Broncos survive grueling London showdown as defense carries them past the Jets
The Denver Broncos edged out a 13-11 victory over the New York Jets in a defensive slog Sunday at Wembley Stadium, a result that underscored how the Broncos won despite a stalled offensive showing. The win improves Denver to 4-2 and keeps them in the thick of the early-season playoff chase while leaving the Jets still searching for answers on offense.
New York piled up 82 total yards and failed to find the end zone, with quarterback Justin Fields completing 9 of 17 passes for 45 yards. The Jets’ ground game and aerial attempt were regularly bottled up by a relentless Broncos pass rush and disciplined coverage, highlighting a game plan that emphasized field position and pressure over big-volume production. The result was a low-scoring, tight contest that felt decided by inches and a handful of crucial plays rather than any single explosive sequence.
First-quarter spark and a rough middle frame for Bo Nix
Denver quarterback Bo Nix answered early with a touchdown pass on the final play of the first quarter, giving the Broncos a 7-0 edge. After that, though, Denver’s offense stalled for long stretches. The Broncos did not score again through the second and most of the third quarter, leaving fans wary of a potential swing game in the birthplaces of NFL lore across the pond.
Nix showed late-season potential by slotting together a key late drive that produced Wil Lutz’s go-ahead field goal in the fourth quarter, lifting Denver to the lead they wouldn’t relinquish. However, the quarterback’s day consisted of uneven stretches, including a third-quarter drought in which no Broncos completions were recorded and a crucial holding penalty in the end zone that allowed the Jets to briefly reclaim the edge late in the score.
Defensive duel, and a memorable finish
The Broncos’ defense did the heavy lifting, repeatedly stifling a Jets offense that looked out of rhythm and outmatched on the scoreboard. Denver sacked Fields nine times, a testament to the relentless pressure that forced mistakes and forced the Jets into obvious, unfavorable situations on third downs. The Broncos also battened down the hatches late, with a critical sack by Justin Strnad on third down and another on fourth down sealing the victory while backing the Jets into a near-impossible position with time dwindling.
New York’s final push came up short after electing to go for a 62-yard field goal that wasn’t within reach, choosing instead to run a play in hope of a longer setup. The Jets’ decision did not pay off, and the Broncos sealed the win with a defensive series that kept the opponent from advancing past midfield in the closing minutes.
Looking ahead: Denver vs. New York and the calendar forward
With this London win in the books, the Broncos now turn their attention to a Week 7 matchup back home against the New York Giants. The coach’s staff will want to translate the defensive consistency into more productive offensive outings, finding a more reliable rhythm for Bo Nix and company without sacrificing the unit balance that carried them to this victory.
For the Jets, the result adds to questions surrounding head coach Aaron Glenn’s approach as he tries to turn a limited offensive output into victories. Their next game comes at home against the Carolina Panthers, a critical spot in a season that has not yet yielded the hoped-for breakthrough. If New York can fine-tune the passing game and protect the pocket more effectively, there remains a path to contention. Until then, players and fans alike will be left with the image of a hard-nosed defensive performance and a one-score loss that could have gone either way with a few different breaks.
Bottom line: the Broncos’ defense carried the day in London, and Denver will need more of the same as they navigate a tricky portion of the schedule. The Jets showed resilience but couldn’t capitalize on red-zone opportunities or convert enough drives into points. The season’s narrative on both sides remains in flux as teams return to their regular-season homes and continue to chase continuity and consistency.
