Ways these Denver Broncos and the malleable QB can stop the Chiefs' reign.
Former NFL team coach an analyst is a football expert who also represents Great Britain's flag football team.
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NFL 2025 season: Week six
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It's week six of the NFL season and 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 were the number of penalties each committed. Philadelphia committed them at crucial times so they essentially beat themselves after leading by two touchdowns going into the final quarter against Denver, set to play in London this Sunday.
But it proved positive to see that Denver quarterback the rookie managed to have the shortfall before lead three successful possessions on three possessions during the final period, securing the game by four points.
The Broncos boast the top defender with cornerback Pat Surtain II. They are first in red zone defence, whereas Philadelphia lead the league in red zone offence, yet the Broncos won that contest.
They executed the Eagles' number in terms of disguised blitzes. They did not always sending extra pass rushers instead they could plug two LBs in the 'A' gap then withdrawing them and send a slot defender from the outside.
Early on in the campaign, it was noted on a program that the Broncos might emerge as this season's dark horses. They ended the previous year well then excelled in continuing that momentum.
Could Denver be this year's underdog story?
New tight end Evan Engram has stepped up big and new RB their rusher is a player they believe in. He's currently fifth in the NFL in ground gains (over 400) and tied-fourth in rushing scores (4).
I love how head coach Sean Payton displays "RUSH!" prominently on his call sheet.
This demonstrates that the Broncos are a squad aiming to prioritize the run, because you can achieve much off the back of that. It reduces opposing rushes and maintains in positive down and distances.
It's also helped QB the young passer, who entered the NFL as a first-round selection in the prior draft, passing for 29 TDs – just behind a star QB for the rookie record (31 in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert have the arm strength to pass all over, however they don't move in the same way as Nix. He has incredible passing ability, which is different, and he is so athletic.
His assets include his mobility, being able to throw while moving, as well as using different arm angles to make throws when he rolls outside protection, on rollouts. He can deliver precision throws across the middle and past defenders.
For a young quarterback, aged 25, he's got a lot of composure in the pocket and is not really fazed by the blitz. He aims to evade being tackled as much as possible and can pass under pressure. He possesses sharp intelligence and remains very decisive.
When you constantly rush it consumes time and forces the defence to be on the field extended periods, and if you have an athletic quarterback the defence must defend the area downfield and horizontally. This proves draining.
The quarterback has pushed back with the coach during games at times and I think Payton appreciates that attitude, seeing him as such a competitor. In my view it's exciting for him to coach a young quarterback who's similar to moldable clay. The coach can truly build something up the way he wants to build it. I think it's a unique opportunity for him.
Payton owns a championship and has passed Bill Parcells in all-time victories (173 - tied 14th overall). He's seen it all. In my opinion the success 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 better guy guiding you, to assist you during difficult moments and build confidence.
I believe in the Broncos' defense, in the QB's grit and calm. But are they good enough to face a top squad at its best? Because that wasn't a Super Bowl performance from Philadelphia in their last game.
Currently, I don't think the Broncos are incredible. They're working above average, which is a good place to hold the AFC West. All they need to do to continue this path.
They're really good at leaning into their forte, that is running the ball, and this is exactly what they should do against the New York Jets in London. It will likely be the JK Dobbins show, in essence.
The Jets have allowed 140 rushing yards per game (sixth worst), five rushing touchdowns this season (10th worst), and they are the sole squad yet to win any game.
Since the NFL started recording takeaways decades ago, the Jets are also the inaugural squad to be without any turnovers through five games, this is surprising when you think that the head 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 by the Jaguars.
Following the upcoming matchup, the Broncos face a manageable slate up to their break (in week 12) - the New York Giants, the Cowboys, the Texans and the Raiders before the Kansas City Chiefs.
In the AFC West, Kansas City are 2-3 and the Broncos are even with the Los Angeles Chargers at 3-2 meaning they could challenge for the top of the West.
This hinges on which form Kansas City shows up they face because the Broncos {beat|def
