DENVER — The Jets’ top offensive player last night was … Matt Slauson?
The guard scored the Jets’ only touchdown of the game, recovering a Bilal Powell fumble at the 1 and diving into the end zone to put the Jets up 10-3 in the third quarter.
“In the future I’d like my touchdown to mean something in a win,” Slauson said after the Jets’ 17-13 loss to the Broncos last night.
Slauson became the first Jets offensive lineman to score a touchdown on a fumble recovery since guard Randy Rasmussen recovered a fumble from running back Cliff McClain in the end zone in the 1972 home opener against the Dolphins on Oct. 8 at Shea Stadium.
* Quarterback Mark Sanchez took a huge hit from Von Miller last night and was slow to get up in the second half. He went to the sideline and looked like he was trying to get his throwing arm loose. He did not miss any time.
“I’m fine,” he said. “I took a big hit, but it’s not a big deal.”
Sanchez was sacked three times after getting sacked five times Sunday by the Patriots.
* The Jets have been down this road before when it comes to playoff hopes being dim. In Rex Ryan’s first year, they had a three-game losing streak late in the year. Last season, they lost 45-3 to the Patriots in December and then lost to the Dolphins at home the following week.
“We’re digging ourselves a hole, that’s for sure,” Sanchez said. “We’re not making things easy on ourselves. If anybody knows how to do it, we know how to come back and take the hard road to the playoffs.
* With Jeremy Kerley out with an injured knee, Jim Leonhard returned punts for the Jets. He had three returns for 35 yards. … After having a short week, the Jets now get nine days to figure out how to fix things before playing the Bills. … WR Plaxico Burress said, “We’ve got to get better,” and then walked out of the locker room without taking questions. Linebackers Calvin Pace and Bart Scott also refused to talk to the media after the loss.
