Ways the Broncos and the 'play-dough' QB could end the Chiefs' reign.
Former NFL team coach an analyst serves as an NFL pundit who also represents the UK's national squad.
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NFL 2025 season: Week six
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It's week six in the NFL season and following recent discussion regarding the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles as possible championship contenders, they both lost their perfect starts.
Notable in those games were the number of penalties both conceded. Philadelphia did so in key moments so they kind of beat themselves having led 17-3 going into the fourth period against the Denver Broncos, who play in London this weekend.
However it was positive to see how Denver quarterback the rookie managed to overcome that deficit before direct three successful possessions on three possessions in the fourth quarter, to win the victory by four points.
Denver have the defensive player of the year with cornerback Pat Surtain II. They are number one in goal-line defense, while the Eagles are number one in scoring near the end zone, and the Broncos won that battle.
They executed the Eagles' number in terms of simulated pressure. They weren't necessarily rushing extra pass rushers but they might plug two linebackers in the 'A' gap then withdrawing them and dispatch a nickel off the edge.
At the start of the season, it was noted on a program that Denver might emerge as this season's surprise contenders. They finished last season well then excelled of building upon that.
Are the Denver Broncos this year's underdog story?
Recently acquired tight end their tight end has excelled big and recent running back JK Dobbins is a player they believe in. He now ranks fifth league-wide for rushing yards (402) and tied-fourth for rushing touchdowns (4).
I love that head coach Sean Payton displays "RUN IT!" prominently of his playcall sheet.
That shows how the Broncos represent a squad that wants to run first, because one can do a lot off the back of that. It reduces down the pass rush and keeps you in favourable down and distances.
It's also benefited quarterback Bo Nix, who entered the NFL as a first-round selection in the prior draft, passing for 29 TDs – second only to a star QB for the rookie record (31 back in 2020).
Other elite QBs possess the arm strength to pass all over, but they don't move in the same way as Nix. He has exceptional arm talent, which is different, and he's so athletic.
His assets include his movement, the capacity to pass on the run, as well as finding different arm angles to deliver the pass as he moves outside protection, the bootlegs. He can deliver that layered pass over the middle and past defenders.
For a young quarterback, aged 25, he's got great poise in the pocket and isn't bothered by extra rushers. He aims to avoid a sack whenever possible and is able throw in tight spots. He has a high football IQ and is very decisive.
When you consistently rush it eats up the clock and forces the opponent to be on the field for longer, and if you have a mobile QB the defense has to cover the field downfield and horizontally. This proves draining.
Nix has pushed back at Payton on the sideline at times and it seems Payton appreciates that attitude, seeing him as such a competitor. I think it's exciting for the coach to coach a young quarterback that is kind of like play-dough. He can really develop him the way he desires to shape him. I think it's a unique opportunity for him.
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 achievements Denver are having on offence is largely due to his guidance, his play-calling, his game sense – and the combination with Nix helps make him into who he is.
There's no better a better guy in your ear, to assist you during some of the tougher situations and boost confidence.
I believe in Denver's defence, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. Yet is the team good enough to face an elite team at its best? Because that wasn't a Super Bowl performance from Philadelphia in their last game.
Right now, I don't think Denver are elite. They're working better than most, that's a good place to hold their division. The key is is maintain this path.
They excel at embracing their forte, which is the ground game, and that's precisely what they must do against the New York 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 any game.
Ever since the league began tracking turnovers in 1933, the Jets are also the first team to be without a single takeaway in five outings, which is surprising when you think that their new coach Aaron Glenn a defensive coach at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB stated Kansas City are off to a poor start after Monday's defeat to Jacksonville.
After this Sunday's game, the Broncos face a manageable slate until their bye (in week twelve) - the Giants, the Cowboys, Houston Texans plus the Raiders before the Chiefs.
Looking at their division, the Chiefs hold a losing record and the Broncos 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 the Broncos {beat|def
