How these Denver Broncos and the malleable quarterback could end that Chiefs' dominance.
Former NFL team coach Phoebe Schecter is an NFL pundit and plays for 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 various channels, starting with Denver Broncos v New York Jets at Tottenham (from 14:00 BST). Also, radio commentary can be heard through select stations for a separate game (beginning at 9 PM BST).
It's week six of the football calendar and following last week's talk about the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles being a potential Super Bowl match-up, each lost their unbeaten records.
Striking during those contests were the amount of infractions both conceded. Philadelphia did so at crucial times so they kind of defeated themselves having led 17-3 entering the final quarter against the Denver Broncos, set to play in London this Sunday.
However it was positive to see how Denver's QB Bo Nix managed to have the shortfall and then direct three successful possessions in three attempts in the fourth quarter, securing the game 21-17.
The Broncos have the defensive player of the year with CB Pat Surtain II. They are number one in goal-line defense, whereas Philadelphia are number one in red zone offence, yet Denver prevailed in that contest.
They executed effective strategies in terms of simulated pressure. They weren't necessarily sending more than four defenders instead they could plug two LBs in the 'A' gap then drop them out and dispatch a nickel from the outside.
Early on of the season, it was noted during a show that Denver could be this season's dark horses. They finished the previous year strongly and did a good job in continuing that momentum.
Could Denver be this season's dark horses?
Recently acquired TE Evan Engram has excelled big and recent RB JK Dobbins is a guy the team trusts. He now ranks 5th league-wide in ground gains (402) as well as tied-fourth for rushing touchdowns (4).
I love that the coach Sean Payton displays "RUN IT!" prominently of his playcall sheet.
This demonstrates how Denver represent a team that wants to prioritize the run, since one can achieve much based on that approach. It slows opposing rushes and keeps you in favourable situations.
This has benefited QB the young passer, who entered the NFL as a first-round selection in the prior draft, throwing 29 touchdown passes – just behind a star QB for the rookie record (31 in 2020).
Other elite QBs have powerful arms to pass anywhere, however they don't move the mobility as Nix. He has incredible passing ability, which is different, plus he's highly agile.
His strengths include his movement, being able to pass on the run, as well as finding different arm angles to deliver the pass as he moves out of the pocket, on rollouts. He is able to deliver that layered pass over the middle or past defenders.
For a young quarterback, aged 25, he displays a lot of composure under pressure and isn't really fazed by extra rushers. He aims to evade being tackled as much as possible and can pass in tight spots. He possesses a high football IQ and is very decisive.
When you consistently run the ball it consumes the clock and makes the opponent to stay on the field extended periods, and when you've got a mobile QB the defence has to cover the field vertically side to side. It can be draining.
Nix has pushed back with the coach on the sideline at times and it seems Payton appreciates that attitude, that he's such a competitor. In my view it's fun for him to coach a young quarterback who's kind of like play-dough. He can really develop him how he wants to shape him. I think it's a unique opportunity for him.
Payton has won a championship and now surpassed Bill Parcells in all-time victories (173, tying for 14th). He's seen it all. In my opinion the achievements the Broncos are having on offence is mostly due to his guidance, his play-calling, his game sense – and the combination with the QB aids shape him what he is.
You wouldn't want a more qualified person in your ear, to help you during some of the tougher situations and build self-belief.
I have faith in Denver's defence, in the QB's grit and calm. Yet are they strong enough to face a top squad at its best? Since that was not a Super Bowl performance by the Eagles in their last game.
Right now, it's unlikely the Broncos are incredible. They're performing better than most, which is a solid position to be in the AFC West. The key is is maintain this path.
They're really good at embracing their forte, that is running the ball, and that's exactly what they should do versus the Jets in London. It will likely be a Dobbins-focused game, in essence.
New York have surrendered 140 rushing yards each contest (sixth worst), five rushing touchdowns this season (in the bottom ten), and they are the only team yet to win any game.
Ever since the NFL began tracking turnovers in 1933, the Jets are the first team to go without a single takeaway through five games, which is surprising when you think that their new coach Aaron Glenn defensive co-ordinator at the Detroit Lions.
Patrick Mahomes says the Chiefs have 'already lost too many games' after Monday's defeat to Jacksonville.
Following this Sunday's game, Denver have a manageable slate until their bye (in week 12) - the Giants, the Cowboys, Houston Texans plus the Raiders prior to the Chiefs.
In their division, Kansas City hold a losing record while Denver are even with the Los Angeles Chargers at 3-2 meaning they could challenge for the top of the division.
It depends on which form Kansas City shows up they face since Denver {beat|def
