How these Broncos and their flexible quarterback can halt the Kansas City Chiefs' reign.
Former Buffalo Bills assistant coach Phoebe Schecter is an NFL pundit and plays for the UK's flag football team.
- Published
- Half a dozen responses
Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Real-time updates includes text commentary for the weekend matchups on multiple platforms, starting with Denver Broncos v New York Jets at Tottenham (from 14:00 BST). Also, audio coverage can be heard on designated networks for a separate game (beginning at 9 PM BST).
We're in the sixth week of the football calendar and after last week's talk regarding two top teams being possible championship contenders, they both lost their unbeaten records.
Striking during those contests was the amount of penalties both committed. Philadelphia did so at crucial times meaning they essentially beat themselves having led 17-3 going into the fourth period against Denver, who play overseas this Sunday.
However it proved positive to see that Denver's QB the rookie managed to overcome the shortfall before lead three successful possessions in three attempts in the fourth quarter, to win the game 21-17.
The Broncos boast the top defender in cornerback Pat Surtain II. They rank number one in goal-line defense, while Philadelphia lead the league in scoring near the end zone, yet Denver won that battle.
They had the Eagles' number in terms of disguised blitzes. They did not always sending extra pass rushers but they might plug two linebackers in the interior before drop them out and send a nickel from the outside.
At the start in the campaign, we said during a show how Denver could be the current year's surprise contenders. They ended the previous year well then excelled of building upon that.
Could Denver be this year's dark horses?
New TE their tight end has stepped up significantly and new RB JK Dobbins is a player they believe in. He's currently 5th league-wide in ground gains (402) as well as tied for fourth in rushing scores (four).
I love that the coach the Broncos' leader has "RUSH!" prominently on his call sheet.
That shows how the Broncos are a squad that wants to prioritize the run, because one can do a lot off the back of that. It slows opposing rushes and maintains in favourable situations.
This has helped QB Bo Nix, who came into the league as a first-round selection last year, throwing 29 TDs – just behind Justin Herbert for the rookie record (31 in 2020).
Other elite QBs have the arm strength to throw anywhere, but they lack the mobility that Nix has. He boasts exceptional arm talent, which is different, plus he is highly agile.
His assets include his mobility, being able to pass on the run, as well as using varied release points to make the pass as he moves out of the pocket, the bootlegs. He is able to deliver that layered pass across the middle or past defenders.
As a rookie QB, at 25, he's got great poise in the pocket and is not really fazed by extra rushers. He aims to evade a sack whenever possible and is able pass under pressure. He has a high football IQ and remains very decisive.
When you consistently run the ball it consumes the clock and makes the defence to stay on the field extended periods, and when you've got an athletic quarterback the defense has to cover the field vertically side to side. This proves draining.
The quarterback has bitten back with the coach during games at times and I think Payton appreciates that fire, seeing him as a fierce rival. In my view it's exciting for him to coach a young quarterback that is kind of like play-dough. He can truly develop him how he desires to build it. I believe it's a special experience for the coach.
The head coach owns a championship and has passed a legend for career NFL wins (173 - tied 14th overall). He's seen everything. I think the achievements the Broncos are having offensively is mostly due to his guidance, his schemes, his situational awareness – and the combination with the QB helps make him into who he is.
You wouldn't want a better guy guiding you, to assist you during some of the tougher situations and build confidence.
I have faith in Denver's defence, in the QB's grit and calm. But is the team strong enough to face an elite team at its best? Since that wasn't championship-level play from Philadelphia in their last game.
Currently, I don't think the Broncos are incredible. They're performing better than most, that's a solid position to be in the AFC West. The key is to continue this trajectory.
They excel at leaning into their strength, that is running the ball, and this is precisely what they must do versus the New York Jets at Tottenham. It will likely be a Dobbins-focused game, essentially.
New York have allowed 140 rushing yards each contest (sixth worst), five rushing touchdowns this season (in the bottom ten), and they're the sole squad yet to win a game.
Ever since the NFL started recording takeaways in 1933, this team are also the first team to go without any turnovers through five games, which is kind of shocking when you think that their new coach Aaron Glenn a defensive coach with another team.
Patrick Mahomes stated the Chiefs are off to a poor start following Monday's defeat to Jacksonville.
After the upcoming matchup, the Broncos have a smooth-ish schedule up to their break (in week twelve) - the Giants, Dallas Cowboys, the Texans plus the Raiders prior to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Looking at their division, the Chiefs are 2-3 and the Broncos are even with the Los Angeles Chargers at 3-2 so they could make a run at leading the division.
It depends on which form of the Chiefs they meet since the Broncos {beat|def
