Ways the Broncos and the malleable quarterback can halt the Chiefs' reign.
Ex Buffalo Bills assistant coach Phoebe Schecter is an NFL pundit who also plays for the UK's national squad.
- Published
- Half a dozen responses
Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Live coverage includes live text of the weekend matchups on various channels, starting with Denver Broncos v New York Jets at Tottenham (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Also, radio commentary is available on designated networks covering a separate game (from 21:00 BST).
We're in the sixth week of the NFL season , after last week's talk regarding two top teams as possible championship contenders, each lost their perfect starts.
Notable during those contests were the number of penalties each committed. The Eagles did so in key moments meaning they kind of beat themselves after leading 17-3 entering the final quarter versus the Denver Broncos, set to play in London this Sunday.
But it was good to see how Denver's QB the rookie was able to overcome the shortfall before direct three scoring drives on three possessions in the fourth quarter, to win the victory 21-17.
The Broncos boast the defensive player of the year with cornerback Pat Surtain II. They rank number one in red zone defence, whereas Philadelphia are number one in red zone offence, and the Broncos prevailed in that contest.
They had the Eagles' number in terms of disguised blitzes. They did not always sending more than four pass rushers instead they might position two LBs in the 'A' gap before withdrawing them and dispatch a nickel from the outside.
At the start in the campaign, it was noted during a show that the Broncos could be the current year's surprise contenders. They ended the previous year strongly then excelled in continuing that momentum.
Could Denver be this year's dark horses?
Recently acquired TE their tight end has excelled big and new RB their rusher is a player the team trusts. He now ranks fifth in the NFL in ground gains (402) as well as tied for fourth for rushing touchdowns (4).
I love that the coach the Broncos' leader displays "RUSH!" at the top on his call sheet.
This demonstrates that the Broncos are a squad that wants to prioritize the run, because one can achieve much off the back of that. It slows down the pass rush and maintains in positive situations.
This has benefited quarterback the young passer, who entered into the league as a first-round selection last year, throwing 29 TDs – just behind Justin Herbert in rookie records (31 in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert have the arm strength to throw anywhere, but they don't move in the same way that Nix has. He boasts exceptional arm talent, which is different, plus he's highly agile.
His assets include his movement, the capacity to pass on the run, as well as using varied release points to deliver throws when he rolls outside protection, the bootlegs. He is able to deliver precision throws over the middle and over the corner.
For a young quarterback, at 25, he displays great composure in the pocket and is not bothered by the blitz. He tries to evade being tackled whenever possible and is able throw under pressure. He has sharp intelligence and remains quick to decide.
When you consistently rush it eats up time and forces the opponent to be in play for longer, and if you have an athletic quarterback the defense has to cover the field vertically side to side. It can be draining.
The quarterback has bitten back with the coach during games sometimes and I think Payton likes that attitude, that he's a fierce rival. I think it's exciting for the coach to coach a rookie QB who's kind of like play-dough. The coach can truly build something up how he wants to build it. I think it's a special experience for him.
Payton has won a championship and has surpassed Bill Parcells for career NFL wins (173 - tied 14th overall). He's seen everything. I think the achievements Denver are having on offence is mostly down to his guidance, his play-calling, his game sense – and the pairing with the QB helps shape him what he is.
You wouldn't want a better guy in your ear, to help you during some of the tougher situations and build self-belief.
I believe in Denver's defence, in the QB's grit and calm. Yet is the team good enough to face a top squad at its best? Since that wasn't a Super Bowl performance by the Eagles in their last game.
Right now, it's unlikely Denver are incredible. They're working better than most, that's a solid position to be in their division. All they need to do is maintain this path.
They excel at embracing their strength, which is running the ball, and that's exactly what they must do versus the New York Jets in London. It's going to be the JK Dobbins show, in essence.
New York have allowed 140 yards on the ground per game (among the worst), five rushing touchdowns so far (in the bottom ten), and they're the sole squad yet to win any game.
Ever since the NFL started recording takeaways in 1933, this team are also the first team to go without any turnovers through five games, this is surprising when you think that their new coach was previously a defensive coach at the Detroit Lions.
Patrick Mahomes stated Kansas City have 'already lost too many games' after a recent loss by the Jaguars.
After the upcoming matchup, the Broncos have a smooth-ish schedule until their bye (in week 12) - the New York Giants, the Cowboys, the Texans and Las Vegas Raiders prior to the Kansas City Chiefs.
In their division, the Chiefs are 2-3 while Denver are tied with the Chargers at 3-2 meaning they could make a run for the top of the West.
It depends on what version of the Chiefs they meet because the Broncos {beat|def
