Broncos Edge Out Jets in London, Coach Optimistic About Future Games

London, England — The Denver Broncos defeated the New York Jets 13-11 in a hard-fought game on Sunday, maintaining their winning record at 4-2. Coach Sean Payton applauded his team’s resilience, stating, ‘It doesn’t have to be aesthetically pleasing.’ The win was crucial, as the Broncos faced significant challenges throughout the match.

Denver’s defense showcased the best pass rush in the NFL, pressuring Jets quarterback Justin Fields, who ended with nine sacks—matching his completions for the day. Fields managed only 45 passing yards, while Los Angeles’ offense struggled significantly, converting just 2-of-15 (13.3%) on third downs.

However, the game was not without its setbacks for the Broncos. They experienced four costly errors, including a fumble by wide receiver Troy Franklin that lead to a New York field goal. Payton noted, ‘Giveaways and poor special teams play aren’t a winning formula.’ These mistakes directly led to 11 points for the Jets, making the victory a narrow escape for Denver.

On the offensive side, the Broncos scored 10 points in the first quarter but went silent in the second and third quarters. Quarterback Bo Nix finally rallied the offense late to secure the win with a field goal. ‘We had to dig ourselves out of a hole,’ Nix said, recognizing the need for improvement moving forward.

Offensive lineman Matt Peart, filling in for an injured starter, struggled with penalties in his first start of the season, contributing to the team’s six penalties for 37 yards. Payton expressed the need to address these issues, ‘We’ll be upset about the pre-snap fouls,’ he stated, emphasizing the importance of discipline.

Looking ahead, the Broncos face the New York Giants next week after their transatlantic travel. Payton acknowledged the challenge, stating, ‘We need to adjust quickly and be ready.’ The game against the Giants is set for 2:05 p.m. MT on CBS.

This victory in London was also historic for the Broncos, as they now face the prospect of hosting an international game between 2026 and 2029. Coach Payton remains open to future international trips, highlighting the team dynamics during extended travel. ‘It’s a positive when the team is around each other,’ he added.