Ways these Broncos and the 'play-dough' QB could stop the Kansas City Chiefs' rule.
Former NFL team assistant coach Phoebe Schecter serves as an NFL pundit and plays for the UK's national squad.
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Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Live coverage includes live text for Sunday's games on various channels, starting with the Broncos-Jets clash at Tottenham (from 14:00 BST). Also, radio commentary is available through designated networks covering a separate game (from 21:00 BST).
We're in the sixth week in the football calendar and following last week's discussion regarding two top teams being possible championship contenders, they both surrendered their unbeaten records.
Notable during those contests were the number of penalties both committed. The Eagles did so in key moments meaning they kind of defeated themselves after leading by two touchdowns going into the fourth period versus the Denver Broncos, set to play overseas this Sunday.
But it proved positive to observe how Denver quarterback the rookie managed to overcome that deficit and then lead three successful possessions on three possessions during the final period, securing the game 21-17.
The Broncos boast the defensive player of the year with CB Pat Surtain II. They are number one in red zone defence, whereas the Eagles lead the league in red zone offence, and the Broncos won that battle.
They executed the Eagles' number in terms of disguised blitzes. They weren't necessarily sending extra pass rushers but they might position two LBs in the 'A' gap then drop them out and send a slot defender off the edge.
Early on in the campaign, we said on a program that the Broncos could be the current year's dark horses. They finished the previous year strongly and did a good job of building upon that.
Could Denver be this season's underdog story?
New tight end their tight end has excelled big and new RB their rusher is a player the team trusts. He now ranks 5th in the NFL for rushing yards (402) and tied-fourth in rushing scores (four).
It's impressive that the coach Sean Payton displays "RUN IT!" at the top on his call sheet.
This demonstrates how the Broncos represent a team aiming to prioritize the run, since one can achieve much based on that approach. It slows opposing rushes and maintains in favourable down and distances.
This has benefited quarterback Bo Nix, who came the NFL as a first-round selection in the prior draft, passing for 29 touchdown passes – just behind a star QB for the rookie record (31 back in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert possess powerful arms to throw anywhere, however they lack in the same way as Nix. He has incredible arm talent, a unique trait, and he's so athletic.
His assets are his mobility, being able to pass on the run, and using varied release points to make throws when he rolls outside protection, the bootlegs. He is able to throw precision throws over the middle or past defenders.
As a rookie QB, aged 25, he displays a lot of composure in the pocket and is not bothered by the blitz. He tries to avoid being tackled as much as possible and is able throw under pressure. He possesses sharp intelligence and is quick to decide.
If you consistently run the ball it consumes the clock and forces the opponent to be on the field extended periods, and if you have a mobile QB the defence has to defend the area downfield side to side. It can be exhausting.
Nix has bitten back with the coach during games sometimes and I think Payton likes that fire, seeing him as a fierce rival. In my view it's fun for him to coach a rookie QB who's kind of like moldable clay. The coach can really build something up the way he desires to build it. I think it's a special experience for the coach.
Payton owns a championship and has surpassed a legend for career NFL wins (173, tying for 14th). He's seen it all. I think the success the Broncos are experiencing on offence is largely down to his leadership, his play-calling, his situational awareness – and the pairing with the QB aids shape him what he is.
You wouldn't want a more qualified person guiding you, to help you through difficult moments and boost confidence.
I believe in Denver's defence, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. Yet is the team strong enough to go against a top squad at full strength? Because that was not championship-level play from Philadelphia last Sunday.
Currently, it's unlikely Denver are elite. They're working better than most, that's a solid position to be in their division. The key is to continue this path.
They excel at embracing their strength, that is running the ball, and that's exactly what they should do against the New York Jets in London. It will likely be the JK Dobbins show, essentially.
The Jets have surrendered 140 yards on the ground each contest (sixth worst), five ground scores so far (10th worst), and they're the only team without a win any game.
Ever since the league began tracking takeaways in 1933, the Jets are the inaugural squad to be without any turnovers in five outings, which is kind of shocking when you think that their new coach was previously a defensive coach at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB stated the Chiefs have 'already lost too many games' after a recent loss to Jacksonville.
After this Sunday's game, the Broncos have a manageable slate until their bye (in week 12) - the Giants, the Cowboys, the Texans plus the Raiders before the Kansas City Chiefs.
Looking at the AFC West, the Chiefs are 2-3 while Denver are tied with the Los Angeles Chargers on 3-2 so they could make a run at leading the West.
This hinges on which form Kansas City shows up they face because Denver {beat|def
