Ways the Denver Broncos and the 'play-dough' quarterback can halt that Kansas City Chiefs' rule.
Ex Buffalo Bills coach an analyst serves as a football expert and represents Great Britain's national squad.
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NFL 2025 season: Week six
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We're in the sixth week of the NFL season and after recent talk regarding the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles being possible championship contenders, each surrendered their perfect starts.
Striking during those contests were the amount of infractions each conceded. Philadelphia committed them at crucial times so they kind of defeated themselves having led by two touchdowns entering the final quarter against the Denver Broncos, who play overseas this weekend.
But it was positive to see that Denver quarterback Bo Nix managed to overcome that deficit and then direct three scoring drives on three possessions in the fourth quarter, securing the game by four points.
The Broncos boast the defensive player of the year with cornerback their star corner. They are number one in goal-line defense, while Philadelphia are number one in red zone offence, and Denver prevailed in that battle.
They executed the Eagles' number in terms of disguised blitzes. They weren't necessarily sending more than four pass rushers instead they might position two LBs in the interior then drop them out and send a slot defender off the edge.
Early on in the campaign, we said on a program that Denver could be the current year's surprise contenders. They ended last season strongly then excelled in continuing that momentum.
Could Denver be this season's dark horses?
New TE their tight end has excelled big while recent running back their rusher is a guy the team trusts. He now ranks fifth in the NFL in ground gains (over 400) as well as tied for fourth in rushing scores (four).
I love that head coach Sean Payton displays "RUSH!" at the top of his playcall sheet.
That shows how Denver are a team that wants to run first, since one can achieve much off the back of that. It reduces down the pass rush and maintains in positive down and distances.
This has helped QB Bo Nix, who entered the NFL as the 12th overall draft pick in the prior draft, throwing 29 TDs – just behind Justin Herbert for the rookie record (31 in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert possess powerful arms to throw anywhere, however they lack in the same way that Nix has. He boasts exceptional passing ability, which is different, plus he is so athletic.
His assets include his movement, the capacity to pass on the run, and finding varied release points to deliver throws as he moves outside protection, on rollouts. He is able to throw that layered pass across the middle and over the corner.
For a young quarterback, at 25, he's got great composure in the pocket and isn't really fazed by the blitz. He tries to avoid a sack as much as possible and can pass in tight spots. He possesses a high football IQ and is quick to decide.
When you consistently run the ball it consumes the clock and makes the opponent to stay in play extended periods, and when you've got a mobile QB the defence must cover the area vertically side to side. This proves exhausting.
Nix has pushed back at Payton on the sideline at times and it seems Payton appreciates that fire, that he's such a competitor. In my view it's fun for the coach to have a young quarterback who's similar to moldable clay. He can truly develop him how he desires to build it. I believe it's a special experience for him.
The head coach has won a championship and has surpassed a legend in all-time victories (173 - tied 14th overall). He has witnessed everything. I think the success the Broncos are experiencing offensively is mostly down to his guidance, his schemes, his game sense – and the combination with the QB helps shape him what he is.
You wouldn't want a more qualified person in your ear, to help you during difficult moments and boost self-belief.
I have faith in Denver's defence, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. Yet are they strong enough to face an elite team at its best? Because that was not championship-level play from Philadelphia in their last game.
Right now, it's unlikely the Broncos are elite. They're performing better than most, that's a good place to hold the AFC West. All they need to do to continue this trajectory.
They excel at leaning into their forte, that is running the ball, and this is precisely what they must do against the Jets in London. It's going to be a Dobbins-focused game, essentially.
The Jets have surrendered 140 rushing yards per game (among the worst), five rushing touchdowns so far (10th worst), and they're the sole squad without a win any game.
Since the NFL began tracking takeaways in 1933, this team are also the first team to be without any turnovers through five games, this is kind of shocking when you think that their new coach Aaron Glenn defensive co-ordinator with another team.
The Chiefs' QB stated the Chiefs are off to a poor start following Monday's defeat to Jacksonville.
After the upcoming matchup, the Broncos have a smooth-ish schedule up to their bye (in week 12) - the Giants, Dallas Cowboys, the Texans and Las Vegas Raiders before the Chiefs.
In their division, Kansas City are 2-3 and the Broncos are tied with the Los Angeles Chargers at 3-2 meaning they could make a run for the top of the West.
It depends on which form Kansas City shows up they face since the Broncos {beat|def
