The season of the New York Jets went down further on Sunday in London as they lost to the Denver Broncos 13-11 in a battle of defense in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The outcome made the Jets 0-6, raising more questions about their identity as an offensive team and their organizational focus.
Even in the first drive it was evident that this was going to be a defensive game and not a flair game. The front seven of Denver set the rhythm and sacked the Jets quarterback Justin Fields nine times and the passing attack of New York to a shocking minus ten yards, according to Reuters. Defensive superiority of the Broncos was decisive, which offset an offense that, although functional, could not create rhythm.
The only touchdown registered by Denver was in the first half when the rookie quarterback Bo Nix threw a 16-yard pass to tight end Nate Adkins. In addition to that, the Broncos were also overly dependent on the services of the kicker Wil Lutz, whose two field goals, one of which was a 27-yard game-winner with a little over five minutes remaining, proved to be the final nail in the coffin.
To the Jets, this match was another bitter memory of their inability to score. According to The New York Post, they only had 82 total yards and had almost thirty minutes without a first down. They only scored on field goals by Nick Folk and a safety that momentarily gave them an 11-10 lead in the last quarter of the fourth quarter. But that momentary superiority was soon lost, and Denver took the lead again on their next possession.
The last few minutes were a reflection of the Jets season: there was a ray of hope, and then downfall. As the clock ticked below two minutes, the Jets entered Denver territory and did not make it on fourth down. Fields was sacked a second time, which practically terminated the game and sealed another disappointing defeat.
The situation was on the verge of exploding. Star wide receiver Garrett Wilson was seen shouting at head coach Aaron Glenn after a dubious clock management situation in the run-up to halftime, which immediately went viral on social media and sports television. According to Talk Sport, the exchange was a sign of increasing frustration in a team that appears to be incapable of converting effort to output.
To the Broncos, this was not a statement win, but a survival move. The Independent analysts referred to the game as ugly, and the defense of Denver had to shoulder the burden of an uneven offense. However, in the standings, an ugly victory still counts--and the Broncos are now 4-2, which puts them in the early playoff discussion.
The wider scope of this game is not only the score line. In the case of New York, the offensive stalemate is no longer an extended bad stretch of form, but has become structural. Fields, although composed at times, was disappointed by poor pass protection, unimaginative play-calling, and lack of coordination between receivers. The inability of the Jets to maintain drives or change strategy in the middle of the game questions the coaching strategy and unity in the locker-room.
Denver, in the meantime, showed the strength that teams that are playoff worthy need. Their identity is still characterized by their defense, which is a combination of disciplined pass rush and situational awareness. Nevertheless, their crime should be balanced in case they want to compete with the elite of the AFC.
Ultimately, the London game was not only a battle of two teams but also a lesson in opposites. The Broncos managed to win despite the weaknesses and the Jets managed to lose despite trying. When fans left Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the atmosphere among Jets fans was gloomy, and the same question that has been lingering in the minds of all supporters of the club all season long was raised: when will this team get a sense of direction?
Until such a response is received, the Jets visit to London will remain another episode in a season that can be characterized as a potential squandered and hope deferred.