Ways the Denver Broncos and the 'play-dough' QB can stop the Kansas City Chiefs' dominance.
Ex NFL team assistant coach Phoebe Schecter is a football expert who also plays for Great Britain's national squad.
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- Half a dozen responses
NFL 2025 season: Week six
Live coverage includes live text of the weekend matchups on multiple platforms, starting with the Broncos-Jets clash in London (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Additionally, radio commentary is available through select stations for another key matchup (beginning at 9 PM BST).
It's week six in the football calendar and following last week's discussion regarding the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles as a potential Super Bowl match-up, each surrendered their unbeaten records.
Striking in those games was the amount of penalties both conceded. Philadelphia did so in key moments so they essentially defeated themselves after leading by two touchdowns entering the fourth period against the Denver Broncos, who play overseas this weekend.
But it proved positive to observe how Denver's QB the rookie was able to have that deficit and then direct three successful possessions in three attempts in the fourth quarter, securing the victory by four points.
Denver boast the top defender in cornerback Pat Surtain II. They rank first in goal-line defense, whereas the Eagles are number one in scoring near the end zone, yet the Broncos won that contest.
They executed the Eagles' number in terms of simulated pressure. They weren't always sending more than four pass rushers instead they might position two LBs in the interior before drop them out and dispatch a slot defender from the outside.
Early on in the campaign, it was noted on a program how the Broncos might emerge as the current year's surprise contenders. They finished the previous year strongly and excelled of building upon that.
Are the Denver Broncos this year's underdog story?
Recently acquired TE their tight end has stepped up big and new running back JK Dobbins is a player they believe in. He now ranks 5th in the NFL for rushing yards (402) as well as tied for fourth in rushing scores (four).
It's impressive how head coach the Broncos' leader displays "RUSH!" at the top of his playcall sheet.
This demonstrates how Denver are a squad that wants to run first, because one can achieve much off the back of that. It reduces opposing rushes while maintains in favourable down and distances.
This has benefited QB Bo Nix, who entered the NFL as a first-round selection in the prior draft, throwing 29 touchdown passes – second only to a star QB in rookie records (31 back in 2020).
Other elite QBs possess the arm strength to throw anywhere, however they lack the mobility that Nix has. He boasts exceptional passing ability, a unique trait, plus he is highly agile.
His strengths include his movement, being able to pass on the run, and using varied release points to make throws when he rolls outside protection, on rollouts. He is able to deliver that layered pass over the middle and over the corner.
For a young quarterback, aged 25, he displays a lot of poise under pressure and is not bothered by extra rushers. He tries to evade being tackled whenever possible and is able throw under pressure. He possesses a high football IQ and is very decisive.
If you consistently rush it eats up the clock and makes the opponent to stay on the field for longer, and if you've got a mobile QB the defence must cover the field downfield side to side. It can be exhausting.
Nix has bitten back with the coach during games at times and I think Payton likes that fire, seeing him as a fierce rival. I think it's exciting for the coach to coach a young quarterback who's similar to moldable clay. The coach can really develop him the way he wants to build it. I think it's a special experience for him.
Payton has won a Super Bowl and now passed a legend for career NFL wins (173 - tied 14th overall). He has witnessed everything. I think the success the Broncos are having offensively is largely due to his guidance, his schemes, his game sense – and the combination with Nix helps shape him into who he is.
You wouldn't want a more qualified person guiding you, to assist you through some of the tougher situations and boost self-belief.
I have faith in the Broncos' defense, in the QB's grit and calm. But is the team strong enough to go against an elite team at its best? Since that wasn't championship-level play by the Eagles last Sunday.
Currently, it's unlikely Denver are incredible. They're performing better than most, that's a good place to hold the AFC West. The key to do to continue this path.
They're really good at leaning into their forte, which is the ground game, and this is precisely what they should do versus the Jets at Tottenham. It's going to be the JK Dobbins show, essentially.
The Jets have surrendered 140 yards on the ground per game (among the worst), five ground scores this season (in the bottom ten), and they are the only team without a win any game.
Ever since the NFL started recording takeaways in 1933, this team are the first team to be without any turnovers through five games, which is kind of shocking considering that their new coach Aaron Glenn defensive co-ordinator with another team.
The Chiefs' QB stated Kansas City have 'already lost too many games' after Monday's defeat to Jacksonville.
After this Sunday's game, Denver have a manageable slate up to their break (in week twelve) - the Giants, the Cowboys, the Texans and the Raiders before the Kansas City Chiefs.
In the AFC West, the Chiefs hold a losing record and the Broncos are tied with the Los Angeles Chargers at 3-2 meaning they could challenge at leading the West.
This hinges upon what version Kansas City shows up they face because the Broncos {beat|def
