How the Denver Broncos together with the flexible QB could stop that Kansas City Chiefs' rule.
Former NFL team assistant coach an analyst serves as a football expert and plays for the UK's flag football team.
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Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Real-time updates features live text of Sunday's games on various channels, starting with the Broncos-Jets clash in London (from 14:00 BST). Also, radio commentary is available through designated networks covering a separate game (from 21:00 BST).
We're in the sixth week in the football calendar , following last week's discussion regarding two top teams being possible championship contenders, each lost their unbeaten records.
Notable during those contests were the number of penalties each conceded. The Eagles did so in key moments meaning they essentially beat themselves having led by two touchdowns going into the final quarter versus the Denver Broncos, who play in London this weekend.
However it proved positive to see how Denver quarterback Bo Nix managed to have the shortfall and then lead three scoring drives in three attempts during the final period, to win the victory 21-17.
Denver have the defensive player of the year with cornerback their star corner. They rank first in red zone defence, while the Eagles are number one in red zone offence, yet the Broncos won that contest.
They executed the Eagles' number in terms of disguised blitzes. They weren't always rushing more than four pass rushers but they could position two linebackers in the interior before drop them out and dispatch a nickel off the edge.
At the start in the campaign, it was noted during a show how Denver might emerge as the current year's dark horses. They ended the previous year strongly then did a good job of building upon that.
Could Denver be this year's dark horses?
Recently acquired tight end Evan Engram has stepped up significantly while recent running back JK Dobbins is a guy they believe in. He now ranks fifth league-wide for rushing yards (402) and tied-fourth in rushing scores (4).
It's impressive that the coach Sean Payton has "RUN IT!" prominently on his call sheet.
That shows how the Broncos are a team aiming to prioritize the run, since one can do a lot off the back of that. It reduces down the pass rush while maintains in positive situations.
It's also helped QB Bo Nix, who entered the NFL as the 12th overall draft pick last year, throwing 29 touchdown passes – just behind a star QB in rookie records (31 back in 2020).
Other elite QBs have powerful arms to pass anywhere, however they lack in the same way as Nix. He has incredible passing ability, a unique trait, plus he's so athletic.
His strengths include his movement, being able to pass on the run, and finding varied release points to make throws when he rolls outside protection, the bootlegs. He is able to deliver precision throws over the middle or past defenders.
For a young quarterback, at 25, he's got a lot of composure in the pocket and isn't bothered by extra rushers. He aims to avoid a sack as much as possible and can pass in tight spots. He possesses sharp intelligence and remains quick to decide.
If you constantly run the ball it consumes the clock and forces the defence to stay in play extended periods, and when you have a mobile QB the defence must defend the area vertically side to side. This proves exhausting.
Nix has bitten back at Payton during games sometimes and it seems the coach appreciates that fire, that he's a fierce rival. In my view it's fun for the coach to have a young quarterback that is kind of like play-dough. He can really develop him the way he wants to build it. I believe it's a unique opportunity for the coach.
Payton owns a championship and now passed Bill Parcells for career NFL wins (173 - tied 14th overall). He has witnessed everything. I think the achievements the Broncos are having on offence is mostly due to his leadership, his play-calling, his situational awareness – and the combination with Nix helps shape him what he is.
There's no better a more qualified person guiding you, to assist you during difficult moments and boost self-belief.
I believe in the Broncos' defense, in the QB's grit and calm. Yet are they good enough to face an elite team at its best? Since that wasn't a Super Bowl performance by the Eagles in their last game.
Currently, it's unlikely the Broncos are incredible. They're performing above average, that's a solid position to hold the AFC West. The key to do to continue this trajectory.
They excel at embracing their forte, which is running the ball, and this is precisely what they must do against the New York Jets in London. It will likely be a Dobbins-focused game, essentially.
The Jets have surrendered 140 rushing yards each contest (among the worst), five rushing touchdowns so far (10th worst), 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 be without a single takeaway in five outings, this is kind of shocking when you think that the head coach Aaron Glenn a defensive coach with another team.
The Chiefs' QB says Kansas City are off to a poor start after Monday's defeat to Jacksonville.
Following the upcoming matchup, the Broncos have a manageable slate until their break (in week 12) - the Giants, Dallas Cowboys, the Texans and the Raiders before the Kansas City Chiefs.
Looking at the AFC West, the Chiefs are 2-3 while Denver are tied with the Los Angeles Chargers on 3-2 so they could make a run for the top of the division.
This hinges upon what version Kansas City shows up they meet because the Broncos {beat|def