How the Denver Broncos and their malleable quarterback can stop that Kansas City Chiefs' rule.
Former Buffalo Bills coach Phoebe Schecter serves as an NFL pundit and represents the UK's national squad.
- Published
- Half a dozen responses
NFL 2025 season: Week six
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It's week six of the football calendar , after last week's talk about two top teams as possible championship contenders, they both surrendered their unbeaten records.
Notable in those games was the amount of penalties each committed. Philadelphia did so in key moments meaning they kind of beat themselves after leading by two touchdowns going into the final quarter versus the Denver Broncos, set to play overseas this weekend.
However it proved good to observe how Denver quarterback Bo Nix was able to overcome the shortfall and then direct three scoring drives on three possessions during the final period, securing the victory by four points.
The Broncos boast the defensive player of the year with CB Pat Surtain II. They are number one in goal-line defense, while Philadelphia are number one in red zone offence, yet Denver prevailed in that contest.
They had effective strategies regarding simulated pressure. They did not necessarily sending extra defenders but they might plug two LBs in the interior before withdrawing them and send a nickel off the edge.
At the start of the season, it was noted during a show how Denver might emerge as this season's surprise contenders. They finished the previous year well and did a good job of building upon that.
Could Denver be this year's dark horses?
Recently acquired tight end Evan Engram has excelled significantly while recent RB their rusher is a player the team trusts. He's currently 5th league-wide for rushing yards (over 400) and tied-fourth in rushing scores (4).
It's impressive that the coach the Broncos' leader has "RUN IT!" prominently of his playcall sheet.
This demonstrates that the Broncos are a squad aiming to run first, because you can achieve much based on that approach. It reduces down the pass rush while maintains in favourable down and distances.
This has helped QB Bo Nix, who came the NFL as the 12th overall draft pick in the prior draft, throwing 29 TDs – second only to a star QB for the rookie record (31 back in 2020).
Other elite QBs have the arm strength to pass all over, however they lack the mobility as Nix. He boasts incredible passing ability, which is different, and he is highly agile.
His assets include his movement, the capacity to throw while moving, as well as using different arm angles to deliver the pass when he rolls out of the pocket, on rollouts. He is able to throw precision throws across the middle or over the corner.
As a rookie QB, at 25, he's got a lot of composure in the pocket and isn't bothered by extra rushers. He tries to avoid being tackled as much as possible and is able throw under pressure. He has a high football IQ and remains quick to decide.
When you consistently run the ball it eats up time and forces the opponent to stay on the field for longer, and when you have an athletic quarterback the defense has to cover the field downfield side to side. It can be exhausting.
The quarterback has pushed back at Payton on the sideline sometimes and it seems the coach appreciates that fire, that he's such a competitor. I think it's fun for him to coach a rookie QB that is kind of like moldable clay. The coach can truly build something up the way he desires to build it. I believe it's a unique opportunity for him.
Payton owns a championship and has passed a legend in all-time victories (173 - tied 14th overall). He's seen it all. In my opinion the achievements Denver are experiencing offensively is largely down to his guidance, his play-calling, his game sense – and the combination with the QB aids make him what he is.
You wouldn't want a better guy in your ear, to assist you during difficult moments and build self-belief.
I have faith in Denver's defence, in the QB's grit and calm. But is the team strong enough to go against an elite team at full strength? Since that wasn't a Super Bowl performance from Philadelphia in their last game.
Right now, I don't think Denver are elite. They're performing better than most, which is a good place to be in their division. The key to do is maintain this path.
They're really good at leaning into their forte, which 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, 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.
Since the NFL started recording turnovers in 1933, the Jets are also the first team to be without a single takeaway through five games, this is kind of shocking when you think that the head coach was previously defensive co-ordinator at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB stated the Chiefs have 'already lost too many games' following a recent loss by the Jaguars.
Following this Sunday's game, Denver face a manageable slate up to their break (in week 12) - the New York Giants, the Cowboys, Houston Texans and the Raiders prior to the Kansas City Chiefs.
In the AFC West, Kansas City are 2-3 while Denver are tied with the Chargers on 3-2 so they could make a run at leading the division.
This hinges upon which form Kansas City shows up they face since Denver {beat|def