Mile High Report
The Denver Broncos earned a top-notch victory over the Philadelphia Eagles last weekend. This week, the take on the winless New York Jets across the pond in London. While the Jets have struggled to date, they aren’t an opponent the Broncos can afford to estimate if they hope to secure their fourth win of the season. Here are three players I believe need to play at a high level in order for the Broncos to come away with a victory in London against the Jets.
Zach Allen might not have the gaudy stats and sacks some may desire. That doesn’t mean he isn’t having a good season. Allen still ranks in the Top 10 interior defensive linemen when it comes to quarterback pressures and quarterback hits. In fact, he led the team with five pressures against Jalen Hurts and the Eagles last weekend.
In case you didn’t know, the veteran defensive lineman has the most quarterback hits of any defender in the National Football League since 2023. One must also consider the fact he is being double-teamed at a significantly high rate throughout the first five games. Commanding extra help from opposing offensive lines to combat his prowess in the trenches is a key reason why the Broncos’ group of edge rushers have been so productive. He frees up a lot of opportunities for him.
Whether it’s getting after quarterback Justin Fields or making plays in the backfield against running back Breece Hall, the Broncos are going to need Allen to be at his best. Fields has great ability to get out of the pocket with his legs and Hall is one of, if not the most explosive playmaker they have. If Allen can continue to do the dirty work in the trenches and perform at a high level, I think Denver’s defense is poised to create some havoc on Sunday and force some turnovers.
After signing a monster 4-year, $92 million dollar extension with the Broncos this past offseason, I’d say that Sutton has lived up to the higher expectations of a large contract to date. The savvy veteran wide receiver has performed strong in four of the first five games of the season. When it comes to touchdowns, yards, receptions, and first downs, Sutton hovers in or around the Top 12 in most of them.
This Sunday, going up against All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner will be a challenge. It will be the third time they have gone-head-to-head against each other. In 2023, Gardner held Sutton to just one reception for thirteen yards. In last year’s matchup, Sutton was able to come down with three catches for 60 yards and one touchdown. I’m hoping that the third time’s the charm and Sutton can put up a dominant performance.
If dominance doesn’t happen, I’d be more than fine with him being clutch on third down and moving the chains. He has been great in that respect this season...
