How the Broncos and the 'play-dough' quarterback could end the Chiefs' reign.
Former Buffalo Bills coach an analyst serves as an NFL pundit who also plays for Great Britain's national squad.
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Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Real-time updates features live text for the weekend matchups on multiple platforms, beginning with Denver Broncos v New York Jets at Tottenham (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Also, radio commentary can be heard on designated networks for another key matchup (beginning at 9 PM BST).
We're in the sixth week in the football calendar , after last week's talk about two top teams as possible championship contenders, they both surrendered their perfect starts.
Notable during those contests was the amount of infractions both committed. Philadelphia committed them in key moments so they essentially defeated themselves having led by two touchdowns going into the fourth period against Denver, who play overseas this weekend.
But it was good to see how Denver quarterback Bo Nix was able to overcome the shortfall before lead three successful possessions in three attempts in the fourth quarter, to win the victory 21-17.
The Broncos have the top defender with CB their star corner. They are number one in goal-line defense, whereas the Eagles lead the league in scoring near the end zone, and the Broncos prevailed in that battle.
They executed effective strategies regarding simulated pressure. They did not always rushing more than four defenders instead they could position two LBs in the 'A' gap then drop them out and send a nickel from the outside.
Early on in the campaign, it was noted on a program that the Broncos might emerge as the current year's dark horses. They ended last season strongly then excelled in continuing that momentum.
Could Denver be this year's underdog story?
New TE their tight end has excelled big while new running back JK Dobbins is a player they believe in. He's currently 5th league-wide for rushing yards (over 400) and tied-fourth in rushing scores (4).
I love that head coach the Broncos' leader displays "RUSH!" prominently of his playcall sheet.
That shows that Denver represent a squad that wants to prioritize the run, since you can achieve much off the back of that. It slows down the pass rush while keeps you in favourable situations.
It's also benefited quarterback Bo Nix, who entered into the league as a first-round selection in the prior draft, passing for 29 touchdown passes – second only to a star QB in rookie records (31 back in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert have powerful arms to throw anywhere, but they don't move the mobility as Nix. He has exceptional passing ability, a unique trait, plus he's highly agile.
His strengths include his movement, being able to throw on the run, as well as using different arm angles to deliver throws when he rolls outside protection, on rollouts. He can throw precision throws over the middle and past defenders.
As a rookie QB, at 25, he displays great composure under pressure and isn't bothered by the blitz. He tries to evade a sack as much as possible and can pass in tight spots. He has a high football IQ and remains quick to decide.
If you consistently rush it eats up time and forces the opponent to stay on the field extended periods, and if you've got a mobile QB the defense has to defend the area downfield side to side. It can be draining.
The quarterback has bitten back with the coach during games sometimes and I think the coach appreciates that attitude, seeing him as such a competitor. I think it's exciting for the coach to have a rookie QB that is kind of like play-dough. He can truly develop him the way he wants to shape him. I think it's a unique opportunity for the coach.
The head coach has won a Super Bowl and now passed a legend for career NFL wins (173, tying for 14th). He's seen it all. In my opinion the achievements the Broncos are experiencing offensively is mostly due to his guidance, his play-calling, his game sense – and the pairing with the QB aids make him what he is.
You wouldn't want a better guy in your ear, to help you during some of the tougher situations and build self-belief.
I have faith in the Broncos' defense, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. But is the team strong enough to face an elite team at its best? Because that was not championship-level play by the Eagles last Sunday.
Currently, it's unlikely Denver are elite. They're working above average, that's a solid position to be in the AFC West. The key is to continue this trajectory.
They're really good at embracing their strength, that is running the ball, and this is precisely what they should do against the Jets in London. It will likely be the JK Dobbins show, essentially.
New York have surrendered 140 yards on the ground each contest (sixth worst), five rushing touchdowns this season (10th worst), and they're the only team yet to win any game.
Ever since the league began tracking takeaways decades ago, the Jets are the first team to be without a single takeaway in five outings, this is kind of shocking when you think that their new coach was previously defensive co-ordinator at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB says Kansas City are off to a poor start following Monday's defeat by the Jaguars.
Following the upcoming matchup, the Broncos have a manageable slate up to their bye (in week 12) - the Giants, the Cowboys, Houston Texans plus the Raiders before the Kansas City Chiefs.
Looking at their division, the Chiefs hold a losing record while Denver are even with the Chargers at 3-2 so they could challenge for the top of the division.
This hinges upon which form Kansas City shows up they meet because Denver {beat|def
