How these Broncos and the 'play-dough' QB can end the Chiefs' reign.
Ex Buffalo Bills coach an analyst serves as a football expert who also represents the UK's national squad.
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NFL 2025 season: Week six
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It's week six in the football calendar , following last week's talk about two top teams as a potential Super Bowl match-up, each surrendered their perfect starts.
Notable in those games was the number of penalties both committed. Philadelphia committed them at crucial times so they essentially defeated themselves having led by two touchdowns entering the final quarter against the Denver Broncos, set to play in London this weekend.
However it proved good to observe how Denver's QB Bo Nix managed to have the shortfall before direct three scoring drives in three attempts in the fourth quarter, securing the game 21-17.
The Broncos have the top defender with CB their star corner. They are number one in goal-line defense, whereas the Eagles lead the league in red zone offence, and the Broncos won that contest.
They had effective strategies in terms of simulated pressure. They weren't necessarily rushing extra pass rushers but they could position two linebackers in the 'A' gap then drop them out and dispatch a slot defender off the edge.
Early on of the season, we said on a program how Denver could be this season's dark horses. They finished last season strongly and excelled of building upon that.
Could Denver be this season's dark horses?
Recently acquired tight end their tight end has stepped up significantly while recent running back their rusher is a guy the team trusts. He now ranks 5th league-wide in ground gains (402) as well as tied-fourth in rushing scores (four).
It's impressive that the coach Sean Payton has "RUSH!" at the top of his playcall sheet.
This demonstrates that the Broncos are a team aiming to prioritize the run, since one can do a lot based on that approach. It reduces down the pass rush and keeps you in positive situations.
This has benefited quarterback the young passer, who entered into the league as the 12th overall draft pick last year, throwing 29 TDs – second only to Justin Herbert for the rookie record (31 in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert possess powerful arms to throw all over, however they lack the mobility that Nix has. He has exceptional arm talent, a unique trait, and he is highly agile.
His assets are his movement, the capacity to throw while moving, as well as using varied release points to deliver throws when he rolls out of the pocket, on rollouts. He can throw that layered pass across the middle or over the corner.
For a young quarterback, aged 25, he displays a lot of poise under pressure and isn't really fazed by the blitz. He tries to avoid being tackled whenever possible and is able throw under pressure. He possesses sharp intelligence and remains very decisive.
When you consistently rush it consumes the clock and makes the defence to stay on the field extended periods, and when you have a mobile QB 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 it seems Payton appreciates that attitude, seeing him as a fierce rival. I think it's exciting for him to coach a young quarterback who's similar to play-dough. The coach can really build something up how he desires to build it. I think it's a special experience for him.
Payton owns a Super Bowl and now passed a legend in all-time victories (173 - tied 14th overall). He's seen it all. I think the achievements the Broncos are having offensively is largely due to his leadership, his play-calling, his situational awareness – and the pairing with Nix helps shape him into who he is.
There's no better a more qualified person in your ear, to help you during difficult moments and boost confidence.
I have faith in Denver's defence, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. Yet is the team good enough to face a top squad at full strength? Because that wasn't a Super Bowl performance by the Eagles in their last game.
Currently, it's unlikely Denver are elite. They're performing better than most, which is a good place to hold their division. The key is is maintain this trajectory.
They excel at embracing their strength, which 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, in essence.
New York have allowed 140 rushing yards per game (among the worst), five ground scores this season (in the bottom ten), and they are the only team yet to win any game.
Since the league began tracking takeaways decades ago, this team are the first team to be without a single takeaway in five outings, which is surprising when you think that their new coach Aaron Glenn a defensive coach at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB stated the Chiefs have 'already lost too many games' after Monday's defeat to Jacksonville.
Following this Sunday's game, the Broncos have a manageable slate up to their break (in week 12) - the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans and Las Vegas Raiders before the Chiefs.
Looking at their division, the Chiefs hold a losing record while Denver are even with the Chargers on 3-2 so they could make a run at leading the West.
It depends upon what version Kansas City shows up they meet since Denver {beat|def