How these Broncos together with their 'play-dough' QB can end the Chiefs' dominance.
Ex NFL team coach Phoebe Schecter is an NFL pundit who also represents the UK's national squad.
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NFL 2025 season: Week six
Real-time updates features live text of Sunday's games on various channels, starting with the Broncos-Jets clash in London (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Also, radio commentary can be heard through select stations for another key matchup (beginning at 9 PM BST).
It's week six of the NFL season and following recent discussion regarding the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles as a potential Super Bowl match-up, they both surrendered their unbeaten records.
Notable in those games were the amount of infractions each conceded. The Eagles committed them at crucial times so they kind of defeated themselves having led by two touchdowns going into the final quarter versus the Denver Broncos, set to play in London this Sunday.
However it was positive to see that Denver quarterback the rookie was able to overcome that deficit before lead three successful possessions on three possessions in the fourth quarter, to win the victory 21-17.
The Broncos have the defensive player of the year with CB Pat Surtain II. They are first in red zone defence, while Philadelphia lead the league in red zone offence, and Denver prevailed in that battle.
They had effective strategies regarding disguised blitzes. They weren't necessarily rushing extra pass rushers instead they might plug two LBs in the interior then drop them out and send a slot defender from the outside.
At the start of the season, we said on a program how Denver might emerge as this season's surprise contenders. They ended last season strongly then did a good job in continuing that momentum.
Could Denver be this year's dark horses?
New tight end Evan Engram has stepped up significantly and new running back their rusher is a guy they believe in. He now ranks 5th in the NFL for rushing yards (402) as well as tied for fourth in rushing scores (four).
I love how head coach Sean Payton displays "RUN IT!" at the top of his playcall sheet.
This demonstrates how the Broncos are a team that wants to run first, because you can do a lot based on that approach. It slows down the pass rush and maintains in positive situations.
It's also benefited quarterback Bo Nix, who entered the NFL as the 12th overall draft pick last year, throwing 29 TDs – just behind Justin Herbert for the rookie record (31 in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert have the arm strength to pass all over, but they don't move the mobility as Nix. He boasts exceptional arm talent, a unique trait, plus he's highly agile.
His strengths are his mobility, the capacity to throw while moving, and using varied release points to deliver throws when he rolls out of the pocket, the bootlegs. He can throw precision throws across the middle or past defenders.
As a rookie QB, aged 25, he's got great composure under pressure and isn't really fazed by the blitz. He tries to avoid a sack whenever possible and can pass in tight spots. He possesses a high football IQ and remains quick to decide.
When you consistently rush it eats up the clock and forces the defence to stay on the field extended periods, and if you have a mobile QB the defense must cover the area downfield side to side. It can be draining.
The quarterback has bitten back with the coach on the sideline at times and it seems the coach appreciates that attitude, seeing him as a fierce rival. I think it's exciting for him to coach a rookie QB who's similar to moldable clay. He can really develop him the way he desires to build it. I think it's a unique opportunity for the coach.
Payton has won a championship and has passed Bill Parcells in all-time victories (173, tying for 14th). He has witnessed everything. In my opinion the achievements Denver are experiencing offensively is largely due to his guidance, his play-calling, his situational awareness – and the pairing with the QB aids make him what he is.
You wouldn't want a more qualified person in your ear, to help you during difficult moments and build confidence.
I have faith in Denver's defence, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. But are they strong enough to go against an elite team at full strength? Since that wasn't a Super Bowl performance by the Eagles last Sunday.
Right now, I don't think the Broncos are incredible. They're performing above average, that's a solid position to be in their division. The key is is maintain this path.
They excel at leaning into their forte, that is running the ball, and that's exactly what they should do against the New York Jets in London. It's going to be the JK Dobbins show, essentially.
New York have surrendered 140 yards on the ground per game (sixth worst), five rushing touchdowns so far (10th worst), and they are the sole squad yet to win a game.
Ever since the NFL began tracking turnovers in 1933, the Jets are also the inaugural squad to go without a single takeaway through five games, which is kind of shocking considering that their new coach was previously defensive co-ordinator at the Detroit Lions.
Patrick Mahomes stated the Chiefs are off to a poor start after Monday's defeat by the Jaguars.
Following this Sunday's game, Denver have a manageable slate until their bye (in week twelve) - the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans plus the Raiders prior to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Looking at the AFC West, the Chiefs are 2-3 and the Broncos are tied with the Chargers at 3-2 so they could make a run for the top of the division.
It depends on what version of the Chiefs they meet since the Broncos {beat|def