5 takeaways from the Broncos’ 16-9 loss to the Jets
The Denver Broncos fell to the New York Jets 16-9 at home in Week 7, dropping to 2-5 on the season. Here are five quick takeaways from the team’s latest loss.
New QB, same problems
(AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
With Russell Wilson (hamstring) unavailable, Brett Rypien made the second start of his career against New York. Some fans and pundits half-joked during the week leading up to the game that Rypien might be an improvement over Wilson, but that wasn’t the case on Sunday. Rypien went 24-of-46 for 225 yards with no touchdowns and one interception in the loss. Rypien is obviously a backup for a reason, but Sunday’s showing was not yet another underwhelming showing from Nathaniel Hackett’s offense.
Melvin Gordon led an ineffective rushing attack
(Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports)
Gordon kept his starting job, but he didn’t impress against the Jets with 11 carries for just 33 yards. Latavius Murray wasn’t much better with eight carries for 24 yards, but he did score a touchdown. Denver seems poised to continue using a backfield committee approach going forward.
Jerry Jeudy is Rypien’s favorite target
(Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
A new QB was good news for Jeudy, who drew a season-high 11 targets against New York. Jeudy clearly appears to be Rypien’s favorite target — he totaled seven receptions for 96 yards in the loss. If Wilson is held out again in Week 8, Jeudy might have another busy performance in London.
Injuries continue to pile up for the Broncos
(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Denver lost three more players — running back Mike Boone (ankle), outside linebacker Baron Browning (hip) and offensive tackle Cam Fleming (quad) — on Sunday as the team’s injury list continues to grow. Already in a deep hole at 2-5, the Broncos might not be able to overcome their mounting injuries, making it even more difficult to salvage their season.
Denver’s defense deserves better
For the sixth time in seven games, the Broncos’ defense allowed fewer than 20 points, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win for the fifth time this year. Denver’s defensive line was led by Dre’Mont Jones, who totaled three tackles and two sacks in the loss. Mike Purcell and Nik Bonitto also recorded half-sacks on Sunday and the secondary held New York to 105 net passing yards.
The Broncos continue to waste excellent defensive performances with woeful offensive showings, and Hackett — an offensive-minded coach — deserves the most blame. If Denver isn’t able to get a win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, the team should consider making big changes during the bye week.
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