How the Denver Broncos and the malleable QB could end the Kansas City Chiefs' rule.
Former NFL team coach Phoebe Schecter serves as an NFL pundit and plays for the UK's flag football team.
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NFL 2025 season: Week six
Real-time updates includes live text for Sunday's games via multiple platforms, beginning with the Broncos-Jets clash in London (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Additionally, radio commentary can be heard on designated networks for a separate game (from 21:00 BST).
We're in the sixth week of the NFL season , following recent discussion regarding the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles as possible championship contenders, they both lost their unbeaten records.
Striking in those games were the number of penalties both committed. Philadelphia committed them in key moments meaning they essentially beat themselves having led 17-3 entering the fourth period versus Denver, set to play overseas this Sunday.
But it was positive to observe how Denver quarterback Bo Nix managed to have that deficit and then lead three successful possessions on three possessions in the fourth quarter, securing the game by four points.
Denver boast the defensive player of the year in CB Pat Surtain II. They rank first in goal-line defense, while Philadelphia are number one in red zone offence, yet Denver won that contest.
They had effective strategies regarding disguised blitzes. They did not always sending more than four pass rushers instead they might plug two LBs in the 'A' gap before withdrawing them and dispatch a nickel off the edge.
Early on in the campaign, we said on a program how the Broncos might emerge as the current year's surprise contenders. They finished last season strongly then excelled in continuing that momentum.
Are the Denver Broncos this year's underdog story?
New tight end Evan Engram has excelled significantly and new running back their rusher is a player the team trusts. He's currently fifth in the NFL for rushing yards (over 400) as well as tied-fourth for rushing touchdowns (4).
I love how the coach Sean Payton has "RUSH!" prominently on his call sheet.
That shows how Denver are a team aiming to prioritize the run, since you can achieve much off the back of that. It reduces opposing rushes and keeps you in positive down and distances.
This has helped QB the young passer, who came the NFL as the 12th overall draft pick in the prior draft, passing for 29 TDs – just behind a star QB in rookie records (31 back in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert possess powerful arms to pass all over, but they lack in the same way that Nix has. He has incredible passing ability, which is different, plus he is highly agile.
His assets are his movement, being able to throw on the run, and using different arm angles to make throws when he rolls outside protection, the bootlegs. He can throw precision throws across the middle and over the corner.
As a rookie QB, at 25, he displays a lot of composure under pressure and is not really fazed by the blitz. He aims to evade being tackled whenever possible and can pass under pressure. He has sharp intelligence and is quick to decide.
If you constantly rush it consumes the clock and makes the opponent to stay on the field for longer, and when you have an athletic quarterback the defence has to cover the field downfield and horizontally. This proves exhausting.
Nix has pushed back with the coach during games at times and I think the coach likes that fire, seeing him as such a competitor. I think it's exciting for him to have a rookie QB that is similar to play-dough. The coach can really develop him how he wants to build it. I think it's a unique opportunity for the coach.
Payton owns a Super Bowl and has passed Bill Parcells for career NFL wins (173, tying for 14th). He's seen everything. I think the achievements the Broncos are having on offence is largely down to his leadership, his play-calling, his game sense – and the combination with Nix aids make him into who he is.
There's no better a more qualified person in your ear, to help you through difficult moments and build self-belief.
I believe in Denver's defence, in the QB's grit and calm. But are they good enough to face a top squad at its best? Since 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 above average, that's a solid position to be in the AFC West. The key is to continue this path.
They're really good at leaning into their forte, that is the ground game, and that's precisely what they must do versus the New York Jets in London. It's going to be a Dobbins-focused game, in essence.
New York have allowed 140 rushing yards each contest (among the worst), five rushing touchdowns this season (10th worst), and they're the sole squad yet to win any game.
Ever since the NFL started recording turnovers in 1933, the Jets are also the first team to go without any turnovers through five games, which is surprising considering that the head coach was previously defensive co-ordinator at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB stated the Chiefs have 'already lost too many games' after Monday's defeat by the Jaguars.
Following the upcoming matchup, Denver have a smooth-ish schedule up to their bye (in week twelve) - the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, the Texans plus the Raiders before the Kansas City Chiefs.
Looking at the AFC West, Kansas City are 2-3 while Denver are tied with the Los Angeles Chargers at 3-2 meaning they could challenge for the top of the division.
It depends on what version of the Chiefs they meet since the Broncos {beat|def
