ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — By sitting Russell Wilson, Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett demonstrated he's in charge of the team. He also proved he's at fault for Denver's odious offense.

The Broncos are 2-5 despite holding opponents to fewer than 16.4 points per game. They're the first team in NFL history with a losing record while allowing fewer than 17 points a game through Week 7.

In what may prove the best decision of his rocky rookie season in Denver, Hackett held out his $245 million quarterback against his wishes because of a strained hamstring.

Wilson wore a smile and a headset on the sideline Sunday in support of Brett Rypien, who made his second career start.

Hackett? He was dialing up a whopping 46 passes for his backup QB in a one-score game.

The result was another close loss, a 16-9 gut-wrencher to the New York Jets that once again had fuming fans streaming to the exits in the closing minutes. This time it happened with the Broncos taking over at their 25-yard line and down seven with 4 1/2 minutes left. The Broncos have now

lost by 1, 9, 3, 3 and 7 points.

"I'm just sick of being right there," defensive lineman Mike Purcell said. "We keep saying, 'You know, we're right there, it's gonna turn around, it's gonna turn around.' But to be honest, (forget) that. We've gotta turn it around. I feel people are just waiting for it to turn around."