Ways the Broncos and the 'play-dough' quarterback could end the Kansas City Chiefs' reign.
Ex Buffalo Bills assistant coach Phoebe Schecter serves as an NFL pundit who also plays for the UK's national squad.
- Published
- Half a dozen responses
Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Real-time updates features text commentary of Sunday's games via multiple platforms, beginning with the Broncos-Jets clash at Tottenham (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Also, radio commentary is available on select stations for a separate game (beginning at 9 PM BST).
It's week six of the football calendar , following last week's discussion about two top teams as possible championship contenders, they both surrendered their unbeaten records.
Notable during those contests was the number of penalties each committed. Philadelphia did so at crucial times meaning they essentially defeated themselves after leading 17-3 going into the fourth period against Denver, set to play overseas this weekend.
But it was good to observe how Denver's QB the rookie managed to have the shortfall and then lead three scoring drives on three possessions in the fourth quarter, to win the victory 21-17.
Denver boast the top defender with CB Pat Surtain II. They rank number one in goal-line defense, whereas the Eagles lead the league in scoring near the end zone, yet Denver prevailed in that battle.
They executed effective strategies regarding disguised blitzes. They did not always rushing extra defenders instead they could plug two LBs in the 'A' gap before withdrawing them and dispatch a slot defender off the edge.
At the start in the campaign, it was noted during a show how Denver might emerge as this season's dark horses. They finished last season strongly and excelled of building upon that.
Could Denver be this year's dark horses?
Recently acquired TE Evan Engram has stepped up significantly while new running back their rusher is a player the team trusts. He's currently 5th in the NFL for rushing yards (402) as well as tied-fourth for rushing touchdowns (four).
It's impressive that the coach the Broncos' leader has "RUSH!" at the top of his playcall sheet.
That shows that Denver represent a team that wants to prioritize the run, since one can do a lot based on that approach. It reduces opposing rushes and maintains in positive down and distances.
It's also helped QB Bo Nix, who entered the NFL as the 12th overall draft pick in the prior draft, passing for 29 TDs – second only to Justin Herbert for the rookie record (31 in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert have the arm strength to throw anywhere, however they don't move in the same way as Nix. He boasts exceptional arm talent, which is different, and he is highly agile.
His assets include his mobility, being able to pass on the run, and using different arm angles to deliver the pass as he moves out of the pocket, on rollouts. He can deliver that layered pass across the middle or over the corner.
For a young quarterback, aged 25, he's got a lot of composure under pressure and is not bothered by extra rushers. He tries to avoid a sack whenever possible and can pass in tight spots. He possesses sharp intelligence and is quick to decide.
When you consistently run the ball it consumes time and makes the opponent to be in play extended periods, and if you've got a mobile QB the defence has to cover the field vertically side to side. This proves exhausting.
The quarterback has bitten back at Payton on the sideline at times and I think Payton likes that fire, seeing him as such a competitor. I think it's exciting for him to coach a rookie QB that is kind of like play-dough. The coach can really build something up the way he wants to build it. I think it's a unique opportunity for him.
Payton owns a championship and has passed Bill Parcells for career NFL wins (173 - tied 14th overall). He has witnessed everything. In my opinion the achievements Denver are having on offence is largely down to his leadership, his play-calling, his situational awareness – and the pairing with the QB aids shape him into who he is.
There's no better a more qualified person guiding you, to assist you through some of the tougher situations and build self-belief.
I have faith in Denver's defence, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. Yet is the team good enough to go against a top squad at full strength? Because that was not championship-level play by the Eagles in their last game.
Right now, I don't think the Broncos are elite. They're performing better than most, that's a solid position to be in the AFC West. All they need to do is maintain this trajectory.
They're really good at leaning into their strength, that is running the ball, and that's precisely what they should do against the New York Jets in London. It's going to be the JK Dobbins show, essentially.
New York have allowed 140 yards on the ground each contest (among the worst), five rushing touchdowns this season (10th worst), and they are the only team without a win a game.
Since the league began tracking turnovers in 1933, this team are the first team to be without a single takeaway through five games, which is surprising considering that their new coach was previously defensive co-ordinator at the Detroit Lions.
Patrick Mahomes stated Kansas City have 'already lost too many games' following Monday's defeat by the Jaguars.
Following the upcoming matchup, Denver have a manageable slate up to their bye (in week twelve) - the Giants, Dallas Cowboys, the Texans plus Las Vegas Raiders before the Kansas City Chiefs.
In the AFC West, Kansas City are 2-3 and the Broncos are tied with the Los Angeles Chargers at 3-2 so they could make a run at leading the West.
This hinges on what version Kansas City shows up they face because Denver {beat|def
