How these Denver Broncos and their flexible QB could stop the Kansas City Chiefs' reign.
Ex NFL team coach Phoebe Schecter serves as an NFL pundit and represents the UK's flag football team.
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NFL 2025 season: Week six
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It's week six of the NFL season and following recent talk regarding the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles being a potential Super Bowl match-up, each surrendered their unbeaten records.
Striking during those contests was the amount of penalties both conceded. Philadelphia did so in key moments so they essentially defeated themselves after leading by two touchdowns going into the fourth period versus the Denver Broncos, who play in London this weekend.
But it was positive to see that Denver's QB the rookie managed to overcome the shortfall and then lead three successful possessions on three possessions in the fourth quarter, securing the victory by four points.
The Broncos boast the defensive player of the year in cornerback Pat Surtain II. They rank first in goal-line defense, while Philadelphia are number one in red zone offence, yet the Broncos prevailed in that contest.
They had effective strategies regarding disguised blitzes. They weren't necessarily sending more than four defenders but they might position two LBs in the 'A' gap before withdrawing them and send a nickel from the outside.
At the start of the season, it was noted on a program that the Broncos might emerge as this season's dark horses. They finished the previous year strongly then excelled in continuing that momentum.
Could Denver be this year's dark horses?
New TE their tight end has excelled significantly while recent RB JK Dobbins is a guy the team trusts. He's currently 5th in the NFL for rushing yards (402) as well as tied-fourth in rushing scores (4).
It's impressive how head coach Sean Payton displays "RUN IT!" prominently of his playcall sheet.
This demonstrates that Denver represent a team that wants to run first, because one can do a lot based on that approach. It slows down the pass rush while maintains in positive situations.
This has benefited QB the young passer, who came into the league as the 12th overall draft pick last year, throwing 29 touchdown passes – second only to Justin Herbert for the rookie record (31 in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert have the arm strength to pass anywhere, however they don't move the mobility as Nix. He boasts incredible arm talent, which is different, and he's so athletic.
His assets are his movement, being able to throw on the run, and using varied release points to make throws when he rolls out of the pocket, on rollouts. He is able to deliver precision throws over the middle and over the corner.
For a young quarterback, at 25, he's got a lot of poise under pressure and is not bothered by extra rushers. He tries to evade a sack whenever possible and is able throw in tight spots. He possesses a high football IQ and is quick to decide.
When you constantly rush it consumes the clock and forces the defence to be on the field extended periods, and when you have an athletic quarterback the defence must cover the area vertically and horizontally. This proves draining.
The quarterback has bitten back with the coach on the sideline sometimes and I think the coach likes that fire, that he's a fierce rival. In my view it's exciting for him to coach a rookie QB that is kind of like moldable clay. He can really build something up how he desires to build it. I think it's a special experience for the coach.
The head coach owns a Super Bowl and now passed Bill Parcells in all-time victories (173 - tied 14th overall). He's seen it all. I think the success Denver are experiencing offensively is mostly due to his guidance, his schemes, his situational awareness – and the combination with Nix helps make him what he is.
There's no better a more qualified person guiding you, to assist you through some of the tougher situations and boost self-belief.
I believe in the Broncos' defense, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. But is the team good enough to go against a top squad at its best? Because that was not championship-level play from Philadelphia in their last game.
Currently, it's unlikely the Broncos are incredible. They're performing above average, that's a good place to hold their division. All they need is to continue this trajectory.
They excel at embracing their strength, which is the ground game, and that's precisely what they must do versus the Jets in London. It's going to be the JK Dobbins show, in essence.
New York have allowed 140 rushing yards each contest (sixth worst), five rushing touchdowns so far (10th worst), and they're the only team without a win a game.
Since the league began tracking takeaways decades ago, the Jets are also the first team to go without a single takeaway through five games, this is surprising when you think that their new coach Aaron Glenn defensive co-ordinator with another team.
Patrick Mahomes says the Chiefs have 'already lost too many games' following Monday's defeat by the Jaguars.
After this Sunday's game, Denver face a manageable slate up to their bye (in week 12) - the New York Giants, the Cowboys, Houston Texans and the Raiders prior to the Chiefs.
In their division, the Chiefs hold a losing record and the Broncos are even with the Chargers at 3-2 so they could make a run for the top of the division.
It depends on what version of the Chiefs they face since the Broncos {beat|def
