How the Broncos and their malleable QB can end the Chiefs' reign.
Former NFL team assistant coach an analyst serves as an NFL pundit who also plays for Great Britain's national squad.
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NFL 2025 season: Week six
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It's week six of the football calendar and following last week's talk about the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles being possible championship contenders, they both lost their unbeaten records.
Striking during those contests were the amount of infractions each committed. Philadelphia did so in key moments meaning they essentially defeated themselves after leading 17-3 entering the fourth period against the Denver Broncos, who play overseas this weekend.
However it was positive to observe that Denver's QB Bo Nix managed to have that deficit before direct three successful possessions on three possessions in the fourth quarter, to win the game by four points.
The Broncos have the defensive player of the year in cornerback their star corner. They are number one in goal-line defense, whereas the Eagles lead the league in scoring near the end zone, yet the Broncos prevailed in that contest.
They executed the Eagles' number in terms of disguised blitzes. They weren't necessarily rushing more than four pass rushers instead they might position 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 the Broncos could be the current year's surprise contenders. They ended last season well then excelled in continuing that momentum.
Could Denver be this season's underdog story?
Recently acquired tight end Evan Engram has stepped up significantly and new RB their rusher is a player they believe in. He's currently fifth in the NFL for rushing yards (over 400) as well as tied-fourth in rushing scores (4).
It's impressive how the coach Sean Payton displays "RUN IT!" at the top of his playcall sheet.
That shows how the Broncos are a team that wants to prioritize the run, since one can do a lot off the back of that. It slows down the pass rush and maintains in positive situations.
It's also helped quarterback Bo Nix, who entered into the league as the 12th overall draft pick last year, passing for 29 touchdown passes – just behind Justin Herbert in rookie records (31 in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert have the arm strength to pass anywhere, but they lack in the same way as Nix. He boasts incredible passing ability, a unique trait, plus he's so athletic.
His assets include his movement, being able to throw on the run, and finding varied release points to deliver throws as he moves out of the pocket, on rollouts. He is able to deliver precision throws across the middle or over the corner.
As a rookie QB, aged 25, he's got a lot of poise under pressure and isn't really fazed by extra rushers. He aims to evade a sack whenever possible and is able throw in tight spots. He has a high football IQ and is quick to decide.
When you constantly run the ball it consumes time and makes the defence to be in play extended periods, and if you've got an athletic quarterback the defence must defend the field vertically side to side. It can be exhausting.
The quarterback has pushed back at Payton on the sideline at times and it seems Payton appreciates that fire, that he's a fierce rival. In my view it's fun for the coach to coach a rookie QB who's kind of like play-dough. The coach can truly build something up the way he wants to build it. I believe it's a unique opportunity for him.
The head coach has won a championship and now passed a legend for career NFL wins (173 - tied 14th overall). He has witnessed it all. I think the success Denver are experiencing offensively is mostly due to his leadership, his schemes, his situational awareness – and the combination with Nix helps shape him what he is.
There's no better a more qualified person guiding you, to help you through some of the tougher situations and boost confidence.
I believe in Denver's defence, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. Yet is the team good enough to go against an elite team at its best? Since that was not championship-level play from Philadelphia last Sunday.
Right now, it's unlikely Denver are incredible. They're working above average, that's a solid position to hold their division. The key is to continue this path.
They're really good at embracing their strength, which is the ground game, and that's exactly what they must do versus the Jets in London. It will likely be a Dobbins-focused game, in essence.
The Jets have surrendered 140 yards on the ground each contest (sixth worst), five rushing touchdowns so far (in the bottom ten), and they're the sole squad yet to win a game.
Since the NFL began tracking takeaways in 1933, the Jets are also the first team to go without a single takeaway in five outings, which is kind of shocking when you think that the head coach Aaron Glenn defensive co-ordinator with another team.
The Chiefs' QB says Kansas City are off to a poor start following a recent loss by the Jaguars.
Following this Sunday's game, the Broncos have a smooth-ish schedule up to their break (in week twelve) - the Giants, the Cowboys, the Texans and Las Vegas Raiders before the Chiefs.
In the AFC West, the Chiefs hold a losing record while Denver are tied with the Los Angeles Chargers at 3-2 meaning they could challenge at leading the division.
This hinges on what version of the Chiefs they face since Denver {beat|def