How these Broncos and their flexible quarterback could stop the Chiefs' dominance.
Former Buffalo Bills assistant coach Phoebe Schecter serves as a football expert who also represents the UK's national squad.
- Published
- 6 Comments
Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Live coverage includes live text for Sunday's games on multiple platforms, starting with the Broncos-Jets clash at Tottenham (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Additionally, audio coverage is available on select stations for another key matchup (beginning at 9 PM BST).
We're in the sixth week in the football calendar and after recent discussion regarding the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles as possible championship contenders, each surrendered their unbeaten records.
Striking in those games was the amount of penalties both conceded. Philadelphia committed them in key moments so they essentially beat themselves after leading by two touchdowns entering the fourth period versus Denver, set to play in London this Sunday.
However it was positive to see how Denver's QB the rookie was able to overcome the shortfall and then direct three successful possessions in three attempts in the fourth quarter, to win the game by four points.
The Broncos have the defensive player of the year with cornerback their star corner. They rank first in red zone defence, while Philadelphia are number one in red zone offence, yet the Broncos won that battle.
They had effective strategies regarding disguised blitzes. They did not necessarily sending extra pass rushers but they could plug two LBs in the 'A' gap before withdrawing them and send a slot defender off the edge.
Early on of the season, it was noted on a program that Denver could be this season's surprise contenders. They finished the previous year well and excelled of building upon that.
Could Denver be this year's underdog story?
Recently acquired tight end Evan Engram has excelled big while new RB JK Dobbins is a player the team trusts. He's currently fifth in the NFL for rushing yards (402) and tied-fourth in rushing scores (four).
I love how head coach Sean Payton displays "RUSH!" prominently of his playcall sheet.
That shows how Denver are a team that wants to prioritize the run, because you can achieve much off the back of that. It reduces opposing rushes and keeps you in favourable situations.
It's also helped quarterback Bo Nix, who came into the league as the 12th overall draft pick last year, throwing 29 touchdown passes – just behind a star QB in rookie records (31 in 2020).
Other elite QBs possess powerful arms to throw anywhere, but they don't move the mobility as Nix. He boasts exceptional arm talent, a unique trait, plus he's so athletic.
His assets are his mobility, being able to throw while moving, and finding different arm angles to make throws when he rolls out of the pocket, the bootlegs. He can deliver precision throws across the middle or past defenders.
As a rookie QB, at 25, he displays great composure in the pocket and isn't bothered by extra rushers. He aims to evade a sack as much as possible and is able throw in tight spots. He has a high football IQ and is very decisive.
If you constantly rush it consumes time and makes the opponent to be in play extended periods, and when you have a mobile QB the defense must cover the area vertically side to side. It can be draining.
Nix has pushed back with the coach during games sometimes and it seems the coach appreciates that attitude, seeing him as a fierce rival. I think it's fun for the coach to have a rookie QB who's similar to play-dough. The coach can really build something up the way he wants to build it. I believe it's a unique opportunity for him.
Payton owns a championship and has surpassed a legend in all-time victories (173 - tied 14th overall). He's seen it all. In my opinion the achievements Denver are experiencing on offence is largely due to his guidance, his schemes, his game sense – and the pairing with the QB helps make him what he is.
You wouldn't want a better guy in your ear, to assist you through some of the tougher situations and build confidence.
I have faith in Denver's defence, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. But are they strong enough to face an elite team at full strength? Because that was not championship-level play by the Eagles in their last game.
Currently, it's unlikely the Broncos are incredible. They're performing better than most, that's a good place to hold the AFC West. The key to do to continue this path.
They're really good at embracing their forte, that is running the ball, and that's precisely what they must do versus the New York Jets at Tottenham. It will likely be a Dobbins-focused game, in essence.
New York have allowed 140 rushing yards per game (among the worst), five rushing touchdowns this season (in the bottom ten), and they're the only team yet to win a game.
Ever since the league began tracking turnovers in 1933, this team are also the first team to go without any turnovers through five games, this is surprising considering that their new coach was previously defensive co-ordinator at the Detroit Lions.
Patrick Mahomes says the Chiefs have 'already lost too many games' following a recent loss to Jacksonville.
After this Sunday's game, the Broncos have a smooth-ish schedule until their break (in week 12) - the Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans and Las Vegas Raiders before the Kansas City Chiefs.
Looking at the AFC West, Kansas City hold a losing record while Denver are even with the Los Angeles Chargers on 3-2 so they could challenge for the top of the division.
This hinges on what version of the Chiefs they face since Denver {beat|def
