How the Denver Broncos and their 'play-dough' quarterback could end the Kansas City Chiefs' reign.
Former NFL team assistant coach an analyst is an NFL pundit and plays for the UK's national squad.
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Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Real-time updates includes text commentary of the weekend matchups on various channels, starting with Denver Broncos v New York Jets at Tottenham (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Also, radio commentary can be heard on designated networks for another key matchup (beginning at 9 PM BST).
We're in the sixth week of the NFL season , following last week's talk about the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles as a potential Super Bowl match-up, each surrendered their unbeaten records.
Striking in those games was the number of infractions each conceded. Philadelphia did so at crucial times meaning they essentially beat themselves after leading by two touchdowns entering the fourth period versus the Denver Broncos, set to play in London this weekend.
But it was good to observe that Denver's QB the rookie managed to overcome the shortfall and then direct three scoring drives on three possessions in the fourth quarter, to win the game 21-17.
The Broncos boast the top defender with CB Pat Surtain II. They are first in goal-line defense, whereas Philadelphia lead the league in red zone offence, and the Broncos won that contest.
They executed effective strategies regarding simulated pressure. They did not always rushing extra defenders instead they could plug two linebackers in the interior then drop them out and send a slot defender off the edge.
Early on of the season, we said on a program how Denver could be this season's dark horses. They finished last season strongly and did a good job in continuing that momentum.
Are the Denver Broncos this season's dark horses?
New tight end Evan Engram has excelled significantly and new RB JK Dobbins is a player they believe in. He's currently 5th league-wide in ground gains (over 400) and tied-fourth for rushing touchdowns (4).
It's impressive that head coach the Broncos' leader displays "RUSH!" prominently of his playcall sheet.
That shows how the Broncos are a squad aiming to prioritize the run, because you can do a lot off the back of that. It slows down the pass rush while keeps you in positive down and distances.
It's also benefited QB Bo Nix, who entered the NFL as a first-round selection in the prior draft, passing for 29 TDs – second only to a star QB for the rookie record (31 in 2020).
Other elite QBs possess powerful arms to throw all over, but they don't move the mobility that Nix has. He boasts exceptional passing ability, which is different, and he is highly agile.
His strengths include his movement, the capacity to throw while moving, and finding varied release points to make the pass when he rolls out of the pocket, the bootlegs. He can throw that layered pass over the middle and past defenders.
For a young quarterback, at 25, he's got a lot of poise in the pocket and isn't bothered by the blitz. He tries to avoid being tackled whenever possible and is able pass in tight spots. He possesses a high football IQ and remains very decisive.
If you constantly rush it consumes the clock and makes the defence to stay on the field extended periods, and if you have a mobile QB the defense has to cover the field downfield side to side. It can be exhausting.
Nix has pushed back with the coach during games sometimes and I think Payton likes that fire, that he's a fierce rival. I think it's exciting for him to have a rookie QB that is kind of like moldable clay. The coach can truly develop him how he desires to build it. I believe it's a unique opportunity for the coach.
The head coach has won a Super Bowl and now surpassed Bill Parcells for career NFL wins (173 - tied 14th overall). He's seen everything. In my opinion the achievements Denver are having offensively is mostly down to his leadership, his schemes, his situational awareness – and the combination with Nix aids make him into who he is.
You wouldn't want a more qualified person guiding you, to assist you during some of the tougher situations and boost confidence.
I believe in the Broncos' defense, in the QB's grit and calm. But is the team good enough to face a top squad at its best? Because that wasn't championship-level play by the Eagles in their last game.
Right now, it's unlikely Denver are incredible. They're performing better than most, that's a good place to be in their division. All they need to do to continue this path.
They're really good at embracing their forte, which is the ground game, and that's exactly what they must do against the Jets in London. It's going to be the JK Dobbins show, essentially.
New York have surrendered 140 rushing yards each contest (among the worst), five rushing touchdowns this season (10th worst), and they are the sole squad yet to win any game.
Since the NFL began tracking takeaways in 1933, the Jets are also the inaugural squad to be without any turnovers through five games, which is surprising considering that the head coach was previously defensive co-ordinator at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB stated Kansas City are off to a poor start following Monday's defeat by the Jaguars.
Following the upcoming matchup, the Broncos have a manageable slate up to their bye (in week 12) - the Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans and Las Vegas Raiders before the Kansas City Chiefs.
Looking at their division, the Chiefs hold a losing record and the Broncos are tied with the Chargers on 3-2 meaning they could challenge at leading the West.
It depends upon which form Kansas City shows up they meet since the Broncos {beat|def
