Cutler, Hillis Lead Way As Broncos Upend Jets

Peyton Hillis breaks free during his 129-yard, one-touchdown game for the Broncos. The Jets' third-ranked run defense had not allowed a 100-yard rusher all season until Hillis helped end their five-game winning streak. (By Jim Mcisaac -- Getty Images)

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Associated Press
Monday, December 1, 2008; Page E08

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., Nov. 30 -- Jay Cutler and the Denver Broncos stopped the surging New York Jets and showed they might also be a team to reckon with in the AFC.

Cutler passed for 357 yards and two touchdowns, and rookie Peyton Hillis ran for 129 yards and a score in the Broncos' 34-17 victory over the Jets at a wet and windy Meadowlands on Sunday.

Cutler completed 27 of 43 passes as the Broncos (7-5) washed away the sting of a 31-10 loss to Oakland at home last weekend by stopping the Jets' five-game winning streak. Denver leads the AFC West by three games with four weeks left.

"He embraced throwing in the rain," Denver Coach Mike Shanahan said. "He likes it."

Hillis became the first to rush for 100 or more yards against the Jets' third-ranked run defense. Brandon Stokley and Eddie Royal each had touchdown catches, and tight ends Tony Scheffler and Daniel Graham combined for 13 catches and 149 yards.

Thomas Jones had 138 yards rushing and two touchdowns for New York (8-4), but Brett Favre struggled in the sloppy conditions. He finished 23 of 43 for 247 yards with an interception.

Safety Vernon Fox gave the Broncos an early lead when he returned a fumble 23 yards for a touchdown on a controversial play midway through the opening quarter.

Wide receiver Brad Smith took a direct snap and tried to hand off to Jerricho Cotchery, but the ball squirted away. Cotchery jumped on top of the bouncing ball and immediately was hit by Fox. The ball then came loose and Fox picked it up and returned it for a touchdown.

Jets Coach Eric Mangini threw out the red challenge flag, but the officials ruled Cotchery had never gained possession so it was still a fumble, and not a reviewable play.