How these Denver Broncos together with their flexible quarterback could end the Kansas City Chiefs' rule.
Former NFL team assistant coach Phoebe Schecter serves as a football expert who also represents Great Britain's national squad.
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Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Real-time updates includes text commentary for Sunday's games on multiple platforms, starting with the Broncos-Jets clash at Tottenham (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Also, radio commentary can be heard on designated networks for a separate game (beginning at 9 PM BST).
It's week six in the NFL season , following last week's discussion regarding two top teams as a potential Super Bowl match-up, each surrendered their unbeaten records.
Striking in those games was the amount of infractions both committed. The Eagles did so in key moments so they essentially defeated themselves after leading by two touchdowns entering the final quarter versus Denver, set to play in London this Sunday.
However it proved positive to see how Denver's QB Bo Nix managed to overcome the shortfall and then lead three scoring drives on three possessions in the fourth quarter, to win the victory 21-17.
Denver boast the top defender in cornerback their star corner. They are first in goal-line defense, whereas the Eagles are number one in red zone offence, and the Broncos prevailed in that contest.
They executed the Eagles' number regarding simulated pressure. They weren't always rushing more than four defenders instead they could plug two linebackers in the 'A' gap then drop them out and send a nickel from the outside.
At the start in the campaign, it was noted on a program that Denver could be this season's surprise contenders. They finished last season strongly and excelled of building upon that.
Could Denver be this season's dark horses?
New tight end Evan Engram has stepped up significantly and recent RB their rusher is a player the team trusts. He's currently 5th in the NFL in ground gains (402) as well as tied for fourth for rushing touchdowns (4).
I love how the coach the Broncos' leader displays "RUN IT!" at the top of his playcall sheet.
That shows how the Broncos represent a team that wants to run first, since one can do a lot based on that approach. It reduces down the pass rush while keeps you in positive situations.
It's also helped QB Bo Nix, who came the NFL as the 12th overall draft pick in the prior draft, passing for 29 touchdown passes – second only to Justin Herbert for the rookie record (31 back in 2020).
Other elite QBs have powerful arms to throw all over, but they don't move in the same way as Nix. He boasts incredible passing ability, a unique trait, plus he is highly agile.
His strengths include his mobility, being able to throw on the run, as well as finding different arm angles to deliver throws when he rolls outside protection, on rollouts. He can deliver precision throws over the middle or past defenders.
As a rookie QB, aged 25, he's got a lot of composure under pressure and is not really fazed by the blitz. He aims to avoid being tackled whenever possible and is able throw under pressure. He possesses sharp intelligence and is quick to decide.
If you consistently rush it consumes the clock and forces the opponent to stay on the field extended periods, and if you have an athletic quarterback the defence has to cover the area vertically and horizontally. It can be exhausting.
The quarterback has pushed back at Payton on the sideline sometimes and it seems the coach likes that fire, seeing him as such a competitor. In my view it's fun for the coach to coach a rookie QB that is similar to play-dough. He can really develop him how he wants to build it. I think it's a unique opportunity for the coach.
The head coach owns a championship and has surpassed a legend in all-time victories (173, tying for 14th). He has witnessed everything. In my opinion the achievements Denver are having on offence is mostly due to his guidance, his schemes, his game sense – and the combination with Nix aids make him what 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 Denver's defence, in the QB's grit and calm. Yet are they good enough to go against a top squad at full strength? Because that wasn't championship-level play by the Eagles last Sunday.
Right now, I don't think the Broncos are elite. They're working above average, that's a good place to be in the AFC West. The key to do is maintain this trajectory.
They're really good at embracing their forte, which is running the ball, and this is precisely what they must do versus the New York Jets at Tottenham. It's going to be a Dobbins-focused game, essentially.
The Jets have surrendered 140 rushing yards per game (sixth worst), five ground scores this season (in the bottom ten), and they are the only team yet to win any game.
Ever since the league began tracking takeaways in 1933, this team are also the inaugural squad to be without a single takeaway through five games, which is surprising considering that the head coach was previously a defensive coach at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB says Kansas City are off to a poor start following Monday's defeat to Jacksonville.
Following this Sunday's game, Denver face a smooth-ish schedule until their break (in week 12) - the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans and Las Vegas Raiders before the Chiefs.
In their division, Kansas City are 2-3 and the Broncos are tied with the Los Angeles Chargers at 3-2 meaning they could challenge for the top of the division.
This hinges on which form of the Chiefs they face because Denver {beat|def
