How the Denver Broncos together with the flexible quarterback could end that Chiefs' rule.
Former NFL team assistant coach Phoebe Schecter serves as a football expert who also represents Great Britain's national squad.
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Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Real-time updates features text commentary of the weekend matchups via multiple platforms, beginning with the Broncos-Jets clash in London (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Additionally, audio coverage can be heard on select stations covering another key matchup (beginning at 9 PM BST).
It's week six of the football calendar and following last week's talk about two top teams being possible championship contenders, each surrendered their perfect starts.
Striking in those games were the number of infractions both conceded. Philadelphia did so at crucial times so they kind of defeated themselves having led by two touchdowns entering the fourth period against Denver, set to play overseas this weekend.
But it proved positive to see how Denver quarterback the rookie managed to overcome that deficit and then direct three scoring drives on three possessions in the fourth quarter, securing the victory 21-17.
The Broncos boast the top defender with cornerback their star corner. They are first in red zone defence, while the Eagles lead the league in red zone offence, yet the Broncos prevailed in that battle.
They executed effective strategies in terms of disguised blitzes. They weren't always sending more than four pass rushers but they could position two linebackers in the 'A' gap before drop them out and dispatch a nickel off the edge.
Early on of the season, we said during a show that the Broncos could be this season's surprise contenders. They ended last season strongly then excelled in continuing that momentum.
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Recently acquired TE Evan Engram has excelled significantly and new RB JK Dobbins is a guy they believe in. He's currently 5th league-wide for rushing yards (402) as well as tied-fourth in rushing scores (four).
It's impressive how head coach the Broncos' leader has "RUSH!" at the top of his playcall sheet.
That shows how Denver are a squad aiming to prioritize the run, since you can achieve much based on that approach. It slows down the pass rush while keeps you in positive situations.
This has benefited QB the young passer, who came into the league as the 12th overall draft pick in the prior draft, throwing 29 touchdown passes – just behind Justin Herbert in rookie records (31 back in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert possess powerful arms to throw all over, but they don't move the mobility as Nix. He has exceptional passing ability, which is different, and he is highly agile.
His assets include his movement, being able to throw on the run, and finding varied release points to deliver throws as he moves out of the pocket, on rollouts. He can throw that layered pass across the middle or over the corner.
For a young quarterback, at 25, he displays a lot of composure in the pocket and isn't really fazed by extra rushers. He aims to evade being tackled whenever possible and can pass in tight spots. He has sharp intelligence and is very decisive.
If you constantly run the ball it consumes the clock and makes the defence to be on the field extended periods, and when you've got a mobile QB the defence must defend the field vertically and horizontally. It can be draining.
The quarterback has pushed back at Payton on the sideline sometimes and I think Payton appreciates that attitude, seeing him as a fierce rival. I think it's fun for him to have a rookie QB that is similar to moldable clay. The coach can really develop him how he desires to build it. I believe it's a special experience for the coach.
Payton has won a Super Bowl and now passed Bill Parcells in all-time victories (173, tying for 14th). He's seen it all. I think the achievements the Broncos are having on offence is mostly down to his guidance, his schemes, his game sense – and the pairing with Nix helps shape him into who he is.
There's no better a more qualified person guiding you, to assist you during difficult moments and boost self-belief.
I have faith in the Broncos' defense, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. Yet are they good enough to go against an elite team at its best? Because that was not a Super Bowl performance from Philadelphia in their last game.
Right now, I don't think Denver are incredible. They're performing better than most, that's a solid position to be in the AFC West. The key is is maintain this path.
They excel at embracing their strength, that is the ground game, and that's exactly what they should do against the New York Jets at Tottenham. It will likely be a Dobbins-focused game, in essence.
New York have allowed 140 rushing yards per game (among the worst), five ground scores so far (in the bottom ten), and they're the only team without a win a game.
Ever since the league began tracking takeaways decades ago, this team are also the first team to be without any turnovers in five outings, this is kind of shocking when you think that their new coach Aaron Glenn defensive co-ordinator with another team.
Patrick Mahomes says the Chiefs are off to a poor start after Monday's defeat to Jacksonville.
After the upcoming matchup, Denver have a smooth-ish schedule up to their bye (in week 12) - the Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans plus Las Vegas Raiders prior to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Looking at the AFC West, the Chiefs are 2-3 and the Broncos are even with the Los Angeles Chargers at 3-2 so they could challenge for the top of the West.
It depends on what version Kansas City shows up they face because Denver {beat|def