How these Denver Broncos and their flexible quarterback could stop the Kansas City Chiefs' dominance.
Former NFL team coach Phoebe Schecter serves as a football expert who also plays for the UK's national squad.
- Posted
- 6 Comments
NFL 2025 season: Week six
Real-time updates features text commentary of the weekend matchups via various channels, beginning with the Broncos-Jets clash at Tottenham (from 14:00 BST). Also, radio commentary can be heard on designated networks covering a separate game (from 21:00 BST).
We're in the sixth week in the NFL season and following last week's discussion regarding two top teams as a potential Super Bowl match-up, they both lost their unbeaten records.
Notable during those contests were the number of infractions each conceded. Philadelphia did so at crucial times so they kind of beat themselves having led by two touchdowns entering the fourth period against Denver, who play in London this weekend.
However it was good to observe how Denver quarterback Bo Nix was able to have the shortfall and then direct three scoring drives on three possessions in the fourth quarter, securing the game by four points.
Denver have the top defender with CB their star corner. They rank first in goal-line defense, whereas Philadelphia lead the league in red zone offence, and Denver won that contest.
They had effective strategies in terms of disguised blitzes. They did not always sending more than four pass rushers but they could position two linebackers in the interior then drop them out and dispatch a slot defender from the outside.
Early on in the campaign, it was noted during a show that Denver could be this season's surprise contenders. They finished the previous year well then excelled of building upon that.
Could Denver be this year's dark horses?
New TE Evan Engram has stepped up big and new RB their rusher is a player they believe in. He's currently fifth in the NFL for rushing yards (over 400) and tied for fourth in rushing scores (four).
I love how head coach the Broncos' leader has "RUN IT!" at the top of his playcall sheet.
This demonstrates that the Broncos represent a squad that wants to run first, because one can do a lot off the back of that. It reduces opposing rushes while keeps you in favourable down and distances.
It's also benefited QB Bo Nix, who entered into the league as the 12th overall draft pick in the prior draft, throwing 29 touchdown passes – second only to Justin Herbert in rookie records (31 back in 2020).
Other elite QBs have the arm strength to pass anywhere, but they lack the mobility as Nix. He has exceptional arm talent, which is different, and he's highly agile.
His assets include his mobility, being able to throw while moving, and using different arm angles to make the pass when he rolls outside protection, the bootlegs. He can deliver that layered pass across the middle or past defenders.
For a young quarterback, at 25, he displays great composure under pressure and is not bothered by extra rushers. He tries to evade a sack whenever possible and is able pass under pressure. He has sharp intelligence and remains quick to decide.
If you consistently rush it consumes time and forces the opponent to stay in play extended periods, and if you have an athletic quarterback the defence must defend the field downfield side to side. It can be exhausting.
Nix has bitten back at Payton during games at times and I think the coach appreciates that fire, seeing him as a fierce rival. In my view it's fun for the coach to coach a rookie QB that is similar to play-dough. He can truly build something up the way he desires to build it. I believe it's a special experience for the coach.
The head coach has won a Super Bowl and now passed a legend in all-time victories (173, tying for 14th). He's seen it all. I think the achievements Denver are having on offence is largely due to his guidance, his schemes, his game sense – and the pairing with the QB aids make him into who he is.
There's no better a more qualified person in your ear, to help you during some of the tougher situations and boost confidence.
I believe in the Broncos' defense, in the QB's grit and calm. Yet are they good enough to go against a top squad at its best? Since that wasn't championship-level play from Philadelphia in their last game.
Right now, it's unlikely Denver are incredible. They're performing better than most, that's a solid position to hold their division. All they need to do to continue this trajectory.
They excel at embracing their forte, that is running the ball, and that's exactly what they must do against the Jets at Tottenham. It will likely be a Dobbins-focused game, essentially.
The Jets have surrendered 140 rushing yards per game (sixth worst), five rushing touchdowns this season (in the bottom ten), and they're the only team yet to win a game.
Ever since the NFL 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 Kansas City are off to a poor start after a recent loss to Jacksonville.
Following this Sunday's game, the Broncos have a manageable slate up to their break (in week twelve) - the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, the Texans plus Las Vegas Raiders prior to the Chiefs.
In their division, Kansas City hold a losing record while Denver are tied with the Los Angeles Chargers at 3-2 meaning they could challenge for the top of the West.
It depends on what version of the Chiefs they face since Denver {beat|def
