Ways the Broncos and their flexible quarterback can halt that Chiefs' rule.
Ex Buffalo Bills assistant coach an analyst serves as an NFL pundit and represents the UK's national squad.
- Published
- 6 Comments
NFL 2025 season: Week six
Live coverage features text commentary for Sunday's games on multiple platforms, starting with Denver Broncos v New York Jets at Tottenham (from 14:00 BST). Additionally, audio coverage can be heard on designated networks covering a separate game (from 21:00 BST).
We're in the sixth week of the NFL season , after recent talk regarding the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles being a potential Super Bowl match-up, they both lost their unbeaten records.
Striking in those games was the amount of infractions both committed. Philadelphia committed them in key moments so they kind of defeated themselves after leading 17-3 going into the fourth period against the Denver Broncos, who play in London this Sunday.
However it was positive to observe how Denver's QB Bo Nix managed to overcome that deficit and then lead three scoring drives in three attempts in the fourth quarter, securing the game 21-17.
Denver boast the top defender with CB Pat Surtain II. They rank number one in red zone defence, whereas Philadelphia lead the league in scoring near the end zone, yet the Broncos prevailed in that contest.
They had effective strategies regarding disguised blitzes. They weren't always rushing more than four defenders but they might position two linebackers in the interior before withdrawing them and send a nickel off the edge.
Early on in the campaign, it was noted on a program how Denver could be the current year's dark horses. They finished the previous year strongly and did a good job in continuing that momentum.
Could Denver be this year's dark horses?
Recently acquired tight end Evan Engram has excelled significantly and recent running back JK Dobbins is a player they believe in. He's currently 5th league-wide for rushing yards (over 400) and tied-fourth in rushing scores (four).
It's impressive how the coach the Broncos' leader has "RUN IT!" at the top on his call sheet.
This demonstrates that the Broncos are a team that wants to prioritize the run, since you can achieve much based on that approach. It reduces down the pass rush while maintains in positive situations.
This has benefited quarterback Bo Nix, who entered into the league as a first-round selection in the prior draft, passing for 29 TDs – second only to Justin Herbert in rookie records (31 in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert possess the arm strength to throw all over, but they lack the mobility that Nix has. He has incredible passing ability, a unique trait, plus he's highly agile.
His assets include his movement, being able to throw while moving, as well as finding different arm angles to deliver the pass when he rolls out of the pocket, on rollouts. He is able to throw that layered pass over the middle and over the corner.
As a rookie QB, aged 25, he's got great poise in the pocket and is not really fazed by the blitz. He tries to avoid being tackled whenever possible and can throw under pressure. He possesses sharp intelligence and is quick to decide.
If you consistently rush it consumes time and forces the opponent to be on the field for longer, and if you have a mobile QB the defense must cover the area downfield and horizontally. It can be draining.
Nix has bitten back at Payton on the sideline at times and I think Payton likes that fire, that he's such a competitor. I think it's fun for the coach to coach a rookie QB who's similar to play-dough. The coach can really build something up how he wants to build it. I believe it's a unique opportunity for the coach.
Payton has won a Super Bowl and has surpassed a legend for career NFL wins (173 - tied 14th overall). He has witnessed it all. In my opinion the success Denver are having on offence is mostly due to his leadership, his play-calling, his situational awareness – and the pairing with Nix helps shape him what he is.
You wouldn't want a more qualified person in your ear, to assist you through some of the tougher situations and build self-belief.
I have faith in Denver's defence, in the QB's grit and calm. Yet is the team good enough to go against an elite team at full strength? Because that wasn't championship-level play from Philadelphia last Sunday.
Currently, it's unlikely the Broncos are elite. They're performing above average, that's a solid position to be in their division. The key to do is maintain this path.
They excel at leaning into their forte, which is the ground game, and this is exactly what they should do against the Jets in London. It will likely be the JK Dobbins show, essentially.
New York have surrendered 140 yards on the ground per game (sixth worst), five rushing touchdowns so far (in the bottom ten), and they are the only team without a win a game.
Ever since the league started recording takeaways in 1933, this team are the inaugural squad to go without a single takeaway in five outings, which is surprising when you think that the head coach was previously defensive co-ordinator with another team.
The Chiefs' QB says Kansas City have 'already lost too many games' after Monday's defeat by the Jaguars.
Following the upcoming matchup, the Broncos face a smooth-ish schedule up to their bye (in week twelve) - the Giants, Dallas Cowboys, the Texans plus the Raiders before the Chiefs.
In the AFC West, the Chiefs are 2-3 while Denver are even with the Los Angeles Chargers at 3-2 so they could make a run at leading the West.
It depends upon what version of the Chiefs they meet since the Broncos {beat|def
