How the Broncos and their flexible quarterback could stop the Kansas City Chiefs' rule.
Ex NFL team coach Phoebe Schecter serves as an NFL pundit who also represents Great Britain's national squad.
- Published
- 6 Comments
Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Live coverage includes text commentary of Sunday's games on various channels, starting with Denver Broncos v New York Jets at Tottenham (from 14:00 BST). Also, audio coverage can be heard on designated networks covering another key matchup (beginning at 9 PM BST).
It's week six in the NFL season and after recent talk regarding two top teams being possible championship contenders, they both surrendered their perfect starts.
Striking during those contests was the number of penalties both conceded. Philadelphia committed them in key moments so they kind of defeated themselves having led 17-3 entering the fourth period against Denver, who play in London this Sunday.
But it was good to observe how Denver's QB the rookie managed to have the shortfall and then lead three successful possessions in three attempts in the fourth quarter, to win the victory by four points.
Denver have the top defender with cornerback their star corner. They are number one in red zone defence, whereas the Eagles are number one in scoring near the end zone, yet Denver won that battle.
They had effective strategies regarding disguised blitzes. They did not necessarily sending more than four pass rushers instead they could position two linebackers in the interior before drop them out and send a nickel off the edge.
Early on of the season, it was noted on a program how the Broncos might emerge as the current year's dark horses. They ended last season well then did a good job in continuing that momentum.
Could Denver be this year's underdog story?
Recently acquired tight end their tight end has stepped up significantly and new RB JK Dobbins is a guy the team trusts. He's currently fifth in the NFL in ground gains (402) and tied-fourth in rushing scores (4).
It's impressive how head coach the Broncos' leader has "RUSH!" prominently on his call sheet.
This demonstrates how the Broncos represent a squad that wants to run first, because you can achieve much off the back of that. It slows opposing rushes and keeps you in positive down and distances.
It's also benefited quarterback the young passer, who entered the NFL as a first-round selection in the prior draft, passing for 29 TDs – second only to Justin Herbert for the rookie record (31 in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert possess powerful arms to throw anywhere, however they lack the mobility that Nix has. He has incredible arm talent, which is different, plus he's so athletic.
His assets are his mobility, the capacity to throw while moving, and finding different arm angles to make throws when he rolls outside protection, the bootlegs. He can throw that layered pass across the middle or over the corner.
For a young quarterback, aged 25, he displays a lot of composure in the pocket and isn't really fazed by extra rushers. He aims to evade a sack whenever possible and is able throw under pressure. He has sharp intelligence and remains very decisive.
When you constantly run the ball it consumes the clock and makes the opponent to be on the field for longer, and if you have a mobile QB the defence has to defend the field vertically and horizontally. This proves draining.
Nix has bitten back at Payton during games at times and I think Payton appreciates that attitude, seeing him as such a competitor. I think it's exciting for the coach to coach a young quarterback that is similar to moldable clay. The coach can really build something up the way he wants to shape him. I believe it's a special experience for the coach.
Payton owns a Super Bowl and now passed Bill Parcells for career NFL wins (173 - tied 14th overall). He's seen it all. In my opinion the success the Broncos are having offensively is largely down to his leadership, his play-calling, his situational awareness – and the combination with the QB helps make him into who he is.
There's no better a better guy in your ear, to help you through difficult moments and build confidence.
I believe in Denver's defence, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. Yet are they strong enough to go against an elite team at full strength? Because that wasn't a Super Bowl performance by the Eagles in their last game.
Right now, I don't think Denver are elite. They're working better than most, which is a solid position to be in the AFC West. All they need to do is maintain this path.
They excel at embracing their strength, that is running the ball, and this is precisely what they must do against the Jets in London. It's going to be the JK Dobbins show, in essence.
New York have surrendered 140 yards on the ground each contest (sixth worst), five rushing touchdowns this season (10th worst), and they're the sole squad yet to win a game.
Since the league began tracking takeaways in 1933, this team are the inaugural squad to go without any turnovers through five games, which is surprising when you think that the head coach Aaron Glenn defensive co-ordinator at the Detroit Lions.
Patrick Mahomes says Kansas City are off to a poor start following Monday's defeat to Jacksonville.
Following this Sunday's game, Denver face a manageable slate until their bye (in week twelve) - the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, the Texans and the Raiders prior to the Chiefs.
In their division, Kansas City hold a losing record while Denver are tied with the Los Angeles Chargers on 3-2 so they could make a run for the top of the West.
This hinges on which form Kansas City shows up they meet since the Broncos {beat|def