All or nothing production for Gordon vs. Jets
Question: It was a game of highs and lows for Broncos quarterback Brett Rypien in the 37- 28 victory. Should he start next week at New England?
Answer: If Drew Lock’s right shoulder isn’t healthy enough for him to play, Rypien should carry on as the starter. Sure, he made his share of mistakes, chiefly three interceptions ( one returned for a touchdown) and an intentional grounding penalty ( that wasn’t ultimately costly). But he showed toughness absorbing the Jets late- hit punishment and showed accuracy on his touchdown to Tim Patrick.
The Broncos had a season- high six sacks. Was there a common theme?
Q :
A: Yes, four of the sacks came on via five- man pressures, a departure from the first three weeks when the Broncos relied on their four- man pass rush … to little result. Another wrinkle by coach Vic Fangio was playing nickel ( two linemen/ four linebackers/ five defensive backs) nearly the entire game. Part of that was out of necessity ( injuries up front), but you could tell he is gaining confidence in the blitzing abilities of inside linebackers Alexander Johnson and Josey Jewell.
Why the change at cornerback from Essang Bassey to De’Vante Bausby?
Q :
A: Bassey gave up completions of nine, 27 and 10 yards in the first half and obviously the Broncos’ coaches didn’t like what he was doing so they moved Bryce Callahan inside to the slot and gave Bausby a shot at cornerback. It worked out. Bausby had three pass break- ups ( he dropped a sure interception) and Fangio was able to use Callahan as an occasional blitzer and against the Jets’ slot receivers.
Q : Melvin Gordon rushed 23 times for 107 yards, a 4.7- yard average inflated by his 43yard touchdown. All or nothing for No. 25?
A: Pretty much. Gordon had six carries of five or more yards, including his game- sealing touchdown with 1: 48 remaining. But 12 of his carries gained two or fewer yards ( not including his one- yard touchdown). Included were eight carries that went for no gain or lost yardage. The Broncos won’t regularly get away with that feast- or- famine production.
How could the Broncos have handled the last- minute situation better?
Q :
A: This was clunky all around and lowlighted by Jets coach Adam Gase using two of his timeouts in a nine- point game and highlighted by Fangio bypassing the traditional midfield handshake. Gase called timeouts after Rypien’s first two kneel- downs ( 59 and 57 seconds remaining). After the second, Rypien looked to the Jets sideline and said, “C’mon coach.” Things then got ugly. At the 13- second mark, Rypien with a nine- man protection threw the ball away to waste more time, but the play was negated by penalty. He was clobbered when running back Melvin Gordon didn’t hold his block. On the next play, Rypien, again with a nine- man protection, threw it away to use up the clock and was again clobbered when center Lloyd Cushenberry didn’t hold his block ( Jets penalty). If we were Fangio, we would have punted on fourth down to use up the time and save his quarterback unneeded punishment.