Ways the Denver Broncos together with the malleable quarterback can stop that Kansas City Chiefs' reign.
Former NFL team assistant coach an analyst serves as an NFL pundit and represents the UK's flag football team.
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NFL 2025 season: Week six
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It's week six in the NFL season , after recent discussion regarding the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles as a potential Super Bowl match-up, each surrendered their unbeaten records.
Striking during those contests was the amount of penalties both conceded. The Eagles committed them in key moments so they kind of defeated themselves after leading 17-3 entering the fourth period versus Denver, set to play in London this Sunday.
However it proved positive to observe how Denver quarterback Bo Nix was able to have the shortfall and then direct three successful possessions on three possessions in the fourth quarter, to win the victory 21-17.
Denver have the top defender in cornerback Pat Surtain II. They are first in goal-line defense, whereas the Eagles are number one in scoring near the end zone, yet the Broncos prevailed in that battle.
They executed the Eagles' number in terms of simulated pressure. They weren't always sending extra pass rushers but they could position two linebackers in the interior then drop them out and send a slot defender from the outside.
Early on of the season, we said during a show that Denver could be the current year's surprise contenders. They ended last season strongly then did a good job in continuing that momentum.
Are the Denver Broncos this season's underdog story?
New TE Evan Engram has stepped up significantly while recent running back JK Dobbins is a guy they believe in. He's currently 5th league-wide in ground gains (402) and tied-fourth for rushing touchdowns (four).
It's impressive that head coach the Broncos' leader displays "RUN IT!" at the top on his call sheet.
That shows how Denver represent a squad aiming to prioritize the run, since you can do a lot based on that approach. It slows down the pass rush while keeps you in favourable down and distances.
It's also helped quarterback Bo Nix, who came the NFL as the 12th overall draft pick last year, throwing 29 TDs – just behind Justin Herbert for the rookie record (31 back in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert possess powerful arms to pass all over, however they lack in the same way as Nix. He boasts incredible passing ability, a unique trait, and he's highly agile.
His assets are his mobility, being able to throw on the run, and finding varied release points to make the pass as he moves out of the pocket, the bootlegs. He can throw that layered pass over the middle and past defenders.
As a rookie QB, at 25, he displays a lot of poise in the pocket and is not bothered by extra rushers. He aims to avoid a sack as much as possible and can throw in tight spots. He has sharp intelligence and is quick to decide.
When you constantly run the ball it eats up the clock and makes the defence to stay on the field for longer, and if you have an athletic quarterback the defense must defend the area downfield side to side. It can be draining.
The quarterback has bitten back with the coach on the sideline sometimes and I think Payton likes that fire, that he's such a competitor. In my view it's exciting for the coach to coach a young quarterback who's kind of like play-dough. He can truly develop him how he desires to build it. I think it's a special experience for him.
The head coach owns a Super Bowl and has surpassed Bill Parcells in all-time victories (173 - tied 14th overall). He's seen everything. I think the success the Broncos are having on offence is largely due to his guidance, his schemes, his situational awareness – and the pairing with Nix helps shape him what he is.
There's no better a better guy in your ear, to assist you during some of the tougher situations and build self-belief.
I have faith in the Broncos' defense, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. Yet are they strong enough to go against an elite team at its best? Since that wasn't a Super Bowl performance from Philadelphia in their last game.
Currently, it's unlikely the Broncos are incredible. They're performing better than most, that's a good place to hold the AFC West. The key is to continue this path.
They're really good at leaning into their forte, which is the ground game, and that's precisely what they must do against the New York Jets in London. It's going to be the JK Dobbins show, in essence.
The Jets have allowed 140 rushing yards each contest (sixth worst), five rushing touchdowns so far (10th worst), and they are the sole squad without a win any game.
Since the NFL began tracking takeaways decades ago, this team are also the inaugural squad to go without any turnovers in five outings, which is kind of shocking when you think that the head coach was previously a defensive coach with another team.
Patrick Mahomes says the Chiefs are off to a poor start following Monday's defeat by the Jaguars.
Following this Sunday's game, Denver have a smooth-ish schedule until their break (in week 12) - the Giants, the Cowboys, the Texans plus Las Vegas Raiders prior to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Looking at their division, Kansas City are 2-3 and the Broncos are even with the Chargers at 3-2 so they could make a run at leading the division.
It depends upon what version of the Chiefs they face since the Broncos {beat|def