How the Broncos and their malleable quarterback could stop the Chiefs' dominance.
Former NFL team assistant coach an analyst serves as a football expert who also plays for Great Britain's flag football team.
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Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Live coverage includes live text for the weekend matchups on multiple platforms, starting with the Broncos-Jets clash in London (from 14:00 BST). Also, radio commentary can be heard on select stations covering another key matchup (beginning at 9 PM BST).
We're in the sixth week of the NFL season , after last week's talk regarding two top teams being possible championship contenders, they both surrendered their unbeaten records.
Notable during those contests was the number of penalties each committed. The Eagles committed them at crucial times meaning they kind of beat themselves after leading 17-3 going into the fourth period versus Denver, who play in London this Sunday.
But it proved good to see that Denver quarterback Bo Nix was able to overcome that deficit before direct three successful possessions on three possessions during the final period, to win the game 21-17.
The Broncos boast the top defender with cornerback their star corner. They are number one in red zone defence, whereas the Eagles are number one in scoring near the end zone, and Denver prevailed in that battle.
They executed effective strategies regarding disguised blitzes. They weren't necessarily rushing more than four pass rushers but they might position two LBs in the 'A' gap before withdrawing them and send a slot defender off the edge.
At the start in the campaign, it was noted on a program that Denver might emerge as this season's dark horses. They finished the previous year well and did a good job in continuing that momentum.
Could Denver be this season's dark horses?
New tight end their tight end has stepped up big while new running back their rusher is a guy they believe in. He's currently fifth in the NFL in ground gains (402) as well as tied for fourth for rushing touchdowns (four).
It's impressive how head coach Sean Payton has "RUSH!" prominently on his call sheet.
This demonstrates how the Broncos represent a squad that wants to prioritize the run, since one can achieve much off the back of that. It reduces down the pass rush and keeps you in favourable down and distances.
It's also helped 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 for the rookie record (31 back in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert possess powerful arms to throw all over, but they don't move in the same way that Nix has. He boasts incredible arm talent, a unique trait, plus he is highly agile.
His strengths are his mobility, being able to throw on the run, as well as finding varied release points to make the pass as he moves out of the pocket, on rollouts. He can throw precision throws over the middle or over the corner.
For a young quarterback, aged 25, he displays a lot of composure in the pocket and isn't really fazed by extra rushers. He aims to avoid a sack as much as possible and can throw under pressure. He possesses sharp intelligence and remains very decisive.
When you consistently run the ball it eats up time and makes the defence to be on the field extended periods, and when you have an athletic quarterback the defense must cover the field downfield side to side. It can be exhausting.
The quarterback has bitten back with the coach on the sideline sometimes and I think Payton appreciates that attitude, seeing him as such a competitor. In my view it's fun for him to coach a rookie QB who's similar to moldable clay. He can truly develop him the way he desires to build it. I believe it's a special experience for him.
The head coach has won a championship and has surpassed a legend for career NFL wins (173 - tied 14th overall). He's seen it all. I think the success the Broncos are experiencing on offence is mostly due to his leadership, his schemes, his game sense – and the combination with Nix helps make him what he is.
You wouldn't want a more qualified person guiding you, to assist you through difficult moments and boost confidence.
I believe in the Broncos' defense, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. But are they strong enough to go against a top squad at its best? Since that was not championship-level play by the Eagles last Sunday.
Right now, I don't think Denver are elite. They're working above average, which is a solid position to be in the AFC West. The key is is maintain this trajectory.
They're really good at embracing their strength, which is running the ball, and this is precisely what they must do against the New York Jets at Tottenham. It will likely be a Dobbins-focused game, essentially.
New York have surrendered 140 rushing yards each contest (sixth worst), five ground scores so far (in the bottom ten), and they're the sole squad without a win any game.
Ever since the NFL started recording takeaways decades ago, the Jets are the first team to go without any turnovers in five outings, this is surprising when you think that the head coach Aaron Glenn a defensive coach at the Detroit Lions.
Patrick Mahomes says Kansas City have 'already lost too many games' after a recent loss by the Jaguars.
Following the upcoming matchup, Denver face a smooth-ish schedule up to their break (in week 12) - the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans and Las Vegas Raiders prior to the Kansas City Chiefs.
In their division, the Chiefs are 2-3 while Denver are even with the Los Angeles Chargers at 3-2 meaning they could make a run at leading the West.
It depends on what version of the Chiefs they meet since the Broncos {beat|def
