Thursday, September 30 Baxter Bits: Jets vs. Broncos By Russell S. Baxter Special to ESPN.com |
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The Jets head to Mile High Stadium for the second straight year looking to end their recent losing ways in this original AFL series. The Broncos own a 14-12-1 overall edge (including playoffs) in the standings and have prevailed in five of the last seven meetings dating back to 1980, including a 23-10 triumph in the 1998 AFC Championship Game at Mile High Stadium in the latest clash between these clubs. Including playoffs, the Jets have lost four straight and are 6-9 lifetime at Denver dating back to 1960, their last regular-season visit to Denver resulting in a 31-6 loss on opening day of 1996. The Jets last win at Mile High Stadium came 21 years ago, a 31-28 victory in 1978. Numbers:Including playoffs, the Jets have allowed just 176 points in 13 wins (17 or fewer points in 10 of those contests) while giving up 211 points in 8 losses in their last 21 games dating back to '98. The Jets have committed just 16 turnovers in 13 wins, 23 turnovers in 8 losses dating back to '98, including playoffs. Including playoffs (1997-98), the Broncos totaled more rushing attempts than their opponents in 34-of-39 games, and owned a 32-2 record in those 34 contests. In the five games in which Denver's opponent totaled more rushing attempts, the Broncos were 1-4. In three games in '99, the Broncos' opponents have totaled more rushing attempts in each contest, Denver owning an 0-3 record in those 3 games. In five NFL seasons (64 regular-season games) from 1995-99, Broncos RB Terrell Davis has rushed for 6,606 yards (103.2 YPG) and 57 touchdowns. Things To Look For: While some probably though the Jets and Broncos could enter this playoff rematch with perfect records, no one could have dreamed that the zeros would have been in the victory column for both teams. Bill Parcells has seen his team lose three games in different ways, while the Denver defense can't get off the field, meaning Broncos' All-World RB Terrell Davis has been primarily a spectator to date. Etc.: The Jets are 0-3 for the first time since 1996, while the Broncos are 0-3 for the first time since 1994 and just the third time in the last 32 years (1968-99). The Broncos have lost three straight games and are 1-5 in their last 6 regular-season contests dating back to '98. |
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