Ways the Broncos and their malleable quarterback could halt that Kansas City Chiefs' rule.
Ex Buffalo Bills assistant coach Phoebe Schecter is a football expert and plays for the UK's national squad.
- Published
- Half a dozen responses
NFL 2025 season: Week six
Real-time updates features text commentary of the weekend matchups via multiple platforms, starting with the Broncos-Jets clash at Tottenham (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Additionally, audio coverage is available through designated networks for another key matchup (from 21:00 BST).
It's week six in the football calendar and following recent discussion regarding two top teams as possible championship contenders, each lost their unbeaten records.
Notable in those games was the amount of penalties both committed. The Eagles did so at crucial times so they essentially beat themselves having led by two touchdowns going into the fourth period against the Denver Broncos, who play in London this weekend.
But it proved good to observe how Denver quarterback the rookie managed to have that deficit and then lead three successful possessions on three possessions in the fourth quarter, to win the victory by four points.
Denver boast the defensive player of the year with cornerback their star corner. They are number one in goal-line defense, whereas Philadelphia are number one in red zone offence, and the Broncos prevailed in that contest.
They executed the Eagles' number in terms of disguised blitzes. They did not always rushing extra defenders but they might plug two LBs in the 'A' gap then withdrawing them and send a slot defender from the outside.
At the start of the season, we said on a program that the Broncos might emerge as the current year's surprise contenders. They ended the previous year strongly and did a good job in continuing that momentum.
Could Denver be this season's underdog story?
New tight end Evan Engram has stepped up big while new RB JK Dobbins is a guy the team trusts. He now ranks 5th league-wide for rushing yards (over 400) and tied for fourth in rushing scores (4).
I love that the coach Sean Payton has "RUN IT!" at the top on his call sheet.
This demonstrates how the Broncos represent a squad that wants to run first, since you can do a lot based on that approach. It reduces opposing rushes while keeps you in positive down and distances.
It's also benefited quarterback the young passer, who entered into the league as a first-round selection last year, passing for 29 touchdown passes – just behind a star QB in rookie records (31 in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert have the arm strength to pass all over, but they lack the mobility as Nix. He boasts incredible passing ability, which is different, plus he is highly agile.
His strengths include his mobility, the capacity to pass on the run, and using varied release points to deliver throws when he rolls outside protection, on rollouts. He is able to throw precision throws across the middle and past defenders.
As a rookie QB, at 25, he displays great composure under pressure and is not really fazed by extra rushers. He tries to avoid being tackled whenever possible and is able throw under pressure. He has a high football IQ and is very decisive.
When you consistently rush it eats up time and makes the opponent to stay on the field extended periods, and if you've got an athletic quarterback the defense must cover the area downfield side to side. It can be exhausting.
The quarterback has bitten back with the coach during games at times and I think the coach likes that attitude, that he's a fierce rival. In my view it's exciting for him to coach a young quarterback who's similar to play-dough. He can truly build something up the way he desires to shape him. I think it's a unique opportunity for him.
Payton owns a Super Bowl and has surpassed a legend for career NFL wins (173, tying for 14th). He's seen everything. I think the achievements Denver are having on offence is mostly due to his guidance, his schemes, his game sense – and the combination with the QB aids shape him into who he is.
You wouldn't want a better guy guiding you, to assist you through some of the tougher situations and build self-belief.
I have faith in the Broncos' defense, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. But are they strong enough to go against a top squad at full strength? Since that wasn't championship-level play from Philadelphia in their last game.
Right now, I don't think Denver are elite. They're working better than most, which is a solid position to be in their division. All they need to do to continue this path.
They excel at leaning into their strength, which is running the ball, and that's precisely what they must do versus the Jets in London. It will likely be the JK Dobbins show, essentially.
The Jets have allowed 140 yards on the ground per game (sixth worst), five rushing touchdowns this season (10th worst), and they're the sole squad without a win a game.
Ever since the league began tracking takeaways decades ago, this team are also the inaugural squad to go without a single takeaway in five outings, which is surprising considering that their new coach was previously defensive co-ordinator with another team.
The Chiefs' QB stated Kansas City have 'already lost too many games' following Monday's defeat by the Jaguars.
Following this Sunday's game, the Broncos face a smooth-ish schedule until their break (in week 12) - the Giants, Dallas Cowboys, the Texans plus the Raiders prior to the Chiefs.
In the AFC West, the Chiefs hold a losing record while Denver are even with the Los Angeles Chargers at 3-2 meaning they could make a run at leading the division.
This hinges upon which form Kansas City shows up they face since the Broncos {beat|def
