Five Key Matchups: Broncos at Jets
Led by Von Miller, the Broncos' pass rush looks to take advantage of a rookie quarterback while the offense takes on a fast Jets defense.
Von Miller has found considerable success against the Jets, averaging 1.5 sacks and 6.7 tackles per game in three career meetings. The six-time Pro Bowler has four sacks this season but none since Week 2. There's a strong chance he'll get back on track against a Jets offensive line that has surrendered 10 sacks this season, tied for 11th-most in the NFL. If Miller can get to Sam Darnold, he'll be looking for more than a sack — he'll be looking to take the ball away, too. Miller has forced two fumbles this year, and Darnold has been stripped of the ball once in addition to his five interceptions.
With 5.9 yards per carry, Phillip Lindsay has the second-highest rushing average among running backs with at least 30 carries this season. Lindsay has shown a mix of speed and vision running both in-between the tackles and outside as well. He has also shown versatility out of the backfield as a pass-catcher, and he caught a 29-yard touchdown in Week 1. While Lindsay is usually faster than any linebacker on the field, Darron Lee should give him a run for his money on Sunday. The former Ohio State star ran a 4.47 in the 40-yard dash at NFL Combine two years ago. Lee is tied for second on the team with 24 combined tackles. He should be all over the field Sunday, but if the Broncos linemen can get to the second level against him, Lindsay should find room for success.
In what should be one of the most physical battles at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Domata Peko Sr. will look to clog the middle against Isaiah Crowell. Peko Sr. has been a key cog in the Broncos' run defense, which ranks ninth in the NFL in yards allowed. Peko racked up five tackles against the Raiders in Week 2, tied for his most since 2010. Now he gets to face another physical runner. Crowell, built at a stout 5'11" and 225 pounds, has scored four touchdowns this season and is a key part of the Jets' early-down packages. He's coming off a zero-yard performance against the Jaguars, though, and will be hungry to get back on track. If Peko and the rest of the defense can shut him down again, though, they will gain a big advantage on the Jets offense.
If there's one thing that's close to certain about the Jets, it's that Quincy Enunwa will be a big part of the game plan. Enunwa had a breakout 2016 season, missed all of 2017 due to an injury, and now looks to be back to full strength. Through four games, Enunwa leads the team by a wide margin in targets (37), catches (21) and yards (278). Enunwa is a big, strong target (6'2" and 225 pounds) who is tough to bring down with the ball in his hands. So Chris Harris Jr. will have his hands full if he lines up across from him. Harris is never afraid to step up and make an important tackle, and he's one of the quickest cornerbacks in the NFL. Facing a rookie cornerback, Harris could be primed for his first interception of 2018, too.
Case Keenum looks to jumpstart the Broncos' passing attack this week against a Jets defense that is above average in most areas against the pass but certainly can be exploited. New York has given up 14 passing plays of at least 20 yards, tied for 10th-most in the league. Last week, it gave up a 67-yard passing touchdown to the Jaguars. Keenum has shown the willingness to spread the ball around — eight different players had at least one catch last week — and is 1-0 in his career against the Jets. But Jamal Adams will provide a solid test on the other side of the ball. The 2017 first-round pick is one of the Jets' most energetic and vocal leaders, and he's registered a team-leading 31 tackles, a sack, an interception and a forced fumble already this season.
