Ways the Denver Broncos together with their 'play-dough' quarterback can end the Kansas City Chiefs' dominance.
Former Buffalo Bills assistant coach an analyst serves as a football expert who also represents the UK's national squad.
- Published
- Half a dozen responses
Week six of the 2025 NFL season
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It's week six of the NFL season and after recent discussion about two top teams as possible championship contenders, they both lost their unbeaten records.
Striking in those games was the amount of penalties both conceded. Philadelphia did so at crucial times so they kind of defeated themselves after leading by two touchdowns entering the final quarter against the Denver Broncos, who play overseas this weekend.
But it proved positive to see how Denver quarterback the rookie was able to overcome that deficit before direct three scoring drives on three possessions during the final period, to win the victory 21-17.
The Broncos boast the defensive player of the year in cornerback Pat Surtain II. They rank number one in red zone defence, while the Eagles lead the league in scoring near the end zone, yet the Broncos prevailed in that battle.
They had effective strategies in terms of simulated pressure. They did not necessarily sending more than four defenders instead they might plug two linebackers in the interior then withdrawing them and dispatch a nickel from the outside.
At the start in the campaign, it was noted on a program how the Broncos might emerge as this season's dark horses. They ended the previous year well and did a good job in continuing that momentum.
Are the Denver Broncos this year's dark horses?
New tight end Evan Engram has stepped up big and recent RB their rusher is a player the team trusts. He now ranks 5th in the NFL in ground gains (over 400) as well as tied-fourth for rushing touchdowns (four).
It's impressive how head coach the Broncos' leader has "RUSH!" prominently on his call sheet.
This demonstrates how Denver represent a squad aiming to prioritize the run, since you can achieve much off the back of that. It reduces down the pass rush and maintains in favourable situations.
It's also helped QB Bo Nix, who entered the NFL as the 12th overall draft pick in the prior draft, passing for 29 TDs – just behind a star QB in rookie records (31 in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert have powerful arms to throw anywhere, but they lack in the same way that Nix has. He boasts exceptional arm talent, a unique trait, and he's so athletic.
His strengths include his mobility, being able to pass on the run, and using different arm angles to make the pass when he rolls out of the pocket, the bootlegs. He is able to deliver that layered pass across the middle and over the corner.
For a young quarterback, at 25, he's got great composure in the pocket and isn't really fazed by the blitz. He tries to evade being tackled whenever possible and can pass in tight spots. He possesses sharp intelligence and is very decisive.
When you constantly rush it consumes the clock and makes the opponent to stay on the field extended periods, and if you've got a mobile QB the defence must cover the field downfield and horizontally. It can be 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 fun for him to coach a rookie QB that is kind of like play-dough. He can really develop him how he wants to shape him. I believe it's a unique opportunity for him.
The head coach has won a championship and now surpassed a legend for career NFL wins (173, tying for 14th). He has witnessed it all. I think the achievements the Broncos are having on offence is largely down to his guidance, his play-calling, his situational awareness – and the combination with Nix aids make him what he is.
You wouldn't want a better guy guiding you, to help you through difficult moments and boost confidence.
I have faith in Denver's defence, in the QB's grit and calm. Yet is the team good enough to face an elite team at its best? Since that was not a Super Bowl performance by the Eagles last Sunday.
Right now, I don't think the Broncos are elite. They're performing above average, that's a solid position to hold the AFC West. All they need to do to continue this path.
They're really good at leaning into their forte, that is the ground game, and that's exactly what they must do versus the Jets in London. It's going to be a Dobbins-focused game, essentially.
The Jets have allowed 140 yards on the ground per game (sixth worst), five rushing touchdowns this season (10th worst), and they're the only team yet to win a game.
Since the NFL started recording takeaways decades ago, this team are also the first team to go without a single takeaway in five outings, this is kind of shocking when you think that their new coach Aaron Glenn defensive co-ordinator at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB stated the Chiefs are off to a poor start following a recent loss by the Jaguars.
Following this Sunday's game, the Broncos face a smooth-ish schedule up to their break (in week 12) - the Giants, the Cowboys, the Texans and the Raiders prior to the Chiefs.
In their division, Kansas City hold a losing record while Denver are even with the Los Angeles Chargers at 3-2 meaning they could make a run at leading the West.
It depends on which form Kansas City shows up they face since Denver {beat|def
