How the Denver Broncos and their malleable QB can stop that Chiefs' rule.
Former Buffalo Bills coach Phoebe Schecter serves as an NFL pundit and plays for the UK's national squad.
- Published
- 6 Comments
NFL 2025 season: Week six
Real-time updates features text commentary for Sunday's games via various channels, starting with the Broncos-Jets clash at Tottenham (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Also, audio coverage can be heard on select stations covering another key matchup (from 21:00 BST).
It's week six in the NFL season and following last week's talk regarding two top teams as a potential Super Bowl match-up, they both surrendered their perfect starts.
Striking in those games were the number of infractions both committed. Philadelphia did so at crucial times meaning they essentially defeated themselves after leading 17-3 going into the fourth period versus the Denver Broncos, set to play overseas this Sunday.
But it proved positive to observe how Denver's QB Bo Nix managed to overcome the shortfall and then direct three successful possessions on three possessions during the final period, to win the game by four points.
The Broncos boast the top defender in cornerback Pat Surtain II. They rank first in goal-line defense, while the Eagles lead the league in scoring near the end zone, yet Denver prevailed in that battle.
They had the Eagles' number regarding disguised blitzes. They weren't necessarily sending more than four defenders instead they might plug two linebackers in the interior then drop them out and send a slot defender off the edge.
Early on in the campaign, it was noted during a show how the Broncos could be this season's surprise contenders. They finished the previous year strongly then did a good job of building upon that.
Are the Denver Broncos this year's dark horses?
Recently acquired tight end their tight end has excelled significantly and recent RB their rusher is a player they believe in. He's currently fifth in the NFL for rushing yards (402) as well as tied-fourth in rushing scores (four).
It's impressive how the coach the Broncos' leader displays "RUN IT!" prominently on his call sheet.
This demonstrates that Denver are a squad aiming to prioritize the run, since you can achieve much off the back of that. It slows down the pass rush and keeps you in positive situations.
It's also benefited quarterback Bo Nix, who entered the NFL as a first-round selection last year, throwing 29 TDs – second only to Justin Herbert in rookie records (31 back in 2020).
Other elite QBs possess powerful arms to throw anywhere, however they don't move the mobility as Nix. He has exceptional passing ability, which is different, and he is highly agile.
His assets include his movement, the capacity to throw on the run, as well as finding varied release points to make throws when he rolls outside protection, the bootlegs. He can throw that layered pass over the middle and past defenders.
As a rookie QB, at 25, he displays great poise in the pocket and is not really fazed by the blitz. He tries to avoid being tackled as much as possible and can throw under pressure. He has sharp intelligence and is quick to decide.
If you constantly rush it eats up the clock and forces the defence to be on the field extended periods, and when you've got an athletic quarterback the defense has to cover the area vertically and horizontally. It can be draining.
The quarterback has bitten back at Payton during games at times and it seems the coach likes that fire, seeing him as a fierce rival. In my view it's fun for him to coach a rookie QB who's kind of like moldable clay. He can truly develop him how he wants to shape him. I believe it's a special experience for him.
The head coach has won a Super Bowl and now passed a legend for career NFL wins (173, tying for 14th). He's seen everything. I think the achievements the Broncos are having on offence is mostly down to his leadership, his schemes, his situational awareness – and the pairing with Nix helps shape him into who he is.
You wouldn't want a better guy guiding you, to assist you during difficult moments and build self-belief.
I have faith in Denver's defence, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. But are they good enough to go against an elite team at its best? Since that wasn't a Super Bowl performance by the Eagles last Sunday.
Currently, I don't think Denver are elite. They're working above average, which is a good place to hold their division. The key is is maintain this path.
They're really good at embracing their strength, that is the ground game, and that's precisely what they should 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 each contest (sixth worst), five rushing touchdowns so far (10th worst), and they're the sole squad yet to win any game.
Since the NFL started recording takeaways in 1933, this team are the inaugural squad to go without any turnovers through five games, which is surprising considering that their new coach Aaron Glenn defensive co-ordinator at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB says Kansas City are off to a poor start after a recent loss to Jacksonville.
Following the upcoming matchup, Denver have a manageable slate until their break (in week 12) - the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans plus the Raiders before the Kansas City Chiefs.
In the AFC West, the Chiefs are 2-3 while Denver are tied with the Chargers on 3-2 meaning they could challenge at leading the division.
It depends on which form Kansas City shows up they face because Denver {beat|def
