There were a lot of superlatives being thrown around about the Denver Broncos defense after a 13-11 Week 6 win over the New York Jets in London. The type of things that might lead us to believe this group might be even more special than we already thought.
“The Broncos sacked Justin Fields 9 times and allowed just 9 completions,” The 33rd Team wrote on its official X account. “This was the 5th time since 2000 that a defense recorded 9+ sacks while allowing less than 10 completions.”
In a season full of stifling efforts, the Broncos’ defense still managed to somehow wow audiences with 9 sacks — including what proved to be a game-winning sack by Jonathon Cooper and Brandon Jones.
That might not have even been the most impressive part of the day for the Broncos’ defense — that would be Denver cornerback and reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II putting another elite NFL receiver on absolute lockdown.
Surtain held Jets star Garrett Wilson to just 3 receptions for 13 yards on 8 targets. Wilson entered the game leading the AFC in receiving yards.
“It’ss just knowing my assignments, knowing how to utilize what I do well,” Surtain told The NFL Network after the Broncos’ third consecutive win. “Garrett is a great player and I have respect for him, but I hold my own at end of the day. That’s what they pay me to do.”
Broncos Stun Social Media With Stifling Defense
The Broncos allowed just 82 yards of total offense and the Jets went 2-of-15 on third downs. Denver’s 9 sacks upped their season total to an NFL leading 30.0 sacks through 6 games. The Broncos led the NFL with 63 sacks in 2024.
“The Broncos are the ninth defense in NFL history, and just the second since 2000, to record 30+ sacks through six games,” The 33rd Team wrote on X. “The 2013 Chiefs were the last team to reach that milestone.”
With the 9 sack for negative-55 yards, the Jets ended up with negative-10 passing yards.
“Broncos defense gave up -10 pass yards and had 9 sacks vs Jets,” former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel wrote on his official X account. “Name a better defense right now.”
“NINE sacks by the Broncos defense today,” Fantasy Pros’ Chase Workman wrote on X. “93 sacks since the start of the 2024 season 31 more than the next closest team in that time span.”
“The Broncos defense better get first class treatment the entire flight home,” Mile High Sports reporter Cody Roark wrote on his official X account. “They single handedly won this game. Held the Jets to eight first downs, 82 total yards, and 2-of-15 on third down and the offense and special teams nearly cost them.”
“Defense wins championships,” A to Z Sports wrote on its official X account. “What a day from (defensive coordinator) Vance Joseph and the Broncos D.”
Bonitto One of NFL Defensive POY Favorites
Headed into Week 6, Vegas oddsmakers actually had Surtain as a longshot (+10000) to repeat as NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Edge rusher and teammate Nik Bonitto was one of the favorites (+500).
Bonitto signed a 4-year, $106 million contract extension on September 4 and was an NFL Defensive POY finalist in 2024.
Broncos Defense Makes NFL History in London