How these Denver Broncos and the 'play-dough' quarterback can stop the Kansas City Chiefs' dominance.
Ex NFL team coach an analyst is a football expert who also represents the UK's national squad.
- Published
- Half a dozen responses
Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Real-time updates includes text commentary of Sunday's games on multiple platforms, beginning with Denver Broncos v New York Jets in London (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Additionally, radio commentary is available on select stations for another key matchup (from 21:00 BST).
We're in the sixth week in the football calendar , following recent talk regarding two top teams being a potential Super Bowl match-up, each surrendered their unbeaten records.
Striking during those contests were the number of penalties each committed. The Eagles did so at crucial times so they kind of defeated themselves after leading by two touchdowns going into the fourth period against Denver, set to play overseas this Sunday.
However it proved good to see how Denver's QB Bo Nix managed to have the shortfall and then direct three scoring drives on three possessions in the fourth quarter, securing the game 21-17.
The Broncos have the defensive player of the year in CB Pat Surtain II. They rank first in goal-line defense, while Philadelphia lead the league in scoring near the end zone, yet Denver won that contest.
They had the Eagles' number in terms of simulated pressure. They weren't always rushing extra pass rushers instead they could plug two LBs in the 'A' gap then withdrawing them and dispatch a slot defender off the edge.
At the start of the season, it was noted on a program how Denver might emerge as the current year's surprise contenders. They finished last season well then excelled in continuing that momentum.
Could Denver be this season's dark horses?
New TE their tight end has stepped up significantly 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 (four).
It's impressive that the coach the Broncos' leader displays "RUSH!" at the top on his call sheet.
This demonstrates how the Broncos represent a team aiming to run first, since one can achieve much off the back of that. It slows opposing rushes and maintains in favourable situations.
This has benefited quarterback the young passer, who came the NFL as the 12th overall draft pick last year, passing for 29 TDs – second only to a star QB for the rookie record (31 back in 2020).
Other elite QBs possess powerful arms to pass all over, however they don't move in the same way that Nix has. He has incredible arm talent, a unique trait, and he's so athletic.
His assets are his movement, being able to pass while moving, and finding varied release points to deliver throws when he rolls out of the pocket, on rollouts. He can deliver precision throws over the middle and over the corner.
For a young quarterback, aged 25, he's got a lot of composure in the pocket and is not bothered by the blitz. He tries to avoid a sack as much as possible and can throw in tight spots. He possesses a high football IQ and is quick to decide.
If you consistently run the ball it consumes the clock and forces the opponent to stay on the field for longer, and when you have an athletic quarterback the defence must cover the field downfield and horizontally. It can be draining.
The quarterback has pushed back at Payton during games at times and it seems the coach appreciates that attitude, that he's a fierce rival. I think it's exciting for him to coach a rookie QB who's kind of like play-dough. He can really develop him how he desires to shape him. I think it's a unique opportunity for him.
Payton has won a Super Bowl and has surpassed Bill Parcells for career NFL wins (173, tying for 14th). He has witnessed it all. I think the success the Broncos are having on offence is mostly down to his leadership, his play-calling, his game sense – and the pairing with Nix helps shape him what he is.
You wouldn't want a more qualified person guiding you, to help you through difficult moments and boost confidence.
I have faith in the Broncos' defense, in the QB's grit and calm. But is the team strong enough to go against a top squad at its best? Since that wasn't championship-level play by the Eagles last Sunday.
Currently, I don't think Denver are elite. They're performing better than most, that's a solid position to hold their division. The key is to continue this trajectory.
They're really good at leaning into their forte, that is the ground game, and that's precisely what they must do against the New York Jets in London. It will likely be a Dobbins-focused game, 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 a game.
Ever since the league began tracking takeaways decades ago, this team are the inaugural squad to go without a single takeaway through five games, which is kind of shocking when you think that the head coach Aaron Glenn a defensive coach with another team.
Patrick Mahomes says the Chiefs have 'already lost too many games' following a recent loss by the Jaguars.
Following this Sunday's game, the Broncos have a smooth-ish schedule until their bye (in week twelve) - the Giants, Dallas Cowboys, the Texans plus the Raiders before the Chiefs.
In the AFC West, Kansas City are 2-3 while Denver are tied with the Los Angeles Chargers at 3-2 so they could make a run at leading the division.
This hinges on what version of the Chiefs they face because Denver {beat|def
