New York Jets fall to Denver Broncos in ugly fashion
Despite Robert Saleh’s newfound wall-climbing abilities, the New York Jets won’t be climbing in the AFC East standings.
The Jets (0-3) endured their third shutout loss over the last three seasons, as they were unable to break through against the Denver Broncos. Their undefeated hosts (3-0) enjoyed rushing tallies from Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon en route to a 23-0 victory on Sunday afternoon at Empower Field at Mile High.
After the teams exchanged punts on their first possessions, Denver opened scoring with an 11-play, 75-yard trek that ended with a one-yard scoring tally from Williams. That score came despite C.J. Mosley’s best efforts, as he took down Gordon on an explosive hit one yard short of the goal line.
https://twitter.com/TrainIsland/status/1442224880016142336
Javonte Williams gets the scoring started in Denver. #BroncosCountry
📺: #NYJvsDEN on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/tGE3hkAGFX— NFL (@NFL) September 26, 2021
Despite Thomas Morstead’s first-half workout (the punter being forced into service four times), the Jets defense tried to make the best of the tough situations.
After a three-and-out lost 10 yards and ate just over 90 seconds of clock, they allowed only a field goal, but Denver managed to score via a Gordon touchdown before the half ended.
.@Melvingordon25 would not be denied. 😤
📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/xoMJIXMEvj
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 26, 2021
The defense continued to supply the sole silver linings with the offense stuck in reverse. Quinnen Williams appeared in the sack column twice (sharing one takedown of Teddy Bridgewater with Bryce Huff), while his brother Quincy forced a goal line fumble that was taken back 34 yards by Del’Shawn Phillips, who previously got his hand on a Denver punt.
.@QuinnenWilliams and @Bryce55H combine for our second sack of the day.#NYJvsDEN on CBS pic.twitter.com/wkA9elfZpe
— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 26, 2021
A lot of fight in this defense.#NYJvsDEN on CBS pic.twitter.com/B9CFirNoAx
— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 26, 2021
Alas for the Jets, Denver’s defense showed why it helped guide the Broncos to some strong early returns. The Broncos got to Zach Wilson five times and forced a turnover in the fourth quarter when Justin Simmons followed up the Phillips runback with an interception that helped Denver run out the clock.
New York earned only 136 yards and nine first downs.
Justin Simmons & this @Broncos defense 💪 #BroncosCountry
📺: #NYJvsDEN on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/vwvdSXFl9x— NFL (@NFL) September 26, 2021
Denver’s Brandon McManus earned three successful field goals to create the final margin.
The Jets’ journey toward the first win of the Wilson era gets no easier next week, as they battle the defending AFC South champion Tennessee Titans next Sunday afternoon (1 p.m. ET, CBS).
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
