Ways the Denver Broncos together with the 'play-dough' quarterback could stop the Kansas City Chiefs' reign.
Former Buffalo Bills coach Phoebe Schecter serves as an NFL pundit who also represents Great Britain's national squad.
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Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Real-time updates includes text commentary of Sunday's games on multiple platforms, starting with Denver Broncos v New York Jets in London (from 14:00 BST). Also, audio coverage can be heard on select stations for another key matchup (from 21:00 BST).
We're in the sixth week of the NFL season , following recent talk regarding two top teams being possible championship contenders, they both lost their perfect starts.
Striking during those contests was the number of infractions both conceded. Philadelphia did so at crucial times so they kind of defeated themselves after leading 17-3 going into the final quarter against Denver, who play in London this weekend.
However it was good to observe that Denver's QB Bo Nix managed to overcome the shortfall and then lead three successful possessions in three attempts in the fourth quarter, to win the game by four points.
Denver boast the defensive player of the year in CB Pat Surtain II. They are first in goal-line defense, while Philadelphia lead the league in scoring near the end zone, and the Broncos prevailed in that battle.
They executed the Eagles' number regarding simulated pressure. They did not necessarily sending extra defenders instead they might plug two linebackers in the interior then drop them out and send a nickel from the outside.
At the start of the season, we said on a program that the Broncos might emerge as this season's surprise contenders. They finished the previous year strongly and did a good job of building upon that.
Are the Denver Broncos this season's dark horses?
New TE their tight end has excelled significantly and recent RB their rusher is a guy the team trusts. He's currently 5th in the NFL in ground gains (402) as well as tied-fourth for rushing touchdowns (4).
I love how head coach Sean Payton displays "RUN IT!" at the top on his call sheet.
That shows that the Broncos represent a team that wants to prioritize the run, because one can do a lot off the back of that. It reduces down the pass rush while maintains in positive down and distances.
This has benefited QB Bo Nix, who entered into the league as a first-round selection in the prior draft, passing for 29 TDs – second only to Justin Herbert in rookie records (31 back in 2020).
Other elite QBs possess powerful arms to throw anywhere, but they lack the mobility that Nix has. He has exceptional arm talent, a unique trait, plus he's highly agile.
His assets are his movement, the capacity to throw while moving, as well as using varied release points to make throws as he moves out of the pocket, the bootlegs. He can deliver that layered pass over the middle and over the corner.
For a young quarterback, at 25, he's got a lot of composure in the pocket and isn't really fazed by extra rushers. He tries to avoid a sack whenever possible and is able pass in tight spots. He has a high football IQ and remains very decisive.
If you constantly rush it eats up time and forces the opponent to stay on the field extended periods, and if you have an athletic quarterback the defense has to defend the area downfield side to side. This proves draining.
The quarterback has pushed back at Payton on the sideline at times and I think the coach appreciates that fire, seeing him as a fierce rival. I think it's exciting for the coach to coach a rookie QB that is similar to play-dough. The coach can really develop him the way he wants to build it. I think it's a special experience for the coach.
Payton has won a Super Bowl and has surpassed a legend in all-time victories (173 - tied 14th overall). He has witnessed it all. I think the success Denver are having on offence is mostly down to his guidance, his play-calling, his game sense – and the combination with Nix aids make him into who he is.
You wouldn't want a more qualified person in your ear, to help you through difficult moments and build self-belief.
I have faith in the Broncos' defense, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. Yet are they strong enough to face an elite team at its best? Because that wasn't championship-level play from Philadelphia in their last game.
Currently, it's unlikely Denver are incredible. They're performing above average, that's a good place to be in the AFC West. The key is to continue this trajectory.
They're really good at leaning into their forte, that is running the ball, and this is precisely what they must do against the New York Jets in London. It's going to be a Dobbins-focused game, in essence.
The Jets have surrendered 140 yards on the ground each contest (sixth worst), five ground scores so far (in the bottom ten), and they're the sole squad yet to win a game.
Ever since the NFL started recording turnovers in 1933, this team are the first team to be without a single takeaway through five games, this is surprising when you think that their new coach was previously defensive co-ordinator with another team.
Patrick Mahomes says the Chiefs have 'already lost too many games' after Monday's defeat by the Jaguars.
Following the upcoming matchup, Denver have a manageable slate until their break (in week 12) - the Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans and Las Vegas Raiders prior to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Looking at the AFC West, Kansas City hold a losing record while Denver are even with the Los Angeles Chargers at 3-2 meaning they could challenge at leading the West.
It depends upon which form of the Chiefs they meet because the Broncos {beat|def
