How the Broncos and their flexible quarterback can stop that Chiefs' reign.
Former Buffalo Bills coach an analyst is an NFL pundit and represents the UK's flag football team.
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NFL 2025 season: Week six
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We're in the sixth week in the football calendar and after last week's discussion regarding two top teams being possible championship contenders, they both lost their perfect starts.
Notable during those contests was the number of infractions both conceded. The Eagles committed them in key moments so they kind of defeated themselves having led by two touchdowns entering the fourth period versus the Denver Broncos, set to play in London this weekend.
However it proved good to see that Denver's QB the rookie managed to overcome the shortfall and then direct three successful possessions on three possessions during the final period, to win the game 21-17.
Denver have the defensive player of the year with cornerback Pat Surtain II. They rank number one in red zone defence, whereas the Eagles are number one in red zone offence, yet Denver won that contest.
They had effective strategies regarding disguised blitzes. They weren't always rushing more than four pass rushers instead they might plug two LBs in the 'A' gap before drop them out and send a slot defender off the edge.
Early on in the campaign, we said on a program how the Broncos could be this season's dark horses. They ended last season well and did a good job of building upon that.
Could Denver be this season's dark horses?
New TE Evan Engram has excelled big and new running back their rusher is a guy the team trusts. He now ranks fifth in the NFL in ground gains (402) as well as tied-fourth in rushing scores (4).
It's impressive that head coach Sean Payton has "RUN IT!" prominently of his playcall sheet.
That shows that Denver represent a squad aiming to prioritize the run, because one can achieve much based on that approach. It slows down the pass rush and keeps you in positive down and distances.
This has benefited QB the young passer, who came into the league as the 12th overall draft pick in the prior draft, throwing 29 TDs – second only to a star QB for the rookie record (31 in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert have powerful arms to pass all over, but they lack in the same way as Nix. He boasts exceptional passing ability, which is different, and he is highly agile.
His strengths are his mobility, being able to pass while moving, and finding varied release points to make the pass when he rolls out of the pocket, the bootlegs. He is able to throw that layered pass across the middle and past defenders.
For a young quarterback, aged 25, he's got a lot of poise in the pocket and isn't really fazed by the blitz. He aims to evade a sack as much as possible and can pass in tight spots. He has sharp intelligence and is very decisive.
If you constantly rush it eats up time and makes the defence to stay in play extended periods, and if you've got an athletic quarterback the defence has to defend the area vertically and horizontally. This proves exhausting.
The quarterback has pushed back at Payton during games sometimes and I think the coach appreciates that attitude, that he's a fierce rival. I think it's fun for the coach to coach a young quarterback who's similar to play-dough. He can truly build something up the way he wants to build it. I think it's a unique opportunity for the coach.
Payton owns a Super Bowl and has surpassed a legend for career NFL wins (173 - tied 14th overall). He has witnessed everything. In my opinion the achievements Denver are having on offence is largely down to his guidance, his play-calling, his situational awareness – and the combination with the QB aids make him what he is.
You wouldn't want a better guy guiding you, to assist you through difficult moments and boost confidence.
I have faith in the Broncos' defense, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. But is the team strong enough to go against a top squad at full strength? Because that wasn't a Super Bowl performance from Philadelphia last Sunday.
Right now, I don't think Denver are incredible. They're working better than most, that's a good place to be in the AFC West. All they need is is maintain this trajectory.
They're really good at leaning into their strength, that is running the ball, and this is precisely what they should do against the Jets in London. It's going to be a Dobbins-focused game, essentially.
The Jets have allowed 140 rushing yards per game (among the worst), five ground scores so far (10th worst), and they are the only team yet to win a game.
Ever since the NFL started recording takeaways decades ago, this team are the first team to be without a single takeaway in five outings, this is surprising when you think that their new coach Aaron Glenn a defensive coach with another team.
Patrick Mahomes says the Chiefs are off to a poor start after Monday's defeat by the Jaguars.
After the upcoming matchup, Denver face a smooth-ish schedule until their bye (in week 12) - the Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans plus Las Vegas Raiders prior to the Kansas City Chiefs.
In the AFC West, the Chiefs are 2-3 while Denver are tied with the Chargers at 3-2 meaning they could challenge for the top of the West.
This hinges on what version of the Chiefs they meet because the Broncos {beat|def
