Ways the Broncos and the malleable quarterback can halt that Kansas City Chiefs' dominance.
Ex Buffalo Bills coach an analyst serves as an NFL pundit who also represents Great Britain's national squad.
- Published
- Half a dozen responses
Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Real-time updates includes live text for the weekend matchups via various channels, beginning with Denver Broncos v New York Jets at Tottenham (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Additionally, audio coverage is available on designated networks covering a separate game (beginning at 9 PM BST).
It's week six in the football calendar and following last week's discussion about the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles as a potential Super Bowl match-up, they both lost their perfect starts.
Striking in those games were the number of infractions each committed. Philadelphia did so at crucial times so they essentially defeated themselves after leading 17-3 going into the fourth period against Denver, set to play overseas this Sunday.
But it was positive to observe how Denver quarterback the rookie managed to have that deficit and then direct three successful possessions in three attempts during the final period, securing the victory 21-17.
The Broncos boast the top defender with CB Pat Surtain II. They rank first in goal-line defense, while the Eagles are number one in red zone offence, yet the Broncos won that contest.
They had the Eagles' number regarding disguised blitzes. They weren't necessarily sending extra defenders but they might plug two linebackers in the interior then drop them out and dispatch a slot defender off the edge.
Early on in the campaign, it was noted on a program that the Broncos might emerge as this season's surprise contenders. They finished last season strongly then did a good job of building upon that.
Could Denver be this year's underdog story?
New tight end Evan Engram has stepped up significantly and new running back JK Dobbins is a guy they believe in. He's currently fifth in the NFL in ground gains (over 400) as well as tied for fourth for rushing touchdowns (four).
It's impressive that head coach the Broncos' leader displays "RUSH!" at the top on his call sheet.
That shows that the Broncos represent a team that wants to run first, because one can achieve much based on that approach. It slows opposing rushes while maintains in positive down and distances.
It's also benefited quarterback Bo Nix, who entered the NFL as a first-round selection in the prior draft, throwing 29 TDs – just behind a star QB for the rookie record (31 in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert possess powerful arms to throw anywhere, but they don't move in the same way as Nix. He boasts exceptional arm talent, which is different, plus he's so athletic.
His assets include his movement, being able to throw while moving, as well as using different arm angles to make throws when he rolls out of the pocket, the bootlegs. He is able to deliver precision throws over the middle and past defenders.
For a young quarterback, at 25, he displays a lot of composure under pressure and isn't bothered by the blitz. He aims to evade being tackled as much as possible and can throw under pressure. He possesses a high football IQ and remains very decisive.
When you constantly rush it eats up time and forces the defence to be in play for longer, and if you've got a mobile QB the defense must defend the field vertically and horizontally. This proves exhausting.
The quarterback has pushed back with the coach on the sideline sometimes and I think the coach likes that attitude, seeing him as a fierce rival. I think it's exciting for him to have a young quarterback who's kind of like play-dough. The coach can truly build something up how he desires to build it. I believe it's a unique opportunity for him.
The head coach has won a championship and has surpassed a legend in all-time victories (173 - tied 14th overall). He's seen everything. I think the achievements Denver are having offensively is mostly due to his guidance, his play-calling, his game sense – and the pairing with Nix helps make him into who he is.
You wouldn't want a more qualified person in your ear, to assist you during some of the tougher situations and boost self-belief.
I believe in the Broncos' defense, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. Yet are they good enough to face a top squad at its best? Since that wasn't a Super Bowl performance by the Eagles last Sunday.
Right now, I don't think the Broncos are elite. They're working above average, which is a solid position to hold their division. All they need is to continue this trajectory.
They're really good at leaning into their forte, which is the ground game, and this is precisely what they should do against the Jets at Tottenham. It will likely be the JK Dobbins show, essentially.
The Jets have surrendered 140 rushing yards each contest (among the worst), five ground scores so far (in the bottom ten), and they're the sole squad yet to win any game.
Ever since the league began tracking turnovers in 1933, this team are also the first team to be without any turnovers in five outings, which is kind of shocking when you think that the head coach was previously defensive co-ordinator at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB says Kansas City are off to a poor start after Monday's defeat by the Jaguars.
After this Sunday's game, Denver have a smooth-ish schedule until their break (in week twelve) - the New York Giants, the Cowboys, Houston Texans plus Las Vegas Raiders prior to the Chiefs.
Looking at their division, Kansas City hold a losing record and the Broncos are tied with the Chargers on 3-2 meaning they could make a run at leading the West.
It depends upon which form Kansas City shows up they meet since Denver {beat|def