Ways the Broncos and the flexible QB could end the Chiefs' reign.
Ex NFL team assistant coach an analyst is a football expert who also represents the UK's national squad.
- Published
- 6 Comments
NFL 2025 season: Week six
Real-time updates features text commentary of Sunday's games via various channels, beginning with the Broncos-Jets clash in London (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Also, radio commentary is available through designated networks covering another key matchup (beginning at 9 PM BST).
It's week six in the NFL season , following last week's discussion about the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles being a potential Super Bowl match-up, they both lost their unbeaten records.
Notable in those games were the amount of penalties each committed. Philadelphia did so at crucial times meaning they kind of defeated themselves after leading 17-3 going into the final quarter against Denver, set to play in London this Sunday.
But it proved good to observe that Denver quarterback the rookie managed to overcome that deficit and then lead three successful possessions on three possessions during the final period, securing the victory by four points.
The Broncos have the top defender with cornerback Pat Surtain II. They rank number one in goal-line defense, while the Eagles lead the league in red zone offence, and Denver won that contest.
They had effective strategies in terms of disguised blitzes. They did not always sending more than four pass rushers instead they could position two linebackers in the 'A' gap then withdrawing them and dispatch a slot defender from the outside.
At the start of the season, we said on a program how Denver could be the current year's dark horses. They finished the previous year strongly and did a good job of building upon that.
Could Denver be this year's dark horses?
New TE their tight end has excelled big and new running back JK Dobbins is a player the team trusts. He now ranks fifth in the NFL in ground gains (over 400) and tied for fourth in rushing scores (four).
I love that head coach the Broncos' leader displays "RUN IT!" prominently of his playcall sheet.
This demonstrates how the Broncos represent a squad that wants to prioritize the run, because you can do a lot based on that approach. It reduces opposing rushes while keeps you in favourable down and distances.
This has helped QB the young passer, who entered the NFL as a first-round selection last year, passing for 29 touchdown passes – just behind Justin Herbert for the rookie record (31 in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert have powerful arms to pass anywhere, however they lack in the same way as Nix. He boasts incredible arm talent, which is different, plus he is highly agile.
His strengths are his mobility, being able to throw on the run, and finding different arm angles to deliver the pass when he rolls out of the pocket, the bootlegs. He can deliver precision throws over the middle or past defenders.
As a rookie QB, at 25, he displays great poise in the pocket and is not bothered by the blitz. He aims to evade a sack whenever possible and is able throw under pressure. He has a high football IQ and remains quick to decide.
When you constantly rush it consumes the clock and makes the opponent to stay on the field extended periods, and when you've got a mobile QB the defense must cover the field vertically side to side. It can be draining.
Nix has bitten back at Payton during games at times and I think the coach appreciates that fire, that he's a fierce rival. I think it's fun for the coach to have a rookie QB that is kind of like moldable clay. He can truly develop him how he desires to build it. I believe it's a unique opportunity for the coach.
The head coach owns a championship and has passed Bill Parcells in all-time victories (173 - tied 14th overall). He's seen it all. In my opinion the success Denver are experiencing offensively is mostly due to his guidance, his play-calling, his situational awareness – and the combination with Nix helps shape him into who he is.
There's no better a more qualified person guiding you, to help you during some of the tougher situations and boost self-belief.
I have faith in Denver's defence, in the QB's grit and calm. But are they strong enough to face a top squad at its best? Since that wasn't a Super Bowl performance from Philadelphia last Sunday.
Right now, it's unlikely Denver are elite. They're performing better than most, that's a solid position to hold their division. The key to do is maintain this trajectory.
They're really good at leaning into their strength, which is running the ball, and this is precisely what they must do versus the New York Jets in London. It will likely be the JK Dobbins show, in essence.
New York have allowed 140 yards on the ground each contest (sixth worst), five ground scores this season (in the bottom ten), and they are the sole squad without a win a game.
Since the NFL began tracking 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 says the Chiefs are off to a poor start following Monday's defeat to Jacksonville.
After this Sunday's game, the Broncos have a smooth-ish schedule up to their bye (in week twelve) - the New York Giants, the Cowboys, the Texans and Las Vegas Raiders prior to the Chiefs.
In the AFC West, the Chiefs are 2-3 and the Broncos are tied with the Los Angeles Chargers at 3-2 meaning they could make a run at leading the West.
It depends upon which form Kansas City shows up they meet since the Broncos {beat|def