Broncos O-Line is Vulnerable to Jets' Biggest Defensive Threat

The New York Jets have a talented defense, and they'll be the toughest matchup for the Denver Broncos offense so far this season. The Jets have capable pass rushers and a good coverage unit that does well to bait throws and take the ball away.

While the Jets allow a lot of yards, they are 14th in points allowed per game, with all of the Broncos' previous opponents in the bottom 10. The Jets are top 16 in pass yards allowed per game, which isn't great, but they supplement that with five interceptions, tied for fourth-most in the NFL.

The Jets' weakness is against the run, where they rank in the bottom 10. New York boasts an aggressive defense, and it's willing to allow rush yards. That's become the philosophy of many defensive coaches around the NFL.

With how much talent the Jets have on defense, I had many different options when it came to isolating the biggest threat to the Broncos, but one player stood out above the rest. That would be interior defensive lineman Quinnen Williams.

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Williams is one of 21 interior defensive linemen to play at least 180 snaps in the NFL. Of those defensive linemen, Williams ranks second in total QB pressures behind Aaron Donald, but he's yet to pick up a sack this season. Don't let that fool you; Williams is a dominant force for the Jets' defense.

The reason Williams stands out as Denver's biggest threat is because of how inconsistent the Broncos have been on the interior. Left guard Ben Powers has done well, mainly as a run defender, but has struggled with pass rushers on the interior. Williams lines up facing off with the left guard for most of his snaps, but he does move around some.

Right guard Quinn Meinerz has been an issue over the past three games, especially as a run blocker. He's struggled with defenders crossing his face and attacking the gap with burst and quickness, which Williams does well.

Not helping matters is how Lloyd Cushenberry III has always had issues with his awareness and passing off blocks. Throwing a lot of stunts and twists at the Broncos' interior could make Williams an even bigger threat.

There is familiarity here, as Williams and the Jets have faced off in the previous three seasons, where he's picked up 12 pressures and 1.5 sacks in those three games but has caused much more havoc than the stats show. The Jets have some talent attacking the quarterback from the edge position, and Williams prevents the quarterback from stepping up.

Denver has to handle Williams because even if he doesn't statistically take over the game, he helps others take over the game.

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