Mile High Report
Despite the Broncos being 3-2 and sharing a lead in the AFC West, there was no ultimate fan signed up for the Jets-Broncos game in London ;(
But that’s OK, because rather than call on my backup QBs, I went across the field to the opposing team and cajoled my good friend Rick Laughland, a diehard JETS fan, to do this week’s Ultimate Fan Guide. And it is a fantastic read with really good insight into his team’s woes — which we hope continue just one more week!
Laughland hosts the Just Another Jets Podcast with Dan Feuerstein, which I have been a guest on for the last six years to preview the matchup because – fun fact! – since 2020, the Broncos and Jets have played each other every season. You can check out our conversation yesterday looking ahead to Sunday morning’s game.
But now you can enjoy Rick’s commentary and hope his prediction for his team’s loss on Sunday comes true!
MHR – This week’s matchup has the Broncos coming off a “statement win” over the Eagles (who now have lost to the Giants too, so there’s that) and the Jets coming off their fifth loss and the only winless team in the NFL. Is this the kind of setup where the JETS will finally get a win and the Broncos could easily lose by overlooking their annual AFC foe?
Rick Laughland: The Jets are coming off one of the worst performances by both of their lines. The offensive line did a horrendous job of protecting Justin Fields in Week 5, while the defensive front barely touched Dak Prescott last week. I expect for both those units to rebound, although defensive coordinator Steve Wilks has been pushing all the wrong buttons this year. The Jets are not capable of coming from behind with Justin Fields at quarterback. They need to play from in front and get on the scoreboard early if they’re going to stand a chance. Facing a stout Broncos front seven, I’m not banking on the Jets snapping their winless streak.
MHR – The Jets’ offensive line has already given up 15 sacks, and the Broncos defense has the most sacks and generates pressure at a higher rate than any team in the NFL. Does Justin Fields get mauled or is the Broncos’ pass rush humbled?
Rick Laughland: I think this depends on Tanner Engstrand’s game plan. The Jets’ offensive line excels in the run blocking scheme, but the offensive coordinator abandons the running game far too early when the team falls behind. The Jets hold claim to the NFL’s No. 3 rushing attack, although they are middle of the pack as far as rushing attempts are concerned. The only way the Jets are going to somewhat neutralize a ferocious Broncos’ pass rush is a steady diet of run.
**MHR – Justin Fields is still a dual threat and if he can avoid the Broncos’ pressure, does he...
