On a gray, rainy Sunday afternoon at MetLife Stadium, the Jets failed to reach the end zone and lost to the Broncos, 10-9. The loss dropped the Jets to 2-2 and while the Broncos improved to 2-2 after their second consecutive win.
Despite holding the Broncos to 186 net yards, the Jets went 4-of-17 on third down (23.5%) and 0 of 2 in the red zone and were victimized by 13 penalties that resulted in 90 yards of marked off yardage. For only the fifth time in his career, an Aaron Rodgers-led offense did not score a touchdown.
It was a defensive back and forth until both teams' offenses came to life near the end of the third quarter. Denver recorded the game's sole TD as Bo Nix tossed his first NFL TD pass -- an 8-yarder to WR Courtland Sutton -- with 3:13 remaining in the third. That gave the Broncos their first lead of the day, 7-6, but Aaron Rodgers grabbed control right back and led the Jets on an 11-play, 53-yard drive that resulted in a 40-yard Greg Zuerlein field goal.
Nix returned the favor, and the Broncos took a 10-9 lead on a Wil Lutz 47-yard field goal with 8:55 remaining.
Taking over with 2:35 on the clock, Rodgers quickly moved the Jets to their own 45 but then had three consecutive misfires before he was sacked by safety P.J. Locke on fourth down. The Jets defense got a stop and Lutz sailed a field goal attempt wide left as the score remained unchanged at 10-9. Rodgers moved the Jets from their 40 to the DEN 32, but Zeurlein's kick went wide right from 50 yards out with 47 seconds remaining.
Game-Changing Moments
The game was a defensive slugfest, with both teams struggling to move the ball consistently in the rain. However, a few key moments in the second and third quarters proved to be pivotal in determining the outcome.
The Broncos' Stand at the Goal Line
Early in the second quarter, The Broncos' defense made a crucial stand at their own goal line. After the Jets were called for a pass-interference penalty on a third-and-11 near the end of the first quarter, they took over at the Denver 1-yard line with a chance to take a 7-0 lead. However, the Broncos' defense held strong and made three consecutive stops from a yard out. Then, on fourth down with the Jets lined up to go for it, a false start penalty forced New York's field-goal team onto the field. This stop allowed Denver to remain in the game, as they only trailed by six points at halftime. Had the Jets scored a touchdown in that situation, they would have taken a double-digit lead, potentially changing the game's outcome.
Bo Nix's First NFL Touchdown
After a tough first half, Nix rebounded with a critical touchdown drive in the third quarter. The Broncos moved the ball all the way to the New York 8-yard line, and on third-and-7, Nix found a wide-open Courtland Sutton for his first career NFL touchdown pass. This score not only gave the Broncos their first lead of the game, but it also provided a much-needed spark for their offense.
Ailing Aaron Rodgers
The biggest concern for the Jets coming out of this game is the health of their star quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. Late in the fourth quarter, Rodgers was tackled from behind by Broncos' defensive tackle Malcolm Roach, who landed on his left leg, the same leg he suffered a torn Achilles last September. It was clear that the tackle affected Rodgers over the ensuing final four minutes of the game, as he was shown clearly in discomfort and limping.
The status of the four-time NFL MVP will have to be heavily monitored throughout the week, especially since the team is flying to London in the coming days for their game in London, England next weekend against the very impressive Minnesota Vikings.
Looking Ahead
The Jets will have a short turnaround as they head overseas to London for a matchup against the undefeated Minnesota Vikings in Week 5. The Vikings are looking like a strong contender in the NFC, and this game will be a major test for the Jets' resilience. With Aaron Rodgers' health in question, the Jets will need to find a way to bounce back from this disappointing loss, and fast.
What Next for the Broncos?
The Broncos, meanwhile, will look to continue their winning ways as they return home to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5. The Jaguars are a talented team, but the Broncos have momentum on their side, and they'll be looking to prove that their Week 4 upset wasn't a fluke. This will be a chance for the Broncos to build on their recent success and establish themselves as a contender in the AFC West.
Ailing Quarterbacks
This game saw a clash of quarterbacks who have recently battled injury struggles. Aaron Rodgers has been dealing with a lingering left leg injury, and while he started the game, he looked visibly hampered by the ailment. Bo Nix, the Broncos' first-round draft pick, came into the game looking to shake off a rough start to the season. Both quarterbacks will be hoping to stay healthy and avoid any further setbacks, as they are crucial to their respective teams' success.
Broncos’ Defense Shines
The Denver Broncos' defense put together a strong performance, limiting the Jets' high-powered offense to just nine points. They recorded five quarterback sacks and made key stops in crucial moments, including the goal-line stand in the second quarter. This was a sign of the Broncos' defensive potential, and they will look to carry this momentum into the remainder of the season.
Jets’ Offense Struggles
The Jets' offense struggled throughout the game, especially in the first half, where they managed just seven points. The rain may have played a factor, but the Jets also committed 13 penalties, hindering their ability to move the ball consistently. The Jets will need to clean up their mistakes and find a way to get their offense clicking, especially with a tough matchup against the Vikings up next.
Looking Ahead: Week 5 Matchups
The Jets’ Week 5 matchup against the Vikings will be a true test of their resilience. The Vikings are a very talented team, and the Jets will need to find a way to get their offense going and play a clean game to have a chance at an upset. The Broncos, meanwhile, will look to build on their recent success as they take on the Jaguars, a team with a lot of talent. The Broncos’ defense will need to continue its strong play, and Bo Nix will need to make progress to continue the team’s winning ways. Both teams are looking ahead to important matchups in Week 5, and it will be interesting to see how they respond after these contrasting results.
A Rainy Afternoon
This was a game where the weather played a significant factor. The rain made it difficult for both teams to get a good grip on the ball and slowed down the pace of the game. The field conditions made it a sloppy game, and the teams had to battle through the elements to try and gain an advantage. This was a tough game to play, and it’s likely the weather conditions played a role in the outcome.
The Road Ahead
The Jets and Broncos are both facing important challenges in the weeks to come. The Jets will need to find a way to bounce back from this loss and get their offense back on track, while the Broncos will be looking to keep their winning ways and prove that their Week 4 upset was not a fluke. The rest of the season promises to be exciting for both teams, and it will be interesting to see how they perform in the face of these challenges.
