Broncos-Jets: Denver Beats the "Team to Beat" and Makes a Statement

As the final seconds of today's game ticked away, Denver fans had to feel an excitement building within them that felt a million times better than the sinking feeling that was felt last Sunday at this time.

After all the team has been through this year, to beat the team that has been called "a clear-cut favorite to win the AFC" and "The AFC team to beat" definitely makes a statement.

Denver showed an all around good performance today (we'll leave out that ill-advised interception that Jay Cutler threw to Dwight Lowery in the end-zone). The opening score, the fumble forced by Elvis Dumervil that Vernon Fox returned "to the house," set the pace for Denver to achieve solid football all afternoon. 

Denver's passing game once again looked very strong, led by Jay Cutler who had yet another rousing showing on the road (he's currently the leading passer for week 13), coupled especially with the standout performance from tight end Tony Scheffler, who caught seven passes for 90 yards.

Eddie Royal also bounced back from a non-showing against Oakland to catch a big 59-yard touchdown pass to put the Broncos back up.

Matt Prater found his leg again, hitting both field goal attempts even in the snow on a wet field. He also converted all four extra point attempts, which was to be expected.

The only offense that the Jets could muster came from AFC leading rusher Thomas Jones, who had a huge day, running 16 times for 138 yards and two touchdowns. The Broncos held Brett Favre in check, as all he could contribute to the box score was an interception to Dre' Bly.

Peyton Hillis continued to impress and exceed expectations, starting at running back and rushing 22 times for 129 yards and a touchdown against New York's formidable defense. He was also the only back that Denver used in the game.

Defensively for Denver, unexpected starting linebackers Jamie Winborn and Wesley Woodyard played with as much heart and intensity as Bronco fans love to see, while racking up 17 tackles and two assists between them.

This win, coupled with yet another San Diego loss, puts the Broncos in the clear-cut drivers seat of the AFC West once again. At 7-5, the Broncos now go back home to face Kansas City in a game that is eerily reminiscent to the situation that set up last week's debacle against Oakland.

The Chargers, at 4-8, have little hope of catching Denver for the playoff spot, and need to look closely at their highly anticipated but disappointing defense and "fallen star" running back LaDanian Tomlinson for some answers.

This win means the world to the Broncos. It not only proves that they have the talent and ability to beat just about anyone in the AFC, but it also proves that they are able to win big games on the road, a factor that often stymies teams.

Denver appears poised, as long as they can outwit their demons from the "bad" teams, to finish strong and make a very formidable playoff run.