
I guess we can slow down on all that New York-New York Super Bowl talk, huh? A week after getting manhandled by the Raiders, the Broncos came east and did the same to the Jets, ending the New York side's five-game winning streak and putting a cap into the premature notion of the Big Apple relocating to Tampa come February.
It was a disturbing return to the early part of the season for the Jets. Abysmal play calling by offensive coordinator
Brian Schottenheimer marked those rougher times and returned for an unwanted encore at the Meadowlands today.
Thomas Jones carved up the Bronco defense in the first half but Schottenheimer insisted on calling empty backfields, passes on short yardage plays and, disastrously, a pitched reverse to
Jerricho Cotchery. That final one led to a fumble and touchdown for the Broncos in the first quarter and set the tone for a frustrating day.
Even more troubling than the return of evil Schottenheimer, though, was the complete no-show by the Jets defense.
Peyton Hillis gashed the normally stout Jets for nearly six yards a carry and
Jay Cutler continued to expose the Jets secondary as
Darrelle Revis and a band of clowns masquerading as NFL defensive backs.
Brandon Marshall was held to five catches for 55 yards, but
Eddie Royal,
Brandon Stokely,
Tony Scheffler and
Daniel Graham combined for 20 catches, 277 yards and two touchdowns.