For once, it looks like Thursday night football got lucky. It’s not 49ers-Packers, but the Broncos and Jets are two very polarizing and entertaining teams to watch. Here’s what you should watch for on Thursday night:
1. Whether or not Willis McGahee plays
The Broncos were able to thrash the Chiefs on the ground with Lance Ball, something that was quite unexpected but I don’t think there’s any question that the offense stalled a bit when Knowshon Moreno and Willis McGahee both left with injuries. McGahee was cleared to play on Sunday, but was kept out for fear of aggravating the injury. McGahee has been limited in practice this week, and is questionable to play but will be a game-time decision.
This is a huge decision for the Broncos, because this is a potentially must-win game within the conference against another playoff contender, and if the Broncos are going to continue to win games, they will need McGahee.
2. The Option
Option, zone read–whatever the Broncos choose to run, it seems to be working. Tim Tebow is clearly comfortable in this offense, and over the last five weeks, no team in the NFL has run for more yards than the Denver Broncos. That isn’t good news for the 15th ranked rush defense in the NFL, and a team who had essentially one day to plan for the Broncos and an offense they have never played against.
3. No Bronco Killer
LaDainian Tomlinson has been an absolute nightmare for the Denver Broncos throughout the years, but he will not be in uniform on Thursday night because of a knee injury. It will be interesting to see if his spirit is still on the field for this game, because the guy has an incredibly powerful effect on the Denver Broncos, for whatever reason. Denver is never good against him, but they don’t have to face him tonight.
4. Can Mark Sanchez survive the pass rush of Von Doom?
Von Miller is going to be in Hawaii for the Pro Bowl this year, and if he’s not, I will riot. The rookie pass rusher has been phenomenal and Dennis Allen has found a multitude of ways to get him into one-on-one matchups with offensive linemen to rush the quarterback. Not only that, but Elvis Dumervil is finally fully healthy and showing people why he is such a feared pass rusher. The Broncos’ defense has played really well the last couple of weeks, so it will be interesting to see if they can continue that momentum against the Jets.
5. Tim Tebow
Because he’s darn fun to watch, regardless of what you think of him.