Dissecting Most Crucial Matchups in Jets' Week 6 Contest Against Broncos

The New York Jets are coming off an embarrassing shutout in Week 5. The light at the end of the tunnel will be difficult to see with Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos standing in the way in Week 6.

Gang Green took a shellacking that left players and coaches looking for answers. Here comes a future Hall of Famer and a team on a mission to make it back to the Super Bowl. New York could fold at the whim of Denver’s rampage, or find some resilience in what Michael Vick called a time for soul searching in a press conference posted on the team’s official website.

Here are some key matchups the Jets must focus on to avoid a five-game skid.

DeMarcus Ware/Von Miller vs. Willie Colon/Breno Giacomini

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According to Dan Hanzus of NFL.com, Coach Ryan declared Smith as the starting quarterback for Week 6.

Geno has been pressured on 40 percent of his total dropbacks this season, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required).

Ware and Miller both have 3.5 sacks this season, rushing from the right side of the defensive front. Part of getting Geno on the right track is neutralizing an aggressive defensive front.

Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg should explore two tight end sets—adding another buffer to the pass-blocking scheme.

The Broncos made a valiant effort to improve their defense. Ware’s involvement in the pass rush certainly garners extra attention in an area the Jets are struggling to counteract.

Controlling the expected pressure from the strong side of the field will be the key to helping Geno survive the game as the starter and keeping pace with the high powered Broncos offense.

Julius Thomas vs. Calvin Pryor

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Ryan’s defense experienced major coverage issues defending tight end Antonio Gates early in last week’s game.

Just like Gates, Broncos tight end Thomas has the same basketball mentality when it comes to hauling in passes.

Thomas is a younger more able version of Gates, who is in the latter part of his career. The 6’5”, 250-pound Broncos starting tight end leads the team in touchdown receptions with seven through four games. After watching Gates torch the Jets, Thomas figures to be an intricate part of the offensive game plan.

Both Kyle Wilson and Antonio Allen were burned for touchdowns by Gates in Week 5. Calvin Pryor’s lapses involved poor tackling.

Defending accurate passes from Manning is one issue, but taking down a strong receiving tight end is another problem the Jets must address with their enforcer. Pryor was drafted to instill physicality in the defensive backfield. He must answer the bell in Week 6, against a tight end touchdown machine.

The Jets’ rookie free safety is giving up six inches in height—making him susceptible to jump ball touch passes from Manning. The ability to jam Thomas at the line of scrimmage could delay or disrupt his pass route—forcing Peyton to look elsewhere.

Denver’s rushing attack is struggling this season—averaging 79.5 yards per game. Per Mike Klis of The Denver Post, running back Montee Ball will miss significant time with a groin injury.

Gang Green’s linebackers could drop into coverage to defend Thomas in short pass routes until the Broncos rushing attack proves to be a factor.

Eric Decker vs. Aqib Talib

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Assuming Eric Decker wants to pull a Steve Smith Sr. on his former team, it’s likely he’ll be on the field Sunday attempting to outplay the Broncos secondary. When healthy, Decker is the only consistent option for his quarterback. The Broncos have the firepower to score points in flurries—the Jets will need to weather the storm with competing scoring drives to prevent another blowout.

This matchup is going to make or break the Jets offense. If Decker produces early, Jeremy Kerley and Jace Amaro have a chance of quietly making plays underneath the coverage.

Mornhinweg must give Geno the opportunity to deliver the ball with precision in favorable situations. Running the ball efficiently will set up play-action pass opportunities down the field.

Demaryius Thomas vs. Dee Milliner

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After exploding for eight receptions, 226 yards and two touchdowns, Thomas is back on track just in time to test Dee Milliner. Thomas was quiet through the first three games of the season, failing to eclipse 50 receiving yards per game and catching only one touchdown as Manning’s No. 1 option.

He obliterated Patrick Peterson and the Arizona Cardinals secondary—a pass defense that’s considered one of the best in the league.

Milliner remains quiet after two games, but at least he wasn’t seen beaten on multiple plays against the Chargers. Milliner can quietly make a statement if Thomas’ day is just as subtle as his first three games. An interception takes it a step further, but defending Thomas is a difficult task alone.

Don’t expect Milliner to take the challenge of covering the two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver on an island. Dawan Landry, the Jets’ leading tackler will likely track Thomas to limit his yards after the catch.

Denver is averaging 29 points per game, per Pro-Football-Reference.com. Gang Green just allowed 31 unanswered points to Philip Rivers and third-string running back Branden Oliver.

New York cannot be afraid to take shots early to prevent a stagnant offense as the game progresses. Peyton will find some success against a young inexperienced Jets pass defense. It’ll be critical to minimize the damage and deliver counter scoring drives to upend the Broncos.