Ways these Denver Broncos and their malleable QB can stop the Chiefs' rule.
Former Buffalo Bills coach an analyst is an NFL pundit and plays for the UK's flag football team.
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Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Real-time updates features text commentary of Sunday's games on multiple platforms, starting with the Broncos-Jets clash in London (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Additionally, radio commentary can be heard on designated networks covering another key matchup (from 21:00 BST).
We're in the sixth week in the football calendar and after recent talk about two top teams being possible championship contenders, they both surrendered their unbeaten records.
Striking in those games was the number of penalties each conceded. Philadelphia committed them in key moments meaning they kind of defeated themselves after leading 17-3 going into the final quarter versus Denver, who play in London this Sunday.
However it was good to see how Denver quarterback the rookie was able to overcome that deficit before direct three scoring drives in three attempts during the final period, securing the victory by four points.
Denver have the defensive player of the year with CB their star corner. They are number one in red zone defence, whereas the Eagles lead the league in scoring near the end zone, yet Denver prevailed in that contest.
They executed the Eagles' number regarding disguised blitzes. They weren't always sending extra pass rushers but they could position two linebackers in the interior before withdrawing them and send a slot defender off the edge.
Early on in the campaign, we said during a show how Denver might emerge as the current year's dark horses. They ended the previous year well then did a good job in continuing that momentum.
Could Denver be this season's underdog story?
Recently acquired tight end their tight end has excelled significantly while new running back their rusher is a guy they believe in. He's currently fifth in the NFL for rushing yards (over 400) and tied for fourth for rushing touchdowns (four).
I love that head coach Sean Payton has "RUSH!" prominently on his call sheet.
That shows that Denver are a squad aiming to prioritize the run, because one can do a lot off the back of that. It slows down the pass rush while maintains in positive situations.
This has benefited QB Bo Nix, who entered the NFL as a first-round selection in the prior draft, throwing 29 TDs – just behind Justin Herbert in rookie records (31 back in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert have the arm strength to pass anywhere, but they don't move in the same way that Nix has. He has incredible arm talent, a unique trait, and he's so athletic.
His assets are his movement, being able to pass while moving, as well as using different arm angles to deliver throws as he moves outside protection, on rollouts. He can throw that layered pass across the middle or past defenders.
For a young quarterback, aged 25, he displays a lot of poise under pressure and is not really fazed by extra rushers. He aims to avoid a sack whenever possible and is able throw under pressure. He possesses sharp intelligence and is quick to decide.
If you constantly run the ball it eats up time and forces the opponent to stay in play for longer, and if you've got a mobile QB the defence must cover the area vertically side to side. This proves exhausting.
Nix has bitten back at Payton during games sometimes and I think Payton likes that attitude, seeing him as such a competitor. I think it's fun for the coach to have a young quarterback who's kind of like play-dough. He can really build something up the way he wants to shape him. I think it's a unique opportunity for him.
The head coach has won a Super Bowl and now surpassed a legend in all-time victories (173 - tied 14th overall). He has witnessed everything. I think the achievements the Broncos are having offensively is mostly down to his leadership, his play-calling, his situational awareness – and the combination with Nix aids 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 believe in the Broncos' defense, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. Yet are they strong enough to face an elite team at its best? Since that wasn't a Super Bowl performance from Philadelphia last Sunday.
Right now, it's unlikely Denver are incredible. They're performing above average, that's a good place to be in their division. All they need is is maintain this path.
They excel at leaning into their forte, which is running the ball, and this is precisely what they should do versus the Jets in London. It will likely be a Dobbins-focused game, in essence.
New York have surrendered 140 rushing yards per game (among the worst), five rushing touchdowns this season (10th worst), and they are the only team yet to win any game.
Ever since the league began tracking turnovers in 1933, this team are also the inaugural squad to be without a single takeaway through five games, this is kind of shocking when you think that their new coach was previously a defensive coach with another team.
Patrick Mahomes stated the Chiefs have 'already lost too many games' following a recent loss by the Jaguars.
After this Sunday's game, the Broncos face a manageable slate until their break (in week twelve) - the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans and the Raiders before the Chiefs.
Looking at the AFC West, the Chiefs hold a losing record and the Broncos are even with the Chargers at 3-2 meaning they could make a run for the top of the West.
This hinges upon what version Kansas City shows up they face because Denver {beat|def