Ways the Broncos and their flexible quarterback could halt the Chiefs' dominance.
Former NFL team assistant coach an analyst serves as an NFL pundit and represents the UK's flag football team.
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NFL 2025 season: Week six
Real-time updates includes live text for Sunday's games on various channels, starting with Denver Broncos v New York Jets at Tottenham (from 14:00 BST). Additionally, radio commentary is available on select stations for another key matchup (beginning at 9 PM BST).
We're in the sixth week in the NFL season , after last week's discussion regarding two top teams being a potential Super Bowl match-up, they both surrendered their unbeaten records.
Striking in those games was the number of penalties each committed. The Eagles committed them in key moments meaning they kind of beat themselves after leading 17-3 entering the final quarter against Denver, who play in London this Sunday.
But it was good to observe how Denver quarterback the rookie managed to have the shortfall before lead three scoring drives in three attempts during the final period, to win the victory 21-17.
Denver boast the top defender with cornerback Pat Surtain II. They rank number one in red zone defence, while the Eagles are number one in red zone offence, and Denver prevailed in that battle.
They executed effective strategies in terms of simulated pressure. They weren't necessarily sending extra pass rushers but they could position two linebackers in the 'A' gap before withdrawing them and dispatch a nickel off the edge.
Early on in the campaign, we said on a program how the Broncos could be the current year's dark horses. They ended the previous year well then did a good job of building upon that.
Are the Denver Broncos this year's dark horses?
New tight end their tight end has excelled significantly and recent RB JK Dobbins is a player the team trusts. He now ranks 5th league-wide in ground gains (402) as well as tied for fourth for rushing touchdowns (four).
I love how head coach the Broncos' leader has "RUSH!" at the top of his playcall sheet.
That shows how Denver represent a team aiming to prioritize the run, because one can do a lot off the back of that. It reduces opposing rushes and keeps you in favourable down and distances.
It's also helped QB the young passer, who came the NFL as the 12th overall draft pick in the prior draft, passing for 29 touchdown passes – second only to a star QB for the rookie record (31 back in 2020).
Other elite QBs possess the arm strength to throw all over, but they don't move the mobility as Nix. He boasts exceptional passing ability, a unique trait, plus he is highly agile.
His assets include his movement, being able to throw on the run, and finding varied release points to deliver throws when he rolls outside protection, the bootlegs. He is able to deliver that layered pass across the middle or over the corner.
As a rookie QB, at 25, he's got great composure in the pocket and is not bothered by the blitz. He tries to avoid a sack whenever possible and can throw under pressure. He has a high football IQ and remains quick to decide.
If you consistently rush it consumes the clock and forces the opponent to be on the field extended periods, and if you've got a mobile QB the defense must defend the field downfield and horizontally. This proves draining.
The quarterback has pushed back at Payton during games sometimes and it seems Payton likes that fire, that he's a fierce rival. In my view it's fun for the coach to coach a young quarterback who's kind of like moldable clay. He can truly build something up how he wants to shape him. I think it's a unique opportunity for him.
The head coach owns a Super Bowl and has surpassed Bill Parcells in all-time victories (173, tying for 14th). He's seen it all. I think the achievements Denver are experiencing on offence is mostly due to his leadership, his schemes, his game sense – and the pairing with the QB aids shape him into who he is.
There's no better a better guy guiding you, to help you during some of the tougher situations and build self-belief.
I have faith in Denver's defence, in the QB's grit and calm. But are they strong enough to go against an elite team at full strength? Because that wasn't a Super Bowl performance by the Eagles last Sunday.
Right now, it's unlikely the Broncos are elite. They're working better than most, which is a good place to be in the AFC West. All they need is is maintain this path.
They're really good at leaning into their strength, which is running the ball, and that's exactly what they should do against the Jets in London. It will likely be a Dobbins-focused game, in essence.
The Jets have allowed 140 yards on the ground per game (sixth worst), five ground scores so far (in the bottom ten), and they are the sole squad yet to win any game.
Since the NFL started recording takeaways decades ago, this team are also the inaugural squad to go without a single takeaway in five outings, which is surprising when you think that their new coach Aaron Glenn defensive co-ordinator at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB stated the Chiefs have 'already lost too many games' following Monday's defeat to Jacksonville.
After the upcoming matchup, Denver have a smooth-ish schedule up to their bye (in week 12) - the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans and Las Vegas Raiders prior to the Chiefs.
In their division, Kansas City are 2-3 while Denver are tied with the Chargers on 3-2 so they could challenge at leading the division.
This hinges on which form of the Chiefs they meet since Denver {beat|def
