How these Denver Broncos together with their flexible QB could stop the Kansas City Chiefs' dominance.
Former NFL team coach an analyst serves as a football expert who also plays for the UK's national squad.
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NFL 2025 season: Week six
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We're in the sixth week of the football calendar , following last week's discussion about two top teams being possible championship contenders, each lost their unbeaten records.
Notable in those games was the amount of penalties both conceded. Philadelphia did so in key moments so they essentially beat themselves having led by two touchdowns going into the fourth period versus the Denver Broncos, who play overseas this Sunday.
But it was good to see that Denver quarterback the rookie was able to have that deficit and then lead three scoring drives on three possessions during the final period, securing the game 21-17.
The Broncos have the defensive player of the year with cornerback their star corner. They rank number one in goal-line defense, whereas Philadelphia lead the league in scoring near the end zone, yet Denver prevailed in that contest.
They executed effective strategies in terms of simulated pressure. They did not necessarily rushing extra pass rushers but they could position two LBs in the interior then drop them out and send a nickel from the outside.
Early on in the campaign, it was noted on a program that Denver could be this season's surprise contenders. They ended the previous year well and did a good job in continuing that momentum.
Are the Denver Broncos this year's dark horses?
Recently acquired TE their tight end has excelled significantly and new running back their rusher is a guy they believe in. He's currently 5th league-wide for rushing yards (402) as well as tied-fourth for rushing touchdowns (4).
I love that the coach the Broncos' leader has "RUSH!" prominently on his call sheet.
This demonstrates that the Broncos represent a team that wants to prioritize the run, since you can achieve much off the back of that. It reduces opposing rushes while maintains in favourable down and distances.
This has helped quarterback the young passer, who entered into the league as a first-round selection last year, passing for 29 touchdown passes – just behind Justin Herbert for the rookie record (31 back in 2020).
Other elite QBs possess the arm strength to pass all over, but they don't move the mobility as Nix. He boasts exceptional passing ability, a unique trait, plus he's highly agile.
His strengths include his movement, being able to pass on the run, and finding different arm angles to make throws as he moves outside protection, on rollouts. He is able to throw precision throws across the middle or past defenders.
As a rookie QB, at 25, he displays a lot of poise in the pocket and isn't bothered by the blitz. He aims to avoid a sack as much as possible and can pass under pressure. He has sharp intelligence and remains quick to decide.
When you constantly rush it consumes time and forces the opponent to be on the field for longer, and if you have an athletic quarterback the defence must defend the field downfield and horizontally. This proves draining.
Nix has pushed back with the coach on the sideline at times and I think Payton appreciates that fire, seeing him as a fierce rival. I think it's exciting for him to have a young quarterback that is kind of like play-dough. He can truly build something up the way he desires to build it. I think it's a special experience for him.
Payton owns a Super Bowl and has passed a legend for career NFL wins (173 - tied 14th overall). He's seen it all. In my opinion the success Denver are experiencing on offence is mostly due to his guidance, his schemes, his game sense – and the combination with Nix aids make him what he is.
There's no better a more qualified person guiding you, to assist you through difficult moments and boost confidence.
I have faith in Denver's defence, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. Yet is the team good enough to go against a top squad at its best? Since that wasn't a Super Bowl performance by the Eagles in their last game.
Currently, I don't think the Broncos are incredible. They're performing better than most, that's a good place to hold their division. All they need is to continue this trajectory.
They're really good at embracing their strength, that is running the ball, and this is precisely what they must do against the New York Jets in London. It will likely be the JK Dobbins show, in essence.
New York have allowed 140 yards on the ground each contest (sixth worst), five rushing touchdowns so far (in the bottom ten), and they're the sole squad yet to win any game.
Ever since the NFL started recording turnovers decades ago, this team are the first team to be without any turnovers in five outings, which is surprising considering that the head coach was previously defensive co-ordinator at the Detroit Lions.
Patrick Mahomes says the Chiefs are off to a poor start after a recent loss to Jacksonville.
After this Sunday's game, the Broncos have a manageable slate up to their bye (in week 12) - the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, the Texans plus Las Vegas Raiders prior to the Chiefs.
In the AFC West, Kansas City hold a losing record while Denver are tied with the Chargers on 3-2 meaning 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
