Broncos top winless Jets 37-28 for first victory of season
On third-and-6 and the Jets leading by one, Quinnen Williams sacked Brett Rypien — but grabbed the quarterback’s helmet and prolonged the drive. Brian Poole then intercepted Rypien, making his first NFL start, on the Broncos’ next possession, giving the Jets the ball at Denver’s 44. Darnold gave the Jets their first lead of the season with a dazzling run that would make running back teammates Frank Gore and Le'Veon Bell proud. Darnold was able to come back early in the second quarter on the Jets' next series — and was promptly sacked again. The Jets took advantage — eventually.
Jets QB Darnold leaves game after hard sack, then returns
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold left against Denver late in the first quarter Thursday night after a hard sack by linebacker Alexander Johnson, and soon returned to the game. On a first down, Darnold tried to avoid the rush and was slammed to the ground by Johnson — who had missed an attempted sack earlier and saw Darnold escape for a 46-yard touchdown run. Veteran Joe Flacco, in his first game as New York's backup, took over, but Darnold came back early in the second period. Darnold has missed games in his first two NFL seasons with a foot injury and mononucleosis. He looked to be severely hurt, but came back for the end of the next series, taking another sack.