Ways the Broncos and their 'play-dough' QB can end that Chiefs' reign.
Former Buffalo Bills coach Phoebe Schecter serves as an NFL pundit who also plays for Great Britain's national squad.
- Published
- 6 Comments
Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Live coverage includes live text of the weekend matchups on various channels, beginning with Denver Broncos v New York Jets in London (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Additionally, audio coverage is available through designated networks for another key matchup (from 21:00 BST).
It's week six in the football calendar and following last week's talk regarding two top teams as a potential Super Bowl match-up, each surrendered their perfect starts.
Notable during those contests were the amount of infractions each conceded. The Eagles committed them at crucial times meaning they essentially beat themselves after leading 17-3 going into the fourth period against the Denver Broncos, who play overseas this Sunday.
However it proved positive to observe how Denver's QB Bo Nix managed to have that deficit before lead three successful possessions on three possessions in the fourth quarter, securing the game by four points.
The Broncos have the top defender in cornerback Pat Surtain II. They are first in goal-line defense, while the Eagles are number one in scoring near the end zone, yet the Broncos won that contest.
They had the Eagles' number in terms of disguised blitzes. They weren't necessarily sending extra defenders but they could position two linebackers in the interior before drop them out and send a slot defender from the outside.
At the start of the season, it was noted on a program that Denver could be the current year's dark horses. They ended last season well then excelled in continuing that momentum.
Could Denver be this season's dark horses?
Recently acquired tight end their tight end has excelled significantly while new running back their rusher is a player the team trusts. He's currently fifth league-wide in ground gains (402) and tied-fourth for rushing touchdowns (4).
It's impressive that head coach the Broncos' leader displays "RUN IT!" prominently of his playcall sheet.
This demonstrates that the Broncos represent a squad aiming to run first, because you can do a lot off the back of that. It slows opposing rushes while maintains in favourable down and distances.
This has benefited quarterback Bo Nix, who came the NFL as a first-round selection last year, passing for 29 touchdown passes – just behind Justin Herbert for the rookie record (31 back in 2020).
Other elite QBs have the arm strength to throw anywhere, but they lack in the same way as Nix. He has exceptional passing ability, which is different, plus he is so athletic.
His strengths are his mobility, being able to pass on the run, as well as finding different arm angles to deliver throws when he rolls outside protection, the bootlegs. He is able to throw precision throws over the middle or over the corner.
As a rookie QB, at 25, he displays a lot of poise under pressure and is not bothered by extra rushers. He aims to avoid a sack as much as possible and is able pass under pressure. He possesses a high football IQ and is quick to decide.
When you consistently rush it consumes the clock and makes the opponent to be on the field extended periods, and if you have a mobile QB the defense must defend the field downfield and horizontally. It can be draining.
Nix has pushed back with the coach during games sometimes and it seems the coach appreciates that attitude, seeing him as such a competitor. In my view it's fun for the coach to coach a young quarterback who's similar to play-dough. The coach can really develop him the way he desires to shape him. I believe it's a special experience for the coach.
Payton has won a championship and now passed a legend in all-time victories (173 - tied 14th overall). He's seen everything. In my opinion the achievements the Broncos are experiencing on offence is mostly due to his guidance, his schemes, his situational awareness – and the pairing with the QB helps shape him into who he is.
There's no better a better guy guiding you, to assist you through some of the tougher situations and build self-belief.
I have faith in the Broncos' defense, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. But are they good enough to go against an elite team at its best? Since that was not a Super Bowl performance by the Eagles in their last game.
Currently, it's unlikely Denver are incredible. They're working above average, that's a good place to hold their division. The key to do to continue this trajectory.
They're really good at embracing their forte, which is running the ball, and this is precisely what they should do against the New York Jets in London. It will likely be a Dobbins-focused game, in essence.
New York have surrendered 140 yards on the ground each contest (sixth worst), five rushing touchdowns this season (10th worst), and they're the sole squad without a win any game.
Ever since the NFL began tracking turnovers in 1933, the Jets are the first team to go without a single takeaway in five outings, this is surprising when you think that their new coach was previously defensive co-ordinator with another team.
Patrick Mahomes says Kansas City have 'already lost too many games' after a recent loss by the Jaguars.
Following the upcoming matchup, Denver face a smooth-ish schedule up to their bye (in week 12) - the Giants, the Cowboys, the Texans and the Raiders prior to the Kansas City Chiefs.
In their division, Kansas City hold a losing record while Denver are even with the Los Angeles Chargers at 3-2 so they could make a run for the top of the West.
It depends upon what version of the Chiefs they face since the Broncos {beat|def