NFL Recap: Denver Broncos earn sloppy win over the New York Jets on the road
By Andrew Dill
Oct 12, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Denver Broncos corner back Aqib Talib (21) runs an interception back with Denver Broncos safety T.J. Ward (43) for a touchdown against the New York Jets during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Broncos offense wasn’t running on all cylinders Sunday afternoon but managed to scratch 31 points thanks to a pick-six towards the end of the game. Denver came away with the road victory over the struggling New York Jets who have now lost five-straight, 31-17.
Denver’s offense didn’t manage to get much going in the first half, settling with a 37-yard field goal from Brandon McManus to give them the early 3-0 lead. The Jets responded late in the first quarter with Geno Smith hitting his tight end Jace Amaro for the two-yard strike. New York took the 7-3 lead after one quarter at MetLife Field.
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The offense we know and love showed up for the second quarter. Peyton Manning found reigning AFC Player of the Week Demaryius Thomas on a one-yard pass to put Denver up by three. Less than five minutes later, Denver took over as Peyton Manning hit the other Thomas, Julius Thomas, on a 22-yard touchdown pass to extend Denver’s lead to 17-7.
From that point on, Denver’s offense was held in check as the Jets made it a close game. Denver struck first in the second half as Manning connected with Julius Thomas for his second touchdown of the game; a four-yard strike extending the lead to seventeen points.
Towards the end of the third quarter, the Jets mounted a 12 play, 41-yard drive to set up a 30-yard field goal attempt for Nick Folk. Folk converted the field goal, bringing Denver’s lead down to 14 points. Midway through the fourth quarter, the Jets made things very interesting. Geno Smith connected with former Bronco receiver Eric Decker on a two-yard touchdown reception, trailing Denver by just seven at this point.
Denver’s next drive stalled as Geno Smith and company had the ball with less than a minute remaining to make something happen. However, Denver’s defensive back Aqib Talib ruined any chance of that, picking off Geno Smith and taking it all the way for a 22-yard score. It was a close one, but Denver’s defense stepped up when it mattered.
Denver’s run game was much better Sunday vs. Jets with Ronnie Hillman eclipsing 100 yards on the ground for the first time in his career.
The Denver Broncos (4-1) return to action next Sunday night as they take on the San Francisco 49ers at home on Sunday Night Football. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 PM EST, 6:30 PM MST.