How the Broncos together with their malleable QB could stop that Kansas City Chiefs' reign.
Ex NFL team coach an analyst is an NFL pundit who also represents the UK's national squad.
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NFL 2025 season: Week six
Real-time updates includes live text for the weekend matchups via various channels, beginning with Denver Broncos v New York Jets at Tottenham (from 14:00 BST). Additionally, radio commentary can be heard through select stations covering a separate game (from 21:00 BST).
We're in the sixth week of the football calendar and after recent discussion about two top teams being possible championship contenders, each surrendered their perfect starts.
Striking during those contests was the amount of infractions both conceded. Philadelphia committed them in key moments meaning they kind of defeated themselves after leading 17-3 entering the final quarter versus the Denver Broncos, who play overseas this Sunday.
However it was positive to see how Denver quarterback Bo Nix managed to overcome the shortfall and then direct three successful possessions in three attempts during the final period, to win the victory 21-17.
Denver boast the defensive player of the year with cornerback Pat Surtain II. They rank first in goal-line defense, whereas the Eagles are number one in scoring near the end zone, and Denver won that contest.
They had the Eagles' number regarding disguised blitzes. They weren't always sending extra defenders but they might position two linebackers in the interior before withdrawing them and dispatch a slot defender off the edge.
Early on of the season, it was noted during a show that Denver could be this season's dark horses. They finished last season well then excelled of building upon that.
Could Denver be this year's dark horses?
New TE Evan Engram has excelled significantly while recent RB their rusher is a guy the team trusts. He's currently fifth in the NFL in ground gains (402) as well as tied for fourth in rushing scores (four).
It's impressive that head coach Sean Payton has "RUSH!" at the top on his call sheet.
This demonstrates how the Broncos are a team that wants to run first, because you can achieve much based on that approach. It slows opposing rushes while keeps you in favourable situations.
This has benefited quarterback Bo Nix, who came the NFL as a first-round selection in the prior draft, throwing 29 touchdown passes – just behind Justin Herbert in rookie records (31 back in 2020).
Other elite QBs have the arm strength to pass anywhere, but they don't move in the same way as Nix. He boasts exceptional arm talent, a unique trait, plus he's highly agile.
His strengths include his mobility, the capacity to pass on the run, as well as using varied release points to make throws as he moves out of the pocket, the bootlegs. He can deliver precision throws over the middle or past defenders.
As a rookie QB, at 25, he displays great composure under pressure and isn't bothered by the blitz. He tries to evade a sack as much as possible and is able throw in tight spots. He has sharp intelligence and remains quick to decide.
If you constantly rush it eats up the clock and makes the defence to stay on the field extended periods, and when you have a mobile QB the defense has to defend the field vertically and horizontally. It can be draining.
Nix has bitten back with the coach on the sideline at times and I think Payton likes that attitude, seeing him as such a competitor. In my view it's exciting for the coach to have a rookie QB that is similar to play-dough. The coach can really build something up how he desires to shape him. I think it's a special experience for the coach.
The head coach owns a championship and has passed a legend in all-time victories (173, tying for 14th). He has witnessed everything. I think the achievements Denver are having on offence is mostly due to his leadership, his play-calling, his situational awareness – and the combination with Nix helps shape him what he is.
You wouldn't want a better guy guiding you, to assist you through difficult moments and boost self-belief.
I believe in the Broncos' defense, in the QB's grit and calm. Yet are they strong enough to face a top squad at its best? Since that wasn't a Super Bowl performance from Philadelphia last Sunday.
Right now, it's unlikely Denver are elite. They're performing better than most, which is a solid position to be in the AFC West. All they need to do to continue this path.
They're really good at leaning into their forte, that is running the ball, and this is exactly what they must do against the New York Jets at Tottenham. It's going to be the JK Dobbins show, essentially.
The Jets have allowed 140 yards on the ground each contest (among the worst), five ground scores so far (in the bottom ten), and they're the only team without a win any game.
Ever since the league began tracking takeaways in 1933, this team are the inaugural squad to be without any turnovers through five games, which is surprising considering that the head coach Aaron Glenn a defensive coach with another team.
The Chiefs' QB says the Chiefs have 'already lost too many games' after Monday's defeat to Jacksonville.
After the upcoming matchup, the Broncos face a smooth-ish schedule up to their bye (in week twelve) - the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, the Texans and Las Vegas Raiders before the Kansas City Chiefs.
Looking at the AFC West, the Chiefs are 2-3 while Denver are even with the Chargers on 3-2 so they could challenge at leading the West.
This hinges upon which form Kansas City shows up they meet since Denver {beat|def
