How the Broncos and their 'play-dough' quarterback can end the Kansas City Chiefs' reign.
Ex Buffalo Bills coach an analyst serves as an NFL pundit and represents the UK's national squad.
- Published
- Half a dozen responses
Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Live coverage includes live text for Sunday's games on multiple platforms, starting with Denver Broncos v New York Jets at Tottenham (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Also, radio commentary is available through designated networks covering another key matchup (from 21:00 BST).
It's week six in the NFL season , after last week's talk regarding two top teams being possible championship contenders, they both surrendered their unbeaten records.
Striking in those games were the number of penalties each committed. Philadelphia did so at crucial times so they kind of defeated themselves having led 17-3 going into the final quarter against Denver, who play in London this weekend.
But it proved good to observe how Denver quarterback Bo Nix was able to have that deficit before direct three successful possessions on three possessions in the fourth quarter, to win the game 21-17.
Denver boast the top defender in CB their star corner. They are number one in goal-line defense, while the Eagles lead the league in red zone offence, yet the Broncos prevailed in that battle.
They executed the Eagles' number in terms of disguised blitzes. They did not necessarily rushing extra pass rushers instead they could plug two LBs in the 'A' gap before withdrawing them and send a slot defender off the edge.
Early on of the season, it was noted on a program how the Broncos could be the current year's dark horses. They ended last season well and excelled of building upon that.
Could Denver be this season's dark horses?
Recently acquired TE their tight end has stepped up big and new RB their rusher is a guy they believe in. He's currently fifth in the NFL for rushing yards (402) and tied for fourth in rushing scores (4).
I love how the coach Sean Payton displays "RUSH!" prominently of his playcall sheet.
This demonstrates that Denver represent a squad that wants to run first, because you can achieve much off the back of that. It slows down the pass rush and keeps you in favourable down and distances.
This has benefited quarterback Bo Nix, who entered the NFL as a first-round selection last year, passing for 29 TDs – second only to Justin Herbert in rookie records (31 in 2020).
Other elite QBs have the arm strength to pass all over, however they don't move the mobility as Nix. He has exceptional arm talent, which is different, and he's so athletic.
His assets include his mobility, being able to throw while moving, and finding varied release points to make the pass when he rolls out of the pocket, the bootlegs. He is able to deliver precision throws over the middle and past defenders.
As a rookie QB, aged 25, he displays a lot of composure under pressure and is not bothered by extra rushers. He tries to avoid a sack whenever possible and can pass under pressure. He has sharp intelligence and remains quick to decide.
If you constantly run the ball it consumes the clock and makes the defence to be in play extended periods, and when you've got a mobile QB the defence must defend the field downfield side to side. It can be exhausting.
The quarterback has bitten back with the coach on the sideline at times and it seems the coach likes that attitude, that he's a fierce rival. In my view it's exciting for the coach to coach a young quarterback that is similar to play-dough. He can truly build something up how he desires to build it. I think it's a special experience for the coach.
The head coach owns a Super Bowl and now passed a legend for career NFL wins (173, tying for 14th). He has witnessed everything. I think the success the Broncos are experiencing on offence is largely due to his leadership, his schemes, his game sense – and the pairing with the QB helps make him what he is.
You wouldn't want a more qualified person guiding you, to help you through some of the tougher situations and build self-belief.
I have faith in the Broncos' defense, in the QB's grit and calm. Yet is the team good enough to go against a top squad at its best? Since that wasn't a Super Bowl performance by the Eagles last Sunday.
Right now, I don't think Denver are incredible. They're working better than most, that's a good place to be in the AFC West. All they need is is maintain this trajectory.
They're really good at leaning into their strength, which is running the ball, and that's exactly what they should do versus the Jets in London. It's going to be the JK Dobbins show, in essence.
New York have surrendered 140 rushing yards each contest (sixth worst), five ground scores so far (10th worst), and they're the sole squad yet to win a game.
Since the league started recording turnovers in 1933, the Jets are also the inaugural squad to be without a single takeaway through five games, this is surprising when you think that their new coach Aaron Glenn defensive co-ordinator at the Detroit Lions.
Patrick Mahomes says the Chiefs have 'already lost too many games' after a recent loss to Jacksonville.
After the upcoming matchup, Denver face a manageable slate until their break (in week 12) - the Giants, Dallas Cowboys, the Texans and the Raiders before the Kansas City Chiefs.
In the AFC West, the Chiefs are 2-3 while Denver are even with the Chargers at 3-2 so they could challenge for the top of the division.
It depends on what version Kansas City shows up they meet since Denver {beat|def
