How the Denver Broncos together with their flexible quarterback can end that Kansas City Chiefs' reign.
Former Buffalo Bills assistant coach Phoebe Schecter is a football expert and plays for Great Britain's flag football team.
- Published
- Half a dozen responses
Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Real-time updates features text commentary for Sunday's games via multiple platforms, starting with the Broncos-Jets clash in London (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Also, radio commentary can be heard through designated networks for another key matchup (from 21:00 BST).
It's week six in the NFL season and after last week's discussion about the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles being possible championship contenders, they both surrendered their unbeaten records.
Striking during those contests was the amount of infractions each committed. The Eagles committed them in key moments so they essentially beat themselves having led by two touchdowns entering the fourth period versus Denver, who play in London this weekend.
But it proved positive to observe how Denver quarterback Bo Nix was able to have the shortfall and then direct three successful possessions in three attempts during the final period, securing the victory by four points.
The Broncos boast the defensive player of the year in CB Pat Surtain II. They are first in goal-line defense, whereas the Eagles are number one in red zone offence, and the Broncos prevailed in that battle.
They had effective strategies regarding disguised blitzes. They weren't always rushing more than four pass rushers but they could plug two linebackers in the interior then drop them out and dispatch a slot defender from the outside.
Early on of the season, we said on a program how the Broncos might emerge as the current year's dark horses. They ended last season strongly and did a good job of building upon that.
Are the Denver Broncos this year's dark horses?
New tight end their tight end has stepped up big and new running back their rusher is a guy the team trusts. He's currently fifth league-wide for rushing yards (over 400) as well as tied-fourth for rushing touchdowns (four).
I love that head coach the Broncos' leader displays "RUN IT!" prominently on his call sheet.
This demonstrates that Denver are a squad aiming to prioritize the run, because one can do a lot off the back of that. It reduces opposing rushes and keeps you in favourable down and distances.
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 a star QB for the rookie record (31 back in 2020).
Other elite QBs possess powerful arms to throw anywhere, however they don't move the mobility as Nix. He has exceptional passing ability, which is different, and he's highly agile.
His assets are his movement, the capacity to pass while moving, and using different arm angles to deliver throws when he rolls outside protection, the bootlegs. He can throw precision throws over the middle and past defenders.
For a young quarterback, aged 25, he displays a lot of composure in the pocket and is not bothered by the blitz. He tries to evade being tackled as much as possible and is able pass under pressure. He has sharp intelligence and remains quick to decide.
If you constantly rush it consumes the clock and makes the opponent to be on the field extended periods, and when you have a mobile QB the defence must defend the field downfield and horizontally. It can be exhausting.
Nix has bitten back at Payton during games at times and I think the coach appreciates that attitude, seeing him as a fierce rival. In my view it's exciting for the coach to have a young quarterback who's kind of like moldable clay. He can really build something up the way he wants to build it. I believe it's a special experience for the coach.
The head coach has won a Super Bowl and now surpassed Bill Parcells in all-time victories (173 - tied 14th overall). He's seen everything. In my opinion the achievements Denver are experiencing on offence is mostly due to his leadership, his play-calling, his game sense – and the pairing with Nix helps shape him into who 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 believe in Denver's defence, in the QB's grit and calm. Yet is the team good enough to go against an elite team at full strength? Since that wasn't championship-level play from Philadelphia in their last game.
Currently, I don't think Denver are elite. They're working above average, that's a solid position to be in their division. The key is is maintain this trajectory.
They're really good at leaning into their strength, which is running the ball, and this is exactly what they should do against the Jets in London. It will likely be the JK Dobbins show, essentially.
The Jets have allowed 140 yards on the ground per game (sixth worst), five ground scores so far (in the bottom ten), and they're the sole squad yet to win any game.
Since the NFL started recording takeaways decades ago, this team are the inaugural squad to be without a single takeaway in five outings, which is surprising when you think that the head coach Aaron Glenn defensive co-ordinator with another team.
The Chiefs' QB says the Chiefs have 'already lost too many games' following a recent loss by the Jaguars.
After this Sunday's game, the Broncos have a manageable slate up to their bye (in week 12) - the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans and the Raiders prior to the Chiefs.
Looking at their division, the Chiefs are 2-3 and the Broncos are tied with the Los Angeles Chargers at 3-2 meaning they could make a run at leading the West.
This hinges on which form Kansas City shows up they face since the Broncos {beat|def
