Game recap: Broncos survive a defensive slugfest in London
The Denver Broncos escaped Wembley Stadium with a 13-11 victory over the New York Jets, a result built on defense and timely plays rather than an explosive offensive performance. The win improves Denver to 4-2 as they prepare for a Week 7 showdown back in the United States against their MetLife Stadium co-tenants, the New York Giants.
New York entered the game with questions about their quarterback situation and offensive rhythm, and those concerns only intensified as the Jets managed just 82 total yards. Jets quarterback Justin Fields completed 9 of 17 passes for 45 yards and was repeatedly pressured, absorbing nine sacks in the loss. Denver’s defense harassed Fields throughout the afternoon, creating a gritty, low-scoring contest that favored the Broncos’ ability to bend but not break.
Key moments that defined the outcome
Denver’s offense found sporadic rhythm, with Bo Nix delivering a touchdown on the final play of the first quarter. After that score, however, the Broncos stalled for two quarters, failing to reach the end zone again and watching the Jets briefly seize the lead earlier in the game due to a holding call in the end zone on guard Quinn Meinerz that shifted field position and momentum to New York. The Jets briefly led 11-10 in the third quarter before Denver mounted a late response.
The fourth-quarter push and the decisive drives
In the fourth quarter, Nix and the Broncos finally found a sustained drive that culminated in Wil Lutz’s go-ahead field goal. The Jets appeared to regain some momentum, moving into Denver territory on a late possession, but a trio of sacks—one by Broncos defender Justin Strnad on a pivotal third down—pushed New York back and forced them into a fourth-down attempt that failed when the Jets chose to run a play instead of attempting a 62-yard field goal. That sequence effectively sealed the outcome for Denver.
Defensive battle: what stood out for Denver
Denver’s defense deserves the lion’s share of credit for this win. The unit stymied a Jets offense that had hoped to control tempo but instead mustered minimal offense. Sacks, pressure, and disciplined coverage kept New York from generating sustained drives, allowing Denver to win a game characterized by field-position battles and red-zone stops. The Broncos limited the Jets to 82 offensive yards, a telling stat that underscored how the defense carried the day even when the offense sputtered at times.
Offense concerns and coaching notes
Denver’s offense never fully clicked, especially after the first-quarter touchdown. Bo Nix showed flashes, but the Broncos failed to sustain scoring drives for much of the game, a concern ahead of tougher matchups. For the Jets, head coach Aaron Glenn will have plenty to answer after this game, including an unusual late-second-quarter sequence where New York allowed the clock to run out without attempting another snap from midfield while trailing by a single possession. Questions about play-calling and sequence management in a tight game will be part of the discussion in the coming days.
What this win means going forward
Denver’s 4-2 record places them firmly in the early-season mix, and the defense appears capable of keeping games within reach while the offense searches for consistency. The upcoming Week 7 home date against the Giants offers another opportunity to refine game plans and build rhythm. For the Jets, a visit from the Panthers awaits next Sunday as they try to break out of their rough start to the year and establish a more productive identity under pressure.
