How the Denver Broncos together with their 'play-dough' QB can end that Chiefs' reign.
Former NFL team assistant coach an analyst is an NFL pundit and represents Great Britain's national squad.
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NFL 2025 season: Week six
Live coverage includes text commentary for the weekend matchups via various channels, beginning with Denver Broncos v New York Jets in London (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Additionally, radio commentary is available on select stations covering another key matchup (from 21:00 BST).
It's week six in the NFL season , following last week's talk regarding the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles as possible championship contenders, each lost their perfect starts.
Striking during those contests were the amount of penalties both conceded. The Eagles did so at crucial times meaning they essentially defeated themselves having led 17-3 entering the final quarter versus the Denver Broncos, set to play in London this Sunday.
But it was positive to see that Denver's QB the rookie was able to have that deficit and then lead three scoring drives on three possessions in the fourth quarter, to win the game 21-17.
Denver boast the defensive player of the year with CB their star corner. They are first in red zone defence, while the Eagles are number one in red zone offence, yet the Broncos prevailed in that battle.
They executed effective strategies in terms of disguised blitzes. They did not necessarily sending extra pass rushers instead they could position two LBs in the interior before withdrawing them and dispatch a slot defender off the edge.
Early on in the campaign, it was noted during a show that the Broncos could be this season's surprise contenders. They ended the previous year well then did a good job in continuing that momentum.
Could Denver be this year's dark horses?
Recently acquired TE their tight end has stepped up big and new RB JK Dobbins is a player the team trusts. He's currently 5th league-wide in ground gains (402) as well as tied for fourth for rushing touchdowns (4).
I love how head coach Sean Payton displays "RUSH!" prominently on his call sheet.
That shows that the Broncos are a squad aiming to prioritize the run, because one can do a lot off the back of that. It slows down the pass rush and keeps you in positive situations.
This has helped QB the young passer, who came the NFL as a first-round selection in the prior draft, passing for 29 touchdown passes – second only to a star QB for the rookie record (31 in 2020).
Other elite QBs have powerful arms to throw anywhere, but they don't move the mobility that Nix has. He boasts incredible passing ability, a unique trait, plus he's highly agile.
His assets include his movement, being able to throw on the run, and using varied release points to deliver the pass when he rolls out of the pocket, on rollouts. He is able to throw that layered pass over the middle and over the corner.
As a rookie QB, at 25, he's got great composure under pressure and isn't bothered by the blitz. He aims to evade being tackled whenever possible and is able throw in tight spots. He possesses sharp intelligence and remains quick to decide.
When you consistently run the ball it eats up time and makes the opponent to be on the field for longer, and if you have a mobile QB the defense has to cover the area vertically side to side. It can be exhausting.
Nix has bitten back with the coach on the sideline at times and I think the coach likes that attitude, seeing him as such a competitor. I think it's fun for the coach to coach a young quarterback who's kind of like moldable clay. The coach can really develop him how he wants to shape him. I believe it's a unique opportunity for him.
Payton has won a Super Bowl and now passed a legend for career NFL wins (173, tying for 14th). He's seen it all. I think the achievements Denver are having offensively is largely down to his leadership, his play-calling, his situational awareness – and the pairing with Nix helps make him into who he is.
There's no better a better guy in your ear, to assist you through some of the tougher situations and boost confidence.
I believe in the Broncos' defense, in the QB's grit and calm. Yet is the team strong enough to face a top squad at full strength? Since that was not a Super Bowl performance by the Eagles in their last game.
Right now, it's unlikely the Broncos are incredible. They're working better than most, which is a good place to be in the AFC West. All they need is to continue this path.
They're really good at leaning into their strength, which is running the ball, and that's precisely what they must do versus the Jets at Tottenham. It will likely be the JK Dobbins show, in essence.
The Jets have allowed 140 rushing yards per game (sixth worst), five ground scores so far (10th worst), and they are the sole squad without a win a game.
Ever since the NFL began tracking turnovers in 1933, the Jets are also the inaugural squad to be without a single takeaway in five outings, this is kind of shocking when you think that their new coach Aaron Glenn defensive co-ordinator at the Detroit Lions.
Patrick Mahomes says the Chiefs have 'already lost too many games' after a recent loss to Jacksonville.
Following the upcoming matchup, Denver face a manageable slate until their break (in week twelve) - the Giants, the Cowboys, Houston Texans plus Las Vegas Raiders before the Chiefs.
Looking at the AFC West, the Chiefs are 2-3 while Denver are even with the Chargers on 3-2 so they could challenge for the top of the division.
It depends upon what version of the Chiefs they face since Denver {beat|def
