Broncos at Jets: 3 takeaways from Denver's 10-9 win

The Broncos defeated the Jets, 10-9, on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in Week 4 of the NFL season.

Here are three takeaways from the road win:

Rain, rain, go away

It was an ugly game, especially in the first half, with rainy conditions in East Rutherford, N.J. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix struggled — opting not to wear gloves — with disastrous statistics after two quarters: 7 of 15 passing for negative 7 yards. He didn’t complete a pass of more than 2 yards. The offense went 0 for 7 on third down and averaged just 1.8 yards per play. Denver punted six times. Running back Tyler Badie lost a fumble and left the game with a back injury. The Broncos trailed 6-0 at halftime in one of their ugliest starts in recent memory.

Second half surge

The rain relented in the third quarter and Nix came to life. He threw his first NFL passing touchdown — an 8-yard dart to wide receiver Courtland Sutton in the back of the end zone — to conclude an 11-play, 87-yard drive to take the lead. Nix stretched the field vertically, too, with completions of 23 and 29 yards to Sutton. Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin found running back traction and finished with a combined 123 yards on the ground. But give Nix plenty of credit. He showed poise beyond his years in overcoming a miserable first half.

Defense sharp (again)

The Broncos are making a case for having one of the NFL’s most feared defenses. Outside linebacker Justin Strnad recorded a sack on the first Jets offensive snap. Two plays later, safety Brandon Jones forced a fumble recovered by cornerback Riley Moss. Denver held New York without a touchdown. QB Aaron Rodgers led a potential game-winning drive, trailing 10-9, with 1:27 left in regulation. But Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein missed a 50-yard field goal that sealed a Broncos victory. Their defense combined for five sacks. Denver (2-2) is now riding a two-game winning streak.