Ways these Denver Broncos and the 'play-dough' QB can stop that Chiefs' dominance.
Former Buffalo Bills assistant coach an analyst is an NFL pundit who also represents the UK's flag football team.
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NFL 2025 season: Week six
Live coverage features text commentary for the weekend matchups on multiple platforms, beginning with Denver Broncos v New York Jets at Tottenham (from 14:00 BST). Also, audio coverage can be heard on select stations for another key matchup (beginning at 9 PM BST).
We're in the sixth week of the football calendar and after recent talk about two top teams as possible championship contenders, they both surrendered their unbeaten records.
Notable in those games were the amount of penalties both committed. Philadelphia committed them in key moments so they kind of defeated themselves after leading by two touchdowns entering the final quarter versus Denver, set to play overseas this Sunday.
But it proved good to observe that Denver quarterback Bo Nix managed to have the shortfall and then lead three successful possessions in three attempts during the final period, to win the victory by four points.
The Broncos boast the top defender in cornerback Pat Surtain II. They rank first in goal-line defense, whereas the Eagles are number one in red zone offence, and the Broncos won that battle.
They executed effective strategies regarding disguised blitzes. They did not necessarily rushing extra defenders instead they could plug two LBs in the 'A' gap then withdrawing them and dispatch a nickel off the edge.
Early on in the campaign, we said on a program how the Broncos might emerge as the current year's surprise contenders. They finished the previous year strongly and did a good job of building upon that.
Could Denver be this year's underdog story?
Recently acquired TE their tight end has stepped up significantly and recent RB their rusher is a guy they believe in. He now ranks 5th league-wide for rushing yards (over 400) as well as tied-fourth for rushing touchdowns (4).
It's impressive that head coach Sean Payton has "RUSH!" at the top of his playcall sheet.
That shows that Denver represent a team aiming to run first, since one can do a lot based on that approach. It slows down the pass rush while keeps you in positive situations.
This has benefited quarterback Bo Nix, who entered the NFL as a first-round selection last year, throwing 29 touchdown passes – second only to a star QB for the rookie record (31 back in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert possess the arm strength to throw all over, however they lack in the same way as Nix. He boasts exceptional arm talent, which is different, plus he's highly agile.
His assets are his movement, being able to pass on the run, as well as finding varied release points to deliver the pass as he moves outside protection, on rollouts. He is able to throw that layered pass over the middle and over the corner.
For a young quarterback, aged 25, he displays great poise under pressure and isn't bothered by extra rushers. He aims to evade a sack whenever possible and can pass under pressure. He has a high football IQ and remains quick to decide.
When you constantly rush it eats up the clock and forces the opponent to stay in play extended periods, and when you've got an athletic quarterback the defense must defend the field vertically side to side. This proves draining.
Nix has bitten back at Payton during games sometimes and it seems Payton likes that fire, seeing him as a fierce rival. In my view it's exciting for him to coach a young quarterback that is similar to moldable clay. The coach can really build something up the way he wants to build it. I think it's a special experience for the coach.
Payton has won a Super Bowl and now surpassed a legend for career NFL wins (173, tying for 14th). He's seen everything. In my opinion the success the Broncos are experiencing on offence is largely down to his leadership, his schemes, his situational awareness – and the combination with the QB aids make him into who he is.
You wouldn't want a more qualified person guiding you, to assist you during difficult moments and build self-belief.
I believe in Denver's defence, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. But is the team good enough to go against an elite team at its best? Because that wasn't championship-level play by the Eagles last Sunday.
Right now, it's unlikely the Broncos are elite. They're performing above average, that's a solid position to hold their division. All they need to do is maintain this trajectory.
They excel at embracing their forte, that is the ground game, and that's exactly what they must do against the Jets at Tottenham. It's going to be a Dobbins-focused game, in essence.
The Jets have surrendered 140 yards on the ground each contest (sixth worst), five ground scores this season (in the bottom ten), and they're the only team yet to win any game.
Ever since the league began tracking turnovers in 1933, the Jets are also the inaugural squad to be without a single takeaway in five outings, which is surprising when you think that the head coach Aaron Glenn defensive co-ordinator at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB says the Chiefs are off to a poor start after Monday's defeat to Jacksonville.
Following the upcoming matchup, Denver have a manageable slate until their bye (in week 12) - the Giants, Dallas Cowboys, the Texans and the Raiders prior to the Chiefs.
In their division, the Chiefs hold a losing record and the Broncos are even with the Chargers at 3-2 meaning they could challenge for the top of the West.
This hinges on which form Kansas City shows up they face since the Broncos {beat|def
