Ways the Denver Broncos and their 'play-dough' quarterback could end that Chiefs' dominance.
Ex NFL team coach Phoebe Schecter is a football expert who also represents the UK's national squad.
- Published
- Half a dozen responses
Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Live coverage includes live text of the weekend matchups on multiple platforms, starting with the Broncos-Jets clash at Tottenham (from 14:00 BST). Additionally, radio commentary can be heard through designated networks for another key matchup (from 21:00 BST).
It's week six in the NFL season , after recent talk regarding the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles as a potential Super Bowl match-up, they both lost their unbeaten records.
Striking in those games were the number of penalties both conceded. The Eagles did so at crucial times so they kind of beat themselves after leading by two touchdowns going into the fourth period against the Denver Broncos, set to play in London this Sunday.
However it proved positive to observe that Denver's QB Bo Nix was able to overcome that deficit and then lead three scoring drives on three possessions in the fourth quarter, to win the game 21-17.
The Broncos boast the defensive player of the year in cornerback Pat Surtain II. They rank first in red zone defence, while Philadelphia lead the league in red zone offence, and Denver prevailed in that contest.
They executed the Eagles' number in terms of disguised blitzes. They weren't necessarily rushing more than four defenders but they might plug two linebackers in the interior then drop them out and dispatch a slot defender from the outside.
At the start of the season, it was noted during a show that the Broncos might emerge as the current year's dark horses. They finished last season well and did a good job of building upon that.
Are the Denver Broncos this year's dark horses?
Recently acquired tight end Evan Engram has stepped up big while new RB JK Dobbins is a player the team trusts. He now ranks fifth league-wide for rushing yards (402) as well as tied for fourth for rushing touchdowns (4).
It's impressive that head coach the Broncos' leader displays "RUN IT!" prominently of his playcall sheet.
This demonstrates how Denver represent a squad aiming to prioritize the run, because you can achieve much based on that approach. It slows opposing rushes and keeps you in positive situations.
It's also benefited QB Bo Nix, who entered into the league as a first-round selection in the prior draft, passing for 29 TDs – just behind Justin Herbert in rookie records (31 back in 2020).
Other elite QBs have the arm strength to throw anywhere, however they lack the mobility as Nix. He has exceptional arm talent, a unique trait, plus he's highly agile.
His strengths are his mobility, the capacity to throw while moving, and using different arm angles to make the pass when he rolls out of the pocket, the bootlegs. He is able to throw that layered pass over the middle or past defenders.
As a rookie QB, aged 25, he displays a lot of composure in the pocket and is not bothered by the blitz. He tries to evade being tackled whenever possible and is able pass in tight spots. He has a high football IQ and is quick to decide.
If you consistently run the ball it consumes the clock and makes the opponent to stay on the field for longer, and when you have an athletic quarterback the defense must defend the field downfield and horizontally. It can be exhausting.
Nix has pushed back at Payton on the sideline sometimes and I think the coach appreciates that attitude, seeing him as a fierce rival. I think it's exciting for him to have a young quarterback that is kind of like moldable clay. He can truly develop him how he desires to shape him. I believe it's a unique opportunity for the coach.
The head coach has won a Super Bowl and now surpassed a legend for career NFL wins (173, tying for 14th). He's seen it all. I think the achievements Denver are experiencing offensively is largely down to his leadership, his schemes, his game sense – and the pairing with Nix aids make him what he is.
There's no better a more qualified person in your ear, to assist you through difficult moments and boost confidence.
I have faith in Denver's defence, in the QB's grit and calm. Yet are they good enough to go against a top squad at full strength? Since that wasn't a Super Bowl performance from Philadelphia last Sunday.
Right now, it's unlikely the Broncos are elite. They're performing better than most, that's a good place to hold the AFC West. All they need to do to continue this trajectory.
They're really good at embracing their forte, which is the ground game, and this is precisely what they should do versus the Jets at Tottenham. It will likely be the JK Dobbins show, essentially.
New York have allowed 140 rushing yards per game (among the worst), five rushing touchdowns so far (10th worst), and they are the sole squad without a win any game.
Ever since the league began tracking takeaways in 1933, the Jets are also the first team to go without any turnovers through five games, which is surprising when you think that the head coach Aaron Glenn defensive co-ordinator with another team.
Patrick Mahomes says Kansas City have 'already lost too many games' following a recent loss by the Jaguars.
Following the upcoming matchup, the Broncos face a smooth-ish schedule until their break (in week 12) - the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans and the Raiders before the Chiefs.
Looking at their division, the Chiefs are 2-3 and the Broncos are even with the Los Angeles Chargers on 3-2 so they could challenge for the top of the West.
It depends on which form Kansas City shows up they face because the Broncos {beat|def
