with pass protection this season. Fashanu leads all tackles in pressures allowed, presenting Bonitto with an opportunity to further his Defensive Player of the Year candidacy by disrupting Fields in the pocket.

Another key player for the Broncos is John Franklin-Myers, who has been relatively quiet this season but remains crucial in combating the Jets’ offensive line. Although rookie guard Joe Tippmann has shown some capability, his inconsistency in both run and pass protection could open doors for Franklin-Myers. His ability to generate pressure will not only benefit him but could also create opportunities for teammates D.J. Jones and Zach Allen to capitalize on the Jets’ weaknesses.

Lastly, the performance of the Jets’ offensive line, particularly Chris Cooper and rookie Jared Membou, will be critical. If Cooper can exploit Membou’s vulnerabilities, it may lead to significant disruption for the Jets. Conversely, should Membou hold his ground, the Jets could maintain a focused offensive strategy.

The Broncos’ defensive performance on October 12 will be vital in determining the direction of their season. By winning these matchups, particularly against the Jets’ rushing attack, they can force New York into a more predictable passing game, allowing their pass rushers to take control. A cohesive and disciplined defensive effort could be the key to securing a much-needed victory in London.