How these Broncos and the flexible QB can stop the Kansas City Chiefs' reign.
Former Buffalo Bills coach an analyst is an NFL pundit and represents Great Britain's national squad.
- Published
- Half a dozen responses
Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Real-time updates features live text for the weekend matchups on multiple platforms, beginning with the Broncos-Jets clash in London (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Additionally, audio coverage can be heard through designated networks for another key matchup (from 21:00 BST).
We're in the sixth week of the NFL season and following last week's discussion about the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles as possible championship contenders, they both lost their unbeaten records.
Striking during those contests was the number of infractions each committed. Philadelphia did so at crucial times so they essentially defeated themselves having led by two touchdowns entering the fourth period against Denver, set to play in London this Sunday.
However it proved good to observe that Denver quarterback the rookie managed to overcome that deficit and then direct three successful possessions in three attempts during the final period, securing the game by four points.
The Broncos have the defensive player of the year with cornerback their star corner. They rank number one in goal-line defense, whereas the Eagles lead the league in scoring near the end zone, yet the Broncos prevailed in that contest.
They had the Eagles' number in terms of disguised blitzes. They did not always rushing extra defenders but they might position two LBs in the 'A' gap then drop them out and send a nickel off the edge.
Early on of the season, it was noted on a program how Denver might emerge as this season's surprise contenders. They ended the previous year well and excelled of building upon that.
Could Denver be this season's dark horses?
Recently acquired tight end Evan Engram has stepped up significantly while new running back their rusher is a guy the team trusts. He's currently 5th league-wide for rushing yards (402) as well as tied for fourth in rushing scores (four).
It's impressive how the coach the Broncos' leader has "RUSH!" prominently on his call sheet.
This demonstrates how Denver are a team that wants to run first, because one can do a lot based on that approach. It slows opposing rushes and maintains in positive down and distances.
It's also benefited quarterback Bo Nix, who came into the league as the 12th overall draft pick in the prior draft, passing for 29 TDs – second only to a star QB in rookie records (31 back in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert have powerful arms to pass anywhere, however they lack the mobility as Nix. He boasts incredible arm talent, which is different, plus he is so athletic.
His assets are his mobility, the capacity to throw on the run, and finding different arm angles to deliver throws as he moves outside protection, on rollouts. He is able to deliver precision throws across the middle or past defenders.
For a young quarterback, aged 25, he displays a lot of poise in the pocket and isn't really fazed by the blitz. He aims to evade a sack as much as possible and can pass under pressure. He possesses a high football IQ and remains quick to decide.
If you consistently run the ball it consumes the clock and forces the defence to stay on the field for longer, and when you've got a mobile QB the defence has to defend the field downfield and horizontally. It can be draining.
The quarterback has pushed back with the coach on the sideline sometimes and it seems the coach appreciates that fire, seeing him as a fierce rival. I think it's exciting for him to coach a rookie QB who's kind of like moldable clay. The coach can truly build something up the way he wants to shape him. I think it's a unique opportunity for him.
The head coach has won a Super Bowl and now passed a legend for career NFL wins (173 - tied 14th overall). He's seen everything. I think the success the Broncos are having on offence is largely due to his leadership, his play-calling, his game sense – and the combination with Nix aids make him into who he is.
You wouldn't want a more qualified person in your ear, to help you during some of the tougher situations and boost confidence.
I believe in Denver's defence, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. Yet is the team good enough to go against an elite team at full strength? Because that wasn't championship-level play by the Eagles last Sunday.
Right now, it's unlikely the Broncos are incredible. They're working better than most, which is a good place to be in their division. The key to do is maintain this path.
They excel at leaning into their strength, that is running the ball, and that's exactly what they should do versus the New York Jets at Tottenham. It will likely be a Dobbins-focused game, essentially.
The Jets have allowed 140 yards on the ground each contest (among the worst), five ground scores so far (10th worst), and they are the sole squad without a win any game.
Ever since the NFL began tracking turnovers decades ago, the Jets are the inaugural squad to go without a single takeaway through five games, which is surprising when you think that their new coach was previously defensive co-ordinator at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB stated Kansas City have 'already lost too many games' following Monday's defeat by the Jaguars.
Following the upcoming matchup, the Broncos face a smooth-ish schedule until their bye (in week 12) - the New York Giants, the Cowboys, Houston Texans plus Las Vegas Raiders before the Chiefs.
In their division, the Chiefs hold a losing record and the Broncos are tied with the Los Angeles Chargers at 3-2 so they could make a run at leading the West.
This hinges upon what version Kansas City shows up they face since the Broncos {beat|def
