Jets @ Broncos
Final Score: Broncos 26, Jets 0
Writer: Gary Zamarripa (@garyzam01 on Twitter)
The Jets came into Mile High riding a two-game losing streak with the hopes of turning around their fortunes against the 2-0 Broncos riding the wave of their defense and ball protecting offense. It was an uphill battle only made worse by getting behind early. The Broncos on the other hand were firmly in control of this contest from beginning to end. This is the first time the Broncos started a season 3-0 since 2016. The Jets fall to 0-3 again and it appears they are in for a long season
The Broncos kept the ball on the ground with their running back duo of Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams. When they passed, Teddy Bridgewater spread the ball around to his pass-catching weapons. The Jets found it hard to get anything going whether it was on the ground or through the air. Let’s dig into the fantasy-relevant players and break down their performance.
New York Jets
Quarterback
Zach Wilson: 19/35, 160 yards, 2 INT | 1 carries, 2 yards
Zach Wilson had nowhere to go against a vicious Broncos defense. He was sacked five times and intercepted twice with two more turnovers on downs. Wilson was constantly under pressure and looked every bit like the rookie he is. There’s not a lot to discuss when a quarterback gets throttled like Wilson did against the Broncos.
Sheeeeeeesh, @VonMiller.
📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/y6drkdoHqG
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 26, 2021
Running Back
Michael Carter: 9 carries, 24 yards | 3 targets, 2 reception, 5 yards
Ty Johnson: 3 carries, 17 yards | 5 targets, 1 reception, 5 yards
Michael Carter end up getting the start against the Broncos after Tevin Coleman was declared inactive nursing a knee injury. He was stuck in a negative game script after the Broncos worked their way to a 17-0 early lead on the back of 4 sacks in the first half. Carter had a weak 2.7 yards per carry during this game. Ty Johnson had nominal usage on the ground with his highlight being five targets in the passing game. Coleman has a chance to return next week, further complicating this RB group.
Wide Receivers/ Tight End
Corey Davis: 10 targets, 5 receptions, 41 yards
Keelan Cole: 2 targets, 2 receptions, 30 yards
Braxton Berrios: 3 targets, 2 reception, 26 yards
Elijah Moore: 6 targets, 3 receptions, 22 yards
The good news for Corey Davis is that he ended up with 10 targets in this game. That kind of usage is something you want to see in a wide receiver. He was able to pull in five catches and 41 yards so he had a usable fantasy day. The rest of the WR group were used sparingly due to Wilson being under pressure almost every time he dropped back to pass. It was a forgettable day for the entire Jets team. Hopefully, they can figure out something to turn it around. Starting 0-3 again stings but with a new coach and rookie quarterback, we should have been expecting a slow start.
Denver Broncos
Quarterback
Teddy Bridgewater: 19/25, 235 yards | 4 carries, 24 yards
Teddy Bridgewater turned in another solid performance by protecting the ball while moving it downfield. On their second drive, Bridgewater hit K.J. Hamler for a 28 yard gain on 3rd and long. This kept the drive alive and eventually led to a one-yard Javonte Williams TD run to put the Broncos up 7-0.
In the second quarter, Bridgewater found Tim Patrick on a 27-yard strike that set the Broncos up on the Jets’ 20-yard line. Five plays later, Melvin Gordon would punch it in for another touchdown from one yard out giving the Broncos a 17-0 lead.
Bridgewater also had a nice drive extending short pass to Gordon for 21 yards facing another 3rd and long. It would eventually lead to a field goal but it’s just another example of Bridgewater stepping up when it mattered and keeping the chains moving.
Teddy Bridgewater finds KJ Hamler on a 28 yard strike on 3rd and long pic.twitter.com/ClECb5TCQs
— Gary Zamarripa (@garyzamFF) September 27, 2021
Running Back
Melvin Gordon: 18 carries, 61 yards, TD | 2 targets, 1 reception, 21 yards
Javonte Williams: 12 carries, 29 yards, TD | 4 target, 3 receptions, 33 yards
Melvin Gordon saw a little more work than his counterpart Javonte Williams and was also a bit more productive with his opportunities. Both players finished with a short touchdown run but Gordon had more carries and more yards than Williams against the Jets. The running game overall left a lot to be desired but they came through with clutch plays and crucial 1st down conversions when they were needed.
Williams recorded his first career touchdown on a pitch from Bridgewater to the right that put the Broncos up 7-0.
First career TD for the rook‼️
📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/5pST5zXLtT
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 26, 2021
Unfortunately, he did lose a fumble on first and goal from the one-yard line in the 4th quarter. He also only had 2.4 yards per carry in this contest which will need to improve if he’s going to keep getting playing time. He was targeted four times in the passing game so it’s encouraging to see him get those looks.
Gordon played slightly better and ended up with 3.4 yards per carry. He fought hard on his one-yard touchdown and showed the toughness we have come to expect from Gordon throughout his career. Gordon did have a spectacular 21-yard catch and run converting a 3rd down. It extended the drive and eventually led to a Broncos field goal in the 3rd quarter.
.@Melvingordon25 would not be denied. 😤
📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/xoMJIXMEvj
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 26, 2021
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Courtland Sutton: 5 targets, 5 receptions, 37 yards
Tim Patrick: 5 targets, 5 receptions, 98 yards
K.J. Hamler: 3 targets, 1 reception, 28 yards
Noah Fant: 3 targets, 2 receptions, 15 yards
Albert Okwuegbunam: 1 target, 1 reception, 6 yards
Tim Patrick was the guy that stood out in this game. He was routinely getting open and Bridgewater was looking his way. He had a big 27-yard catch in the second quarter that set the Broncos up with a first down on the Jets’ 20-yard line. That catch eventually set up the Melvin Gordon touchdown, giving them a 17-0 lead.
Patrick also had a nice catch in the 4th quarter with a 24-yard grab that led to another Bronco field goal.
ALL DAY.
Teddy ➡️ Timmy.
📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/KioTK4Rqqu
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 26, 2021
Courtland Sutton had five receptions but only turned them into 37 yards. Sutton’s looks were all within five or six yards of the line of scrimmage. Patrick ended up getting the opportunities downfield. Overall a quiet day from the Broncos WR1 versus the Jets this week.
K.J. Hamler only had one catch but it came on a 28-yard strike on 3rd and nine that led to a Broncos touchdown. Unfortunately, Hamler suffered a knee injury in the 2nd quarter and left the game.
Noah Fant was kept in check with 2 catches for 15 yards. Fant has been dealing with an ankle injury but ultimately entered the game without an injury designation. Hopefully, the Broncos can find a way to get him more involved moving forward.
— Gary Zamarripa (@garyzam01 on Twitter)