Schlereth: Mixing things up on defense key to Broncos win vs. Jets

The Denver Broncos, looking to end a two-game skid, head into the Meadowlands to take on a beleaguered New York Jets who sit at 1-3 through four games.

On Friday, “Schlereth and Evans” co-host Mark Schlereth gave his keys for the Broncos to end its losing streak and come away with a win over the Jets:

Broncos must mix things up defensively

Schlereth said the Broncos need to take advantage of Jets rookie quarterback Sam Darnold, who makes his fifth career start against Denver, by mixing things up defensively.

“Defensively, you have got to mix it up, especially on first down. You’re playing against a rookie quarterback, you have got to give that guy a ton of eye candy,” Schlereth said. “Make his eyes look all over the football field. Make sure that he’s confused mental.”

If the Broncos can show a lot of different looks to Darnold — bring pressure, play coverage, rush three and five guys — Denver can come away with a win on the defensive side of the ball alone, said Schlereth.

“You have constantly got to mix up your looks. Von Miller has to come to the forefront. He’s got to make plays. He’s got to hit the quarterback. As does Bradley Chubb,” Schlereth said.

Denver needs big plays offensively

The Broncos must have a game plan for defensive tackle Leonard Williams, Schlereth said, along with giving left tackle Garret Bolles some protection because the “left tackle has been a weakness.”

Quarterback Case Keenum, Schlereth said, needs to slow down his feet, make accurate throws and “make them on a consistent basis.”

“We need some big plays on the offensive side of the ball. That’s how you’re going to get this thing done. And if you do that, you’re going to come away with a win,” Schlereth said.

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.