How these Broncos and their 'play-dough' QB could end the Kansas City Chiefs' reign.
Ex NFL team coach an analyst serves as an NFL pundit and 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 in the NFL season and following last week's discussion regarding the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles being a potential Super Bowl match-up, each lost their perfect starts.
Notable during those contests was the number of penalties each committed. Philadelphia did so at crucial times so they kind of beat themselves having led 17-3 entering the fourth period versus the Denver Broncos, who play in London this weekend.
But it proved positive to see how Denver quarterback the rookie was able to overcome the shortfall before direct three successful possessions in three attempts in the fourth quarter, to win the victory 21-17.
The Broncos have the top defender in CB Pat Surtain II. They are first in goal-line defense, while the Eagles lead the league in scoring near the end zone, yet Denver won that contest.
They executed the Eagles' number in terms of disguised blitzes. They did not necessarily sending extra defenders but they might position two linebackers in the 'A' gap then withdrawing them and send a nickel off the edge.
At the start in the campaign, we said on a program that Denver might emerge as this season's surprise contenders. They ended last season strongly then did a good job of building upon that.
Could Denver be this year's underdog story?
Recently acquired TE their tight end has excelled big while new RB their rusher is a player they believe in. He now ranks 5th league-wide in ground gains (over 400) as well as tied for fourth in rushing scores (four).
I love how the coach Sean Payton displays "RUN IT!" at the top of his playcall sheet.
That shows that Denver represent a team that wants to run first, since one can achieve much based on that approach. It reduces down the pass rush while keeps you in favourable situations.
This has helped quarterback the young passer, who came into the league as a first-round selection in the prior draft, throwing 29 touchdown passes – just behind a star QB in rookie records (31 back in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert have powerful arms to throw all over, however they don't move in the same way as Nix. He has exceptional arm talent, which is different, and he's highly agile.
His assets are his movement, the capacity to pass on the run, as well as finding varied release points to deliver the pass as he moves outside protection, the bootlegs. He can throw precision throws over the middle or over the corner.
As a rookie QB, at 25, he's got great poise in the pocket and is not really fazed by the blitz. He tries to evade a sack whenever possible and is able pass in tight spots. He possesses sharp intelligence and is very decisive.
If you constantly run the ball it consumes time and forces the defence to stay in play extended periods, and if you've got an athletic quarterback the defense has to defend the area vertically side to side. It can be draining.
The quarterback has bitten back with the coach during games at times and I think the coach appreciates that attitude, seeing him as a fierce rival. In my view it's exciting for him to coach a rookie QB that is similar to moldable clay. The coach can truly develop him the way he desires to build it. I believe it's a unique opportunity for the coach.
Payton has won a championship and has passed Bill Parcells for career NFL wins (173 - tied 14th overall). He has witnessed it all. I think the achievements Denver are having offensively is largely down to his guidance, his schemes, his situational awareness – and the pairing with Nix aids shape him into who he is.
There's no better a more qualified person guiding you, to assist you through some of the tougher situations and build confidence.
I believe in Denver's defence, in the QB's grit and calm. Yet are they good enough to face an elite team at its best? Since that wasn't championship-level play from Philadelphia last Sunday.
Currently, I don't think Denver are elite. They're performing above average, which is a good place to hold the AFC West. The key to do to continue this path.
They're really good at embracing their strength, which is the ground game, and this is precisely what they must do versus the Jets at Tottenham. It will likely be the JK Dobbins show, essentially.
The Jets have surrendered 140 yards on the ground each contest (among the worst), five ground scores this season (10th worst), and they are the only team yet to win any game.
Ever since the league started recording takeaways in 1933, the Jets are the first team to be without any turnovers through five games, which is kind of shocking when you think that the head coach Aaron Glenn a defensive coach at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB says Kansas City are off to a poor start following a recent loss by the Jaguars.
After this Sunday's game, the Broncos have a smooth-ish schedule up to their break (in week twelve) - the Giants, the Cowboys, Houston Texans and Las Vegas Raiders prior to the Kansas City Chiefs.
In their division, the Chiefs hold a losing record and the Broncos are even 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 because the Broncos {beat|def