Paige: Denver Broncos' Ronnie Hillman

needs to trade potential for production

By Woody Paige

The Denver Post

October 12, 2014

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The conundrum formerly known as Ronnie Hillman

finally starts his first game in his third NFL season.

Perhaps.

Rather, the Broncos' offense could begin with four wide receivers and a tight end,

or three wides and two tights, or with Juwan Thompson or C.J. Anderson at running

back, or with Virgil Green or Julius Thomas lined up in the backfield.

The Formerly Known As could even wind up on the inactive list.

Nobody can ever predict where this young man will be or what he's going to do.

Winston Churchill would suggest Hillman is a poser wrapped in a puzzle inside

perplexing potential.

When the Broncos selected Hillman in the third round, as the fifth overall running

back, of the 2012 draft, John Elway, who was primarily responsible for the choice,

said: "Every time he touches the ball, he has a chance to go all the way."

Trouble is, Hillman hasn't touched the ball very often, and he never has gone all the

way.

Now into his third season, Hillman has been a healthy scratch in 13 games. He

appeared in one postseason game, in his rookie season (2012), and none last

season. In the 26 games he has played, he's rushed five times or fewer in 16 of

those games.

Two games ago, in Seattle, Hillman was given the handoff twice and gained 2

yards. He was merely a witness in the Broncos' last game at MetLife Stadium — the

Super Bowl.

He has twice as many fumbles as touchdowns (two).

Alfred Morris, a running back drafted 106 slots below Hillman, already has crunched

out a pair of thousand-yard-plus seasons. Hillman's had a 799-yard career.

This is the Hillman who ran for 3,243 yards and 36 touchdowns in his two years at

San Diego State. He's had momentary flashes of brilliance with the Broncos. In his

fourth NFL game, against New Orleans, Hillman carried 14 times for 86 yards,

including a 31-yard dash. Those are his individual highs. The next week, he ran

once for 4 yards. In a game at Oakland last season, he had nine rushes for 66

yards, a 7.3-yard average. A month later, his critical fumble near the goal line cost

the Broncos a chance to win at Indianapolis, and he was benched for most of the

rest of the season.

Last Sunday, when Montee Ball suffered a groin injury, up popped Hillman. He ran

15 times against Arizona and earned the start (supposedly) against the Jets. In all

three training camps, he's been considered, according to coaches, a player on the

brink of being a major contributor. Then he vanishes.

What's With The Conundrum?

Despite being in his third season, Hillman, at age 23, is one of the Broncos' five

youngest players. Six years ago, he was working full time at Applebee's.

He's short (5-foot-8½) and lean (180 pounds when holding a slab of concrete) and

not durable. He isn't a quality blocker. He doesn't always comprehend the

checkdowns, and he doesn't fully utilize his running lanes.

He's also immature. After the Broncos arrived for the Super Bowl, Hillman was

photographed in a Bronx strip club. Rumors continue to swirl about what actually

happened to Hillman and Kayvon Webster when the Broncos played an exhibition at

Dallas in late August. Both ended up at a hospital, and the reason was covered up

by the organization. Neither played in the season opener.

Hillman isn't one of the league's bad- fellows. He just performs occasional stupid

human tricks.

He has talent, with a burst of speed and elusiveness that can lead to big gains. In

the second half last Sunday, Hillman produced impressive runs for 12, 16, 13 and 9

yards, and wasn't overrun by the Cardinals' blitzers. He averaged 4.3 yards per

carry, which is what the Broncos' prolific play- action passing game needs as a

diversion against the Jets, who, like the Cardinals, have assembled a terrific pass

rush.

Hillman had a very good half last week. The Broncos have seen the thrill-man sizzle

in a half-dozen games and the Hillman fizzle in another half dozen. Hillman remains

the unknown conundrum.

But he gets a fresh start Sunday.

Kickin' it with Kiz: Step aside, Adam

Gase, this smart lady calling shots

By Mark Kiszla

The Denver Post

October 12, 2014

Where have you gone, Lonnie Perrin? I'm just an old woman who watches

football and anything but an expert, but the Broncos' lack of a running back who

bulldozes his way through the line with three defenders hanging onto him has been

lacking for too long.

Elizabeth, likes X's and O's

Kiz: The passing of Peyton Manning spreads out a defense in a nickel or dime

package. Juwan Thompson rumbles through an undermanned, undersized defensive

front. Denver offensive coordinator Adam Gase sends thank-you note to smart lady

who knows football better than he does.

Passing the whine. Your column suggesting an Avalanche player fight Minnesota's

Matt Cooke was nothing but a whine fest. I hope Cooke puts another Av out for the

season.

Ryan, Wild man

Kiz: You stay classy, Minnesota.

Kiz for Cooke's second serving. How many times did Minnesota players get

"cheap hit" last NHL season? It's part of hockey. Stuff happens. I hope Cooke

comes after you, Kiz.

Rick, Grove Heights, Minn.

Kiz: As soon as I learn to skate, Cooke knows where to find me. I've always

dreamed of competing in the Winter Olympics. Cooke would make an excellent ice

dancing partner, don't you think?

Sunny side up. I know the sun rarely shines in your world, Kiz. But it's clear there

have been vast improvement in the CU football program. Give coach Mike

MacIntyre his four recruiting classes before you bury him. For your spiritual health,

just for a few moments be positive.

Bill, full of optimism

Kiz: OK, let's get positive. The Buffs did not lose Saturday. They had a bye. Thank

goodness for small favors.

Bear with Rockies. In reference to your proposal that the Rockies fire Dinger: Do

you have any suggestion on a new mascot? I say bear.

Kevin, Wichita

Kiz: I say a rock, and nominate one of the Monfort brothers to play the part.

Save Dinger. And today's parting shot is from a mother aghast that anybody

would wish for Dinger's untimely demise.

Fire Dinger? Really? Countless second innings at Coors Field have been spent with

my children, waiting in line for a photo with Dinger. While the Rockies bullpen

implodes, Dinger represents faithful fans who return to Coors Field year after year

and stay until the last pitch.

Amy, dinosaur advocate

What's more impressive: 500 touchdown

passes by Peyton Manning or 500 wins

by Patrick Roy?

By Benjamin Hochman and Mark Kiszla

The Denver Post

October 12, 2014

Kiz: Peyton Manning and Patrick Roy both began the second act of a legendary

sports career in Denver. As goalie for the Avalanche, Roy finished with 551 NHL

victories. With the Broncos, Manning recently threw his 503rd NFL touchdown pass.

Which feat in our city's unique, elite 500 club is more impressive?

Hooch: Manning will become the all-time TD leader soon with 509— Roy isn't even

the all-time wins leader ( second to Martin Brodeur). And what complements

Manning's touchdown greatness is his lack of interceptions. Brett Favre had 508

TDs and 336 INTs, while Manning has thrown 222 picks, with 28 coming in his

rookie season. Advantage, Peyton.

Kiz: No disrespect to the incredible Mr. Manning, but I can't hear you, Ben. The

Stanley Cup rings of Roy are plugging my ears. You play to win the game. So when

you compare 551 victories versus 503 TDs? It's no contest. Advantage, Roy.

Hooch: Oh, by the way, Peyton also missed an entire season! He had thrown 33

TDs in each of the two seasons before his injury, so let's say he would've tossed 33

in 2011. The math says that by the middle of next season, he'd be the only

member of the 600-TD club!

Kiz: I respect and admire Manning's work for the Broncos. But I absolutely love

what Roy did for the Avs. The championship history of the Avalanche can't be

written without Roy. But here's the truth: When I look at Manning, I still see him as

an Indianapolis Colt dressed in Broncos clothing.

Hooch: Not only is Roy an icon in Denver, he's part of the coolest thing in Denver

sports history — the split Avs and Rockies No. 33 jersey that says ROYKER. Saint

Patrick is on our city's sports Mount Rushmore (along with John Elway, Todd Helton

and Danny Schayes). But when it comes to the battle of the 500 fellows, I'll take

the Colt in orange.

Denver Broncos' defense won't look

familiar to the Meadowlands

By Mike Klis

The Denver Post

October 12, 2014

This time, DeMarcus Ware accompanied the Broncos to New Jersey.

It was criminal, the way the Broncos played their last game at MetLife Stadium. The

Broncos return to the scene Sunday, only this time it will be against the woebegone

2014 New York Jets, not the mighty 2013 Seattle Seahawks.

It's not the where, but the who.

"There's not going to be a stadium revenge," said Broncos coach John Fox. "We

were 1-1 in that stadium last year. We're 0-0 there this year."

The Broncos drilled the sorry New York Giants 41-23 in regular-season game No. 2

last year in East Rutherford, N.J. It was the Broncos who had to apologize for their

pitiful Super Bowl performance there Feb. 2.

The new who for Jersey's football fans Sunday will be the players on the Broncos'

defense. Seven defensive starters, and nine of the Broncos' top 14 defensive

players, didn't play in the 43-8 Meadowlands Massacre.

"They're going to see a difference," said Broncos safety Rahim Moore.

The four remaining Broncos defensive starters from the Super Bowl: defensive

tackles Terrance Knighton and Sylvester Williams, linebackers Danny Trevathan and

Nate Irving. A fifth Super Bowl starter, Malik Jackson, plays half the snaps off the

bench this year.

That's it.

"That's crazy, man," Williams said. "We're ready to go back out there. We didn't win

there the last time, but we got some new tools in the offseason and we're ready to

go."

The changes in Denver's defensive personnel:

Right defensive end: Ware instead of Shaun Phillips. Ware was signed as a free

agent and has three sacks. Phillips left as a free agent and has zero for Tennessee.

Left defensive end: Derek Wolfe instead of Jackson. Wolfe missed the final eight

games, including the postseason, because of seizurelike symptoms. Jackson is a top

defensive line backup.

Strongside linebacker: Von Miller instead of Irving. Miller was out with a torn ACL.

He has four sacks in four games this season. Irving is now the Broncos' starting

middle linebacker, replacing Paris Lenon, whose career probably is finished.

Left cornerback: Aqib Talib instead of Champ Bailey. Talib signed as a free agent

and is widely considered one of the league's top five cover corners. Bailey has since

been twice released and is unemployed.

Right cornerback: Chris Harris instead of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Although

D.R.C. is a terrific cover corner, he is making $10.73 million this year. Harris, who

was out with a torn ACL, is a better all-around football player and is making $1.43

million.

Nickel back: Bradley Roby instead of Tony Carter. Roby, a first-round draft pick, is

playing well. Carter has been inactive in two of the first four games this season.

Strong safety: T.J. Ward instead of Duke Ihenacho. Ward is the only Bronco who

has been on the field for all 296 defensive snaps. Ihenacho was cut and suffered a

season-ending foot injury in Washington.

Free safety: Moore instead of Mike Adams. Moore missed the Super Bowl with a

lower leg circulatory disorder. He has two interceptions in five games, while Adams

has two picks in six games with Indianapolis.

"I'm definitely appreciative of having this chance to go back to that stadium,"

Moore said. "That was one of the worst days of my life not being healthy, not being

able to perform and help our guys in that game."

Top backup defensive tackle: Marvin Austin instead of Mitch Unrein. Austin has

been playing 25 percent of the snaps. Unrein has been inactive in three of four

games.

The Broncos return to MetLife Stadium with two distinct changes: The Jets aren't

the Seahawks. And the Broncos aren't the Broncos, at least not on defense.

"It's totally different, man," Knighton said as he dished out Italian meals to his

teammates Friday. "I don't know ... I'm ..."

I had accomplished the impossible. I had picked a subject Knighton didn't want to

discuss. "I'm just tired of talking about Seattle, man," he said.

Game Plan: Whos has the edge in

Broncos vs. Jets?

By Troy E. Renck

The Denver Post

October 12, 2014

With Peyton Manning on the brink of history, the Broncos (3-1) return to MetLife

Stadium, the site of last February's Super Bowl debacle, with the hope of a much

different outcome as they take on the Jets (1-4). Here's what you need to know for

Sunday's Week 6 matchup:

GAME PLAN

When the Broncos run:

No longer too young, too inexperienced, too unreliable, Ronnie Hillman receives his

first start in place of injured Montee Ball. Hillman earned the nod with his strong

second half last week. Juwan Thompson and C.J. Anderson will see time,

but Thompson is dealing with a knee injury. The Jets don't do much well, but until

they were gashed last week, they stopped the run. They allow 83 yards per game.

Don't be surprised if the Broncos borrow from the Cardinals' formula, using the

pass and a lead to set up the run.

Edge: Jets

When the Jets run:

Amid the carnage of a forgettable season, Chris Ivory and Chris Johnson, the

former Titan, have performed. Ivory averages 5.4 yards per run, including 10.2 in

the club's lone victory. Johnson remains a home run threat. With the passing game

ineffective and capable of sabotaging the entire team, the Jets will look to give

heavy doses of Ivory and Johnson to the Broncos. Edge: Jets

When the Broncos pass:

Peyton Manning posted a career high in yards passing last week. He has leaned on

Julius Thomas - his seven touchdown receptions are a record for a tight end after

four games - broke Demaryius Thomas' season free and helped Emmanuel Sanders

place among the league leaders. Now, is it time for Wes Welker's monster

performance? The Jets' secondary will have its hands full if the line doesn't pressure

Manning. Probably will anyway. Edge: Broncos

When the Jets pass:

The Jets' passing games comes with a soundtrack: collective groans from frustrated

fans. Geno Smith missed a meeting in San Diego, then proceeded to miss his

targets before a halftime benching. Smith shows glimpses of potential, especially

outside the pocket. But he provides punches to the gut with his biggest mistakes

coming at the worst time. The Jets' 184 passing yards per game ranks last. Edge:

Broncos

Special teams:

Isaiah Burse made strides last week as a return man. He averages 5.2 yards per

attempt for the season, but showed improvement and less hesitation last week.

Burse, a former Fresno State star, returned a punt for 15 yards in the victory over

the Cardinals. He is shifty, but needs to show speed to outrun defenders after

making the first tackler miss. Brandon McManus went two-for-three with a clanker.

Road kicks leave real impressions. This game could be closer than expected. When

favored by at least seven points on the road with Manning, the Broncos have

covered 13 times in 22 games, according to Bovada in Las Vegas. Edge: Broncos

SCOUTING REPORT

1. Bake the turnover

The Broncos played their best defensive game last week, holding Arizona to 215

total yards, 81 of which came on a blown-coverage touchdown by Andre Ellington.

The next stage of havoc? Creating turnovers. Von Miller is coming off the edge with

power and force. As he remains unblockable, the secondary should be able to make

life miserable for Geno Smith. Even with Eric Decker back, the Jets' weapons are

limited. New York ranks 31st in turnover margin at minus-7.

2. Protect Peyton

The Jets deserve their 1-4 record, their four-game losing streak the longest in

coach Rex Ryan's tenure with the team. But his defense remains stout. The Jets

disguise coverages well - they have to, because of an average secondary - and still

get after the quarterback. New York's defense has 17 sacks, six more than Denver's

defense. Preventing a free shot on Peyton Manning is paramount every game, but

there should be heightened awareness this week.

3. Recognize the stakes

In their first game at MetLife Stadium since being blown out in the Super Bowl, the

Broncos won't connect the scene to last February. Sunday's stakes are high,

however. For the Jets. The ground underneath Rex Ryan is turning into quicksand.

The Jets rallied around their coach last season, finishing 8-8 to save his job. They

need a similar U-turn as the blame game remains in full force in New York. So the

Broncos need to match the intensity of the backs-against-the-wall Jets.

Broncos TE Julius Thomas has NFL record

for most TDs after four games

Troy E. Renck

The Denver Post

October 12, 2014

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Arizona Cardinals lobbed adjectives like Molotov

cocktails at Julius Thomas during the past week.

Angry because of injured defensive end Calais Campbell, Cardinals coach Bruce

Arians insists Thomas' cut block was the "dirtiest" play he has seen.

Lost in the verbal volleys and the $8,286 fine, Thomas has attracted another

adjective. He's off to the greatest start ever by a tight end. He boasts of seven

touchdowns, the most in league history for his position after four games, besting by

one a mark shared by the New Orleans Saints' Jimmy Graham (2013) and the San

Diego Chargers' Antonio Gates (2010).

Even if Thomas doesn't find the end zone against the New York Jets on Sunday, his

seven scores are tied with Gates (2010) and Hall of Famer Mike Ditka for the most

by a tight end through the season's first five games.

Take that, Jets. The Broncos' defense improved dramatically in the 41-20 rout of

the Cardinals, limiting Arizona to 215 yards. Denver, however, has netted only

three takeaways this season. Creating turnovers became an emphasis in training

camp with the arrival of pass rusher DeMarcus Ware, cornerback Aqib Talib and

safety T.J. Ward.

"We've been working on takeaways all week," Ware said, "tomahawking the ball as

guys are getting to the quarterback. When running backs are running, really trying

to get the ball out. That's what defenses are all about. That's what good defenses

do: be able to get turnovers, get the offense a short field. So we've really been

working on it, and it is that next step."

Under coach Rex Ryan, Jets quarterbacks have committed at least two turnovers in

40 games. The Jets have won just 10 of those contests.

Footnotes. Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning needs five touchdown passes to tie

Brett Favre's 508 for first on the career list. Manning has thrown five touchdowns

five times, six three times and a career-high seven in last season's opener. ... Left

offensive tackle Ryan Clady was not fined for making contact with Campbell after

Thomas' block. Clady pulled his hands back in an attempt to avoid a penalty.

Chris Harris has his own corner in NFL

version of study hall

By Troy E. Renck

The Denver Post

October 12, 2014

Four big-screen TVs showed recent New York Jets games on a continuous loop in

the Broncos' locker room at Dove Valley last week. Players peeked up between

bites of lunch and text messages. For Chris Harris, the videos are reruns.

When looking for reasons Harris has gone from undrafted to being one of the NFL's

best cornerbacks, the film never lies. Harris studies his opponent on his iPad during

meetings, between meals and for two hours after he leaves Broncos headquarters.

Video makes him a gamer as he melds mental snapshots with underappreciated

athleticism.

"I look at a lot of film. That's what really puts me over the edge," Harris said.

"When I get to the game, the offense might try to hide a play, but I can see it.

Having four years experience now, the game has slowed down."

Football becomes easier when it makes sense. Hope is not a strategy when playing

cornerback. Harris wastes no energy, no movement, a shark in his pursuit of

perfection. Slightly undersized at a generously listed 5-foot-10, Harris trusts his

speed but believes the quickest way to best an opponent remains with his brain.

He's the guy you would want on "Jeopardy."

"He's wired in; it's very important to him. He's ultra-competitive in everything he

does, and part of that is preparation," said Denver defensive coordinator Jack Del

Rio. "He really understands what's coming, formations and splits, receiver locations,

what they do with different guys — he's all over it."

Just eight months removed from ACL surgery on his left knee, Harris has graded

out as the NFL's second-best cornerback this season, according to Pro Football

Focus. He ranks behind San Diego's Brandon Flowers and well ahead of shutdown

aces Richard Sherman of Seattle and Darrelle Revis of New England.

"Chris feels like they should be talking about him. He sees all these guys getting

new contracts, and he's going to get his soon, and their numbers aren't even close

to his," said Denver linebacker Von Miller. "He wears that like a sleeve. He's in

attack mode. It doesn't matter who he's facing, he will man up and never back

down."

But Harris doesn't star in commercials, doesn't scream in microphones and doesn't

have an island named for him. He remains a secret star, the mom-and-pop

restaurant the rest of the country doesn't know about.

"People might not notice, but you all here watching the last four years can tell I

have been doing my job," Harris said.

No wonder he's looking forward to playing against the New York Jets on Sunday.

It's a big stage made more delicious by the opportunity to go against former

teammate Eric Decker after missing the Super Bowl at MetLife Stadium because of

a knee injury.

"I know the team might have some flashbacks, but I love playing in New York,"

Harris said. "I know (Decker) is going to be more amped. They might try to feed

him the ball more. There are going to be some plays out there to be made."

Harris approached his knee rehab with ferocity, procuring advice from Miller at each

step. Miller realized early in Harris' recovery that he would be fine. He was early to

sessions and late leaving.

Harris dropped 8 pounds, down to 191, during the offseason. That left him faster.

He plans to remain lighter. He played his best game last week against Arizona when

he shadowed all-pro wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald — "He has that swag about him,

that confidence, man," said Denver cornerback Aqib Talib — but insists it won't be

his best game this season.

"It's still early from surgery. I am not playing free yet," Harris said. "The knee is

something that I still think about. It's still in the back of my head. It fuels me. I

want to prove I am the best. Since I have been here, nobody has given me

anything. I have had to work for everything. Now, people don't think that I am the

same coming off my ACL (injury). So I have to show them every week."

Statistics provide a compelling argument of Harris' talent. After easing into the

season against the Colts, Harris has been dominant the past two games. Groomed

as a slot corner, he recognizes routes quickly and reads the quarterback's slightest

nuance. His teammates' testimonials are more convincing than his numbers. Ask

the new Broncos whose talent surprises them, and they mention Harris.

Over and over.

"He's amazing. He's mentally strong," said wideout Emmanuel Sanders. "He has

that dog in him."

Safety T.J. Ward identifies with Harris' story. Ward was a walk-on in college ball

and was forced to silence doubters at every step of his career.

"Chris is tough, physical, athletic, all the things you look for," Ward said.

"Sometimes you stay under the radar no matter what you do. We know how good

he is."

A snapshot early in Harris' pro career, a 2012 game at Cincinnati, foreshadowed his

stardom. Warm-ups over, Harris and Rahim Moore stood in the locker room in full

uniform watching video a few minutes before kickoff.

The first 15 plays matched those on their iPads. They could barely hide their grins.

"Chris likes to study just like me. He likes to find an advantage," Moore said. "Of

course it pays off. And the best film to watch is the one you star in on Sunday and

they show on Monday before practice."

Broncos Q&A: Cody Latimer receptive to

being patient

By Troy E. Renck

The Denver Post

October 12, 2014

Cody Latimer continues to wait for his first professional reception. His work,

however, shows up every week on the stat sheet. The second-round draft pick from

Indiana stars on the Broncos' scout team. He already has played the role of T.Y.

Hilton, Dwayne Bowe and Percy Harvin — and this past week, he played the role of

the man Broncos fans hope he can become, Eric Decker.

"I am doing what I can to help team win. I want my work to translate for the

defense on game day," Latimer said. "In my predicament now, I don't really worry

about whether I will play or not. I know my time will come."

The transition to the NFL has been jarring. Latimer had always been a star,

excelling in basketball before picking up football during his junior year of high

school. Watching from the Denver sideline — a healthy scratch in three consecutive

games — has been humbling but educational. Latimer's practices serve as graduate

school.

"It's crazy. I will be talking to our defense on the sideline, and I will tell them, 'This

is about to be a touchdown.' They are like, 'You were right,' " said Latimer, who

dropped only one pass in his senior season at Indiana and caught the Broncos'

attention with his blocking. "I see the formations, picture what will happen and

picture myself out there. It's helping me. My football knowledge is growing every

day."

His role will grow too, whether it's this season or next year. Before the Broncos

headed to the Meadowlands to play the New York Jets on Sunday, Latimer talked

about his hoop dreams, movies and the challenge of learning the Denver playbook.

Q: As a former college star, how have you dealt with not playing?

A: It's tough. I have been getting a lot of support. I didn't know a lot of the offense

when I got here. I would get down on myself. My teammates helped me build my

confidence. Now each day I smile, practice hard and make plays. I know I can do

this. I am confident. It's just whenever the time comes, be ready. You don't want to

be one of those players that when somebody goes down, you are unprepared.

Q: Denver's playbook isn't easy to master. What makes it difficult for a wide

receiver?

A: It's totally different than college. We had audibles, but we looked to the sideline

for signals. A couple of routes converted. Here, all of the routes convert. Here, you

don't play a certain position. You could play either slot, outside, or maybe even the

tight end position. You have to learn everything. In college, I might know two

outside roles. Here, I know all of the roles, routes and the blitzes. And each position

has something different. It has helped a lot. I am learning so much, soaking it in.

Q: In arguably the deepest wide receiver draft ever — 33 were selected, including

12 in the first two rounds — you went 56th overall. Were you worried you might be

overlooked because you played at Indiana, which isn't a power program?

A: I wasn't worried about that. I was just trying to do my job. My first couple of

years there, I wasn't even thinking about playing in the NFL. I was just trying to

help turn around the program because everybody knows it's a basketball school.

We were trying to get to a bowl game.

Q: You excelled at hoops, winning a high school state title for Jefferson Township in

Dayton, Ohio, with former Michigan State star Adreian Payne. Who is your favorite

basketball player?

A: I am a Kobe Bryant fan. I love the way he plays, how hard he works, the way he

wins. You can't go wrong with that. I was going to try to play basketball at Indiana

my freshman year, but I tore my groin. I had to sit the second half of my freshman

year in football, so my hoops dreams ended.

Q: Dealing with a broken bone in your right foot, you ran 4.38 in the 40 at your pro

day before the draft. How did you pull that off?

A: It was just about pain tolerance, knowing you have to go if you want to make it

to the pros. I had a goal to reach. I had put in the work to do it, so it was now or

never. I was ready to get out there. As long as I could run, I was doing it.

Q: What do you like most about pro football, and how are you spending your

downtime?

A: The fans knowing who we are is the coolest part. And having great teammates.

Everybody wants to win, has the same goal. I like to relax by going to movies,

whatever is new. I like Denzel Washington. You have to say Denzel wins when

talking about movies. Yes, I have seen "Remember the Titans." Hasn't everybody

seen it?

Cody Latimer file

--Starred as a high school basketball player at Jefferson Township in Dayton, Ohio.

--Won state hoops title in his junior season, scoring 24 points with 12 rebounds in

championship game.

--Started playing football his junior year of high school.

--Before going to Indiana University, had offers from Michigan State and Ball State

to play defense.

--The 10th of 33 receivers selected in last year's NFL draft.

--Bench pressed 225 pounds 23 times at his pro day.

--Orange one of his favorite colors. Wore an orange suit and orange shoes when

met media after he was drafted.

--Made five catches for 116 yards and one touchdown in the preseason.

Chess match for Ryan, Jets vs. Manning,

Broncos

By Dennis Waszak Jr.

Associated Press

October 11, 2014

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Rex Ryan better brush up on his chess game

before Sunday.

With his team on a four-game skid and staring at a season on the verge of growing

increasingly more gloomy, the New York Jets coach is charged with the task of

trying to stop — or better yet, slow down — Peyton Manning and the Denver

Broncos.

"The challenging thing, you're going against, gosh, Bobby Fischer, I guess, as far as

a chess game's concerned or something," Ryan said, referring to the late American

chess champion. "Is that the right name? That's pretty good, fellas, right there.

We've got to match wits, and it's Rex Ryan versus Bobby Fischer in a chess match.

"I'll try to find a way to knock some of those pieces off, steal them off, but that's

what I do."

Manning, five touchdown passes from tying Brett Favre's career record of 508, is off

to another incredible start. The Broncos (3-1) are also looking very much like the

team that went to the Super Bowl a year ago.

Meanwhile, the Jets (1-4) are off to their worst start in Ryan's six seasons.

"We look at tape and some people on the outside look at records and all of that fun

stuff," Broncos coach John Fox said. "Our guys understand, like any road trip, we're

going into a hornets' nest."

Manning passed for a career-high 479 yards last weekend in a 41-20 blowout win

against Arizona with four TDs, tying Dan Marino for the most 400-yard games in

NFL history with 13. Manning entered the week tied for the NFL lead with 12

touchdown passes for the Broncos' No. 6-ranked offense.

"Numbers can be misleading," Manning said of his early season stats. "There are

still things that we need to improve on and that's what we're trying to do."

Uh oh, for Ryan and the Jets.

Ryan is 2-5 as both a defensive coordinator with Baltimore and as a head coach

with New York against Manning in his career. One of Ryan's wins, though, came

when the Indianapolis Colts pulled Manning early to prevent injury despite the team

going for a perfect regular-season record.

"Yeah, unfortunately, I've got my share of welts from him, as does every

coordinator in this league," Ryan said. "I don't know who can stop him."

Here are a few things to know as Manning and the Broncos head to MetLife Stadium

— the scene of their Super Bowl loss to Seattle — to face the Jets:

SUPER DEMARYIUS: After a slow start, Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas

broke out in a big way last weekend.

He set the Broncos' single-game record with 226 yards receiving on eight catches

against the Cardinals, just the fifth 200-yard receiving game in team history. It

could've been an even bigger game: A chop block by Julius Thomas wiped out a 77-

yard touchdown catch.

Thomas was selected as the AFC's offensive player of the week for his performance.

He could pose a major problem for the Jets' struggling secondary, which got top

cornerback Dee Milliner back last week from a quadriceps injury.

STRUGGLING SMITH: Jets quarterback Geno Smith had a week filled with

apologies.

He was fined $12,000 by the NFL last week for cursing at a heckler, missed a team

meeting the night before the Jets' 31-0 loss at San Diego and was benched at

halftime of that game in favor of Michael Vick. Ryan decided to start Smith in this

game, but if he struggles again, the second-year quarterback could head to the

sideline. And this time, for good.

"I definitely have to play better," said Smith, who has six interceptions and two lost

fumbles.

DECKER VS. DENVER: Wide receiver Eric Decker is playing against his former team

for the first time since signing with the Jets in the offseason.

Decker spent his first four NFL seasons with the Broncos, and had 222 catches for

3,070 yards and 33 TDs with them. He has 14 receptions for 204 yards and two

TDs while dealing with tightness in his hamstring, which kept him out of last week's

game but should play in this one.

GROUNDED GROUND GAME?: Montee Ball is out with a groin pull, so the Broncos

will have to dig into their depth chart in the backfield.

Ronnie Hillman, Juwan Thompson and C.J. Anderson could all split time running the

ball — but none have ever started an NFL game. And they'll be going up against a

Jets run defense that ranks sixth in the NFL.

KICKIN' IT: First-year kicker Brandon McManus turned his temporary job with the

Broncos into a full-time gig after Denver released Matt Prater last Friday.

The strong-legged McManus, who had been in Giants camp this summer, made the

most of his opportunity after Prater was suspended the first four games for

violating the league's substance abuse policy. But the pressure's still on McManus

after he missed a long field goal, banged one through off the left upright and nearly

missed an extra point after the Broncos made their decision to keep him.

W2W4: Broncos vs. Jets

By Jeff Legwold

ESPN.com

October 11, 2014

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- In the world of off-the-field swirl, the Denver Broncos' trip to

MetLife Stadium has all of the cliché markings of the trap game.

The Broncos are 3-1, having faced four teams that won at least 10 games last

season, with three of those games having been at home. The New York Jets are 1-4

with head coach Rex Ryan having already played the I'll-get-fired card with his

players if the team doesn't win more games.

The Broncos are playing in the early time slot in the Eastern time zone, something

that has been an issue for this team in the past.

While having shown flashes of being an elite team, the Broncos have yet to play at

their best on all fronts for four consecutive quarters.

With that, some things to keep an eye on:

Another week, another record in sight for quarterback Peyton Manning. He sits at

503 career touchdown passes, five behind all-time leader Brett Favre. Manning

doesn't like talking about it much, but his teammates are certainly aware of the

impending milestone and want to be a part of it. The Jets have surrendered 12

passing touchdowns already this season and allowed their opponents to score

points on all 15 trips inside the 20-yard line this season, including 11 touchdowns.

The Broncos do throw when they get down close -- of Manning's 12 touchdown

passes this season, five have come from inside the opponents' 10-yard line.

To that end, in seven career games against defenses with Ryan as either the

opponent's defensive coordinator or head coach, Manning has thrown at least three

touchdown passes in three of those games and is 5-2 overall. Manning has thrown

an interception in just one of those seven games -- a two-interception day against

in an Indianapolis Colts win over theBaltimore Ravens in the AFC divisional round in

the 2006 season.

Jets quarterback Geno Smith's passer rating (69.3) is the lowest among

quarterbacks in the league who have completed at least 40 passes over the

season's first five weeks. And while that is not the end-all, be-all gauge of

effectiveness, especially for a quarterback who can run, it is clear Smith has

struggled on the job, and the Jets offense has been limited because that. That is

why the Jets figure to try to pound the ball at the Broncos in the run game to try to

put Smith in more favorable situations. "They'll run if you let them, they are pretty

good at it," Broncos defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio said. " ... It's a challenge for

us to make sure we don't let them do what they're most comfortable doing, which

is pounding people." That makes first down the battleground in this one. The Jets

come in averaging 4.47 yards per first-down play (29th in the league). If the

Broncos let them set the tempo in the run game, it will cause the Denver defense

problems they shouldn't have.

The flip side is the Jets' defense exited last weekend as the best in the league on

first down, the only unit allowing opposing offenses fewer than four yards per play

(3.92). However, the Jets have struggled mightily to slow teams down in plenty of

third-and-long situations, which is why they have allowed several long drives

already this season by opposing offenses. In their first five games, the Jets have

surrendered five touchdown drives of at least 90 yards, including three last Sunday

in a 31-0 loss to the San Diego Chargers. The Jets will certainly try to stifle an

already struggling Broncos run game to try to get favorable rush situations against

Manning. If the Broncos can keep to the "schedule" as Manning calls it with

production on first down, they'll move the ball on the Jets and keep Manning out of

harm's way.

The Jets, at least Smith anyway, had issues with a little thing called time zones last

week. Since Manning's arrival, the Broncos have not played in the early time slot on

Sunday all that often. Last season, the Broncos played just one game in the early

time slot -- a Week 16 win over the Houston Texans. Sunday's game is just one of

two the Broncos currently have scheduled in the early slot this season, with a Nov.

16 game in St. Louis being the other. The Broncos left Denver on Friday afternoon

to give themselves a little more time to adjust. That itinerary has worked for them.

With last season's win over the Texans, the Broncos are 5-0 in games in that early

time slot, 3-0 on games in the Eastern time zone with an 11 a.m. Mountain time

start.

Profanities still flying in NFL games

despite flags

By Lindsay H. Jones

USAToday.com

October 11, 2014

The number of flags thrown over the past season and a half show the NFL is

working harder to police on-field language by penalizing players heard to be using

racial slurs or other forms of abusive language, but players said they've noticed

little difference in the type of words they hear, or say, in the course of games.

"Not in our games. I don't think we've seen it called once for us, or against us,"

Seattle cornerback Richard Sherman said Wednesday. "I haven't noticed it. I have

seen guys get fined for it, and etcetera, and I have heard of guys getting called for

it, but I haven't seen what they've said."

Officials called 22 fouls for abusive language last season, double the total (11) from

2012. There have been seven such penalties this season.

Two of the flags in 2014 have come as the result of a player using a slur, said John

Wooten, chairman of the Fritz-Pollard Alliance, whose group pushed for the league

to penalize use of such language.

Among the players flagged for abusive language this year are San Francisco

quarterback Colin Kaepernick, in a Week 2 game against Chicago, and Tampa Bay

receiver Louis Murphy, last week against Tampa Bay.

The NFL opted this year not to create a special rule to ban racial or homophobic

slurs, but rather to emphasize existing unsportsmanlike conduct rules that prohibit

threatening language and promote sportsmanship.

"I think the teams, the coaches and players are more in tune to what you can say

and should say. The whole thing has to do with respect," Wooten told USA TODAY

Sports. "In other words, just because you're out there battling and fighting, that

doesn't mean that you are going go disrespect other players, an in turn, disrespect

yourself."

The NFL has also fined two players this season for obscenities not involving another

player, coach or official – $12,000 fines each for Cleveland Browns quarterback

Johnny Manziel, who was caught on camera making an obscene gesture during a

preseason game; and New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith, who cursed at a fan

after a Week 4 loss.

Green Bay Packers linebacker Julius Peppers said he hasn't noticed a difference in

how language is policed on the field.

"Different guys say things," Peppers said. "It gets heated out there, and guys say

things, but I think pretty much the referee – they don't hear a lot of it anyway. I

don't know if it's policed at all, really."

Seattle safety Kam Chancellor agreed that he hasn't noticed a change in the

language he's heard on the field in the course of Seattle's first four games, nor has

the rule emphasis changed the way he thinks about his own language.

But Chancellor brought up a concern: Can officials actually hear what's being said,

and how do they judge what is offensive or not?

"I don't know how they hear, guys have mouth pieces in. I mean, do they have a

recorder?" Chancellor told USA TODAY Sports. "There's too many rules, man. Too

many rules."

Dean Blandino, the league's vice president of officiating, said NFL officials went

through training in recent offseasons to distinguish what language is acceptable and

what is not. And Blandino said there isn't a specified list of words that will draw a

flag.

Context matters more than just the words themselves.

"Profanity isn't necessarily a foul. The game is emotional and there is going to be

conversation back and forth," Blandino told USA TODAY Sports. "Our officials are

very good at recognizing the difference between that conversation that happens

after every play, and the emotion of it, and sometimes that may include profanity,

versus when it is abusive and directed at the opponent."

Officials are trained, Blandino said, to observe "the entire act" and "hear the entire

conversation."

But what hasn't been clear so far when officials throw flags is when players have

used a slur compared to other profane language.

Kaepernick, for example, was fined $11,000 for his foul, though he repeatedly said

he did not say anything inappropriate. Bears defensive end Lamarr Houston told the

Chicago Tribune last month that Kaepernick cursed at him and used the n-word.

Blandino said all six of the inappropriate language fouls, including the one against

Kaepernick, made this year were reviewed, and each was determined to be a

correct call.

"We certainly will talk to the team, here's why the player was penalized. I don't

think we want to get into the business of getting word-for-word what was said,"

Blandino said. "It's the context – there isn't any special word that will automatically

result in a foul, it's the context in which those words are used. We kind of keep in in

a general sense – it was abusive language, it was directed at an opponent. There

isn't one special word that can be used that is an automatic penalty on the field."

Every team watched an officiating video during training camp summer that included

the abusive language emphasis, so every player should be aware of the rule. But

few said they've noticed a change in behavior – and some questioned it if was even

necessary.

"I haven't been hearing anything, to be honest. I know they have that new rule, but

I haven't heard anything during the game where guys were saying this or saying

that that was offensive to anybody," Eagles cornerback Bradley Fletcher said. "It's a

bunch of guys playing football. … Guys play with emotion and sometimes guys say

things they maybe normally wouldn't say. But it's just there is a rule with it now

and a penalty is put along with it as well. I know guys will probably shy away from

what they would normally say, but football is a game of emotion and things happen

and people say things they normally wouldn't say. I'll just say that."

Klee: NFL Psychology 101 as Broncos

return to MetLife Stadium

By Paul Klee

Colorado Springs Gazette

October 11, 2014

NEW YORK - The quarterback's arm strength is key, of course. The girth and

footwork of the left tackle must work in tandem. If the tailback envisions the

running lane before it opens, that's a bonus. Demaryius Thomas must catch the ball

first.

On the chase for a championship, details matter, the margin for error slimmer than

a Flacco fingernail. But there's another quality, one more difficult to quantify than

40 times, catch radius, even chemistry. On the Sunday the Denver Broncos return

to the scene of the Super Bowl crime, MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., this

merit once again increases in value: a selective memory.

"The best athletes are motivated to not repeat what happened," said Dr. Rob Bell, a

sports psychologist and author of the book, "The Hinge." "They will, eventually,

forget about the actual images. But the feeling should be fresh."

The images - confetti flickering onto the Seahawks, highlights replayed ad nauseam

on "SportsCenter" - still seem fresh, too. The feeling of their last visit to MetLife

Stadium remains akin to a kick in the manparts, or a nasty breakup.

"You never forget that," defensive tackle Terrance Knighton said, and while the

opponent Sunday is different, the location surely will summon flashbacks.

"It's not our first trip to the East Coast," coach John Fox said

Aside from a splash of green on the uniform, there's nothing about the New York

Jets that reminds of the Seahawks. Peyton Manning's Broncos should smash Geno

Smith's Jets like a muffin left in an overpacked carry-on.

But Sunday's game is more about the location than the opponent. The Super Bowl

still stings, doesn't it? The thought still hurts, perhaps because the result was so

unexpected. Nobody saw it coming. Now here are the Broncos again, sentenced to

the scene of the football crime, playing their third game at MetLife Stadium in 13

months. Elite athletes, Dr. Bell said, are able to move on.

"In this instance I think you'll see a highly motivated team, because of what

happened," Bell said. "The best performers find any small motivating factor for fuel.

In this case it's the memory of that game, since they're playing in the same arena."

The good doctor said certain athletes are blessed with an underrated characteristic:

a selective, short memory. On the basketball court, Allen Iverson is a classic

example of a short memory, confident the next shot will be better than the last,

Bell said. In golf, Rickie Fowler stands out. Yankees great Reggie Jackson is one for

baseball.

In hockey, it's the goalie.

"Patrick Roy is a classic example," Bell said. "His confidence in (stopping) the next

shot might be his greatest quality."

In baseball, it's often the closer.

"Think about a blown save," Bell said. "That's something you have to forget about

quickly (before the next outing)."

And on the football field? Surprising no one, it's a Manning. Surprising everyone,

it's Eli. Dr. Bell said the Giants quarterback has shown throughout his career that a

short memory is one of his great strengths. Eli Manning moves on, moves forward.

"I think it was before his second Super Bowl, he talked about he absolutely just lets

go of the last game or the last throw," Bell said.

In a strange way, the Broncos seemed to regain a mental edge in a narrow loss at

Seattle in Week 3. Their overtime defeat supported the idea the Super Bowl was an

aberration - at least in terms of its 43-8 severity.

There's nothing special about the actual site of the Super Bowl, and Sunday's

game. The clearest description of MetLife Stadium was uttered in the press box

during Denver's 41-23 win against the Giants in Week 2 last season: it's a parking

lot, next to a parking lot, next to a parking lot. The stadium, and its location, is

utterly blah.

If MetLife Stadium were a Crayon in a box, it would be gray, or a slight shade of

off-white, or the tint of worn-out, stained blue jeans. It is in New Jersey.

"Just another stadium," Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. said.

But the return is another step in what the Broncos hope is a road leading back to

the Super Bowl. Aside from Peyton Manning's offseason appearance on the "Late

Show with David Letterman", Sunday marks the first return to New York/New

Jersey for most of the Broncos.

"In order to have a short memory, you must be confident," Bell said.

"That's the basis of it: Are you confident enough in your abilities to believe that

won't happen again?"

Chargers owner Dean Spanos not interested

in L.A. getting NFL team

By Josh Katzowitz

CBSSports.com

October 11, 2014

The NFL reportedly believes at least one team could be relocated to Los Angeles in

the next 12-24 months -- Dodger Stadium could be in play as a temporary venue --

and it makes sense that candidates for a move would be the Raiders,

the Chargers or the Rams.

But it sounds like the Chargers don't much like the idea of L.A. getting a team at

all.

“Over the last 20 years, there hasn't been a team in the L.A. market. We have

reached out into that market and 25 to 30 percent of our business comes from the

L.A. [and] Orange County areas,” Chargers owner Dean Spanos told the Sports

Business Daily. “Putting a team in there right now, or two teams, would have a

huge impact on our business going forward. So we are trying to protect our

business in San Diego. … It would really be harmful to us.”

According to the SBD, this is the first time the Chargers have released information

about how much of their business comes from the L.A. market.

The fact that Spanos has now spoken means that a team trying to relocate to L.A.

could face opposition from a group of owners. Twenty-four of the 32 owners would

have to approve the move before it could happen.

“I have talked to owners about it, they understand. I know the commissioner does,”

Spanos said. “[I]f you put another team in there to help that team and you hurt

another team, what does that do? Right. If you put two teams in there, what will

that do?”

Well, to be fair, there once were three teams in southern California -- the Chargers

in San Diego and the Rams and Raiders in L.A. So, it's not like a team or two

moving a couple hours north of the Chargers would be unprecedented. Still, Spanos

clearly doesn't like the idea.

And it's still unclear whether a team actually will move, though the Raiders and the

Rams both would be free from their respective stadium leases after this season and

could pack up immediately. Oakland owner Mark Davis also has flirted with the city

of San Antonio, while St. Louis owner Stan Kroenke recently acquired 60 acres of

land in L.A.

The Chargers also could leave for L.A., but Spanos said the team is still trying to

work out a new stadium deal so they could stay in San Diego, where they've been

since 1961.

Peyton Manning still is driven

By Colin Stephenson

Newsday

October 11, 2014

As controversy continues to swirl around struggling Jets quarterback Geno Smith,

and calls for him to be benched continue to grow louder, the coach on the opposite

sideline for Sunday's game at MetLife Stadium can breathe easy that the

quarterback position is not a problem.

Broncos coach John Fox says he won't look over at Jets coach Rex Ryan and thank

his lucky stars that he doesn't have to rely on an inconsistent second-year

quarterback who cursed at a fan and showed up late to a team meeting.

"Well, I appreciate the guy I have, regardless," Fox said.

It's easy to say that when the guy you have is Peyton Manning. At 38, Manning is

playing as well as ever. He threw his 500th touchdown pass in last week's win over

Arizona and has totaled 12 touchdown passes and only three interceptions in four

games this season.

Manning has thrown 503 touchdown passes, five short of Brett Favre's record. With

the way he and the Broncos are playing -- combined with the struggles of the Jets'

cornerbacks this season -- there's at least an outside chance he could tie or break

the record Sunday.

Not that Manning is expecting an easy time against the Jets' secondary.

"To me, if you're in the NFL, you're a good football player," Manning said of the

Jets' defensive backs. "I've played with guys that had a first-time start, or have

elevated a guy off the practice squad that week, and the guy went out and played

well. There's all NFL players out there on the field. So no matter who you're playing

against -- a guy that's third-team on the depth chart or coming off the practice

squad -- they're still in the NFL for a reason. You've still got to go out and execute

and do your job."

Doing your job is what Manning, in his 17th NFL season, is all about.

Former Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker, who signed with the Jets as a free agent

during the offseason, described Manning as a player-coach who would watch game

video with coaches and install plays that he thought would work.

"He's kind of, as advertised," Fox said of Manning. "I mean the guy works at it. On

Tuesday, (the NFL mandated players') day off, he's up here meeting with the

coaches, and getting the game plan early. He might be the best time management

guy I've ever been around, and it's like anything: you get out of it what you put

into it, and he puts a lot into it."

"He's the best I've ever seen at preparation," Ryan said of Manning. "The

preparation's unbelievable. The skillset's great, and the fact that he can -- I don't

care what the play is that comes in the huddle, he's going to change it to what he

thinks is the best play - so he's smart. The challenging thing, you're going against,

gosh, Bobby Fischer, I guess, as far as a chess game's concerned, or something.''

It's that attention to detail that makes Manning so great to work with as a receiver,

Decker said.

"The guy doesn't get lackadaisical with anything he does, from the film room to the

weight room, to walk-throughs, to on the field -- everything is done with a

purpose," Decker said. "Every motion he does is again for a purpose to have

success on Sundays."

But Manning doesn't hold only himself to a high standard; he demands that his

teammates work as hard as he does and execute on the same level he is on.

When he's going through all those pre-snap adjustments and calling the play at the

line of scrimmage, the receivers, and everybody else, had better be on the same

page with him.

"If you don't know what you're doing, you're not going to be on the field with him,"

Decker said. "You stay on your toes, you stay ready for whether it's a check,

whether it's a dummy call; you gotta know what he's doing if you want to be on the

field and play."

Jets facing Peyton Manning, Broncos with

shaky offense and inconsistent defense

By Kimberley Martin

Newsday

October 11, 2014

Marty Mornhinweg's formula for fixing the Jets' offense is simple, yet troubling at

the same time.

"We've got to block better, we've got to run better, we've got to pass the ball

better, we've got to catch the ball better. It's that simple," the offensive coordinator

said.

It's no surprise that the Jets, losers of four straight games, have the 27th-ranked

offense. But Rex Ryan's team -- which has been outscored 127-79 this season --

somehow will have to figure out how to put up points Sunday against the high-

powered Denver Broncos (3-1).

Peyton Manning's offense is everything Mornhinweg's is not -- fluid, efficient and

explosive. The Broncos are third in passing yards per game (317); the Jets are

dead last (184). Meanwhile, the Broncos are 15th in third-down efficiency (42.6

percent) and No. 1 in red-zone scoring (76.9 percent).

Of all the weeks for Ryan's inconsistent defense to face a future Hall of Fame

quarterback, this might be the worst.

"That's an embarrassment," Ryan said after his defense surrendered 306 total

yards in the first half of an eventual 31-0 beatdown in San Diego last Sunday.

Ryan playfully solicited suggestions from reporters on how to stop Manning, but he

knows the key is getting the Super Bowl champion off the field on third down. If the

Jets don't, "it could get ugly," Ryan said.

He likened Sunday's game to a chess match, pitting himself (a defensive guru)

against Manning (a Super Bowl champion and one of the best offensive minds in

football). Ryan took the analogy a step further, characterizing Manning as chess

prodigy Bobby Fischer. "I'll try to find a way to knock some of those pieces off,

steal them off," he joked.

Jets fans have seen Ryan pull off the improbable before, but the current crop of

players doesn't appear capable of toppling Goliath this time.

Even worse: The Jets are at half-strength at key positions. Receiver Eric Decker

(hamstring) is listed as questionable for the fourth straight week. Fellow wideout

David Nelson (ankle) also is questionable, along with veteran linebacker David

Harris (shoulder) and cornerback Darrin Walls (knee).

Meanwhile, the Jets will try to counter Manning's prolific passing attack with

second-year quarterback Geno Smith, who has commanded the spotlight in recent

weeks not for on-field excellence but because of his off-the-field behavior.

Smith lost his cool at MetLife Stadium and cursed at a heckling fan after the Jets'

Week 4 loss to the Bears. A few days later, he bristled at the suggestion that his

backup, Michael Vick, should play an entire quarter. And then, after the Jets' arrival

in San Diego, Smith missed a team meeting because he was "mixed up" over the

three-hour time-zone difference.

If Smith were playing well, perhaps those transgressions would be ignored by fans.

But he's not. Among eligible quarterbacks, only Minnesota's Matt Cassel (65.8) has

a lower quarterback rating than Smith (69.3), who was yanked at halftime against

the Chargers after posting a 7.6 rating.

"He's under a microscope -- magnified times 10," defensive tackle Sheldon

Richardson said with a shrug. "It's New York."

On Sunday, Smith will return to MetLife Stadium, where his hometown fans chanted

for Vick to replace him two weeks ago. The question is: Will Smith come through in

a pressure-packed situation?

"Knowing that we have a great offense and a great quarterback like Peyton coming

in, the sense of urgency -- especially in the red zone, where we struggled -- has to

be heightened," Smith said. "It's something that I believe will happen as long as we

stay focused and we lock in and do the things that we are supposed to."

Eric Decker, Demaryius Thomas share

friendship that crosses team and racial

boundaries

By Kimberley Martin

Newsday

October 11, 2014

Business is business. But brotherhood is forever.

That's why Eric Decker and the Broncos' Demaryius Thomas haven't given up hope

of playing together again.

"We always joke that we'll partner up again on the same team," Decker, the Jets'

No. 1 receiver, told Newsday.

And if all goes according to his plan, Thomas -- who is scheduled to become a free

agent in 2015 -- will join him with the Jets.

"I'm always trying to recruit him here," Decker said, smiling.

As he sat in an empty fieldhouse at the Jets' practice facility Thursday afternoon,

Decker opened up about the bond he shares with Thomas, a former Broncos

teammate who he said quickly became his "brother."

Long before Decker ditched burnt orange for Jets green, he and Thomas, 26, had

made a pact to become the biggest receiving tandem in Denver since Super Bowl

champions Rod Smith and Ed McCaffrey. And before Decker, 27, became a husband

to country-pop star Jessie James Decker in 2013 and a doting father to 7-month-

old Vivianne Rose, he and Thomas were inseparable.

Now the pair -- separated by more than 1,700 miles -- settle for texting at least

once a week. But their correspondence picked up a bit with the Broncos preparing

to play the Jets Sunday at MetLife Stadium

"He's hounding me for tickets," Decker said half-jokingly.

The best friends, who just happen to be NFL stars, already had made plans to

spend time together before the game.

Said Decker: "Uncle DT's got to see Little Vivi."

Brother from another mother

On the surface, the 6-3 receivers don't appear to have much in common. But

Decker, the All-American kid from the nearly all-white town of Cold Spring,

Minnesota, and Thomas, a native of Montrose, Georgia, a rural community made up

mostly of dirt roads, share small-town roots and values.

"I just love Decker because he was always the same 'Deck.' He never changed,"

Thomas said by phone Thursday afternoon from the Broncos' team facility in

Englewood, Colorado.

Both are quiet by nature, but they found comfort in the fact that they could trust

one another and keep each other laughing.

Though Decker's parents divorced when he was a kid, they made a point to attend

his games. But Thomas' upbringing was far less stable. His father, Bobby, served in

the Army for much of his childhood and his mother and grandmother have been

incarcerated on drug-trafficking charges for half of his life.

Thomas has said the two women -- who were arrested during a police raid of their

Georgia home when Thomas was 11 years old-- have never seen him play football

in person. Instead, they have watched his games from inside a federal prison since

2000.

"He's a good soul," Decker said of Thomas, who eventually moved in with his aunt.

"He's a guy who really has been through a lot and is a natural role model based on

where he is today. He's just a humble dude -- and I think that's probably the

coolest thing. A guy that is probably one of the best receivers in the league can just

be a normal guy and is good with kids, good with people, and, obviously, deserves

everything he has."

Their shared circumstances -- star athletes who signed with the same agent (Todd

France), suffered pre-draft injuries and were selected by the Broncos in 2010 --

only solidified their bond.

"And then I moved in with him," Decker, the 87th overall pick, said with a laugh.

"And from that point, our relationship just grew fast and it became like a

brotherhood, for sure."

Thomas, a former Georgia Tech product with a thick Southern accent, was happy to

share the Denver home he purchased after being drafted 22nd overall. The two

continued to train together every offseason and took trips and played golf together.

Race was never an issue. But Thomas laughed when he considered the possibility

that he might have been the first close black friend Decker ever had.

"All the guys I've met that he went to college with are not [black]," Thomas said.

"When I was hanging out with them all the time, I was the only one. And I was fine

with it."

Years later, Thomas was a groomsman in Decker's wedding.

"He's definitely my brother from another mother," Decker said.

That's why playing on different teams feels so odd.

Said Thomas: "I'm used to seeing him every day. But we're still close. Of course I

miss him. We were together for four years, and now that he's gone, it's a little

different."

Salt and Pepper

In Thomas, Decker saw someone he wanted to spend his entire career with. And

before long, the two rookies were determined to be the next Smith and McCaffrey -

- dual-threat receivers who would bring another Lombardi Trophy to Denver.

Soon they devised the nickname "Salt and Pepper." Eventually, that moniker gave

way to "Black and Decker" -- another play on words and their distinctive racial

differences. But their end goal was always the same.

"Me and Decker always talked about being the next two best wide receivers to

come through Denver,'' Thomas said. "And we were on the verge of doing that."

With Peyton Manning as their quarterback in 2012, the pair of pass-catchers totaled

179 receptions, 2,498 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns. Between them, they had

179 catches, 2,718 receiving yards and 25 TDs in the 2013 regular season.

And then the Broncos ran into a buzzsaw -- the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl

XLVIII.

"It didn't end right," Thomas said, referring to their 43-8 loss on the NFL's biggest

stage.

Although Thomas wanted what was best for his buddy, he selfishly wanted Decker

to stay, but both friends knew the free agent's run in Denver was over. Decker

said, "I kind of assumed I wasn't going to be back,'' and the Broncos backed that

up by not trying very hard to keep him.

"There are only a few teams, in my situation, that really came after me and really

desired me to be in their organization. . . . And the Jets were the first team to really

show me that," said Decker, who signed a five-year, $36.25-million free-agent deal

in March.

While the Broncos (3-1) are cruising, Decker is focused on getting his new team,

which is 1-4, back on track and his sore right hamstring ready for game day.

Thomas, meanwhile, is coming off his best performance of the season: eight

catches and a franchise-record 226 receiving yards and two touchdowns against the

Cardinals. He was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week.

"Friendship is before the first whistle and after the ballgame is done," Decker said

of facing Thomas' team on Sunday. "In between the lines, it's all about winning."

The Broncos' No. 1 receiver agrees.

"I'm fine with him doing well on Sunday -- as long as my team wins," Thomas said.

But both friends still cling to the idea of reuniting one day.

Business is business. But brotherhood is forever.

"There's some years down the road," Decker said, smiling again. "You can't say

never."

"Yeah, we talked about it," Thomas said with a chuckle. "It wouldn't be bad at all.

To start and then retire together, or however it ends, that'll be a good story to tell

our kids."

Jets are the biggest underdogs of

Week Six

By Mike Wilkening

ProFootballTalk/NBCSports.com

October 11, 2014

If the 1-4 Jets knock off the Broncos on Sunday at MetLife Stadium, it could very

well be the biggest upset of the week.

In fact, it could be the biggest upset of the year.

The Jets are currently 9.5-point home underdogs against visiting Denver (3-1). No

team is presently a bigger underdog in Week Six, though Dallas is in the picture,

too. The Cowboys are eight-point underdogs at Seattle on Sunday afternoon.

According to point spread database Spreadapedia, underdogs of nine points or

more are winless in seven tries this season. The last underdogs of nine-plus points

to win outright were the Cardinals (+9.5) and Giants (+9.5), with Arizona winning

at Seattle and New York triumphing at Detroit last December.

This is is the ninth time the Jets have been underdogs of nine points or more under

coach Rex Ryan, per Spreadapedia. And the Jets have been competitive in this role,

posting a 6-1-1 mark against the point spread and winning outright three times.

Only twice have the Jets lost by double digits as an underdog of nine-plus points

under Ryan.

Two of the Jets’ biggest upsets were in the postseason, with the Jets winning at San

Diego (-9) in the 2009 division round and at New England (-9.5) in the 2010

divisional playoffs. The other outright upset was at Atlanta (-10) last season.

So there is precedent for the Jets pushing a big favorite and even pulling the

stunner. And if ever there was a time the Jets needed to rediscover that magic, it’s

Sunday at the Meadowlands.

Broncos-Jets: Three Keys

By Andrew Mason

denverbroncos.com

October 12, 2014

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- In the first half of the 2014 season, Sunday's clash with

the New York Jets is the only game the Broncos have against a team that did not

post a winning record last year.

But to take the Jets lightly is to make an error that could be fatal. Last year, they

went 6-2 at home, with wins over the New England Patriots and the New Orleans

Saints, two of the three strongest teams on their schedule last year.

In the last two years, the Jets have been outscored by five points at home -- and

140 points on the road. That's a per-game difference of minus-13.55 points

between home and road -- well greater than the Broncos' 8.33-point differential

between home (plus-15.55) and road (plus-7.22). Only the Saints and Bengals

have a greater home/road disparity than the Jets the last two seasons. (The league

average is plus-6.46 points.)

"There’s a big difference going on the road than playing at home," said

quarterbackPeyton Manning, "and this (MetLife Stadium) is a tough place to play."

1. NEUTRALIZE THE PASS RUSH.

The Jets get outstanding interior pressure with 3-4 defensive lineman Muhammad

Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson, who have three sacks apiece and a combined

31 quarterback hits through five games. Their challenge will be stiff against the

quick-to-deliver Manning, but on the occasions where Manning holds the football a

bit longer for a late-opening receiver downfield, Denver's offensive line must keep

Wilkerson and Richardson from being their usual disruptive selves.

2. STIFLE THE JETS' RUNNING GAME.

This incorporates containing running backs Chris Ivory and Chris Johnson and

quarterback Geno Smith, who has gained first downs on nine of his 22 non-

kneeldown runs this year. Denver might have to keep a spy on Smith to contain

him, and must watch for end-arounds and option plays from an offense that seems

certain to throw every gambit possible at the Broncos' defense.

The Jets want to use their ground game to dictate the pace and limit Denver's

possessions, so neutralizing it and getting the ball back to Manning will be crucial.

3. AVOID SELF-INFLICTED WOUNDS.

In Week 2, the Packers gave the Jets a lifeline on the first play when Aaron Rodgers

fumbled a snap, setting up a Smith touchdown run five plays later. With the

confidence that came with taking a 7-0 lead 1:59 into the game, the Jets soared to

a 21-3 lead before the homesteading Packers rallied for a 31-24 win.

In MetLife Stadium, a similar slow start for a Jets foe might not yield the same

result, and their strongest home wins last year illustrate how New York can pounce

on errors.

Against the Patriots, New York safety Antonio Allen intercepted a Tom Brady pass

and returned it 23 yards for a touchdown; against the Saints, two interceptions of

Drew Brees led to 10 points that were the difference in a 26-20 Jets win.

The Jets defense generates pressure to force mistakes. It will be crucial for the

Broncos to instead take what the Jets concede, rather than forcing it. Forcing

Denver mistakes could represent the Jets' best chance to snap their four-game

losing streak, and the Broncos must be on guard to not give them any extra

opportunities.