How the Broncos together with their flexible quarterback could end the Chiefs' reign.
Former Buffalo Bills assistant coach Phoebe Schecter serves as an NFL pundit who also represents Great Britain's national squad.
- Published
- Half a dozen responses
Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Real-time updates features text commentary of Sunday's games via various channels, beginning with Denver Broncos v New York Jets at Tottenham (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Additionally, radio commentary can be heard on designated networks covering another key matchup (from 21:00 BST).
It's week six in the football calendar and after last week's discussion regarding the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles as a potential Super Bowl match-up, they both lost their unbeaten records.
Striking during those contests was the number of penalties both conceded. Philadelphia did so at crucial times so they kind of defeated themselves having led by two touchdowns going into the fourth period against the Denver Broncos, who play overseas this weekend.
But it was good to see how Denver quarterback Bo Nix managed to overcome the shortfall and then direct three scoring drives on three possessions in the fourth quarter, to win the victory 21-17.
Denver boast the defensive player of the year with cornerback their star corner. They are first in red zone defence, whereas the Eagles lead the league in scoring near the end zone, yet Denver won that contest.
They had the Eagles' number in terms of disguised blitzes. They did not always sending more than four defenders instead they could plug two LBs in the interior before withdrawing them and dispatch a nickel from the outside.
Early on in the campaign, it was noted on a program that Denver might emerge as the current year's dark horses. They ended last season well and excelled of building upon that.
Could Denver be this year's dark horses?
New TE Evan Engram has stepped up big and recent RB JK Dobbins is a player they believe in. He's currently 5th in the NFL in ground gains (402) and tied-fourth in rushing scores (4).
It's impressive how the coach the Broncos' leader displays "RUSH!" prominently of his playcall sheet.
This demonstrates that Denver represent a squad aiming to prioritize the run, since one can do a lot off the back of that. It slows opposing rushes while maintains in positive down and distances.
It's also benefited quarterback the young passer, who came into the league 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 powerful arms to pass all over, but they don't move in the same way that Nix has. He has incredible passing ability, a unique trait, plus he's highly agile.
His strengths are his movement, the capacity to pass on the run, and using different arm angles to make the pass when he rolls out of the pocket, the bootlegs. He is able to deliver that layered pass over the middle and over the corner.
For a young quarterback, at 25, he displays great composure in the pocket and isn't bothered by extra rushers. He aims to evade a sack whenever possible and is able throw under pressure. He has a high football IQ and remains quick to decide.
If you consistently rush it consumes time and forces the defence to stay in play for longer, and if you've got an athletic quarterback the defense must defend the area downfield side to side. It can be draining.
The quarterback has bitten back at Payton on the sideline at times and I think Payton appreciates that attitude, that he's such a competitor. I think it's exciting for the coach to have a rookie QB who's kind of like moldable clay. The coach can really build something up how he wants to shape him. I believe it's a special experience for the coach.
The head coach owns a championship and has passed a legend in all-time victories (173 - tied 14th overall). He has witnessed everything. I think the achievements the Broncos are experiencing offensively is largely down to his guidance, his play-calling, his game sense – and the combination with the QB aids make him into who he is.
There's no better a more qualified person in your ear, to assist you through difficult moments and boost self-belief.
I believe in the Broncos' defense, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. Yet are they good enough to go against an elite team at its best? Because that wasn't a Super Bowl performance by the Eagles in their last game.
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 is maintain this trajectory.
They're really good at embracing their strength, that is running the ball, and that's exactly what they should do versus the Jets at Tottenham. It will likely be a Dobbins-focused game, in essence.
The Jets have allowed 140 rushing yards per game (sixth worst), five ground scores so far (in the bottom ten), and they are the only team without a win a game.
Ever since the NFL began tracking takeaways decades ago, this team are also the first team to go without any turnovers in five outings, this is surprising considering that the head coach was previously a defensive coach at the Detroit Lions.
Patrick Mahomes says Kansas City are off to a poor start following Monday's defeat by the Jaguars.
Following the upcoming matchup, the Broncos have a manageable slate up to their bye (in week twelve) - the Giants, the Cowboys, Houston Texans plus Las Vegas Raiders prior to the Chiefs.
Looking at the AFC West, Kansas City hold a losing record while Denver are even with the Chargers at 3-2 meaning they could challenge at leading the West.
It depends upon what version of the Chiefs they meet because Denver {beat|def
