Ways the Denver Broncos and their malleable QB could stop that Chiefs' reign.
Former NFL team coach Phoebe Schecter is a football expert who also represents Great Britain's national squad.
- Published
- Half a dozen responses
NFL 2025 season: Week six
Live coverage includes text commentary of Sunday's games on various channels, starting with Denver Broncos v New York Jets in London (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Additionally, radio commentary can be heard through select stations for another key matchup (from 21:00 BST).
It's week six of the football calendar and after recent discussion about two top teams being a potential Super Bowl match-up, each lost their unbeaten records.
Striking in those games was the amount of penalties both conceded. Philadelphia did so at crucial times so they kind of beat themselves after leading by two touchdowns entering the fourth period against Denver, who play overseas this weekend.
However it proved good to see that Denver's QB Bo Nix was able to overcome that deficit before direct three scoring drives on three possessions in the fourth quarter, to win the game 21-17.
The Broncos have the defensive player of the year with cornerback their star corner. They rank first in red zone defence, whereas the Eagles are number one in scoring near the end zone, yet the Broncos prevailed in that contest.
They executed the Eagles' number in terms of simulated pressure. They weren't necessarily rushing extra pass rushers but they might plug two LBs in the 'A' gap before drop them out and dispatch a nickel from the outside.
At the start of the season, it was noted on a program how the Broncos could be this season's dark horses. They ended last season strongly then excelled of building upon that.
Are the Denver Broncos this season's underdog story?
Recently acquired TE Evan Engram has excelled big while new running back their rusher is a guy they believe in. He now ranks 5th in the NFL in ground gains (402) and tied-fourth in rushing scores (four).
I love that head coach Sean Payton has "RUN IT!" prominently on his call sheet.
That shows that the Broncos are a team that wants to prioritize the run, since you can do a lot off the back of that. It reduces down the pass rush while keeps you in positive situations.
This has helped quarterback the young passer, who entered into the league as the 12th overall draft pick in the prior draft, throwing 29 TDs – second only to a star QB in rookie records (31 back in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert have powerful arms to pass all over, however they lack in the same way that Nix has. He has incredible passing ability, which is different, and he is so athletic.
His strengths are his mobility, the capacity to pass while moving, as well as finding varied release points to make the pass when he rolls outside protection, the bootlegs. He is able to deliver precision throws over the middle and past defenders.
For a young quarterback, aged 25, he's got great poise in the pocket and is not really fazed by extra rushers. He aims to avoid being tackled whenever possible and can pass in tight spots. He has a high football IQ and remains quick to decide.
If you constantly rush it eats up time and forces the opponent to be in play for longer, and if you've got a mobile QB the defense must cover the field vertically side to side. It can be draining.
Nix has pushed back with the coach on the sideline sometimes and it seems Payton appreciates that fire, seeing him as such a competitor. I think it's exciting for him to have a young quarterback that is similar to moldable clay. He can really build something up how he wants to build it. I think it's a unique opportunity for the coach.
Payton has won a championship and has passed Bill Parcells for career NFL wins (173 - tied 14th overall). He has witnessed it all. I think the success Denver are having offensively is largely down to his guidance, his play-calling, his situational awareness – and the pairing with the QB aids shape him what he is.
You wouldn't want a better guy in your ear, to assist you during difficult moments and boost confidence.
I believe in the Broncos' defense, in the QB's grit and calm. But are they good enough to face an elite team at its best? Since that was not a Super Bowl performance by the Eagles last Sunday.
Currently, it's unlikely Denver are incredible. They're performing above average, which is a solid position to hold their division. All they need to do to continue this path.
They excel at leaning into their strength, that is the ground game, and that's precisely what they should do against the Jets at Tottenham. It will likely be a Dobbins-focused game, in essence.
New York have surrendered 140 rushing yards per game (among the worst), five ground scores this season (in the bottom ten), and they are the sole squad without a win a game.
Ever since the league started recording turnovers decades ago, the Jets are the first team to go without a single takeaway through five games, this is kind of shocking when you think that the head coach Aaron Glenn a defensive coach at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB stated Kansas City are off to a poor start following Monday's defeat by the Jaguars.
After this Sunday's game, Denver have a manageable slate until their bye (in week twelve) - the Giants, Dallas Cowboys, the Texans plus 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 at 3-2 so they could make a run at leading the West.
This hinges upon what version Kansas City shows up they meet because the Broncos {beat|def
