The Denver Broncos were defeated by the New York Jets 31-21 at home on Sunday afternoon, dropping them to 1-4 under new coach Sean Payton. Here are ten quick takeaways from the team’s latest defeat.
1
The defense remains a problem
Vance Joseph’s unit started Sunday’s game on a positive note, holding the Jets’ offense to just two field goals in the first half. Denver’s defense also totaled four sacks, but those have to be taken with an asterisk against a quarterback like Zach Wilson. In the second half, the true Broncos’ defense returned as New York rushed for 234 yards and dominated Denver at the line of scrimmage. The Jets did have to settle for five field goals, but they ran all over the Broncos on Sunday, and Denver will face much better offenses this season.
2
Nik Bonitto was a bright spot on defense
While the defense as a whole struggled — especially in the second half — it was encouraging to see two more sacks from Nik Bonitto. He now has 5.5 sacks over the last four weeks and the Broncos seem to have found their Randy Gregory replacement.
3
The passing game is not in synch
Maybe Russell Wilson is holding the ball too long. Maybe the wide receivers aren’t doing a good enough job getting separation on their routes. Maybe Sean Payton isn’t calling the right plays. Maybe it’s some kind of combination of all three. Whatever the reasoning may be, the passing game was out of synch against New York and Wilson was sacked four times. Granted, Denver’s offense was going up against a tough defense, but Sunday’s performance simply wasn’t good enough.
4
Courtland Sutton was invisible
Again, is Sutton not getting open? Is Wilson not looking his way? Is Payton not scheming up ways to get him the ball? Who knows what the reason is, but Sutton didn’t catch a pass until the final two minutes of Sunday’s game. He ended the day with one reception for 13 yards. Sutton has a salary cap hit of $18.26 million this year and the Broncos aren’t getting good value for that contract.
5
Jaleel McLaughlin was a bright spot on offense
McLaughlin continues to impress. He rushed nine times for 68 yards and hauled in three receptions for 21 yards and a touchdown on Sunday. Even after Javonte Williams returns from a squad injury, expect McLaughlin to have a key role in the offense going forward.
6
Marvin Mims' mistakes were costly
Mims fumbled a punt early in the game that set the Jets up with good field position. Fortunately, Denver’s defense held New York to a field goal, but it hurt momentum early in the game. Later, when the Broncos were attempting to get things going in the third quarter, Mims fumbled again on a botched reverse play. Yes, running back Samaje Perine should have given Mims a better toss on the reverse, but Mims could have caught it. Despite his two miscues, Mims should still be more involved on offense. He’s an explosive player, but he only drew one target on Sunday. Denver has to find ways to get the rookie more involved in the downfield passing attack.
7
Losing to Nathaniel Hackett is embarrassing
“I got one game ball…Hack!!” pic.twitter.com/ugW4xjXgms
— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 9, 2023
Payton did not directly lose to Hackett on Sunday — he lost to Jets head coach Robert Saleh — but Hackett will certainly feel like he got the last laugh after Payton blasted him this offseason.
8
Sean Payton has to eat crow
Payton said Hackett’s performance with the Broncos last year “might have been one of the worst coaching jobs in the history of the NFL.” In that same interview with USA TODAY, Payton said: “I’m going to be pissed off if this is not a playoff team,” His team is now 1-4 and coming off a 31-21 loss to the team that employs Hackett. If you’re going to talk the talk, you have to walk the walk. So far, Payton hasn’t backed up his big talk this offseason.
9
The road ahead doesn't get any easier
At 1-4, the Broncos are far outside the early playoff picture in the AFC, and things aren’t about to get any easier. On deck is a road game against the Chiefs, followed by home games against the Packers and Chiefs. Then the Broncos go on the road to face the Bills. It’s very possible that Denver could be 2-7 or 1-8 after Week 10. It’s looking like Broncos Country is in for another long, disappointing season.
10
Caleb Williams watch is back on
The Panthers are currently 0-5 (the Bears hold Carolina’s first-round pick), so the Broncos have serious competition for the No. 1 overall draft pick, but it’s certainly within reach. Denver should have a fire sale ahead of the NFL’s trade deadline, acquiring more draft picks to rebuild in the offseason. If the Broncos end up with the first overall pick, USC quarterback Caleb Williams it the perfect prospect to build around.
