Defensive takeaways often decide games in the NFL. Teams that create turnovers usually end up winning more often than those that do not. The New York Jets went into their Week 6 matchup against the Denver Broncos with a 0-5 record, matching their worst start since 1996.
New York Jets Defense Forces Troy Franklin Fumble on Bo Nix's First Pass
New York Jets Defense Forces Troy Franklin Fumble on Bo Nix’s First Pass (Screenshot via X/@NFL)
Through the first five games, their defense had not recorded a single interception or fumble recovery. That streak finally ended when they played overseas.
New York Jets Defense Forces Troy Franklin Fumble on Bo Nix’s First Pass
The Jets traveled to London for the NFL’s international series game against Denver on Sunday, October 13. The matchup between the winless Jets and 3-2 Broncos kicked off at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with both teams looking to gain ground in the competitive AFC playoff race.
On the game’s opening drive, Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix dropped back to throw his first pass of the day. He targeted wide receiver Troy Franklin on a short route.
Franklin caught the ball but immediately lost control, fumbling it to the turf. Jets defenders swarmed the loose ball and recovered it, giving New York possession in Denver territory.
The turnover was a big moment for the Jets defense. After five games without a single takeaway,one of the longest droughts to start a season in recent NFL history, they finally made a play. A forced fumble gave their offense the ball back and brought energy to the sideline.
The @nyjets defense get their first takeaway of the season in London ‼️
DENvsNYJ on @nflnetwork
Also streaming on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/JzBedR5Fb9
— NFL (@NFL) October 12, 2025
The timing was critical. The Jets needed a spark to help turn their season around. Head coach Robert Saleh’s job security had become a frequent topic in New York media, with the team’s lack of turnovers blamed for the winless start.
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The fumble recovery gave the offense good field position and a chance to build confidence in what was shaping up as a defensive battle.
NFL Fans React to Jets’ Historic Defensive Drought Ending Overseas
The moment the Jets recovered the fumble, social media lit up with reactions from fans who’d watched their defense struggle through five painful weeks.
One fanwrote with tongue-in-cheek humor, “Still no turnovers in America.”
Anotheradded a more optimistic take, “The Jets’ defense finally showing signs of life in London, this takeaway could be a momentum shift early in the season.”
A third observer noted the historical significance,suggesting, “He’s going to put that football in his trophy room,” referencing the Jets defender who recovered the fumble.
The international setting added another layer to the reactions. “London finally saw a Jets defense sighting 🇬🇧😂,” a fourth fanjoked, combining relief with the reality that it took crossing the Atlantic Ocean for the Jets to force their first turnover.
The comments reflected both the frustration Jets fans have felt watching their team start 0-5 and the desperate hope that this single play might signal a turning point. New York’s offense has struggled all season, ranking near the bottom of the league in scoring.
Without defensive help creating short fields or scoring opportunities, the Jets have had little chance to win games.
The game was broadcast on NFL Network and streamed on NFL Plus, giving international fans a chance to watch both teams in person at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
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The NFL has made London a regular stop for regular-season games, helping grow the sport’s presence in the United Kingdom.
Whether a single fumble recovery can jumpstart the Jets’ season remains unclear. For a defense that went five games without giving their offense any help, finally forcing a turnover even 3,500 miles from home is a small step forward.