The Lead
Fueled by another strong defensive performance and improved run game, the Broncos found a way to get the job done on Sunday.
Denver defeated the New York Jets 10-9 for the team's second consecutive win, and former offensive lineman and current NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger broke down some of the Broncos' key efforts that led to the victory.
On X — formerly known as Twitter — Baldinger said the Broncos "got it going" in the run game, specifically in the second half.
"The Broncos cranked up the running attack, especially in the third quarter down 6-0," Baldinger said. "… Jaleel [McLaughlin] and Javonte [Williams], in tandem, controlled the line of scrimmage in the second half to earn that victory."
Balindger commended the effort of Denver's offensive line in creating these key rushing opportunities that contributed to the victory, specifically highlighting guards Ben Powers and Quinn Meinerz, tackle Alex Palczewski and center Luke Wattenberg for their contributions.
"It's good looking football," he said.
Baldinger was also impressed by the efforts of Denver's defensive unit, which made several key plays throughout the game. While he said the "defensive front dominated the Jets all day," he specifically applauded the play of defensive end Zach Allen.
"He came in second in the NFL in pressures on Sunday," Baldinger said of Allen. "He had three quarterback hits in this game."
Baldinger said Allen made "one great play after another," noting that "this is why the Broncos' defense is doing what it's doing."
"Across the board, they were lockdown all day," he said.
Baldinger also broke down the Broncos' key goal-line stand in the first half. The Jets held a first-and-goal at the 1-yard line, but Denver made three consecutive stops that ultimately led to a field goal. Baldinger commended the efforts of defensive end John Franklin-Myers and outside linebacker Jonah Elliss for leading the stand that prevented the Jets from reaching the end zone.
"They had a chance, first-and-goal at the [1-yard line]," Baldinger said. "All they did was go backwards."
