How these Broncos and the flexible QB could halt the Kansas City Chiefs' rule.
Ex Buffalo Bills coach an analyst serves as an NFL pundit and plays for the UK's flag football team.
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NFL 2025 season: Week six
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We're in the sixth week of the NFL season , following last week's discussion about two top teams being a potential Super Bowl match-up, they both surrendered their unbeaten records.
Notable in those games was the number of penalties each committed. Philadelphia committed them in key moments so they kind of beat themselves after leading 17-3 entering the final quarter versus the Denver Broncos, who play overseas this Sunday.
But it was good to observe how Denver quarterback Bo Nix was able to have the shortfall before lead three successful possessions on three possessions in the fourth quarter, securing the victory 21-17.
The Broncos have the defensive player of the year with cornerback their star corner. They rank number one in red zone defence, while the Eagles are number one in red zone offence, yet Denver prevailed in that battle.
They executed the Eagles' number regarding disguised blitzes. They did not always sending extra pass rushers but they might position two linebackers in the interior then withdrawing them and dispatch a slot defender off the edge.
At the start in the campaign, it was noted on a program how Denver could be this season's surprise contenders. They ended the previous year strongly and did a good job in continuing that momentum.
Could Denver be this year's dark horses?
New tight end Evan Engram has excelled big and recent running back JK Dobbins is a player the team trusts. He now ranks 5th league-wide for rushing yards (402) as well as tied for fourth in rushing scores (4).
I love that head coach the Broncos' leader has "RUSH!" at the top on his call sheet.
That shows how Denver represent a team aiming to prioritize the run, since you can achieve much based on that approach. It slows opposing rushes while maintains in favourable situations.
It's also benefited quarterback the young passer, who entered into the league as a first-round selection last year, passing for 29 TDs – second only to a star QB in rookie records (31 in 2020).
Other elite QBs have the arm strength to throw all over, however they lack the mobility that Nix has. He has exceptional passing ability, a unique trait, and he's so athletic.
His assets are his mobility, the capacity to throw on the run, as well as using different arm angles to make throws when he rolls outside protection, on rollouts. He is able to throw precision throws across the middle or past defenders.
As a rookie QB, aged 25, he displays great composure under pressure and is not bothered by the blitz. He aims to evade a sack as much as possible and is able throw in tight spots. He possesses sharp intelligence and remains very decisive.
If you constantly run the ball it eats up time and makes the defence to be in play for longer, and if you've got a mobile QB the defence must defend the area downfield and horizontally. It can be exhausting.
Nix has pushed back at Payton on the sideline at times and I think Payton appreciates that attitude, seeing him as a fierce rival. I think it's fun for the coach to have a young quarterback that is kind of like moldable clay. He can truly develop him how he wants to shape him. I believe it's a special experience for him.
Payton owns a championship and now passed a legend in all-time victories (173 - tied 14th overall). He has witnessed it all. I think the success the Broncos are experiencing offensively is largely down to his leadership, his play-calling, his situational awareness – and the combination with Nix aids make him into who he is.
You wouldn't want a better guy in your ear, 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 good enough to go against a top squad at full strength? Because that was not a Super Bowl performance by the Eagles last Sunday.
Right now, I don't think Denver are incredible. They're working better than most, that's a solid position to hold their division. The key to do to continue this path.
They're really good at embracing their strength, which is running the ball, and this is exactly what they must do versus the New York Jets at Tottenham. It will likely be a Dobbins-focused game, essentially.
New York have allowed 140 yards on the ground each contest (sixth worst), five rushing touchdowns so far (10th worst), and they're the sole squad yet to win any game.
Since the league started recording turnovers decades ago, the Jets are the inaugural squad to be without a single takeaway in five outings, which is surprising considering that their new coach Aaron Glenn defensive co-ordinator with another team.
Patrick Mahomes stated Kansas City are off to a poor start following Monday's defeat by the Jaguars.
After this Sunday's game, the Broncos have a smooth-ish schedule up to their break (in week twelve) - the New York Giants, the Cowboys, the Texans and Las Vegas Raiders prior to the Chiefs.
Looking at the AFC West, the Chiefs are 2-3 and the Broncos are tied with the Los Angeles Chargers on 3-2 meaning they could challenge at leading the division.
This hinges upon which form of the Chiefs they meet since the Broncos {beat|def
