Ways the Denver Broncos and their 'play-dough' quarterback could stop the Kansas City Chiefs' rule.
Former Buffalo Bills coach an analyst is an NFL pundit who also plays for the UK's national squad.
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Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Live coverage features live text for the weekend matchups via various channels, beginning with Denver Broncos v New York Jets in London (from 14:00 BST). Also, radio commentary is available through designated networks covering a separate game (beginning at 9 PM BST).
It's week six in the NFL season , following last week's talk regarding the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles being possible championship contenders, each surrendered their perfect starts.
Notable in those games were the number of penalties each committed. Philadelphia 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 in London this Sunday.
However it proved good to observe that Denver quarterback the rookie managed to have that deficit before direct three successful possessions on three possessions in the fourth quarter, to win the victory by four points.
Denver have the defensive player of the year with CB Pat Surtain II. They rank number one in goal-line defense, while Philadelphia are number one in scoring near the end zone, and the Broncos prevailed in that battle.
They executed the Eagles' number in terms of simulated pressure. They weren't necessarily rushing extra defenders but they might position two LBs in the 'A' gap then drop them out and dispatch a nickel off the edge.
Early on of the season, it was noted on a program how Denver might emerge as this season's surprise contenders. They ended the previous year strongly then did a good job of building upon that.
Could Denver be this year's dark horses?
New tight end their tight end has excelled significantly while recent RB JK Dobbins is a guy they believe in. He's currently fifth league-wide for rushing yards (402) and tied-fourth for rushing touchdowns (four).
I love that the coach the Broncos' leader displays "RUSH!" prominently of his playcall sheet.
This demonstrates how Denver are a team that wants to prioritize the run, since one can do a lot based on that approach. It slows opposing rushes and maintains in positive situations.
This has helped QB the young passer, who entered into the league as the 12th overall draft pick in the prior draft, throwing 29 touchdown passes – just behind Justin Herbert for the rookie record (31 in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert possess powerful arms to pass anywhere, but they lack the mobility as Nix. He boasts incredible arm talent, which is different, plus he's so athletic.
His assets include his mobility, being able to pass on the run, as well as using varied release points to deliver the pass as he moves outside protection, the bootlegs. He is able to throw that layered pass over the middle or past defenders.
For a young quarterback, at 25, he displays a lot of composure in the pocket and is not bothered by the blitz. He aims to evade being tackled as much as possible and can throw under pressure. He has a high football IQ and remains quick to decide.
When you constantly rush it consumes time and forces the opponent to be in play for longer, and when you've got an athletic quarterback the defence has to defend the field vertically side to side. This proves draining.
The quarterback has pushed back with the coach on the sideline sometimes and it seems the coach likes that attitude, that he's a fierce rival. 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 how he wants to shape him. I think it's a unique opportunity for the coach.
Payton owns a championship and now passed a legend in all-time victories (173, tying for 14th). He's seen everything. In my opinion the achievements the Broncos are having on offence is mostly down to his guidance, his play-calling, his game sense – and the combination with Nix aids shape him what he is.
You wouldn't want a more qualified person guiding you, to help you through difficult moments and build self-belief.
I believe in the Broncos' defense, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. But is the team good enough to face a top squad at full strength? Because that wasn't championship-level play by the Eagles last Sunday.
Currently, it's unlikely the Broncos are incredible. They're performing above average, which is a good place to be in the AFC West. All they need is is maintain this path.
They're really good at embracing their strength, which is running the ball, and this is exactly what they should do versus the Jets in London. It will likely be the JK Dobbins show, essentially.
New York have allowed 140 rushing yards per game (sixth worst), five ground scores this season (in the bottom ten), and they're the sole squad yet to win any game.
Ever since the NFL began tracking turnovers decades ago, the Jets are also the first team to go without a single takeaway through five games, which is kind of shocking when you think that their new coach Aaron Glenn defensive co-ordinator at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB stated Kansas City have 'already lost too many games' following a recent loss to Jacksonville.
Following this Sunday's game, the Broncos face a smooth-ish schedule until their break (in week 12) - the Giants, the Cowboys, the Texans and Las Vegas Raiders before the Kansas City Chiefs.
Looking at the AFC West, Kansas City are 2-3 while Denver are tied with the Los Angeles Chargers at 3-2 so they could challenge at leading the division.
This hinges on which form of the Chiefs they meet because the Broncos {beat|def
