Jets vs. Broncos; Interview with the Broncos

Special thanks to Kim Constantinesco of ‘Predominantly Orange‘ the Denver Broncos fansided site, who answered the following question in anticipation of the New York Jets matchup with the Broncos this Thursday night.

We appreciate the time, Kim, but do you really think the Broncos are going to win this game?

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JetPress: Tim Tebow?  Really?  Where are we going with this experiment?

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P.O.:  He may be our armless quarterback but his legs and the threat of the pass have helped the Broncos win three of their last four.

AP Images

Tebow is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. He’s got the highest touchdown percentage among QBs since 2010 and he doesn’t turn the ball over. That’s why the Broncos run game has been so effective. Defenses have to respect Tebow’s ability to run so it opens up large holes. It doesn’t matter how ugly it is, a win is a win and that’s what Tebow is doing for the Broncos right now. It’s just that – an experiment. If things go south, the Broncos will look at other QB options in the off season.

JetPress:  With the recent news that Knowshon Moreno is out for the season with an ACL and with a hamstring injury to Willis McGahee, what will the Broncos backfield look like on Thursday night?

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P.O.:  [Head coach] John Fox said that McGahee could have been put back into the game in an “emergency situation.” Lance Ball (96 yards on 30 carries) was able to pick up where McGahee and Moreno left off, however, so McGahee was left on the sidelines so that he would rest and be ready to go against the Jets.

Willis McGahee - AP Photo/Ben Margot

On Thursday, it will be McGahee, Ball, and Jeremiah Johnson who was brought up from the practice squad on Monday when the Broncos heard about Moreno’s status.

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JetPress:  The Broncos have a tough schedule ahead.  What will it take to consider this year a success?

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P.O.:  An 8-8 record or better will be considered a success. The team was 4-12 last year and this was John Fox’s first year in Denver. He didn’t have a lot to work with when he started and he had to deal with improving a dreadful team during a year that saw a lockout. A couple more division wins could propel the Broncos to the playoffs. The AFC West is kind of the armpit of the league and a team with an 8-8 record could get to the playoffs from this division.

JetPress:  Can the Broncos beat the Jets?

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P.O.:  The Broncos need all three phases of their game to be on point. That even means a balanced offense. Running 55 times against the Jets simply won’t work like it did against the Chiefs. Tebow will need to get the passing game going. Defensively the Broncos need to pressure Mark Sanchez. They’re going up against a good line, but getting to Sanchez quickly and playing tight coverage almost guarantees at least one interception from him. Kicker Matt Prater has struggled with field goals from 40-49 yards out. He’s got to hit all of this to give the Broncos a fighting chance.

JetPress: Prediction for the game?

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P.O.:  The Broncos are home, riding a winning wave, and getting more comfortable with each other. The Jets are tired and perhaps too emotional. The Broncos upset the Jets 21-17.