Three Keys for the Denver Broncos Versus the New York Jets

Oct 5, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) throws a pass during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 41-20. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos travel east to take on a struggling New York Jets team on Sunday. The Broncos are coming off of their best effort of the season and the Jets are coming off of one of their worst performances in years.

It should be a game that the Broncos win easily but that can also be dangerous. The Jets know that this game is likely their last chance to save their season, and they will play with a lot of emotion and desperation.

Here are three keys for the Broncos to avoid an upset in New Jersey.

Good Start: The Jets and their fans are waiting for something to go wrong, they are waiting for that mistake. The Broncos need to come out early and put that doubt back in the mind of the Jets. The one thing the Broncos do not want is for the Jets to get off to a good start and gain confidence.

If the Broncos get the ball first, they need to march down the field and put seven points on the board. If that happens, the fans are likely to turn quickly on the home team and the Jets are going to start saying here we go again.

If the Jets get the ball first, the Broncos need to force a three and out or get an early turnover. The Jets offense has been terrible all season and the Broncos need to let them know early that Sunday won’t be any different. If the Broncos get off to a good start, then this one will be over early.

Keep throwing: The Broncos got back to their identity last week versus the Arizona Cardinals by throwing the ball all over the field. Peyton Manning set a career high for passing yards in one game and Demaryius Thomas broke the Broncos record for receiving yards in a single game.

They did that against a very good defense and the Jets have a very bad defense. That’s not entirely true, they are ok versus the run but they are terrible versus the pass. The Jets secondary is made up of guys who could not start for many other teams. If the Broncos can protect Manning and there’s no reason to believe they won’t, he might break that single game passing record again.

Pressure defense: The Broncos have improved on the defensive side of the ball every week and were dominant last week versus the Cardinals. Jets quarterback, Geno Smith is prone to mistakes and does not make good decisions. The Broncos must play aggressive on defense and force some of those mistakes.

The Jets do run the ball well but the Broncos have proven that teams are not going to run on them. The Jets are also likely to be behind which will negate some of their ability to run the ball. In short, the Broncos goal will be to take away the running game and force Smith to throw. Once they get the Jets to do that, look for the Broncos to bring all kinds of pressure.

It is a game to be aware of because the Jets will give the Broncos their best effort. However, effort and talent are two different things and the Broncos have a lot more talent.

Since Manning has been with the Broncos, they haven’t overlooked many teams and they won’t start on Sunday.

Prediction: The Broncos roll: 38-13.