Denver Broncos vs. New York Jets: Keys to Victory

Good morning Jets fans. It’s going to be a doozy tomorrow, as John Fox brings Peyton Manning and the gang to East Rutherford to face the 1-4 New York Jets. The Jets are going to have it rough, with the third best pass offense in the sport, led by the guy with the second most TD passes in league history at the helm.

Many would probably say that there are no keys to victory, because the Jets can’t win the game. Anything can happen, it is the NFL, and there are things the Jets can do to have success. Here are my thoughts:

Oct 5, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; New York Jets running back

Chris Ivory

(33) jogs to the lockeroom before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

CHRIS IVORY TIME: With an average of 5.4 yards per rush, Chris Ivory is second in the league among backs with 50 or more carries. If the Jets don’t get him the ball and get it to him often, Marty Mornhinweg will have officially left his brains in Philadelphia. The only way the Jets have a chance is to run it hard with Chris Ivory all day long.

We have seen the success he has had all year long. 5.4 yards per carry is a big number. Not only is he running efficiently, he will wear down the Broncos defense with his bruising running style. Also, the Jets need to win the time of possession game. The Jets will not do that if they throw it more than they run it.

It will slow down the Broncos’ pass rush as well. The Broncos are not far behind the Jets will 11 sacks, so runs that are quick, into the line will slow that down.

Dear Marty, run it. Run it with the big guy. Run it a lot.

Oct 5, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; New York Jets quarterback

Geno Smith

(7) passes during the second quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

GET GENO SMITH GOING WITH SCREEN PASSES: The Jets will have to get Geno going tomorrow. He has to get his confidence back up, and get the team’s confidence back up. Also, the Jets need to slow the pass rush of DeMarcus Ware and company. How do you do that? Screen passes.

Get Chris Johnson out on the outside in space, and give him the chance. Same with Ivory, who is a much better pass receiver than he has been in the past. They are short passes to get the quarterback going, and the pass rush will have to respect it.

Oct 5, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback

Peyton Manning

(18) following the win over the Arizona Cardinals at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Cardinals 41-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

GET TO PEYTON MANNING: The Jets’ league leading pass rush is going to have to a big day for the Jets to have any way to win this football game. No quarterback likes to be under pressure, and believe it or not, that includes Peyton Manning. Sacks are not essential, but getting in his face is.

In 35 drop backs under pressure, Manning is only completing 40.6% of his passes, and has a passer rating of 44.7. This will be on the front seven, because Manning still completes 60% of his throws when blitzed, because he is so good at diagnosing what is coming. Get to him.

Sep 14, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver

Jordy Nelson

(87) catches a 33 yard pass with New York Jets cornerback

Dee Milliner

(27) defending during the second half of a game at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

CONFUSE PEYTON MANNING: Straight up, the Jets defense, especially the secondary, can’t cover these weapons. Plain and simple. If the Jets run the packages they have been running over the last few weeks, Peyton Manning will delight fantasy owners, but kill us.