How the Broncos and their flexible quarterback can stop that Kansas City Chiefs' rule.
Former NFL team assistant coach Phoebe Schecter serves as an NFL pundit who also plays for Great Britain's national squad.
- Published
- Half a dozen responses
NFL 2025 season: Week six
Live coverage includes live text of the weekend matchups via multiple platforms, starting with Denver Broncos v New York Jets at Tottenham (from 14:00 BST). Additionally, radio commentary is available on designated networks for another key matchup (from 21:00 BST).
We're in the sixth week in the football calendar , after last week's discussion regarding two top teams being a potential Super Bowl match-up, each lost their unbeaten records.
Notable during those contests were the amount of infractions each conceded. The Eagles committed them at crucial times so they essentially beat themselves after leading 17-3 going into the fourth period against the Denver Broncos, set to play in London this Sunday.
However it was good to observe how Denver quarterback Bo Nix managed to have the shortfall and then direct three successful possessions in three attempts during the final period, to win the game by four points.
Denver have the defensive player of the year in CB their star corner. They rank first in red zone defence, while the Eagles lead the league in red zone offence, and Denver won that contest.
They had effective strategies in terms of simulated pressure. They did not necessarily sending more than four defenders instead they could plug two linebackers in the 'A' gap before withdrawing them and dispatch a nickel from the outside.
At the start of the season, it was noted on a program that Denver might emerge as the current year's dark horses. They finished last season well and did a good job of building upon that.
Are the Denver Broncos this season's dark horses?
New TE Evan Engram has stepped up big and recent RB JK Dobbins is a player they believe in. He now ranks fifth in the NFL in ground gains (402) and tied for fourth in rushing scores (4).
I love that the coach Sean Payton has "RUN IT!" prominently on his call sheet.
That shows how Denver are a team that wants to prioritize the run, because you can do a lot based on that approach. It reduces down the pass rush and keeps you in favourable situations.
It's also benefited quarterback Bo Nix, who came the NFL as the 12th overall draft pick in the prior draft, throwing 29 touchdown passes – second only to Justin Herbert for the rookie record (31 back in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert have powerful arms to pass anywhere, however they lack in the same way that Nix has. He has exceptional arm talent, a unique trait, and he is highly agile.
His assets include his mobility, being able to pass on the run, and finding varied release points to make throws as he moves out of the pocket, on rollouts. He can deliver precision throws over the middle and past defenders.
As a rookie QB, at 25, he's got a lot of composure in the pocket and isn't bothered by the blitz. He tries to evade being tackled whenever possible and is able throw in tight spots. He has sharp intelligence and is quick to decide.
If you constantly run the ball it eats up the clock and makes the opponent to stay in play for longer, and if you've got an athletic quarterback the defense must cover the field downfield and horizontally. It can be exhausting.
Nix has pushed back at Payton on the sideline at times and I think Payton likes that attitude, that he's such a competitor. I think it's exciting for the coach to coach a young quarterback that is similar to play-dough. He can truly build something up how he desires to shape him. I believe it's a special experience for him.
Payton owns a championship and has passed Bill Parcells for career NFL wins (173 - tied 14th overall). He has witnessed it all. In my opinion the achievements Denver are experiencing on offence is mostly due to his guidance, his play-calling, his game sense – and the combination with the QB helps shape him into who he is.
You wouldn't want a more qualified person guiding you, to help you during difficult moments and build self-belief.
I believe in Denver's defence, in the QB's grit and calm. But is the team strong enough to go against a top squad at full strength? Since that wasn't championship-level play by the Eagles last Sunday.
Currently, it's unlikely Denver are elite. They're performing above average, which is a good place to be in the AFC West. All they need is to continue this trajectory.
They excel at leaning into their strength, that is running the ball, and that's exactly what they should do against the New York Jets in London. It will likely be the JK Dobbins show, essentially.
New York have allowed 140 yards on the ground each contest (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 league started recording turnovers in 1933, this team are also the inaugural squad to go without a single takeaway in five outings, which is surprising considering that the head coach Aaron Glenn a defensive coach at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB says the Chiefs have 'already lost too many games' after Monday's defeat to Jacksonville.
After this Sunday's game, the Broncos have a smooth-ish schedule until their break (in week twelve) - the Giants, the Cowboys, Houston Texans plus the Raiders prior to the Chiefs.
Looking at their division, the Chiefs are 2-3 and the Broncos are even with the Chargers at 3-2 so they could make a run for the top of the division.
This hinges upon which form Kansas City shows up they meet because the Broncos {beat|def
