Ways the Denver Broncos and their 'play-dough' quarterback can halt that Kansas City Chiefs' reign.
Former NFL team assistant coach an analyst serves as an NFL pundit and plays for Great Britain's flag football team.
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Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Real-time updates includes live text for Sunday's games via various channels, starting with Denver Broncos v New York Jets at Tottenham (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Additionally, radio commentary can be heard on select stations covering another key matchup (from 21:00 BST).
We're in the sixth week of the NFL season , following recent talk regarding the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles as a potential Super Bowl match-up, they both surrendered their unbeaten records.
Striking in those games was the number of infractions each conceded. The Eagles did so at crucial times meaning they essentially defeated themselves having led 17-3 entering the fourth period versus Denver, set to play in London this weekend.
But it was positive to see that Denver quarterback the rookie was able to have that deficit and then direct three successful possessions in three attempts during the final period, to win the victory by four points.
The Broncos boast the top defender with CB their star corner. They rank first in red zone defence, while Philadelphia lead the league in red zone offence, yet Denver prevailed in that contest.
They had effective strategies regarding simulated pressure. They weren't necessarily sending more than four pass rushers but they could position two linebackers in the interior before withdrawing them and dispatch a nickel from the outside.
At the start of the season, we said on a program that the Broncos could be this season's dark horses. They ended last season strongly and excelled in continuing that momentum.
Could Denver be this season's underdog story?
New tight end Evan Engram has stepped up significantly while new RB JK Dobbins is a guy they believe in. He's currently fifth in the NFL for rushing yards (402) and tied for fourth in rushing scores (four).
It's impressive that head coach the Broncos' leader displays "RUN IT!" prominently of his playcall sheet.
That shows that Denver are a squad that wants to prioritize the run, since you can do a lot based on that approach. It reduces down the pass rush and keeps you 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, passing for 29 TDs – just behind a star QB in rookie records (31 in 2020).
Other elite QBs possess powerful arms to pass all over, but they lack in the same way as Nix. He has exceptional passing ability, which is different, plus he is highly agile.
His strengths are his movement, being able to pass while moving, as well as using different arm angles to make throws as he moves outside protection, on rollouts. He is able to throw that layered pass across the middle or over the corner.
As a rookie QB, at 25, he's got a lot of poise in the pocket and isn't bothered by the blitz. He tries to avoid a sack as much as possible and is able pass under pressure. He has a high football IQ and is very decisive.
If you constantly run the ball it consumes time and forces the defence to be on the field extended periods, and when you've got a mobile QB the defence must cover the field downfield side to side. This proves exhausting.
The quarterback has bitten back with the coach on the sideline sometimes and it seems the coach likes that fire, that he's such a competitor. In my view it's exciting for the coach to have a young quarterback who's kind of like play-dough. He can really develop him how he desires to shape him. I think it's a special experience for the coach.
The head coach has won a championship and now passed a legend for career NFL wins (173, tying for 14th). He has witnessed it all. I think the achievements Denver are having on offence is mostly due to his guidance, his play-calling, his situational awareness – and the pairing with Nix helps shape him into who he is.
You wouldn't want a more qualified person in your ear, to help you through some of the tougher situations and build confidence.
I have faith in the Broncos' defense, 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 championship-level play by the Eagles in their last game.
Currently, it's unlikely the Broncos are elite. They're working better than most, which is a solid position to be in their division. All they need is is maintain this path.
They're really good at leaning into their forte, that is running the ball, 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 surrendered 140 rushing yards per game (among the worst), five rushing touchdowns this season (10th worst), and they're the sole squad yet to win a game.
Ever since the NFL started recording turnovers in 1933, the Jets are also the first team to go without any turnovers through five games, which is kind of shocking when you think that the head coach was previously a defensive coach at the Detroit Lions.
Patrick Mahomes says the Chiefs have 'already lost too many games' following Monday's defeat by the Jaguars.
After the upcoming matchup, the Broncos face a smooth-ish schedule up to their break (in week twelve) - the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans plus Las Vegas Raiders before the Kansas City Chiefs.
Looking at the AFC West, Kansas City hold a losing record and the Broncos are even with the Los Angeles Chargers at 3-2 meaning they could make a run for the top of the division.
It depends on which form of the Chiefs they meet since the Broncos {beat|def