Ways these Broncos together with their 'play-dough' QB can end that Kansas City Chiefs' reign.
Ex Buffalo Bills coach Phoebe Schecter is an NFL pundit who also represents the UK's flag football team.
- Published
- Half a dozen responses
NFL 2025 season: Week six
Live coverage features live text of the weekend matchups on multiple platforms, starting with Denver Broncos v New York Jets in London (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Also, radio commentary is available on select stations for another key matchup (beginning at 9 PM BST).
It's week six in the football calendar and after last week's discussion about two top teams as possible championship contenders, each surrendered their perfect starts.
Notable during those contests was the amount of infractions each committed. Philadelphia committed them in key moments meaning they essentially beat themselves after leading 17-3 entering the fourth period versus the Denver Broncos, set to play in London this weekend.
But it was good to see that Denver quarterback Bo Nix managed to overcome the shortfall before direct three scoring drives on three possessions in the fourth quarter, securing the game by four points.
Denver have the top defender with cornerback their star corner. They rank number one in red zone defence, while Philadelphia are number one in scoring near the end zone, and Denver prevailed in that contest.
They had effective strategies in terms of simulated pressure. They weren't always sending extra defenders instead they might plug two LBs in the interior then drop them out and send a nickel off the edge.
At the start of the season, we said on a program how Denver could be this season's surprise contenders. They ended the previous year strongly then did a good job of building upon that.
Are the Denver Broncos this season's dark horses?
Recently acquired tight end Evan Engram has stepped up big while new running back JK Dobbins is a player the team trusts. He now ranks 5th league-wide in ground gains (over 400) and tied for fourth in rushing scores (4).
It's impressive how the coach Sean Payton has "RUN IT!" prominently on his call sheet.
This demonstrates that Denver represent a squad aiming to prioritize the run, because one can achieve much based on that approach. It slows down the pass rush while keeps you in favourable situations.
It's also helped QB the young passer, who came into the league as the 12th overall draft pick last year, throwing 29 TDs – just behind Justin Herbert in rookie records (31 back in 2020).
Other elite QBs have powerful arms to pass anywhere, but they don't move in the same way that Nix has. He boasts incredible passing ability, a unique trait, plus he's so athletic.
His strengths include his movement, being able to throw while moving, and using varied release points to deliver the pass when he rolls out of the pocket, the bootlegs. He can deliver that layered pass across the middle and past defenders.
As a rookie QB, at 25, he's got a lot of poise under pressure and isn't bothered by extra rushers. He tries to evade a sack whenever possible and is able pass under pressure. He possesses sharp intelligence and is quick to decide.
If you consistently rush it consumes the clock and makes the defence to be on the field extended periods, and if you've got a mobile QB the defense must cover the field vertically side to side. It can be draining.
The quarterback has pushed back at Payton on the sideline sometimes and I think Payton appreciates that attitude, seeing him as a fierce rival. In my view it's exciting for him to have a young quarterback who's kind of like moldable clay. He can truly build something up the way he desires to shape him. I think it's a unique opportunity for him.
Payton has won a Super Bowl and has surpassed a legend in all-time victories (173, tying for 14th). He has witnessed everything. I think the achievements the Broncos are having on offence is mostly due to his guidance, his schemes, his situational awareness – and the pairing with Nix helps make him into who he is.
There's no better a better guy in your ear, to help you during some of the tougher situations and build confidence.
I have faith in Denver's defence, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. Yet is the team good enough to face an elite team at full strength? Since that was not a Super Bowl performance from Philadelphia last Sunday.
Right now, it's unlikely the Broncos are incredible. They're performing better than most, that's a solid position to be in their division. The key is is maintain this path.
They're really good at leaning into their strength, which is the ground game, and this is exactly what they should do versus the New York Jets at Tottenham. It's going to be the JK Dobbins show, in essence.
The Jets have allowed 140 rushing yards per game (sixth worst), five rushing touchdowns this season (in the bottom ten), and they are the sole squad without a win any game.
Ever since the NFL began tracking turnovers decades ago, the Jets are also the inaugural squad to go without a single takeaway through five games, which is kind of shocking considering that their new coach was previously defensive co-ordinator at the Detroit Lions.
Patrick Mahomes says Kansas City have 'already lost too many games' following a recent loss by the Jaguars.
After this Sunday's game, the Broncos have a smooth-ish schedule up to their break (in week 12) - the Giants, the Cowboys, Houston Texans plus the Raiders prior to the Kansas City Chiefs.
In the AFC West, Kansas City hold a losing record while Denver are tied with the Los Angeles Chargers on 3-2 meaning they could make a run for the top of the division.
It depends upon what version of the Chiefs they meet since the Broncos {beat|def
