Take a trip back through Broncos history with photos from the Broncos' and Associated Press' archives.
John Elway prepares to take the snap from center against the New York Jets in the AFC Championship Game at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
Fullback Cookie Gilchrist leaps over a Jets tackler during an Oct. 3, 1965, win (16-13) at Bears Stadium in Denver.
New York Jets star quarterback Joe Namath dejectedly leaves the field at Shea Stadium in New York on Oct. 13, 1968, after having a pass intercepted in the fourth quarter by the Denver Broncos. "I want to say only one thing: I stink!" he proclaimed following the game. Denver won, 21-13. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
Jets quarterback Joe Namath was the main attraction for the Denver Broncos on Sept. 21, 1969, in Denver, Colorado. The Bronco defense gave Joe a rough day in the Jets' 21-19 loss to Denver. Namath had the wind knocked out of him late in the fourth quarter but stayed in the game. (AP Photo/Robert Scott)
In this September 1969 file photo, Denver Broncos RB Floyd Little avoids the tackle of New York Jets' Steve O'Neal (20) during a football game in Denver. At left is Jets' John Dockery (43). (AP Photo/File)
Jets quarterback Joe Namath was the main attraction for the Denver Broncos on Sept. 21, 1969, in Denver, Colorado. The Bronco defense gave Joe a rough day in the Jets' 21-19 loss to Denver. Namath had the wind knocked out of him late in the fourth quarter but stayed in the game. (AP Photo/Robert Scott)
Denver Broncos running back Floyd Little (44) runs past New York Jets punter Steve O'Neal (2) during a football game in Denver on Sept. 21, 1969. (AP Photo/File)
Halfback Floyd Little tries to turn the corner during a Sept. 21, 1969, win (21-19) over the New York Jets at Mile High Stadium.
Running back Rod Bernstine breaks through a Jets tackle during the Broncos' 26-20 win on Sept. 5, 1993.
Linebacker Elijah Alexander looks to fend off Jets blockers during the Broncos' 26-20 win over the Jets on Sept. 5, 1993.
Jets running back Adrian Murrell runs from Broncos tacklers during a Sept. 1, 1996 win (31-6) over the New York Jets.
Linebacker Bill Romanowski sacks Jets quarterback Neil O'Donnell during a Sept. 1, 1996 win (31-6) over the New York Jets.
John Elway scrambles for yardage against the New York Jets on Sept. 1, 1996, on Sept. 1, 1996.
Safety Tyrone Braxton forces a fumble during a Sept. 1, 1996 win (31-6) over the New York Jets.
The AFC Championship pregame show included a football game with a dog.
John Elway runs onto the home field during the pregame introductions for the last time in his career against the New York Jets in the AFC Championship Game at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
Military helicopters fly over Mile High Stadium before the start of the AFC Championship Game against the New York Jets at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
John Elway rolls out of the pocket to elude the rush against the New York Jets in the AFC Championship Game at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
Steve Atwater awaits the snap of the ball against the New York Jets in the AFC Championship Game at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
Darrien Gordon returns the first of his two interceptions on the evening against the New York Jets in the AFC Championship Game at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
During John Elway's final home game in the AFC Championship, Broncos fans show their support for all the great years Elway has provided for them. The Broncos defeated the New York Jets at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
Darrien Gordon returns a punt against the New York Jets in the AFC Championship Game at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
Terrell Davis rushes the ball for a 31-yard touchdown against the New York Jets in the AFC Championship Game at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
Ray Crockett wraps up Keyshawn Johnson for a minimal gain against the New York Jets in the AFC Championship Game at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
Terrell Davis rushes the ball against the New York Jets in the AFC Championship Game at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
Ray Crockett wraps up a Jets receiver against the New York Jets in the AFC Championship Game at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
Pat Bowlen hoists another AFC Championship trophy up for the fans at Mile High to see after beating the New York Jets at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
John Elway shows his enthusiasm after receiving the AFC Championship trophy after beating the New York Jets at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
John Elway gives a thumbs up to fans as he takes a final lap around Mile High Stadium after beating the New York Jets at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
Shannon Sharpe listens to the post-game talk after beating the New York Jets in the AFC Championship Game at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
Barrel Man tries to the get the fans pumped up against the New York Jets at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 3, 1999.
Ed McCaffrey makes a reception against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Nov. 5, 2000. The Broncos won 30-23.
Brian Griese scrambles from the pocket for a first down against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Nov. 5, 2000. The Broncos won 30-23.
Desmond Clark makes a reception against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Nov. 5, 2000. The Broncos won 30-23.
Terrell Davis gives the "Mile High Salute" after rushing for a touchdown against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Nov. 5, 2000. The Broncos won 30-23.
Denver Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer (16) scrambles for a first down as the Jets' James Reed (93) chases him during the second quarter in Denver on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2005. The Broncos won 27-0. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos running back Tatum Bell (26) is tackled by the New York Jets' Derrick Strait during the second quarter in Denver on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2005. The Broncos won 27-0. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos running back Mike Anderson (38) leaps past New York Jets' Ty Law (24) who is blocked by Denver's Rod Smith (80) during third quarter action in Denver, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2005. Anderson scored three rushing touchdowns in Denver's 27-0 victory over the Jets. (AP Photo/Bill Ross)
New York Jets tight end Joel Dreessen is dragged down by Broncos linebacker Ian Gold, second from left, as Broncos linebacker John Lynch, far left, and cornerback Darrent Williams come in to cover in the fourth quarter of the Broncos' 27-0 victory in Denver in this Nov. 20, 2005 photo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Brandon Marshall attracts defenders on a 8 yard reception in the first quarter action against the New York Jets November 30, 2008 at the Meadowlands. The Broncos won 34-17.
Tony Scheffler hauls in a 22 yard reception against the New York Jets November 30, 2008 at the Meadowlands. The Broncos won 34-17.
Peyton Hillis breaks into the secondary on a 19 yard run in first quarteraction against the New York Jets November 30, 2008 at the Meadowlands. The Broncos won 34-17.
Brandon Stokley celebrates with Eddie Royal after Royal's 59-yard reception for a touchdown in first-quarter action against the New York Jets November 30, 2008 at the Meadowlands. The Broncos won 34-17.
Vernon Fox heads to the end zone on a fumble recovery in the first quarter against the New York Jets November 30, 2008 at the Meadowlands.
Elvis Dumervil sacks Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez in the second half of the Broncos' 17-13 win on Nov. 17, 2011.
OLB Von Miller goes after the Jets QB Mark Sanchez in the second quarter of the Broncos' 17-13 win on Nov. 17, 2011.
Von Miller and Ryan McBean celebrate after a play in the first half of the Broncos' 17-13 win on Nov. 17, 2011.
Tim Tebow passes the ball against the New York Jets in the second half of the Broncos' 17-13 win on Nov. 17, 2011.
Andre Goodman returns an interception 26 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter of the Broncos' 17-13 win on Nov. 17, 2011.
Tim Tebow (15) fights for yardage on a 9-yard run in the fourth quarter of the Broncos' 17-13 win on Nov. 17, 2011.
Von Miller applies pressure to Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez in the second quarter of the Broncos' 17-13 win on Nov. 17, 2011.
Tim Tebow scores a touchdown against the New York Jets in the late in the fourth quarter of the Broncos' 17-13 win on Nov. 17, 2011.
Tim Tebow (15) is congratulated after scoring the go-ahead touchdown on a 20-yard run in the fourth quarter of the Broncos' 17-13 win on Nov. 17, 2011.
Tim Tebow (15) is swarmed by teammates after he scored on a 20-yard game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Broncos' 17-13 win.
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) and defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) sack New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) for a 4 yard loss to the 1 yard line during the fourth quarter of the Broncos' 31-17 win over the Jets at MetLife Stadium on Oct. 12, 2014.
Denver Broncos DeMarcus Ware (94) tries wrestling New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) to the turf in the third quarter of the Broncos' 31-17 win over the Jets at MetLife Stadium on Oct. 12, 2014.. Smith was eventually sacked by Denver Broncos Von Miller.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) signals at the line of scrimmage during the third quarter of of the Broncos' 31-17 win over the Jets at MetLife Stadium on Oct. 12, 2014.
Denver Broncos linebacker Corey Nelson (52) and defensive end Malik Jackson (97) team up to make the stop during the first quarter of the Broncos' 31-17 win over the Jets at MetLife Stadium on Oct. 12, 2014.
Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) takes off after a reception during the first quarter of the Broncos' 31-17 win over the Jets at MetLife Stadium on Oct. 12, 2014.
Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas (80) celebrates a 4 yard touchdown reception during the third quarter of of the Broncos' 31-17 win over the Jets at MetLife Stadium on Oct. 12, 2014.
Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib (21) intercepts a pass and returns it 22 yards for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the Broncos' 31-17 win over the Jets at MetLife Stadium on Oct. 12, 2014.
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) during second quarter action against the New York Jets during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile high in Denver, Colo., December 10, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) cathces a touchdown pass during first quarter action against the New York Jets during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile high in Denver, Colo., December 10, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos linebacker Todd Davis (51) pressures New York Jets quarterback Josh McCown (15) during third quarter action against the New York Jets during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile high in Denver, Colo., December 10, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris (96) sacks New York Jets quarterback Josh McCown (15) during first quarter action against the New York Jets during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile high in Denver, Colo., December 10, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) dances after tackling New York Jets running back Matt Forte (22) during fourth quarter action against the New York Jets during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile high in Denver, Colo., December 10, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos safety Darian Stewart (26) celebrates with cornerback Aqib Talib (21) after an interception during second quarter action against the New York Jets during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile high in Denver, Colo., December 10, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
The Broncos' regular-season opener isn't for another few months, but over the next few weeks, DenverBroncos.com will take an early look at each game on the Broncos' 2020 schedule. We don't know how injuries could impact each contest, but we'll present the pressing storylines, matchups, questions and more.
It's never too early to start talking football.
We continue with Denver's Week 4 game on "Thursday Night Football" against the New York Jets.
Storylines to monitor:
Playing on a short week is never easy — especially when you have to fly across the country to do so. This game will test the Broncos both mentally and physically, but it's also one that the Broncos may need to win if they're going to challenge for a playoff spot in 2020. The Jets are one of just two teams the Broncos face in the first five weeks of the season that finished last year with a losing record. The other, Tampa Bay, added Tom Brady in free agency and figures to be a tough matchup.
The Jets, though, will be no pushover. The team finished the season 6-2 and went 7-6 with 2018 third-overall pick Sam Darnold under center. The Jets spent the offseason supplementing their offense to support their young quarterback and already boast a near-dominant defense. Sound a bit familiar?
Former Broncos center Conner McGovern was among the Jets' free-agent additions, and he'll play his first game against his former team.
New York also has a handful of defensive stars, as Jamal Adams leads the secondary and linebacker C.J. Mosley returns from injury to solidify the middle of the defense. Drew Lock will face his third top 10 defense in four weeks, as the Patriots, Steelers and Jets were all among the league's best in 2019. The pressure may fall on Lock, too. The Jets ranked second in rushing defense a season ago.
From a coaching angle, former Broncos assistant Adam Gase will coach his second game against the Broncos. He and the Dolphins — where he coached from 2016-18 — earned a 35-9 win over Denver in 2017.
Player to watch:
RB Le'Veon Bell
The Jets rushed for 323 yards the last time they played the Broncos — more on that in a moment — so I'll be watching whether Denver's defense can handle the two-time first-team All-Pro running back.
Bell hasn't had a 1,000-yard rushing season since 2017 — he held out for all of 2018 before signing with the Jets ahead of the 2019 season — but he's still a talented player. Last year, he rushed for 789 yards and two touchdowns and added 461 receiving yards. The Jets have new weapons in receivers Breshad Perriman and Denzel Mims, but the Broncos' first focus should be to ensure that Bell doesn't get going. That won't be easy on a short week, especially given the physicality required to stop the run.
The good news? Denver's run defense in 2019 was among the league's best after Mike Purcell and Alexander Johnson entered the starting lineup in Week 5. That coincided with Kareem Jackson's return from injury — and the Broncos' defense looked like a new unit. After struggling against the run in a Week 4 loss to Jacksonville, the Broncos allowed the seventh-fewest rushing yards per game over the season's final 12 games.
The question mark:
How do the Broncos handle the short week?
The Broncos' three-game stretch from Week 3 to Week 5 is arguably the toughest part of their schedule. They're home against a much-improved Buccaneers team, travel across the country to New York on a short week and then will have to head back to the east coast to play the Patriots in Week 5.
There's a notion that Thursday games tend to favor the home team, as that organization doesn't have to travel on an already short week. That advantage, though, is more pronounced late in the season. Road teams actually held a 5-4 advantage in "Thursday Night Football" through nine weeks last year. Over the season's final stretch, the home team won all five "Thursday Night Football" games. The home team also won two of three Saturday games. A season earlier, the difference in success between road teams early in the year vs. late in the year was similarly pronounced.
It seems like a safe explanation to assume that when teams are fresher, they're more likely to handle the demands of a short week. Are the Broncos up to that in Week 4?
One promising sign: The Broncos are 5-1 in their last six road "Thursday Night Football" matchups.
An opposing view:
Eric Allen, a senior writer for NewYorkJets.com, on how he views the early-season matchup:
"[The Jets] come home — [on a] short week — to prepare for a Broncos team that has as good of a pass rush as anybody in the National Football League, and the Jets could have as many as four or five new starters along that offensive line. I think that just looking from afar with getting their quarterback more pieces in the draft, yeah it definitely catches your eye when a guy like Jerry Jeudy comes off the board and your next pick is KJ Hamler. They're going all in. They're giving Drew Lock more of an opportunity. But you know what Denver's going to bring to the table defensively. This is going to be a team that can get after the quarterback. They can pose problems if you're not ready to go on a short week. It's going to be a fascinating game. It's going to also be intriguing to see how these teams deal with the first three weeks on their schedule. On paper, it's better to be at home on a short week. But you don't know how a team's going to respond to it."
For more from Allen on the Jets and the Week 4 matchup at MetLife Stadium, https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/it-s-going-to-be-a-fascinating-game-jets-senior-writer-eric-allen-weighs-in-on-t" target="_blank" >click here.
The last meeting:
Denver's last trip to MetLife Stadium didn't go so well.
The Broncos jumped out to a 7-0 first-quarter lead in a Week 5 game against the Jets and rookie Sam Darnold in 2018, but not much went right after that.
The Jets scored touchdowns of 77, 76 and 35 yards during the second quarter to take a 21-10 lead into halftime. New York rushed for 323 yards, and Isaiah Crowell carried the ball 15 times for 219 yards and a score. Darnold also added three touchdowns, though he was just 10-of-22 for 198 yards.
Demaryius Thomas scored a late touchdown to give the Broncos another score, but the team fell 34-16 and dropped to 2-3 on the season.
Courtland Sutton should have decent memories of the matchup. He scored his first career touchdown to give the Broncos their early lead.
