The Denver Broncos defeated the New York Jets 20-19 in a nail-biting Week 8 NFL International Series game played at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Sunday, October 8, 2023. A controversial late-game penalty against the Jets proved pivotal, allowing the Broncos to drive into field goal range and secure the win.
This matchup marked the NFL’s return to London for its annual International series, aiming to expand the league’s global reach and cultivate a fanbase beyond the United States. the game featured a clash of struggling offenses, with both teams seeking a crucial victory to improve their playoff positioning. The Jets, hampered by injuries to key players including quarterback Aaron Rodgers, faced a tough challenge against a Broncos team desperate to build momentum under head coach Sean Payton.
The Broncos took an early lead with a methodical rushing attack led by Javonte Williams, who finished with 77 yards on 14 carries. jets quarterback Zach Wilson struggled to find a rhythm, completing 19 of 31 passes for 192 yards and one touchdown.
A late fourth-quarter drive by the Broncos culminated in a 39-yard field goal by Wil Lutz as time expired, sealing the victory. However, the game’s outcome was immediately overshadowed by a defensive holding call on Jets safety Justin Simmons with under two minutes remaining. The penalty extended the Broncos’ drive and put them in position to win.
“It’s tough to swallow,” Jets head coach Robert Saleh said after the game. “That call… it’s frustrating.”
The loss dropped the Jets to 3-4 on the season, while the Broncos improved to 3-5. Both teams return to the United States to prepare for their Week 9 matchups. The Jets will face the Buffalo Bills, and the Broncos will host the Kansas City Chiefs.
