How the Denver Broncos and the flexible quarterback can stop the Chiefs' rule.
Former NFL team coach Phoebe Schecter serves as an NFL pundit who also plays for the UK's national squad.
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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 recent discussion about two top teams as possible championship contenders, each lost their perfect starts.
Striking during those contests was the number of infractions both committed. The Eagles did so at crucial times meaning they essentially beat themselves after leading by two touchdowns going into the final quarter versus Denver, who play overseas this Sunday.
But it was positive to see that Denver quarterback the rookie was able to have that deficit before lead three successful possessions in three attempts during the final period, securing the victory by four points.
Denver have the top defender in cornerback Pat Surtain II. They are first in goal-line defense, while Philadelphia are number one in red zone offence, yet the Broncos won that battle.
They had the Eagles' number regarding disguised blitzes. They weren't necessarily rushing more than four pass rushers but they might plug two LBs in the interior then drop them out and send a nickel off the edge.
At the start in the campaign, it was noted during a show that the Broncos could be this season's surprise contenders. They ended the previous year well then excelled in continuing that momentum.
Are the Denver Broncos this year's underdog story?
New TE their tight end has excelled big while new running back their rusher is a guy they believe in. He's currently 5th in the NFL in ground gains (over 400) and tied-fourth in rushing scores (four).
I love that head coach Sean Payton displays "RUN IT!" at the top on his call sheet.
That shows how Denver are a squad that wants to run first, since you can do a lot off the back of that. It slows opposing rushes and keeps you in positive down and distances.
This has benefited quarterback Bo Nix, who came the NFL as a first-round selection last year, throwing 29 TDs – just behind Justin Herbert for the rookie record (31 in 2020).
Other elite QBs have the arm strength to pass anywhere, however they don't move the mobility that Nix has. He has incredible passing ability, which is different, plus he is so athletic.
His assets include his movement, being able to throw on the run, and finding different arm angles to make throws when he rolls outside protection, on rollouts. He is able to deliver that layered pass across the middle or past defenders.
As a rookie QB, aged 25, he's got great poise in the pocket and is not really fazed by the blitz. He tries to avoid being tackled whenever possible and is able throw under pressure. He has a high football IQ and is quick to decide.
When you consistently rush it consumes time and forces the defence to be on the field for longer, and when you have an athletic quarterback the defence has to defend the field vertically side to side. It can be exhausting.
Nix has bitten back at Payton during games at times and it seems Payton likes that attitude, that he's such a competitor. I think it's fun for him to coach a rookie QB who's similar to play-dough. The coach can really build something up how he desires to shape him. I think it's a special experience for him.
Payton owns a championship and now passed Bill Parcells for career NFL wins (173, tying for 14th). He has witnessed it all. I think the achievements Denver are experiencing on offence is mostly down to his leadership, his schemes, his game sense – and the pairing with the QB helps shape him what he is.
You wouldn't want a more qualified person guiding you, to assist you during some of the tougher situations and build confidence.
I believe in Denver's defence, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. Yet are they strong enough to face an elite team at its best? Since that was not a Super Bowl performance by the Eagles last Sunday.
Currently, it's unlikely Denver are incredible. They're performing better than most, that's a solid position to be in the AFC West. The key is is maintain this trajectory.
They're really good at embracing their forte, that is the ground game, and that's precisely what they must do versus the New York Jets in London. It's going to be a Dobbins-focused game, in essence.
The Jets have surrendered 140 rushing yards each contest (sixth worst), five rushing touchdowns so far (10th worst), and they are the only team without a win any game.
Ever since the league started recording takeaways decades ago, this team are also the first team to be without any turnovers in five outings, which is surprising when you think that their new coach was previously a defensive coach at the Detroit Lions.
Patrick Mahomes says the Chiefs have 'already lost too many games' following Monday's defeat by the Jaguars.
Following this Sunday's game, Denver face a smooth-ish schedule up to their break (in week twelve) - the Giants, Dallas Cowboys, the Texans and Las Vegas Raiders prior to the Kansas City Chiefs.
In their division, Kansas City hold a losing record while Denver are tied with the Los Angeles Chargers at 3-2 so they could challenge at leading the division.
This hinges upon which form of the Chiefs they meet because the Broncos {beat|def
