Ways the Broncos together with their flexible QB can stop that Kansas City Chiefs' dominance.
Former NFL team coach an analyst is an NFL pundit who also plays for Great Britain's national squad.
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NFL 2025 season: Week six
Real-time updates features text commentary for Sunday's games on multiple platforms, starting with Denver Broncos v New York Jets in London (from 14:00 BST). Also, audio coverage is available on designated networks covering a separate game (from 21:00 BST).
It's week six in the NFL season and after last week's discussion about the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles being possible championship contenders, each lost their unbeaten records.
Striking in those games were the number of penalties each committed. Philadelphia did so at crucial times so they kind of defeated themselves having led by two touchdowns entering the fourth period against the Denver Broncos, set to play overseas this weekend.
However it proved good to observe that Denver's QB the rookie was able to overcome the shortfall before lead three scoring drives on three possessions in the fourth quarter, to win the game 21-17.
The Broncos have the top defender with cornerback Pat Surtain II. They are number one in red zone defence, whereas the Eagles are number one in scoring near the end zone, and Denver won that battle.
They had the Eagles' number regarding simulated pressure. They weren't always rushing extra pass rushers instead they could plug two LBs in the interior before drop them out and send a nickel off the edge.
At the start of the season, we said on a program how the Broncos could be the current year's surprise contenders. They ended last season strongly and excelled of building upon that.
Could Denver be this season's dark horses?
Recently acquired TE Evan Engram has stepped up big while new running back their rusher is a guy the team trusts. He now ranks 5th in the NFL in ground gains (over 400) as well as tied-fourth in rushing scores (4).
It's impressive that head coach Sean Payton has "RUN IT!" at the top of his playcall sheet.
This demonstrates how the Broncos represent a team aiming to prioritize the run, because one can do a lot based on that approach. It reduces down the pass rush while keeps you in positive down and distances.
It's also benefited quarterback Bo Nix, who came the NFL as a first-round selection in the prior draft, passing for 29 touchdown passes – second only to a star QB in rookie records (31 in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert possess powerful arms to pass all over, however they don't move the mobility as Nix. He boasts exceptional passing ability, a unique trait, and he's highly agile.
His strengths are his movement, the capacity to pass while moving, as well as finding different arm angles to make throws as he moves outside protection, on rollouts. He can throw precision throws across the middle and past defenders.
For a young quarterback, aged 25, he displays great composure under pressure and is not really fazed by extra rushers. He tries to evade being tackled as much as possible and is able throw under pressure. He possesses a high football IQ and is quick to decide.
If you consistently run the ball it eats up the clock and makes the defence to be on the field extended periods, and if you've got an athletic quarterback the defence has to defend the field vertically side to side. It can be exhausting.
Nix has bitten back with the coach during games sometimes and I think the coach likes that attitude, that he's such a competitor. In my view it's fun for him to coach a rookie QB who's kind of like moldable clay. He can really build something up the way he desires to shape him. I believe it's a special experience for him.
Payton has won a Super Bowl and now surpassed a legend for career NFL wins (173, tying for 14th). He's seen everything. I think the achievements the Broncos are experiencing offensively is largely due to his guidance, his play-calling, his situational awareness – and the pairing with the QB helps shape him what he is.
You wouldn't want a more qualified person in your ear, to assist 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. Yet is the team strong enough to face an elite team at full strength? Because that was not a Super Bowl performance from Philadelphia in their last game.
Right now, it's unlikely Denver are elite. They're working above average, that's a solid position to be in the AFC West. All they need is is maintain this trajectory.
They excel at leaning into their forte, which is running the ball, and this is exactly what they must do against the Jets at Tottenham. It will likely be the JK Dobbins show, essentially.
The Jets have surrendered 140 rushing yards per game (among the worst), five rushing touchdowns this season (10th worst), and they're the only team without a win a game.
Since the league began tracking turnovers decades ago, the Jets are also the inaugural squad to be without a single takeaway through five games, which is surprising considering that their new coach was previously a defensive coach at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB says the Chiefs are off to a poor start after Monday's defeat by the Jaguars.
Following the upcoming matchup, Denver have a smooth-ish schedule up to their bye (in week 12) - the Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans and the Raiders before the Kansas City Chiefs.
In the AFC West, Kansas City are 2-3 while Denver are even with the Los Angeles Chargers at 3-2 so they could make a run at leading the division.
It depends upon what version Kansas City shows up they meet because Denver {beat|def
