Ways these Denver Broncos and the 'play-dough' quarterback could stop that Chiefs' reign.
Ex NFL team coach an analyst serves as a football expert who also represents Great Britain's national squad.
- Published
- Half a dozen responses
NFL 2025 season: Week six
Live coverage features text commentary for the weekend matchups on various channels, beginning with the Broncos-Jets clash at Tottenham (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Also, radio commentary is available through select stations for another key matchup (beginning at 9 PM BST).
It's week six in the NFL season and after last week's talk regarding two top teams being a potential Super Bowl match-up, they both lost their perfect starts.
Striking in those games were the amount of infractions each conceded. The Eagles did so at crucial times meaning they kind of defeated themselves after leading by two touchdowns entering the fourth period versus Denver, set to play in London this weekend.
But it proved positive to observe how Denver quarterback Bo Nix was able to have that deficit before lead three scoring drives on three possessions in the fourth quarter, to win the game by four points.
The Broncos boast the top defender with CB Pat Surtain II. They rank number one in goal-line defense, whereas Philadelphia lead the league in scoring near the end zone, yet the Broncos prevailed in that battle.
They executed the Eagles' number regarding simulated pressure. They did not necessarily rushing extra pass rushers but they might position two linebackers in the interior before drop them out and send a nickel off the edge.
Early on of the season, we said on a program that the Broncos might emerge as this season's dark horses. They ended last season well and excelled in continuing that momentum.
Could Denver be this season's underdog story?
Recently acquired TE Evan Engram has excelled significantly and new RB JK Dobbins is a guy the team trusts. He's currently fifth in the NFL in ground gains (over 400) and tied for fourth for rushing touchdowns (four).
I love that the coach Sean Payton has "RUSH!" at the top of his playcall sheet.
This demonstrates that Denver are a team that wants to run first, because one can achieve much off the back of that. It reduces down the pass rush and maintains in positive down and distances.
This has benefited quarterback the young passer, who came into the league as the 12th overall draft pick last year, passing for 29 TDs – just behind a star QB in rookie records (31 back in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert possess powerful arms to throw all over, however they lack in the same way that Nix has. He boasts exceptional passing ability, which is different, plus he's highly agile.
His strengths are his mobility, being able to throw while moving, as well as using varied release points to make the pass when he rolls out of the pocket, the bootlegs. He can throw that layered pass over the middle and past defenders.
As a rookie QB, aged 25, he displays great composure under pressure and is not bothered by extra rushers. He tries to evade a sack as much as possible and is able throw under pressure. He possesses a high football IQ and remains quick to decide.
If you consistently run the ball it eats up time and forces the opponent to be in play extended periods, and if you have an athletic quarterback the defence must cover the area downfield and horizontally. It can be exhausting.
The quarterback has pushed back with the coach on the sideline sometimes and I think the coach appreciates that attitude, that he's such a competitor. I think it's exciting for him to coach a young quarterback who's kind of like play-dough. He can truly develop him the way he wants to build it. I believe it's a special experience for him.
The head coach owns a Super Bowl and now passed Bill Parcells in all-time victories (173 - tied 14th overall). He has witnessed it all. In my opinion the success Denver are having offensively is largely down to his guidance, his schemes, his situational awareness – and the pairing with the QB helps shape him into who he is.
You wouldn't want a better guy in your ear, to assist you through some of the tougher situations and boost self-belief.
I have faith in the Broncos' defense, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. Yet are they good enough to go against an elite team at its best? Since that wasn't championship-level play by the Eagles in their last game.
Right now, it's unlikely the Broncos are elite. They're performing above average, that's a good place to hold their division. All they need is is maintain this path.
They excel at embracing their strength, which is running the ball, and this is precisely what they must do versus the New York Jets at Tottenham. It will likely be the JK Dobbins show, in essence.
The Jets have allowed 140 rushing yards per game (among the worst), five rushing touchdowns so far (10th worst), and they're the only team without a win any game.
Ever since the league began tracking takeaways decades ago, this team are also the first team to be without a single takeaway through five games, this is kind of shocking considering that their new coach was previously a defensive coach at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB stated the Chiefs have 'already lost too many games' after a recent loss to Jacksonville.
Following this Sunday's game, the Broncos have a manageable slate until their bye (in week twelve) - the Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans and the Raiders before the Chiefs.
In their division, Kansas City hold a losing record and the Broncos are tied with the Los Angeles Chargers at 3-2 so they could challenge for the top of the West.
It depends upon what version Kansas City shows up they face because Denver {beat|def
