How these Broncos together with their 'play-dough' QB can halt that Chiefs' reign.
Former NFL team assistant coach an analyst serves as an NFL pundit who also plays for Great Britain's national squad.
- Posted
- Half a dozen responses
Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Live coverage features text commentary for the weekend matchups via various channels, starting with the Broncos-Jets clash in London (from 14:00 BST). Also, radio commentary is available through designated networks covering a separate game (beginning at 9 PM BST).
We're in the sixth week of the football calendar and following last week's discussion regarding the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles as a potential Super Bowl match-up, each lost their perfect starts.
Notable in those games was the amount of infractions each committed. Philadelphia did so at crucial times so they essentially defeated themselves having led 17-3 going into the final quarter against Denver, who play in London this weekend.
However it was positive to observe that Denver's QB Bo Nix was able to overcome that deficit and then lead three successful possessions in three attempts in the fourth quarter, securing the game 21-17.
Denver boast the top defender with cornerback Pat Surtain II. They rank number one in goal-line defense, while the Eagles are number one in red zone offence, yet Denver prevailed in that contest.
They had the Eagles' number in terms of simulated pressure. They did not always sending extra defenders instead they could position two linebackers in the interior then drop them out and send a nickel off the edge.
Early on in the campaign, it was noted on a program how Denver might emerge as this season's dark horses. They ended last season well then excelled in continuing that momentum.
Are the Denver Broncos this season's dark horses?
Recently acquired TE Evan Engram has excelled big while recent running back JK Dobbins is a player the team trusts. He's currently fifth league-wide for rushing yards (over 400) and tied for fourth for rushing touchdowns (4).
I love that the coach the Broncos' leader displays "RUN IT!" prominently of his playcall sheet.
That shows how the Broncos represent a squad that wants to prioritize the run, since one can do a lot based on that approach. It reduces down the pass rush and keeps you in favourable down and distances.
This has helped quarterback the young passer, who came into the league as the 12th overall draft pick in the prior draft, throwing 29 touchdown passes – just behind a star QB for the rookie record (31 in 2020).
Other elite QBs possess the arm strength to throw anywhere, but they don't move in the same way that Nix has. He boasts incredible arm talent, which is different, plus he's highly agile.
His strengths include his mobility, the capacity to throw on the run, as well as finding different arm angles to deliver throws as he moves out of the pocket, on rollouts. He can deliver that layered pass over the middle or past defenders.
As a rookie QB, aged 25, he's got great composure under pressure and is not really fazed by extra rushers. He tries to evade being tackled as much as possible and is able pass in tight spots. He possesses sharp intelligence and is very decisive.
When you consistently run the ball it eats up time and makes the opponent to stay in play for longer, and if you've got a mobile QB the defense must defend the area downfield and horizontally. It can be draining.
Nix has pushed back at Payton during games at times and I think Payton appreciates that attitude, seeing him as such a competitor. I think it's exciting for the coach to coach a young quarterback who's kind of like moldable clay. He can truly build something up the way he wants to shape him. I think it's a special experience for the coach.
Payton has won a championship and has surpassed a legend in all-time victories (173 - tied 14th overall). He's seen everything. In my opinion the achievements Denver are having on offence is largely down to his guidance, his play-calling, his game sense – and the combination with the QB aids make him what he is.
There's no better a more qualified person in your ear, to help you through difficult moments and build confidence.
I have faith in the Broncos' defense, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. But is the team good enough to go against a top squad at full strength? Since that was not a Super Bowl performance by the Eagles last Sunday.
Currently, it's unlikely Denver are incredible. They're performing above average, that's a solid position to hold their division. All they need is is maintain this path.
They're really good at leaning into their strength, that is running the ball, and that's precisely what they should do against the Jets in London. It will likely be the JK Dobbins show, essentially.
New York have allowed 140 yards on the ground per game (among the worst), five rushing touchdowns this season (10th worst), and they are the only team without a win any game.
Ever since the league began tracking turnovers in 1933, the Jets are the first team to go without a single takeaway in five outings, this is kind of shocking considering that their new coach was previously defensive co-ordinator with another team.
The Chiefs' QB says Kansas City are off to a poor start following Monday's defeat to Jacksonville.
After the upcoming matchup, the Broncos face a manageable slate up to their break (in week twelve) - the Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans and the Raiders prior to the Chiefs.
In the AFC West, the Chiefs hold a losing record while Denver are even with the Chargers at 3-2 so they could make a run for the top of the West.
This hinges upon which form Kansas City shows up they meet because Denver {beat|def